Prom for the Class of 2021

Dear Parents, Students and Teachers of Newton, 

Newton High Schools have had a long standing tradition of organizing Prom for its Seniors. Prom is an event which traditionally involves formal attire, dancing, great food and many memories. It is more than a party. Prom celebrates the long built friendships, helps create unforgettable life-long memories, and memorializes seniors’ time in Newton. 

This year especially, conducting a Prom is crucial. The last time the class of 2021 gathered together was during the Black Light Bash in May, 2019--nearly two years ago. Having been isolated at home for over a year, seniors have missed out on classic traditions that have been hosted by the Class Office for years, like the Junior Semi, pep rallies, the Senior Prank, and more celebrations. Now, Prom is our LAST opportunity to spark spirit and bonding in an unprecedented, difficult year that tore the Class of 2021 apart.

The Class Office, in charge of organizing Prom, had begun to work on the event in January. They left no stone unturned, calling every food truck, DJ, and lighting service, devising every plan possible for a Prom in this year's unusual setting. After hours of work and meeting time, and with the help of the amazing PTSO, the officers had written up a Prom proposal, which can be accessed through a link below. 

Unlike any other event ever planned by the Class Office, the 2021 Prom was set to be held outdoors on June 6th at the Newton South baseball field with ample space for distancing, and multiple tents to spread out the Seniors. The plan contained dozens of COVID safety measures and included a detailed floor plan. This proposal was approved by the Deans and the Principal of NSHS. However, one week ago, DESE (MA Department of Education) sent out new guidance to schools which strongly recommended NOT conducting a prom at all, or conducting it later in the summer. 

Here is what this means: DESE either wants Prom to be held over Zoom, which would create a miserable Prom experience or, DESE recommends Prom to be conducted later in the year, which is not allowed by school rules, and is also inequitable, when some students will be away or off to college. Parks and Rec has now put our proposal on an indefinite hold until Superintendent David Fleishman and Commission Youngblood give their recommendation NEXT WEEK (the week of April 12th).

Most importantly, we are confident that  our proposed plan (linked below) in June will be safe:

1. Newton allows dozens of students to eat unmasked indoors, the entirety of the Prom will be held OUTDOORS. 

2. Newton already does pool testing, so all Seniors will be able to get tested before they attend. 

3. By June 6th, Seniors will have had more than 1.5 months of vaccine eligibility, ensuring that the most vulnerable of us will have gotten the chance to get vaccinated.

4. There will be dozens of chaperones at the Prom to ensure that masking and distancing rules are upheld at ALL times, even during the dancing. 

City Hall is the ONLY establishment that can allow our Prom to take place, and they will listen to students and their families as voters and residents of the City. As employees and educators, teachers also have a very powerful voice which can sway City Hall.

Overall, Prom is safe, thoroughly planned, and important to the Seniors. By signing this petition, you show City Hall that the Class of 2021 is not just a number, but a group of individuals who deserve to be celebrated and heard.