Cancellation of Homecoming Dances

Open Letter to the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education

Dear President Villescaz and Trustees,

Parents from San Juan Unified high schools have recently reported that homecoming dances are being cancelled. At this time we do not know the extent of the cancellations but have verified at least two instances of cancellation.

While we appreciate the district's caution around certain activities and the effort being made to ensure we remain in-person for school, we cannot underestimate the importance of non-classroom learning that provides students with valuable social emotional learning in a less constrained environment, such as the traditional Homecoming Dance.

Based on current district guidance, there appears to be a variety of reasonable accommodations that can be made to facilitate a safe dance - including an outdoor event.

Absent a school organized Homecoming Dance, the district will suffer the health consequences of unofficial alternatives that may or may not follow COVID-19 protocols. Further, the inequity students have experienced the past two years, where only students with means have alternatives to cancelled school activities, will continue.

On behalf of the San Juan Parents Association, I respectfully request you inquire about these cancellations and encourage district staff to seek reasonable accommodations to ensure this longtime tradition continues in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Please feel free to contact me at any time to discuss this matter further.

Regards, Ben

Ben Avey, President San Juan Parents Association