Homecoming Dances Are Postponed In Anne Arundel, But This Petition Hopes To Change That

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 activities
• Parades
• Pep rallies in school stadiums
• Homecoming sporting contests
• Outdoor 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.

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RELATED:

• More Than 1,400 Students, Staff At AACPS In Quarantine
• Homecoming Events Return, But Dances Postponed In Anne Arundel
• Get Tested, Prove Vaccination To Teach Or Play Sports At AACPS
• Back To School: AACPS 2021-22 School Calendar
• AACPS Requires Masks For All Regardless Of Vaccination Status

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