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Franklin Regional students get clear ‘FR Strong' backpacks

MURRYSVILLE, Pa. — Students at Franklin Regional High School are receiving clear plastic backpacks Monday that include the logo "FR Strong."

The bags are the latest in a series of steps to help students recover from the attacks at the school on April 9.

During their lunch period, all senior high students will get a new clear, gym-type bag to use for carrying gym clothes, equipment and electronics.

Channel 11's Brandon Hudson learned this is not a policy change, but a change in procedure.

For many years, students have not been allowed to carry backpacks in the hallways during the school day as part of school procedures.

Students were allowed, however, to carry string bags with physical education clothes or small bags with cords for devices such as laptops, eReaders, etc.

Now, students will be required to carry the clear bags during the school day for these items.

This procedure is not new and is not a result of the recent events, school officials said.

The clear bags, however, are an effort to bring an added sense of safety and security during the school day as the school community continues to heal.

A parent from the local business that’s donating the bags hopes it will make students, staff and other parents more comfortable.

The student charged in the stabbings, 16-year-old Alex Hribal faces a preliminary hearing Friday, though his attorney expects to waive the proceeding on whether prosecutors have enough probable cause for Hribal to stand trial on 21 counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and a school weapons violation.

Two students remained in Forbes Regional Hospital Monday, one in fair condition. The other was moved back to intensive care over the weekend.