Bentley Community:
We understand that prom is an exciting and significant event for our students, and we appreciate you reaching out regarding time off for preparations. We want to ensure clarity on the school's position regarding absences on prom day.
As previously communicated, while we fully recognize the importance of preparing for this special occasion, the administration has determined that a blanket half-day off for all students is not feasible. Our primary mission is to provide a consistent and robust educational experience for all our students. With scheduled days off and individual absences, instructional time is already impacted, and we believe it is crucial to maximize the learning opportunities available.
Excused Absences for Appointments:
Students with scheduled appointments requiring absence will be excused upon providing documentation (appointment confirmation, text message, email, etc.).
Please be prepared to show this verification.
Hair/nail appointments typically book 2-3 weeks prior to prom, lasting approximately one hour. Please keep this in mind when booking, or for planning purposes.
Important Expectations:
No Blanket Half-Day Off: A school-wide half-day is not feasible to maintain consistent educational standards.
Verification of Appointments: We are strictly enforcing documentation requirements to prevent misuse of just taking a ‘blow off day’.
Zero Tolerance for "Pregaming":
Students may be subject to breathalyzer tests before boarding the bus.
Positive tests for alcohol or visible drug influence will result in denied bus entry and further school disciplinary actions, including potential loss of graduation privileges.
Social Media awareness: Please be aware of what your students are posting about social media regarding ‘pre-game’ prom activities. This is one of the biggest reasons we have taken a hard line in terms of attendance for those attending prom.
Our priority is to balance prom preparations with our commitment to education and student safety. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and enjoyable prom for everyone.
Sincerely,
The Bentley Administration Team