July 10, 2025
Dear Heritage Junior High Families,
We are writing to inform you of an important update to our school's water bottle policy, effective for the 2025-26 school year. This change is being implemented to further enhance the safety, security, and learning environment for all students at HJH.
We recognize the importance of hydration for our students' health and encourage them to bring water to school. To facilitate this, students will continue to be allowed to bring a reusable water bottle.
The updated policy is as follows:
Only clear, plastic water bottles containing water are permitted.
Stanleys and other metal water bottles are now prohibited from being brought onto school grounds.
This decision to prohibit metal water bottles was made after careful consideration and is consistent with policies adopted by many schools. The primary reasons for this change are:
Safety: Metal water bottles can be heavy and, if accidentally dropped or misused, pose a potential safety risk or cause disruption in the classroom.
Security and Transparency: The opaque nature of metal bottles prevents staff from easily verifying their contents. Allowing clear plastic bottles ensures that only plain water is being carried, enhancing our ability to maintain a secure environment for all students.
Minimizing Classroom Disruption: The loud noise produced when a metal water bottle is dropped can be highly distracting and disruptive to the learning process for all students in a classroom.
We understand that many students currently use metal water bottles, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping your child transition to a clear, plastic bottle. We have numerous water fountains and designated refilling stations conveniently located throughout the school building where students can easily fill their bottles with fresh water throughout the day.
This adjustment will contribute positively to a safer and more focused educational experience for everyone at HJH. We appreciate your understanding and support in implementing this important policy change.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the school office at 979-864-8002.
Sincerely,
Trisha Terrell - Principal