Foothill bans backpacks on last day before winter break

Officials have banned backpacks at a Henderson high school in a move Clark County School District officials say is meant to calm families and students after recent shootings.

Foothill High School announced on its Facebook page that backpacks weren't permitted Friday, the last day of school before Christmas break.

District spokeswoman Melinda Malone clarified that students who brought backpacks would not have them confiscated, but would likely be searched.

The move comes as schools around the country remain on high alert and some have cancelled classes after a deadly mass shooting last Friday in Newtown, Conn. Other principals have cited buzz about the Mayan apocalypse as fueling students' and parents' nerves.