Backpack Awareness Day Results:

Year	Average Weight
2019	13.2 pounds
2018	13.8 pounds
2017	14.6 pounds
2016	14.6 pounds
2015	16.1 pounds

87% of our students still carry more than 10-15% of their body weight on their developing back, and despite this being a great improvement over our previous 94-96%, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Work still continues to educate students/families, staff and the district on strategies that can help our kids lighten their loads.

CURIOUS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF HEAVY BAGS?

Click here for a video with more information.

The Backpack Awareness Program's mission is to assure that students’ backpacks are no more than 10-15% of their body weight (APTA & AOTA recommendations) which is key to the safety, health and well-being of Kirkland Middle School Students. (see our goals)

INFO

Girls packs are consistently heavier

Boys improve overall each year
96% NOT in the “safe zone”
6th graders always have the lightest packs
Have we hit a plateau?

Click this graph to see if your child's backpack is too heavy:

An overweight backpack can cause health problems

Why are the backpacks so heavy?

Raising Awareness

Held Backpack Awareness Day 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015 (hold one at your school!)

Encouraging other schools to hold their own Backpack Awareness Day
Got agreement from Dr. Pierce to aim for 10-15% body weight
Working with the LWPTSA Advocacy Group
LWSD developed district-wide messaging

Gathered Data

Collected and analyzed data from BACKPACK AWARENESS DAY Details

Met with students and staff for ideas

Found Solutions

Teachers created more storage in classrooms
Started Panther Time backpack cleanouts
Created new school supplies list for 2016
Offered tips to incoming 6th grade families
Reduced student planner size for '16-'17

KiMS Math Department de-spined workbooks and using plastic binders

Getting Results

There's More To Do

Created Committee Next Steps

Backpack Successes and Targets

What Parents Can Do

Choose your backpack and school supplies carefully

Follow these tips

Make sure your child is wearing their pack correctly

Prompt your kids to clean out their backpacks regularly

Backpack Awareness Day Toolkit

Backpack Awareness Day is a nationally recognized event that was created by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Hosting a Backpack Awareness Day is the critical first step in understanding the size and scope of the backpack issue at your school. This toolkit is a step-by-step guide with supporting materials included to make it as easy as possible for you to hit the ground running for your September event.

Backpack Awareness Day Tookit (PDF)

Backpack Awareness Day Presentation (PPT)

Contact Us

You can email backpack@kirklandptsa.org with any questions or ideas.

About KiMS PTSA	Recent News	PTSA Programs	Contact Us

Kirkland Middle School PTSA, 430 18th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033			Kirkland Middle School