Three dances will be hosted by C.K. McClatchy High School (CKM) this spring. According to a post by McClatchy’s Instagram, students can plan for a spring dance (April 8), junior prom (April 23) and senior ball (May 14). 

These are the school’s first spring dances since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They come as the school and larger Sacramento City Unified School District see a drop-off in case counts following a spike in January. 

According to district data (https://reopeningdashboard.scusd.edu/), SCUSD has reported 149 cases so far in March, compared to 3995 in January; McClatchy reported 2 cases in March and 217 in January.

Many students feel excited for the upcoming school events, but others are concerned the events could result in the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

“As a senior, we want all of our dances,” said CKM senior Melissa Laredo.

But McClatchy senior Cesar Sanchez Mata said the school wasn’t ready to hold dances, “because kids are irresponsible and will contract COVID over spring break.”

School Principal Andrea Egan said the dances would take precautions to limit potential spread of COVID. 

“The spring dance is outdoors, so it should be very safe. The prom and senior ball are indoors, but all local COVID guidelines will be followed, and we will be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for admission,” she said.

CKM Junior, member of the Associated Student Body (ASB) and event organizer, Paige Blazevic commented on dance safety protocols. Blazevic said that for junior prom specifically, “We have a max capacity limit. Plus, we are also going to have the vaccine check and negative test check.” 

Egan said that when it comes to masks, the ultimate requirements, “will depend on the health situation then and the facility where the dances will be held.”

Blazevic, who is helping to organize junior prom, said prom organizers are “highly recommending” people wear masks regardless of requirements. 

Considering the decrease in COVID cases, as well as the amount of events missed during quarantine, many students are excited to get back to school functions.

“I really think this is a good event to have to boost morale and I think it will just be a fun, chill, dance where everyone can hang out safely,” said Blazevic.

Egan made a similar comment, saying, “I’m really glad that students will get these opportunities this year after two years of not getting to have special moments with classmates.”