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

nodded like she was relieved.

“We’re asking you,” she said carefully, “to remove the duffel bag for now.”

My mouth went dry.

“Remove it,” I repeated.

“Until we can review,” she said. “We can’t have students exchanging money or food without oversight.”

I wanted to say, Then oversee it.

I wanted to say, Come sit in my room and look at their faces when they continue reading …