HOWELL – Howell Township Public Schools has revised its rules for metal and stainless-steel water bottles following feedback from families, allowing students to bring the containers to school under new restrictions.
Superintendent Joseph Isola announced the updated guidance in an August 20 letter to parents and guardians. The rules will take effect during the 2026-27 school year.
The district previously raised concerns about metal, stainless-steel and glass beverage containers because rigid, heavy bottles could potentially be misused. Isola said officials reconsidered the earlier guidance after hearing from members of the school community while continuing to prioritize student safety.
Under the revised rules, students in prekindergarten through fifth grade may bring metal or stainless-steel water bottles to school. The bottles must generally remain in the classroom or a designated cubby, though students may take them to lunch and scheduled snack periods.
Students in grades six through eight must store metal water bottles in their lockers during the school day. They may retrieve the bottles for lunch but must return them to their lockers afterward.
Students participating in after-school sports or clubs may bring the containers for use during those activities. The bottles must remain in their lockers until the regular school day ends.
Students riding school buses must keep metal water bottles secured inside their bookbags while traveling. The containers may not be removed or used aboard buses, where eating and drinking remain prohibited.
The district encouraged families to choose bottles holding no more than 24 ounces to make them easier to store and reduce potential safety concerns.
Glass beverage containers will remain prohibited in school buildings and on school buses. Disposable plastic bottles are permitted, although the district encouraged families to use reusable containers that comply with the new rules.
Officials said students who use a water bottle or another object as a weapon, or in any manner that threatens someone’s safety, will face consequences under the district’s student code of conduct and Board of Education policies.
The district will monitor the effectiveness of the revised policy and could restore tighter restrictions if additional safety problems arise.
