DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris said the system will not authorize any traditional prom events for the class of 2021. Credit: AJC file
By Kristal Dixon
The prom season is the latest milestone the class of 2021 will not experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris said in a recent newsletter that the district will not authorize any traditional prom events for students.
“Although the district has reopened its buildings, many schools have not planned for in-person activities like the traditional prom, nor collected class dues and fees,” she said.
Watson-Harris said the district’s decision is “based on the current health and safety guidelines in place, and lack of time available for planning.”
DeKalb County schools last month began its phased reopening of classroom for students.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to switch to online learning in March 2020. Last year’s high school graduates saw months of planning for prom and other events go to waste.
As of March 25, DeKalb County schools has 992 confirmed cases of COVID 19, 754 of which are among staff and 238 are from students, according to the district’s website.
The superintendent said a focus group made up of principals will work with students, school staff and families to come up with “innovative suggestions and guidelines” for activities during senior week, which is usually held in May.
“The focus for senior week will be on creating memorable experiences for our seniors,” Watson-Harris said.
Read the original story on AJC.com.
