Letter to Parents and Guardians regarding Upcoming Valentine's Dance

SUBJECT:
PRI: NORMAL
FROM:
W
woodsm@sidwell.edu
DATE:
2018-02-02 20:54:44
MSG_ID:
<MAILFBf1ZgbBneIRX7p0009d522@mail.pcrsoft.com>
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</style></head><body><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dear Parents and Guardians:</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">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. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Standard Reminder:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Please enjoy your Valentine’s Dance this Saturday, February 10. To do so, here are a few reminders:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li><span style="font-family: Times;"> Please arrive between 8:30 and 9:15pm. Arrivals between 9:15 and 9:30pm will be given 4 points;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times;">No one may enter after 9:30pm;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times;">No one may leave and re-enter. The dance is from 8:30 – 10:30pm;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times;">Of course, no drinking, drugs, or violence will be tolerated and yes, the Breathalyzer will be present and used if warranted; and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times;">The expectation is that all dancing will be appropriate for the event, and that all conduct comports with our community standards.</span></li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-family: Times;">Comments about this specific dance:</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">This dance has a persistent custom in which 11<sup>th</sup> and 12<sup>th</sup> graders ask 9<sup>th</sup> and 10<sup>th</sup> 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. </span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">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 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> have to attend the dance with an older student. In fact, we encourage 9<sup>th</sup> graders to attend the dance with other 9<sup>th</sup> graders.<strong> </strong>Dates are never a requirement for any Sidwell Friends dance, and we encourage every student to attend every dance.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">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. </span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">If you have particular concerns feel free to contact me. Thank you.</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Best,</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mr. Woods</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Michael Woods</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Upper School Dean of Students</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Sidwell Friends School</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">(202) 537-8160</span><u1:p></u1:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><a href="mailto:woodsm@sidwell.edu"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">woodsm@sidwell.edu</span></a></span><u1:p></u1:p></p><img style="width: 5px; height: 5px" src="https://webapps.pcrsoft.com/Campus/Common/Service.aspx?nid=612411&scn=Sidwell"></img></body></html>
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