The H.J. Robinson High School has clarified its policy on school bags following controversy over students reportedly being turned away from the school compound because of the backpacks they brought to school.
Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC) reached out to the school’s administration for comment on the concerns raised by parents. The school subsequently issued a letter dated September 6 to parents and guardians addressing the issue. The controversy emerged after parents complained that some students were denied entry to the school compound on the first day of the new school year because they were carrying Sprayground backpacks.
Sprayground backpacks are a popular brand of backpacks designed for school, travel and everyday use. The brand is known for its bold and colourful designs, including its signature shark-mouth graphics, as well as patterns featuring cartoon characters, logos and other eye-catching artwork. Sprayground backpacks are also not inexpensive school bags, with many of the brand’s standard designs retailing for between US$60 and US$100, while some specialty designs cost considerably more.
The HJ Robinson High school says there is no rule specifically prohibiting Sprayground bags. Instead, the administration pointed to existing provisions in its School Rule Book concerning the colour and type of bags students are permitted to use. According to the rules, students are required to have a school bag to carry their books. String bags are not considered acceptable daily book bags, while standard-sized backpacks should be either navy blue or black. The rules state that bags in shades of those colours may be accepted, although the final decision rests with the administration. Red and other brightly coloured bags are not permitted. The administration stressed that the colour requirement is not a newly introduced rule, saying it has always formed part of the school’s regulations and that both parents and students have been reminded of it on numerous occasions.
In its letter, the administration also reminded parents that students are not permitted to wear or bring smartwatches, cell phones, iPads or other electronic devices to school. The school said the electronic device permitted to assist with teaching and learning is a laptop.
The administration maintained that the rules are not intended to restrict students, but are designed to help maintain an orderly environment that is conducive to learning. It is now urging parents and guardians to ensure their children understand and follow the established school rules.
The administration ended its letter with the 2026 education week theme: “WHERE PARENTS LEAD, CHILDREN SUCCEED.”
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