Dances at Hellgate Under Review subsequent to the Scrapping of Homecoming Dance Event
In a meeting with the National Honors Society club on September 19, Principal Judson Miller announced the decision to discontinue school dances other than prom at Hellgate High School. The move comes in response to concerns about supervision and behaviour at these events.
The cancellation of the homecoming dance, scheduled to take place five days prior to the announcement, sparked extensive questions from students, particularly NHS members, about how other schools manage to put on dances. Principal Miller addressed these concerns, stating that prom will still take place and is considered an important high school experience.
The decision was not made lightly. Miller cited a number of reasons for the cancellation, including student behaviour such as arriving under the influence, parents arriving late to pick up students under the influence, and students sneaking out of the dance location into the school. Additionally, concerns about school etiquette, the amount of effort required, and disagreements within the student body were also factors.
Senior Ally Parsons found the timing of the cancellation most frustrating, as some students had already purchased dresses for the event. Senior Sawyer Reed expressed disappointment, especially since there have been no dances other than prom in five years at Hellgate High School. Anika Stimec found the blanket statement of no future dances besides prom to be "a little harsh".
Despite the disappointment, Miller emphasized that resources would be better reallocated to other parts of the school. He also highlighted other areas where students can find common ground, such as the GOAT game. Ally Parsons, on the other hand, finds dances to be one of the ways for the Hellgate community to connect outside of school hours.
Story Caldwell, a junior, was not planning to go to the homecoming dance and the cancellation did not upset her too much. Principal Miller has received complaints about the consistency of school dances for the past 10 years.
In an email sent to parents before the meeting, Miller expressed frustration with the unrealistic expectations present at such events. He also emphasized that Hellgate High School can no longer be in the entertainment business and that school-sponsored dances function like a safe nightclub.
Miller answered these questions by stating that it is not a lack of ability, but a lack of attendance and behaviour that has been the root of the issue. He reiterated his commitment to providing a safe and positive environment for students at Hellgate High School.
- Ally Parsons believes that school dances, such as the cancelled homecoming dance, are an essential means for the Hellgate community to connect outside of school hours, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.
- Recognizing the value of education-and-self-development opportunities, Principal Miller is considering the possibility of organizing alternative rent-based events, where students can socialize and learn, offering a potential replacement for school-sponsored dances.
