Chelmsford Cancels Prom, Eying 'Outdoor Alternative'

CHELMSFORD, MA — For the second year in a row, Chelmsford High School won't have a prom, according to the district.

"Instead, we’re working on an outdoor alternative that will comply with Covid guidelines," said Chris O'Donnell of the Chelmsford school district.

The news comes after state officials recently asked schools in Massachusetts to skip prom because of the pandemic.

Updated guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education calls the rite of passage "an inherently high-risk activity, as it is a social gathering that involves dancing and singing (both of which are activities with increased respiration)."

The guidance "strongly recommends" schools come up with alternative celebrations for seniors, rather than hold the dance.

Chelmsford is still working out the details of what an alternative event might look like.

DESE has indicated whatever a school chooses to do it should follow event guidelines, including wearing masks, keeping a distance, and abiding by the capacity limits, which mean no more than 100 people can be indoors at an event, or 150 outdoors.

Most elementary school students returned to school Monday, and middle schoolers will return April 28. The date for high schoolers to return has not yet been announced.