A quintessential American tradition featured in teen movies and TV shows, Prom is built up in many students’ minds as the opportunity for the best night of their teen lives. Ensure the story of the night is one of fun and memory making while being safe and smoothly run by working with your Student Leadership Team and students well in advance – and checking in on progress over the months ahead.
Amy Pashak, Walled Lake Western High School
- Ensure proper admin/staff coverage of various locations (parking lots, bathrooms).
- Connect with Special Education staff for appropriate staffing if needed.
- Develop strategy and communication about supporting student with financial needs.
- Sign out sheet for early departing students.
Valerie Boggan, Kalamazoo Central High School
- Create a Google form for principal signature that collects email addresses.
- Communicate to parents about PROM age range, 16-20, and requirements (police check, social media page review, a signature from the guest principal, etc.).
- Use class meetings, end-of-the-year meetings, senior communication, etc., to include information about financial assistance, guest form deadline, process for notifying guest form approval, and party busses (along with expectations for parents).
- Plan a Prom Park Photoshoot or a Red Carpet event for parents to take pictures—Notify parents that they are not allowed in the prom. If you have these events, consider notifying police of the big community events like taking photos in the park.
- Plan taking student keys of students who may be under the influence.
- Call all parents of students who do not check in for prom.
Travis Thomsen, Portage North Middle School
- Review religious calendars to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- Has your Prom committee discussed emergency plans and evacuation procedures?
- Plan a post-prom event that promotes safe and responsible behavior. Recruit parent volunteers to help supervise.
- Reflective decorations … think again if it’s a dark venue.
Todd Distelrath, Chippewa Valley High School
- Review your rules, policies and expectations each year and make sure that they are clearly communicated to students and parents.
- Make a plan for security, administrator, and chaperone responsibilities before, during, and after prom – share the assignments with everyone in writing in advance.