The Backpack Drop Zone: One Sixth-Grade Truth That Exposed Our Quiet Crisis

he couldn’t believe it.

I hung the bag on the hook.

I turned to the class and said, “This stays.”

A hand shot up immediately. “But Mrs. Baker, are we allowed?”

I smiled, and it wasn’t sweet. It was tired. It was honest.

“I spoke with the counselor,” I said. “And we’re doing it the right way.”

Tommy narrowed his eyes. “Define ‘right way.’”

I held up my hands.continue reading …