By Grace Lee
Homecoming: a quintessential high school experience for Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors alike. With the first Homecoming in two years coming up on October 9, the student body has been buzzing with anticipation. However, students are asking many questions on how the event will proceed.
Due to restrictions with Covid-19, Skyline students are not allowed to bring guests from other high schools like they normally would. Additionally, this year’s dance will take place outside on the football field. Masks will be recommended but are optional, with a box of masks for those who change their minds.
“As we become close to the end of the fall season: a reminder that we are still in a pandemic and the health and safety of our school community are our top priority,” said Delsie Sissoko, Small Learning Community (SLC) Principal for Equality and Academic Innovation at Skyline. “We are asking spectators, including our students, at outdoor venues, to social distance and sit 3 feet apart from one another and encourage everyone to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.”
Moving Homecoming outdoors was a decision made by district leadership. “Being outside is a district decision for all three AAPS high schools, Skyline, Huron, and Pioneer,” said Anne Bezeau, head of Student Action Senate (SAS) and Health and Wellness teacher at Skyline. The reason for no guests is that “our student body is a cohort. Only athletes in the community who play a fall sport at Skyline are able to come as a guest, because they are around us already. All of this is done to decrease risk of exposure.”
Many students are expressing their apprehension about attending, asking about the possibility of refunds, and wondering why the changes were announced after students had already purchased tickets.
Skyline’s SAS, in charge of Homecoming, is juggling the district’s Covid-19 protocols with students’ concerns. “Announcements are [made] as things happen. As school started the intent was to do the event indoors and to have guest forms,” Bezeau said. “I had everything set up but the format changed in response to the Covid-19 cases. The time also changed from 8-11pm to 7-10pm. On tickets it said no refunds or transfers unless it is canceled due to Covid-19. If there is weather related cancelation there would also be refunds.”
“It’s not ideal but it’s a good compromise,” Emily Nowak, a senior at Skyline and representative of SAS responded. “I understand why we want to keep contact to a minimum. But it’s a bummer because we want to share experiences with friends from other high schools. But again, it's understandable.”
Many students aren’t sure what to expect with Homecoming on the football field. This is a change for students, administrators, and staff setting up the event.
“I don’t know what that’s going to be like,” said Nowak. “I wonder if they will keep the stadium lights on.” In response to this question, Sissoko noted that the school has purchased additional lighting, in order to avoid the glare of stadium lights for the dance.
“The goal is to try to take what we did inside and make it outside.” said Bezeau, “There will be a DJ, dancing, snacks, tables, and decorations just like how the commons was changed...changing the football field to a party, a festive atmosphere. There will also be surprises. ”
Being outside brings a concern of cancellation due to inclement weather. As of now there are no back-up plans. “It’s a district directive: if there’s bad weather, then Homecoming is canceled.” Bezeau said, “There is no plan C.”
“Obviously weather isn’t anyone’s fault,” replied Nowak, “But it will be disappointing if we have to cancel because of it.” As of the time of this writing, 3pm on Friday, October 8, the DarkSky.net forecast for the evening is overcast with a slight chance of rain.
“No worries, it will still be fun,” said Bezeau, “It’s new territory and needs extra consideration. It’s been a hard year and a half for students and staff and we all want normalcy. Even with Covid-19 restraints it will be fun and uplifting.”
“The hope is that next year we have a regular dance, and we can invite friends or guests,” said Bezeau, “We might even find some things that we like better this year.” Up to date information on Homecoming and other school events can be found in the grade level Schoology groups, morning or Skytime announcements, and on Ms. Bezeau’s Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. And remember: no heels or spikes!
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