Last week we noticed an article that addressed the topic of lockers no longer being useful in schools.
Well. This got our attention. :)
After reading the article, we thought we'd address a few misconceptions why we think lockers are still just applicable and needed as they were ten, twenty, thirty and fifty years ago. First off, when thinking about school lockers...
It appears that one of the main points Ms Pippin points out is that since we are living in a digital age where computers, laptops and other devices have replaced the venerable (and heavy) textbooks, there is no need for lockers since kids don't carry as many books to class.
That may be true--about the books part at least. However when you think a little deeper about it, it just emphasizes the actual need to have computer lockers! Why? Well since no one has ever been known to steal large biology books, algebra books or dry history books, odds are that those some potential criminals would much rather steal a cool laptop, Kindle or tablet!
If you don't believe us, ask your local law enforcement officer about which would have a higher risk of being stolen; a school text book, or a laptop?
Or you could do some expensive research and leave a laptop out alongside a text book at your child's school and watch which object garners more attention. :) (We'll place our bets on the computer...unless it is a really, really good history book, since SchoolLockers.com loves history!)
That does bring us to the fact that not all schools have the budgets for buying laptops and such. We find in speaking to schools that call us for advice concerning lockers that their budgets are strapped and they are still using a hefty amount of books that the students have to carry about...Imagine if your child had to carry 10, 20, 25 lbs of school books around to class plus a laptop--? No one wants their child coming home with back aches.
Also remember that kids still have to spend time in the gym during school and some classes don't require a laptop and the risk of leaving it in the open just increases the likelihood of theft. Plus students are still doing after school activities and cannot always keep a keen eye out on their backpack/laptop.
...and let's not forget all of today's students other accessories, like cell phones! Some school have prohibited cell phones, and of course a normal, standard-sized locker is way too much room but how about set of small cell phone lockers, which are made specifically for securing those types of items.
Next the article addresses "safety" and "efficiency."
Well to be quite frank, we are not sure what they are talking about since lockers have literally been integral parts of schools since, well let's just agree for quite awhile now.
Hallways being congested aren't due to lockers per say, but due to an increase of students that could be a concern--but not enough of one to wipe out the locker option entirely.
Take what this school recently did for instance: MOVING BUT NOT ELIMINATING LOCKERS
...here is a snip of the article showing they just needed to move the lockers to a different location, rather than removing them all together:
With students requiring less books, but more expensive and valuable laptops/electronic devices, the student locker doesn't have to be as large. Schools can remove banks of lockers that were set up in congested areas and replace the single tier lockers styles with double tier lockers that increase
When it comes to safety the one aspect of lockers that the author didn't address was about weapons and dangerous drugs in a school. That certainly is a concern for parents, administrators and students.
The past few years have been soiled by several high profile school shootings which have promoted more and more school districts to take a closer look at installing clear view lockers which allow administrators and security personnel a quick visual inspection of the lockers and their contents.
Yes. all of us at SchoolLockers.com agree that a locker's use has changed--but not been entirely eliminated.
If you want to read the article, please do. Just CLICK HERE
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