What do high schoolers do during homecoming?

[Anonymous]

We relocated from a different country and this is new to us. Please educate me. Our son who is in 9th grade told us that homecoming is this coming weekend - Friday and Saturday. Then I saw the posts about homecoming dresses and I am completely bewildered. Is this only for seniors or for all grades. Son has no idea either. Could you please share any information on what this is all about and what is expected of kids?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

It really depends on the school. At some schools, it's a dance. At others, there are daytime activities around cheering for sports teams. Sometimes everyone can go to the dance, at other schools just juniors and seniors.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! We are Madison HS in Vienna. I have looked up the PTA and HS website and it does not have any information on the home coming.

[Anonymous]

Our school also had games at the dance.

Outdoor jenga, connect four, corn hole, etc.

Games, photo booth, snacks, and dancing. That's all. Just a safe space to celebrate with your friends.

I invite you to volunteer as a chaperone with the PTSA. We could use your help. You won't be spying on your son. We can place you in coat check, etc.

[Anonymous]

Generally, it's a Friday night football game and a Saturday dance; all students can attend. Some have dates and lots of kids go with a group of friends.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for asking! I'm born and raised here but attended a small high school, so I've never had a homecoming or prom or who knows what else is on the calendar? "Homecoming" (I think) is when alumni and other graduates can come "home" to their high school for a big football game (Friday night) and on Saturday the kids go out to dinner (usually in sex-segregated groups), and then there's a dance. It seems traditional to dress up for the dance...At our local high school, all grades are involved in decorating the halls and planning activities. Don't know if this happens elsewhere.
My daughter attends a small religious high school and is puzzled, too. I had to ask the neighbors to figure out what was going on! Next year, if your child wants to participate, get a student to invite him or her and then you're at homecoming. For what it's worth.
From what I hear, our neighbors' children enjoyed getting dressed up and going out to dinner with their friends.

[Anonymous]

Foreigner here. Why is it called "homecoming"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Foreigner here. Why is it called "homecoming"?

In theory, people who have graduated from that high school go to the football game the Friday night or the Saturday before the dance. They are “coming home” for this event. The alum do not go to the dance, though just the event leading up to it… the homecoming football game.

[Anonymous]

My older kids (adults now) always went to the homecoming game and walked around with their friends. Some schools have a dance. My youngest (10th) is on the saber team and is posting colors at his homecoming game this year. Their game is on a Friday, their dance is the next day. He isn't interested in going to the dance.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you all. It is very informative.

I had to scramble and order clothes for my son. He only has tshirts and shorts in his wardrobe.