The Altoona Area School District has approved a new backpack policy for the upcoming school year that will affect all students in grades 6 through 12. For the 2021-2022 school year, all secondary students who carry backpacks will only be allowed to carry CLEAR backpacks. The rule would also cover athletic bags. Paula Foreman, the Community Relations Director for the Altoona Area School District, said the change is not to cause any issues, but rather to simply further protect students and staff.