Petition For Homecoming Dances Nears Goal In Anne Arundel County

Annapolis MD

23 September, 2021

5:55 PM

Description

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A petition to allow homecoming dances in Anne Arundel County Public Schools is nearing its goal of 5,000 signatures. The informal appeal had 4,152 backers as of 5:55 p.m. Thursday. "We have gotten robbed of everything, and all they care about is power within their position," organizer Brooke Bowerman wrote on change.org. "Unfortunately, they don't care about us students anymore, so it's time that we step up and make a change." AACPS Superintendent George Arlotto on Monday postponed all homecoming dances but permitted other traditional events. Arlotto suggested hosting these celebrations instead: Spirit week activitiesParadesPep rallies in school stadiumsHomecoming sporting contestsOutdoor gatherings, like cookouts, where distancing is easier to accomplish "While we all want high school students and families to take part in the excitement that comes with annual homecoming activities, we must proceed judiciously," Arlotto said in a press release. "Sponsoring multi-hour events where hundreds of students are in very close proximity to each other at an indoor event is not one that is prudent at this time." Officials hope to host the dances later this school year. Leaders did not promise the festivities would happen, however. The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect schools, which still require masks. More than 1,400 students and staff are currently in quarantine after a positive test or an exposure. There are 239 students and 20 employees who are considered active school cases. " I want to experience high school, not these masked and distanced learning environments," Bowerman added. "We as students need to show that we care, and that we want things to change." The full petition is viewable at this link. Patch Field Editor Kristin Danley-Greiner contributed reporting to this story. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. Download our mobile application from the App Store or Google Play. RELATED: More Than 1,400 Students, Staff At AACPS In QuarantineHomecoming Events Return, But Dances Postponed In Anne ArundelGet Tested, Prove Vaccination To Teach Or Play Sports At AACPSBack To School: AACPS 2021-22 School CalendarAACPS Requires Masks For All Regardless Of Vaccination Status Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] 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.