BHS Administrators Require Prom Date Approval
It’s an exciting time of year for high school students as they get ready for prom.
For some at Blackfoot High School, picking out the clothes might not be nearly as stressful as making sure their date can join them, thanks to a new procedure aimed at making the dance safer.
Long before cutting loose at prom, it’s all about finding the dress, booking the limo, and most importantly, the date.
But a new procedure at Blackfoot High could make step three a little more challenging.
“I think it’s kind of stupid,” said junior Kylie Bergeson.
Bergeson is in the clear because her boyfriend, and date, goes to Blackfoot, too. If he didn’t, Bergeson would have to hand in a guest form like some of her classmates.
“We’re trying to take some of the mystery out of who’s attending, to try to give some comfort to our community, some comfort to our parents,” said Principal John Pearce.
Pearce said parents raised questions after a previous dance.
“Then, at that time I had to investigate into the past practices here at Blackfoot High School,” he said.
Students pointed to the school’s handbook. It states prom is open to juniors and seniors and their “dates.”
“So, it doesn’t say anywhere in the rule book you can’t bring anyone,” said junior Brooklynn Miles.
Pearce said he wants accountability. The guest form reads, “BHS administration will contact the guest’s school requesting information regarding attendance and behavior.”
“If they’re non-high school-age students, then we would like to check with BHS students’ parents to make sure they’re character-checked,” said Pearce.
“It seems like a lot of steps to go through to go to prom,” said Miles.
Pearce said he doesn’t anticipate any problems; the procedure is simply a precaution.
“It’s real easy to not think it’s going to happen here,” he said.
Pearce said dances at his last school in Arkansas were limited to enrolled students only.
He added that as a new principal, he didn’t want to come in and change policies, but this is one he plans to take a closer look at next year. Pearce said it will likely involve a committee of parents and teachers, too.
Blackfoot’s prom is May 12. Pearce said guest forms have to be turned in one week ahead.
