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Dear Junior/Senior Parents and Students:
The pollen is in full force and the azaleas are blooming, which means one thing. Spring has sprung, so break out the formalwear and put on your dancing shoes. Prom is back in town! In an effort to clarify expectations for all students and their guests at Athens Academy sponsored dances, the school is pleased to refresh everyone’s memory of the following guidelines.
The dance will begin at 8:30 p.m. and end at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Classic Center. Once students arrive at the dance they are not permitted to leave and return. Students are asked to arrive before 9:30 p.m. and anyone arriving after 9:30 p.m. will be required to stay and assist with the clean-up at 11:30 p.m. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with parents if this becomes an issue for the driving curfew. A word of mention, the Twilight Criterion is taking place in downtown Athens on the same evening as Prom. Students should take this into account when considering dining options if they are going to eat out before the dance. Parking will be available in the parking deck located on Foundry Street.
The Prom is a formal event. As such, the acceptable attire for the evening is dresses for girls and tuxedos or dark suits for boys. No jeans, t-shirts, shorts, camouflage items or other inappropriate clothing is to be worn. If something is deemed immodest or inappropriate, the student will be asked to cover up, change or leave.
The dance is designed to provide students a fun, safe environment where they can “let loose” with their friends and peers. The type of dancing acceptable for this event is to be kept in styles that are fun and non-offensive. Inappropriate and suggestive movements will not be permitted. If a student does not respond to the faculty chaperone’s request to change his/her dancing style, he/she will be escorted off the floor. Continued inappropriate behavior will result in the student being asked to leave after contact has been made with a parent.
As mentioned previously, the Prom is held off-campus at the Classic Center; however, since it school sponsored event students are expected to follow conduct and behavior guidelines stated in the Student Handbook. As with all Athens Academy functions, the policies regarding alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs apply to all students and their guests. If a student intends to bring a guest who is not a current Athens Academy student, the enclosed form must be completed and returned to the Upper School office no later than 3:20 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2009. Unregistered guests will not be admitted to the dance. This extra step helps us to communicate expectations to guests and strive for even greater success in providing a safe environment for our students.
None of these guidelines are new to Athens Academy dances and this letter will hopefully aid in making the Prom a safe and memorable event for all in attendance. As always, parents are welcome to drop by dances. We hope that this communication clarifies the expectations we as a school have for the behavior of our students and their guests at dances. Please feel free to contact me should you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Patrick G. Snead
Upper School Dean of Students