Lombard Dist. 44 starts 'virtual backpack'

Parents of children in Lombard Elementary District 44 are getting some relief from the never-ending stream of paper that typically comes home in students' backpacks.

District 44 is no longer sending home fliers from nonprofit organizations but instead posting PDF versions in a "virtual backpack" on the district's Web site.

Many of the fliers are quite specialized and only a small percentage of families are interested in getting all of them, said Jay Wojcik, District 44's director of communications. Now, parents can go to sd44.org/VB and download only the fliers they really want.

"This is really good news," said Judi Coveny, a parent and PTA member. "I think it's a responsible way to respond - to find a solution that's was a win-win both for community (groups) and parents."

Besides not burying families in paper, the change saves many hours of staff time. And, "it's helping us be green," Wojcik said.

When Naperville Unit District 203 switched over to the virtual backpack last year, the district estimated it would save 2,000 hours a year on sorting and handling.

Categories on District 44's main backpack page include community events, music, park district, school/PTA, Scouting, sports/not YMCA, Tri-Town YMCA and miscellaneous notices. Parents also can subscribe to receive e-mail notifications when new fliers are added.

A limited number of paper fliers will be available in school offices for those without Internet access.

The new policy also sets a good example for children, Coveny said.

"It's the right thing to do for the planet," she said, "and kids understand that."