I just wanted to update everyone on the status of the 2021 Alpena High School Prom. It is our hope to hold prom as scheduled, on May 8, but it will depend on current guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Our hope is that COVID-19 and vaccination rates will allow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to alter their guidance to allow us to hold this time-honored event. Current Public Health restrictions only permit an indoor non-residential gathering of up to 25 people with masks and social distancing, as well as strictly prohibiting individuals to gather or mingle in common areas (such as a dance floor). The current guidelines do not allow our school to hold the event indoors but we are still working on the planning of the Prom. This includes exploring other options such as outdoor opportunities and an alternate date. Please keep in mind that the health and safety of our students is our primary focus, as is holding face-to-face instruction. Any event that creates an opportunity for a “Super spreader” for COVID-19 and then jeopardizes our ability to hold face-to-face instruction is not advisable at this time. We also ask those thinking of holding their own separate event to take health guidelines seriously to ensure that they do not place the health of our community at risk. Along with working with local health experts, I have been in communication with school leaders at every Big North Conference school, as well as the Soo, to discuss their planning of this event. Similar to Alpena, every other school our size is facing the same limitations and waiting game that we are. We will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with MDHHS and the District Health Department.
In the meantime, please follow COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies to ensure that Alpena High School can continue to provide quality education to our students in a safe and healthy environment.