Current district policy limits access to school dances for students enrolled in online education programs, including those who actively participate in district athletics and those who do not.

Student athletes already sign an athletic contract agreeing to uphold the district’s code of conduct, behavioral expectations, and standards of representation at all times, making them equally accountable as in-person students. This should be an automatic entry to the school functions such as dances.

Additionally, online students who do not participate in athletics are currently excluded from school dances despite having no comparable school social opportunities available to them. School dances provide important age-appropriate socialization experiences that support student connection, belonging, and overall mental well-being.

For inclusion and equity purposes, district policy should be reviewed to allow online students—both athletes and non-athletes—to attend school dances, provided they agree to comply with the same academic standing, code of conduct, supervision requirements, and behavioral expectations as in-person students.

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My daughter is a dedicated student who attends an online school for her academics while proudly representing the Jim Thorpe Area School District as a student athlete in cheerleading. This dual commitment requires discipline, accountability, and maturity, qualities she demonstrates every day. She maintains strong academic standing, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and consistently exemplifies the character and standards expected of a Jim Thorpe athlete.

As a cheerleader, my daughter is not a guest to the district—she is an active participant and representative. She attends practices, performs at games, participates in fundraising efforts, and serves as an advocate for the Jim Thorpe Red, White, and Blue at school and community events. Like all student athletes, she signed an athletic contract agreeing to uphold Jim Thorpe’s standards of conduct at all times. That contract does not distinguish between in-person and online students; it holds all athletes to the same expectations, responsibilities, and accountability.

Recently, my daughter learned of a school dance and was excited at the opportunity to attend with her teammates. Unfortunately, she was told she could not attend because the school does not allow guests until junior and senior years. While this policy may be appropriate in other contexts, applying it to student athletes who actively represent the district creates an unintended and painful exclusion. My daughter was not seeking to attend as a casual guest, but as a committed member of the team—standing alongside the very students she practices, performs, and fundraises with.

School dances are more than social events; they are opportunities for students to build bonds, strengthen teamwork, and feel a sense of belonging within their school community. Excluding online student athletes from these experiences sends the message that their contributions are valued only in certain spaces, but not in others. No child who gives their time, effort, and loyalty to a school should be made to feel isolated or “less than” because of the academic path they have chosen.

Online students who participate in district athletics meet the same behavioral standards, follow the same codes of conduct, and represent the district publicly just as in-person students do. They should be afforded the same opportunities for inclusion in school-sponsored events. Policies should reflect fairness, equity, and the spirit of community that athletics are meant to foster.

I respectfully ask that this policy be reviewed and revised to allow online student athletes to attend school dances under the same rules and expectations as their in-person teammates. Doing so would affirm the district’s commitment to inclusion, recognize the dedication of its athletes, and ensure that no child who proudly represents Jim Thorpe is left standing on the sidelines.

Also, with respect to the students who are online but not athletes of Jim Thorpe school I think it is imperative for those children to be able to have the chance at socialization with other peers by attending dances they would not normally be able to. A way to ensure they have good intentions in attending the schools functions they would sign the contract of a code of conduct to ensure they will uphold the same standards as those of an in person student. All in all, it is my belief as a Mother, parent of an online student and athlete and a human who feels for all children that no child should be subjected to being turned away from a time that promotes inclusitivioty and bonding with peers in a safe environment.