Subject: Letter to Parents and Guardians regarding Upcoming Valentine's Dance
From: "Michael Woods" <[email-masked]>
Date: 2 Feb 2018 15:54:44 -0500

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I gave a version of the following message to your students during their class meetings last month.  The first message applies to all dances and the second relates to issues surrounding this Valentine’s Dance.

Standard Reminder:

Please enjoy your Valentine’s Dance this Saturday, February 10.  To do so, here are a few reminders:

Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:15pm.  Arrivals between 9:15 and 9:30pm will be given 4 points;

No one may enter after 9:30pm;

No one may leave and re-enter.  The dance is from 8:30 – 10:30pm;

Of course, no drinking, drugs, or violence will be tolerated and yes, the Breathalyzer will be present and used if warranted; and

The expectation is that all dancing will be appropriate for the event, and that all conduct comports with our community standards.

Comments about this specific dance:

This dance has a persistent custom in which 11th and 12th graders ask 9th and 10th graders to the dance, a practice that is no longer sanctioned by the school. Many students enjoy this tradition and its formalities while others find the situations difficult and uncomfortable; hence our decision many years ago to end it.

Often, younger students feel particular anxiety about this AAL practice, are not comfortable with the arrangement, and are also not comfortable speaking up for themselves.  If your child finds him/herself in this social dilemma, please assure them that they do not have to attend the dance with an older student.   In fact, we encourage 9th graders to attend the dance with other 9th graders.  Dates are never a requirement for any Sidwell Friends dance, and we encourage every student to attend every dance.

We want our students to thoroughly enjoy the dance and to fully participate in the best honorable traditions of Valentines fun.  Therefore, if they find themselves in an awkward position this week, please tell them to feel free to come and talk to me or any adult they trust in our community.

If you have particular concerns feel free to contact me.   Thank you.

Best,

Mr. Woods

Michael Woods

Upper School Dean of Students

Sidwell Friends School

(202) 537-8160

[email-masked]

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