Why Exeter High School won’t bring back school-wide dances despite mom's petition

EXETER — Exeter High School’s principal said there is no intention to bring back school-wide dances after a petition gathered more than 700 signatures calling for their return.

Principal Michael Monahan sent home a letter Thursday in response to what he described as “an abundance of statements and misinformation” on social media regarding bringing back dances to Exeter High School.

The school-wide dances were canceled due to inappropriate student behavior in 2015, administrators said at the time.

“To be clear and transparent, large-scale multi-grade/age dances will not be coming back to Exeter High School,” Monahan wrote in the letter. “However, I look forward to working with students who would like to meet with me to discuss possible fun and safe social activities.”

Peggy Massicotte, who posted the Change.org petition calling for return of homecoming dances, said she was “disappointed but not surprised” by the letter. She pulled three of her four children out of SAU 16 because she wanted them to be offered dances, among other activities.

Massicotte posted the petition because she said students in SAU 16 should get to enjoy school dances like students in other communities. She cited recent mental health challenges in schools as a reason to promote what she calls a healthy social activity.

“If they don’t think that the kids in their schools are prepared for these types of experiences, then that’s a problem,” Massicotte said.

Previous story: Exeter mom wants to end ban on school dances caused by ‘inappropriate student behavior’

EHS principal explains why school-wide dances are not coming back

The dances were canceled in 2015 because of sexual behavior on the dance floor, according to administrators and students who attended at the time. Then-superintendent Mike Morgan said the Owen Labrie sexual assault case at St. Paul's School in Concord at the time led to his decision to ensure the safety of students.

This week, School Board Chair Helen Joyce said dances are still permitted at EHS, but only within individual grades and with strict rules. Monahan also said student safety remains the top reason why school-wide dances are off the table.

His letter stated administrators are happy to work with groups of students to hold “fun and safe social activities provided that they follow the standards that have been set forth.” The letter further explains any events the school holds will only be for individual classes. No one outside of the school or the designated class will be allowed.

“No guests, no exceptions,” Monahan wrote.

He added there will always be a “suitable number” of Exeter High School teacher/staff chaperones. The number would be determined by the nature of the activity and by school administration. Venues for any allowed events will be well lit, he said.

“Each of these parameters are in place to help ensure the health and safety of students in attendance,” Monahan wrote.

In his letter, Monahan said that administrators met with members of the EHS Student Senate about student events. Friday by phone, he said the students were receptive to what administrators told them.

“They were fine with what we laid out,” Monahan said.

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Petitioner still hopeful dances return in the future

Massicotte intends to continue pushing for administrators to bring back the dances. Community members and school alumni remember the dances not only for sexual behavior but drug use.

Massicotte believes it’s unfair to hold prior class’ actions against students of today. She said she has received messages from other parents in the district who feel the same way.

“I think (the petition) is just kind of getting the ball rolling,” Massicotte said. “I’m not giving up.”

Massicotte said she called other school districts in New Hampshire and was told that dances at those schools have been a positive experience.

Monahan said by phone Friday he could not speak to practices in other schools regarding dances but said the policy in place is the safest way forward.

“It’s just something that we don’t feel we can have here,” Monahan said. “We’re going to continue with what we’ve kind of laid out to the kids to have social events.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter High School principal stands firm on school-wide dance ban