Coronavirus Derails Prom Plans: HCPSS Officials

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — There will not be a 2021 high school prom for Howard County Public School System students, Superintendent Michael Martirano announced at Thursday's work session. Entertainment venues are still capped at half capacity and physical distancing guidelines remain in place.

"Traditional proms will not be able to be held in a manner that is safe and aligned to current health protocols," Martirano said.

The superintendent acknowledged that some parents are personally sponsoring similar events for their seniors.

"To clarify, we are not involved with, or endorsing, any activities sponsored by families or community members," he noted.

In lieu of a prom, Martirano said individual high schools instead will be hosting senior nights that will include a senior awards ceremony and celebration, preferably held outdoors.

"Health protocols will be in place at these events to help ensure safety, including masking and social distancing, not serving food and limiting access only to seniors at that school. Additionally, a virtual component will be provided to allow seniors not attending in-person to participate," he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that masked students should be safe if they stay 3 feet apart in classrooms. The CDC did not reduce the 6-foot gap suggested in other masked settings, however.