Also re a vax’d prom this is a great carrot. I’m sure there are some teens who would only get vaccinated if it meant they could go to prom. We need more carrots. And I’m not just talking about prom. The whole messaging out of the federal government is nothing but doom and sticks. This applies to MCPS too.

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a 6th grader here, I would allow my kid to go to any parent sponsored event. The county is ridiculous. Prom is going on all over the country. So are graduations and graduation parties.

Time to move on

As someone with family and friends all over the South, I can tell you that these parent-sponsored events are where COVID transmission has been happening. Yes, schools have been open, but that’s not where the majority of the transmission is happening.

There have been countless outbreaks with dozens of community cases stemming from events happening outside of school, at “Sadie Hawkins” and Homecoming gatherings, debutante parties, and especially large sports tournaments. Because entitled parents of entitled kids think they know better than public health officials.

My neighborhood had some graduation activities for the class of 2020 last year. Outdoors/distant - a parade followed by an ice cream truck with a spot for family pictures. This year with vaccinations available, I think there could be even more done.

Anonymous wrote:Seniors are 16. Why not hold a vax event at school then allow prom outside under tents like a wedding and only vas’s kids can go. Obviously if you don’t want your kid to go prom is not mandatory.

+1

Anonymous wrote:16 and up and must be vaccinated. This county is ridiculous. My 17yr old is 2 weeks away from being fully vaccinated. Have prom the Saturday after the last day of school. Bring your vaccination card for entry. That gives kids 2 more weeks to get vaccinated.

I meant 2 months

16 and up and must be vaccinated. This county is ridiculous. My 17yr old is 2 weeks away from being fully vaccinated. Have prom the Saturday after the last day of school. Bring your vaccination card for entry. That gives kids 2 more weeks to get vaccinated.

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a 6th grader here, I would allow my kid to go to any parent sponsored event. The county is ridiculous. Prom is going on all over the country. So are graduations and graduation parties.

Time to move on

Time for you to move to a less ridiculous county

Seniors are 16. Why not hold a vax event at school then allow prom outside under tents like a wedding and only vas’s kids can go. Obviously if you don’t want your kid to go prom is not mandatory.

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a 6th grader here, I would allow my kid to go to any parent sponsored event. The county is ridiculous. Prom is going on all over the country. So are graduations and graduation parties.

Time to move on

So is covid.

Just because they don’t support it doesn’t mean you can’t have them. What can they do about it? Nothing. I’m not condoning them either but this is really a CYA message.

Parent of a 6th grader here, I would allow my kid to go to any parent sponsored event. The county is ridiculous. Prom is going on all over the country. So are graduations and graduation parties.

Time to move on

As a parent of a 5th grader, this makes me sad.

As a parent of a 6th grader who did not get a 5th grade promotion last year, 5th grade promotion doesn't matter one bit.

I feel bad for the high schoolers but understand the rationale.

As the parent of a fifth-grader, it makes you sad that there won't be prom and that parents shouldn't host their own private proms?

I mean, as the parent of a twelfth-grader, it also makes me sad that there won't be prom, but I completely agree with the MCPS decision, and so does my twelfth-grader.

As a parent of a 5th grader, this makes me sad.

If you haven’t heard the rationale from a board member who asked why, it’s worth listening to.

Dear Parents and Guardians:

As you know, the 2020-2021 school year has required us to rethink our students’ learning experiences, as well as their social interactions and engagement. As a school system, we have an obligation to follow COVID mitigation strategies and practices in all facets of our work. We are compelled to address crucial topics and, thus, make tough decisions.

We know that prom is a significant event for our seniors. As you can imagine, a great deal of work and financial resources go into an event like prom. Decisions need to be made in a timely manner regarding our high schools to host the event. Unfortunately, after ongoing discussion regarding our ability to safely host an event that would greatly impact our Covid-19 mitigation and contract tracing abilities and requirements, we have made the difficult decision to cancel prom across the system.

We have heard that there are some parent-led groups that are planning to hold their own, private proms, as well as 5th or 8th grade promotion ceremonies, not affiliated with MCPS. MCPS does not support or condone private proms or promotion ceremonies and strongly advises against them. Please be mindful that activities like these can possibly promote COVID spread. This could lead to students missing important events like graduation and exams.

The outdoor activities being planned to celebrate our seniors are much safer and preferable to indoor activities. We are focused on making sure that graduations and senior unity day can occur as priority events. We realize that prom is an important event in the lives of many high school students. We are also working with our elementary and middle schools to safely incorporate their unique traditions to recognize the academic success and important transition their 5th and 8th grade students are making. The current pandemic we are living through requires us to prioritize the health and safety of our students, staff and community. We appreciate your understanding and respect of this difficult decision.

Montgomery County Public Schools