Robinson Daily News

RHS homecoming dance aims for inclusive fun



 

 

Robinson High School is turning back the clock on the annual homecoming dance to make it a more inclusive event.
For years, the dance has been separate from the homecoming football game. The game has usually been on Friday night with the dance and queen coronation following on Saturday.
This year, the coronation will take place at half-time and the free dance will be in the RHS gymasium immediately after the game against Lawrenceville this Friday.
“This adjustment is a great way to encourage students to support each other and be involved,” principal Victoria McDonald said.
“Everything homecoming should be a safe, comfortable memory-making opportunity for all RHS students and the dance adjustment better provides that in a revival of an old tradition,” she added.
Even before the pandemic hit, RHS officials were discussing how to make the dance more welcoming to all students.
“Getting everyone more involved is better for students and for the student body as a whole,” McDonald explained. “Everybody needs to feel like they belong.”
Homecoming is about “involving all of the students and giving them the opportunity to make memories” during the week, McDonald said.
“With the dance after the game, more students will be at the game cheering on the football team and watching the band, color guard and cheerleaders perform — which are all award-winning activities this year.”
McDonald pointed out there also has been a trend in homecoming dance attire to be extremely formal. This was not how homecoming dances were originally.
McDonald said she was not sure when the game and dance were separated. Saturday high school football games were once more common and she suspects that when the game was moved to Friday the dance remained behind.
“Alone, it became increasingly formal,” she said.
“By allowing students the option of attire formality, having the dance after the game, and not charging admission, we hope to inspire more students to partake in the more inclusive dance.
“The attire is your choice,” McDonald said. “So come in flannel or go fancy, just come and be a part of the homecoming 2021 fun.”
Otherwise, RHS students are experiencing a traditional homecoming week with dress-up days and class competitions during the daily activity period.
The annual powder puff football game is a half-hour after the Maroons football team wraps up practice Wednesday night. This year, the evening finale will feature the winning student team taking on a faculty team.
“Pray for no injuries,” McDonald said, laughing.
The faculty also will challenge students during the annual volleyball match during junior olympics Friday. The games, which include relay races and tug-of-war, begin at noon with most of the activities outdoors.
The homecoming football game is 7 p.m. Friday.
Meanwhile, a local business is hosting an event for RHS students Saturday.
Tickets for Sammy’s Fall Ball are available at Sammy’s Smoothie Bar through Wednesday. The event, which is not connected to the school, is 7 to 10 p.m. at SENCO Construction.
Attendees must have tickets and school IDs.

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