For the past three years the homecoming dance has always followed the game, but because of behavior problems the dance has been canceled.
“Students were disrespectful last year. Not all of them, but the vast majority of the kids who showed up. We decided based on the behavior from last year we wouldn’t have it this year,” Dena Schimming said.
According to Mrs. Schimming, students showed disrespect not only to her but also to police and administrators. They would show up in dress code and then quickly change. Junior Billy Smith thought the rules were too strict.
“People were afraid to dance how they wanted to because they would get in trouble,” Smith said.
Dirty dancing has caused problems at other high schools but instead of canceling the dance students signed “Dance contracts” stating they will not dance sexually. Truman High School in Kansas got the idea form high schools in California.
“I understand inappropriate dancing is inappropriate and we shouldn’t do that at school or anywhere, but they were saying just having fun was not allowed and it was a waste of a lot of money,” senior Danya Phifer said.
Phifer also disliked the music played off of a student’s iPod.
“I know we don’t have money for a DJ but we could have thought of a mix or something, not just a random iPod,” Phifer said.
Not having a dance has affected seniors. Phifer said she would go because it is her senior year and she wants a dance. Senior Matt Timmons would have had his first homecoming date, but because the dance will not happen, he missed the chance to go as a couple.
“I have a girlfriend this year. Normally it would be just hanging out with your friends now it would be like really going,” Timmons said.
Senior Lacie Snider has attended every homecoming dance.
“I think it is really sad that not only seniors but also freshman don’t get a homecoming dance because I remember all the great memories from my freshman homecoming dance and they should be able to have those too,” Lacie Snider, said. “Since I am a senior and have gone the last three years it is kind of sad I don’t get to go my last year in high school.”
As a freshman Erika Smith does not care she won’t have a chance to attend a homecoming dance her freshman year.
“I guess it is a big deal for the higher grades but for freshman it is better to get situated with everything and mess with extra stuff in the higher grades,” Smith said.
Mrs. Schimming doesn’t know if the dance will return next year.
“I think it is disappointing when so many students put work into something and unfortunately it is a few that ruin it for many,” Mrs. Schimming said.