Schools in North Texas are now preparing for prom. Because of the pandemic, many districts canceled prom and in-person graduation ceremonies in 2020.
Dallas ISD has approved prom at all high schools, but students must receive a negative rapid COVID-19 test administered by the district the day before. Each campus will send details to parents about testing, prom and other activities.
Fort Worth ISD says each campus will make its own decision about prom. A spokesman says each high school "decides what, where, when or even if" to hold prom, but any plans must include "appropriate COVID related safety measures."
Arlington ISD says prom at each of its high schools will continue in person.
In Mansfield, one parent said she was upset to learn her daughter's prom had been canceled this week after she had already bought a dress and had it altered. The girl attends Timberview High School.
Mansfield ISD says each high school made its own decision about prom. A spokeswoman says schools could either have a prom approved by a district committee, or they could host separate events organized and hosted by parents.
She says Mansfield ISD had approved prom at Timberview, but a student committee later decided to cancel that event because of low ticket sales. She says each student will receive a refund, and parents at Timberview were organizing a separate event for seniors.
Plano ISD says prom at its three high schools will continue, but each event will take place at Tom Kimbrough Stadium the week of graduation. In a letter to students and parents, the principal of Plano West Senior High School said the dates were chosen after input from parents who were worried earlier prom dates might create a risk for spreading COVID at graduation.
Colleyville Heritage will hold prom at May 1 at Mustang Panther Stadium. Grapevine High School will hold prom at the Historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad Station May 8.
McKinney ISD will hold prom at each of its three high schools.
Frisco ISD says traditional proms with dancing will not be held, but schools have been planning alternate events. Richardson ISD is also planning alternate events.
Grand Prairie and Lewisville ISDs will not host prom.