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Walpole High junior proposes "Pack It Light, Wear It Right" backpack-safety program
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Summary
Kayla Jackson, a Walpole High junior and Girl Scout Gold Award candidate, presented a district-wide backpack awareness project to the School Committee, urging education on proper wearing, packing and locker use after a small school survey found heavy loads.
Kayla Jackson, a junior at Walpole High School, presented a Girl Scout Gold Award project titled "Backpack Awareness: Pack It Light, Wear It Right" to the Walpole School Committee on May 29, urging district education on proper backpack use and locker strategies to reduce student injury and discomfort.
"Backpacks are an essential part to every single, you know, school," Jackson said. "It is a crucial tool for all students. However, it is very common for it to be used improperly." Jackson described the project as an 80-hour community service effort that draws on guidance developed with occupational therapy professors at Boston University and research from the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Why it matters: Jackson presented survey data and recommendations aimed at preventing back, neck and shoulder pain among students, advocating for a guideline that backpacks weigh about 10% of a student's body weight.
Key points from the presentation: - Survey and measurements: Jackson said a small sample survey of about 27 to 30 students at the high school found backpack weights ranging from roughly 10 to 30 pounds, with a maximum measured at about 30 pounds. The presenter said that 30 pounds is roughly 20'2% of an average high school student's body weight and that the American Occupational Therapy Association guideline is about 10% of body weight. - Average load: Jackson reported an average backpack load of about 14.1% of body weight in the sample, above the 10% guideline she cited. - Locker use and logistics: The presenter said survey respondents indicated low daily locker use at the high school; Jackson proposed encouraging locker usage, scheduling periodic "backpack clean-outs" and consolidating class materials lists to reduce duplicate items students carry. - Classroom demonstrations and outreach: Jackson proposed video or in-person demonstrations, teacher and parent guidance, an Instagram account for tips, and QR-linked materials for families.
Committee members praised the project. One member said, "That was fascinating. Good job. You are so well spoken," and another offered to share flyers and print materials and suggested the committee post information on its social accounts; Jackson noted a QR code and an Instagram account would make outreach easier.
Clarifying details from Jackson's presentation: sample size 27'230 students; maximum backpack weight observed ~30 lb; reported sample average ~14.1% of body weight; recommended guideline ~10% of body weight. Jackson said she worked with occupational therapy professors at Boston University and referenced the American Occupational Therapy Association for the 10% guideline.
What's next: Committee members said they would help spread the initiative by posting on committee social channels and suggested outreach opportunities such as incoming sixth-grade orientation and other district events.
