High School Prom: AACPS Reaches Decision On Senior Dances

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Anne Arundel County Public Schools will not host traditional in-person high school proms this spring, Superintendent George Arlotto announced Thursday. Entertainment venues are still capped at half capacity and physical distancing guidelines are still in place. Arlotto doesn't see a way to have a meaningful prom while also following these rules.

"We are regrettably forced by deposit payment deadlines to make a decision at this point," Arlotto said in a press release, noting that he hoped the dances would have been possible. "I don't want to go so far down this road that schools and families of students lose money on an event that, in the end, doesn't happen."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last Friday that masked students should be safe if they stay 3 feet apart in classrooms. The CDC did not reduce the 6-foot gap suggested in other masked settings, however.

Arlotto mentioned that principals discussed splitting proms into multiple sessions and limiting attendance to just seniors. AACPS eventually decided that that wouldn't be "a fun or enjoyable atmosphere for anyone."

Despite the cancellation, Arlotto still wants to have in-person graduation ceremonies. He noted that this is no guarantee and that the festivities may be modified.

"I remain committed to doing everything we can to hold a meaningful, in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021," the superintendent said. "We are continuing to discuss a variety of options in that regard."

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

To see when you'll be eligible for the coronavirus inoculation, read Patch's explainer. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot.

Catch up on the latest coronavirus infection and vaccination metrics in Anne Arundel County with our most recent numbers update. Head to Patch's immunization page to keep up with Maryland's latest vaccine news.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Annapolis newsletters and real-time email alerts.

RELATED:

• Metrics Back On Rise In Anne Arundel, But Vaccines Near Milestone
• Coronavirus Vaccine: When You'll Be Eligible In Anne Arundel
• How To Get COVID-19 Vaccine In Anne Arundel County
• Vaccination Opens To New Age Group In Anne Arundel
• MD Adds 6 Mass Vaccination Sites: Hogan

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.