Saucon Valley High School Purse Policy to Stay

is keeping in place.

At the Sept. 27 school board meeting, high school principal Eric Kahler said the policy is working and there is nothing new to report on the matter.

School board member Sandra Miller said she had not received any complaints since students and parents learned what types of accessories are acceptable for girls to carry under the new policy.

“I think it’s beneficial in classroom management,” she said.

Parent Susan Smeltzer thanked the board for revisiting the issue and said the policy was very unclear to students, parents and even school board members.

“The problem is the large size of the purses,” she said. “It’s reasonable to limit the size, but I am confused by the (problem with) strap length. I’m not sure why that’s an issue. I still don’t know why a strap and the appearance of a purse is a problem.”

School board member Sharon Stack said adding any kind of change to the policy, in regards to straps, would make the policy more confusing for students.

Another policy the district is keeping in place is one that forbids students from bringing water bottles into schools.

 principal Pamela Bernardo said there are cups by the water fountains for students to use, and at a recent middle school dance there were no issues with students using the water fountains. She said students with medical issues will be addressed on an individual basis if it is necessary for them to carry water throughout the day.

 principal Ro Frey said the policy has not been an issue at the elementary level.

Parent Sharon Szabo said she is worried about germs and would like all students to use the cups by the water fountains.

“My concern is how kids use the water fountain,” Szabo said. “They put their mouths on them.”