A common perception among administrators is that Tik Tok simply wreaks havoc in schools. While this may have been the case before, the Tik Tok trend “everything but a backpack day” is more than a foolish spirit day. High schoolers around the country are substituting their backpacks for strollers, pans, fishing nets, and grocery carts to encourage the spirit of unity and lightheartedness.
“I think everything but a backpack day could be super fun and really easy to participate in!” junior Caroline Wicker said. Inclusive spirit days are crucial in order to foster a strong sense of community within Langley. Easily attainable household items afford everyone the opportunity to join in on the spirit, making “everything but a backpack day” a popular trend.
While spirit days only engage some of the Langley community, a humorous Tik Tok trend may encourage more students to participate. Without student participation, ‘a spirit day’ is no more than a few students dressed in Hawaiian blouses or ski helmets. If only a select few have the means or excitement to participate, then what is the point?
“I think it could be really cool. Because it is a Tik Tok trend I think more people will do it,” junior Meghan Klumpp said.
Lugging their belongings uncomfortably around school all day concerns others.
“It could be funny but also super inconvenient,” junior Josephine Amspaugh said. Although toting heavy contraptions is less than ideal, students can get creative and find ways to be comfortable and comedic.
While some find “everything but a backpack day” appealing, others worry for their safety since the Tik Toks omits dangerous incidents among students. While a stroller is normally harmless, a lawn mower could be seriously threatening.
“Students’ physical and emotional safety is our priority. [Everything but a backpack day] would definitely disrupt the school day,” Principal Kimberly Greer said. Administrators worry the objects may spark chaotic scenes in classrooms and hallways. Big fishing nets and large carts could augment traffic in the already congested hallways.
“I support [everything but a backpack day] but only for a Friday before a long break or the end of the quarter […] because I think it’s a really fun idea but I wouldn’t want to deal with it on a normal school day” junior Abhaya Tyrka said. With students distracted, the learning environment may be hindered, but on early release days, most students are already restless and unengaged in anticipation of the long weekend/break.
“The overarching requirement is that spirit days are in compliance with the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R),” Principal Greer said. However, the SR&R is truly up for interpretation since it simply requires “the right to learn in a safe environment.” Safe is a subjective term and attending school during the pandemic may pose a greater risk than bringing in a common household item to school.
As we are in the midst of the third quarter, it is important to uplift students during an academically rigorous time. A day dedicated to creativity and laughter, with proper measures put in place to ensure the safety of students, can lighten the academic atmosphere and unite students in the spirit of originality.