Video: High School Principal Backs Chaperone Decisions at Dance

Portsmouth High School Principal Robert E. Littlefield defends the recent actions taken by chaperones at the froshmore dance on Friday, May 13.

The Friday the 13th dance turned out to be unlucky for more than two dozen students, who were asked to leave based on their attire. Littlefield talks about the chaperones' decision in the video featured at right.

According to Littlefield, the number of students asked to leave or not allowed entry is unknown, but that it's more likely to be more than two dozen students. A incorrectly reported the number at a dozen.

Littlefield said chaperones asked students to leave or did not allow them entry for violating the . The school enforces a strict dress code for semi-formal dances.

"We're in the business of helping kids make the right decisions," Littlefield said. "Students were given the option to go home and change."

Littlefield also said that inappropriate dancing or "grinding" was among school officials' "main concern."

"Chaperones no longer want to attend dances because of this," he said.

According to the high school principal, male students apparently wore jeans to the dance, while girls wore very short skirts or dresses.

Chaperones tested dresses and skirts based on the fingertip rule. If the student failed, she was asked to go home and change.

What is the fingertip rule?

According to Littlefield, female students are asked to stand with their arms down along their sides. If their fingertips pass the end of their skirt or dress, the skirt or dress is considered too short.

None of the students received school punishment for their attire on Friday, according to Littlefield. The freshmore dance is the last dance of the year for the school, except for the senior prom, which will be held at OceanCliff in Newport. 

The chaperones also managed to keep drugs and alcohol out of the high school during the event.

"We didn't have a single issue with drugs or alcohol," Littlefield said about the freshmore dance. "I consider that to be a great success."