The end of the 2020-21 school year is fast approaching, and many area schools are working to ensure juniors and seniors are able to have safe and memorable experiences despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
From dancing in a parking lot, to renting out a movie theater, Carlton County schools are getting creative when it comes to prom. Here's what's happening.
Cloquet
Date: May 8
Overview: The Cloquet High School prom will kick off with a Grand March in the school auditorium. The march will be livestreamed online — no audience allowed.
Following the Grand March, students will head outside for a dance in the staff parking lot.
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COVID-19 precautions:
- Only juniors and seniors enrolled at Cloquet High School will be allowed to attend.
- When students arrive, they will select a pod of six students to remain with the entire night. Each pod will have a color-coded bracelet assigned to them, and absolutely no mingling among pods will be allowed.
- Masks will be required at all times.
- Students will only be allowed inside the school building to use the restroom. No one will be allowed to come and go from the school grounds.
- No food or drink will be allowed.
Esko
Date: May 15
Overview: A Grand March will be held in the school gym, with limited guests allowed.
Following the march, students will be allowed to leave to get dinner. They will then be invited to the football and soccer field for games, activities and COVID-safe dancing.
After the dance portion of the event, students will be able to attend a movie screening.
COVID-19 precautions:
- Only juniors and seniors enrolled at Esko High School will be allowed to attend.
- According to Superintendent Aaron Fischer, Esko officials are consistently monitoring COVID-19 case numbers and weather, and will adjust plans as needed.
- The event and students will follow state guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety.
Barnum
Date: May 1
Overview: A Grand March will be held in the school gym, with two guests allowed per prom participant. The march will also be livestreamed on Facebook.
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Following the Grand March, students will be bused to the Northland Country Club in Duluth for dinner and a dance.
COVID-19 precautions:
- COVID-19 screening forms will be completed by students prior to the event.
- Students will select a pod of six people to remain with for the duration of prom. Mingling among pods will not be allowed.
- Masks will be worn at all times, unless seated and eating or drinking.
- There will be no post-prom event.
Carlton
Date: May 8
Overview: Instead of a Grand March, dinner and dance, Carlton school will be renting Premiere Theaters in Cloquet. Students will attend the event at the theater and select a movie to view out of a few options.
Superintendent John Engstrom said he expects some students will choose to dress up and go out to dinner in small groups before going to the theater.
COVID-19 precautions:
- Only juniors and seniors at Carlton High School will be allowed to attend.
- Students must abide by guidelines set by Premiere Theaters.
Moose Lake
Date: May 22
Overview: Students will attend a Grand March at Moose Lake Community School. The Grand March will be livestreamed, with limited guests in attendance.
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Following the march, students will be served a sit-down meal at the school and will be able to participate in dancing, as well as other various activities.
According to Principal Ryan Stewart, officials are still in the process of finalizing event and vendor details.
COVID-19 precautions:
- Masks will be worn at all times, unless eating or drinking.
Students will select a pod of people to remain with for the duration of prom. Mingling among pods will not be allowed.
The dancing period will be shorter than usual, with other COVID-safe activities available.
Only juniors and seniors will be allowed to attend. However, guests from other school districts will be permitted. According to Stewart, this is because surrounding schools had planned to allow non-district guests.
All indoor venue regulations will be followed.
Wrenshall
Wrenshall prom was canceled due to lack of interest from students and based on the rules put in place, like prohibiting students from other schools attending, according to Wrenshall teacher John Peterson.
