No Dancing, Other Rules Set For Sarasota County Schools' Proms

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Cue the “Footloose” comparisons, because there won’t be any dancing allowed at the proms hosted by Sarasota County Schools this year.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, “no dancing” tops a lengthy list of rules established for this year’s proms. Craig Maniglia, the district’s communications director, shared the complete list, which has been provided to all high school principals in the county, with Patch:

• No dancing (please consider the layout of the venue and seating arrangements).
• Games permitted with social distancing guidelines in place.
• Social distancing will be adhered to and masks will be worn.
• Students would be grouped in pods and a seating chart developed so that in the event a student is positive the entire group in attendance would not have to be quarantined.
• Schools can choose the venue, dress, format and additional safety precautions, such as temperature checks.
• Only seniors from the individual school may attend.

The principals were part of the decision process as the rules were created, Maniglia said.

Last spring, after COVID-19 forced Florida schools to go virtual in March, all proms in the district were canceled to prevent the spread of the virus, he added.

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