Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
GBS Dances 101
A handbook of information for
parents and students
Presented by
Glenbrook South Parents’ Association
Introduction to Parents
Dear Parents:
Your daughter’s excited; she’s going to Homecoming. Your son says he’s going to Turnabout with a group. You ask what you can do to help. “Nothing, Mom, it’s fine,” is the response. But, of course, you want to be involved or at least informed.
Where do they go? What do they do? Who pays for all of this? What’s this about a limo?
This handbook, provided by the Glenbrook South Parents’ Association, is intended as a resource for parents and students regarding the three major social events at Glenbrook South High School: Homecoming, Turnabout, and Prom (the dance is only part of the weekend’s activities). The booklet covers frequently asked questions on a range of topics. Remember, few absolutes exist beyond safety. As in other circumstances, there is no such thing as “Everybody’s doing it.” A limousine is not mandatory. Your son or daughter will not be the only one who doesn’t go to a sleepover after the dance, nor will he or she be the only one without a date. A growing percentage of students attend Homecoming and Turnabout as singles and in groups of individuals.
This compilation of information and advice does not include Glenbrook District 225 Board of Education policies that might affect activities or behavior at school dances. For current Board policies please refer to the website www.glenbrook225.org/board/policies and to the current Glenbrook South High School Student/Parent Handbook for Code of Conduct rules and guidelines.
As we all know, things have changed since we were in high school and they will continue to evolve each year. We welcome your input and ideas as our vision for this book is that it will continue to be updated and improved throughout the years. Please submit your questions and comments to the Glenbrook South Parents’ Association, 4000 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026, in care of Rosanne Mackie ([email protected]). In addition, you are always welcome and encouraged to attend one of our monthly meetings as outlined in the GBS Activity Calendar or on the GBS Parents’ Association website at http://www.glenbrook225.org/south/parents/parentsassociation.
We hope this booklet is helpful for you and your children and that it will provide you with practical advice and factual information to make their dance experiences great ones.
The Glenbrook South Parents’ Association
GBS DANCES AT A GLANCE
Homecoming Turnabout Prom
Description of dance
Semi-formal dance with music by a disc jockey culminating a week of Homecoming activities
Semi-formal dance with music by a disc jockey where it is customary for girls to ask boys to attend
Formal dinner-dance for juniors and seniors to celebrate graduation with music by a live band or disc jockey
Who sponsors the dance?
Student Council Girls’ Letter Club Junior Class Board
When is the dance?
October March May
What time does the dance begin?
8 p.m. Saturday 8 p.m. Saturday 6:30 p.m. Friday; 7:30 p.m. dinner; 9 p.m. dancing
What time does the dance end?
11 p.m. Saturday 11 p.m. Saturday Midnight Friday
Where is the dance held?
At GBS At GBS At Crowne Plaza O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont
What are bids?
Bids are dance tickets
Bids are dance tickets
Bids are dance tickets
How much was an individual bid last year?
$7.50 w/ activity pass $9.00 w/out pass $10.00 at door
$7.50 w/ activity pass $9.00 w/out pass $10.00 at door
$65.00
Where are bids sold?
At GBS Bookstore and at door
At GBS Bookstore and at door
At GBS Bookstore only
Is dinner included?
No No Yes
What is the appropriate attire?
Semi-formal Semi-formal Formal
Who can attend?
All GBS students individually or with dates; all need to bring school IDs
All GBS students individually or with dates; all need to bring school IDs
GBS juniors and seniors individually or with dates
Can students attend if they aren’t enrolled at GBS?
Yes, as the date of a current GBS student
Yes, as the date of a current GBS student
Yes, as the date of a current GBS junior or senior
What is the average attendance?
900-1000 students
800-900 students
600-650 students
Are photographs offered at the dance?
No. Students can arrange for their own photos beforehand or bring cameras.
No. Students can arrange for their own photos beforehand or bring cameras.
Yes. A photo booth will be available; students also can arrange for their own photos beforehand or bring cameras.
GBS DANCES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who plans the evening’s events?
While students typically like to plan the events on their own, it is often helpful to have a parent moderating in the early stages. For example, a parent may invite members of the group to his/her home for pizza and hold an informal discussion and planning session to form the itinerary and cost guidelines for the evening.
Does asking a date need to be “an event?”
No, it does not need to be an “event” and this aspect of the dance should not cause stress or discourage any student from inviting another. There is no need for extravagant invitations. Many students go as singles in groups, where no invitations are needed.
What is an itinerary?
An itinerary outlines activities over the course of the event. This should include parents’ names and emails, students’ names and cell phone numbers and a schedule and timeline of events. This helps parents coordinate and be aware of the scheduled activities.
Who pays for the costs of the evening?
Families address the costs of the evening in different ways. Some families have the students cover all costs. Others split the costs; and some families cover the costs for their students. This is a personal decision within your family that should be addressed with your son or daughter during the initial planning stages of the dance. In addition, parents should address the issue of who is responsible for the cost of the ticket, dinner and activities based on the relationship of the person or group they are attending the dance with. In some instances, the boy (or girl for Turnabout) will be responsible for all of the costs associated with the evening if they are going as a formal date. If a couple decides to go as friends, the cost of the evening can be divided as agreed upon by that couple (or group).
Do most student groups plan activities after the dances? Should this be encouraged?
The general consensus of students is that they enjoy remaining at the dance for nearly the entire time and enjoy dancing throughout. To leave the dance early for another event is discouraged and many students say they were disappointed when they arrived late or left the dance early. Some groups do plan post-dance activities. If activities are planned for after the dance, it is recommended that these occur at a supervised home or location and the Glenview curfew ordinance and the Illinois state driving laws must be observed (see below).
What about sleepovers?
Some groups do exercise this option. This practice is generally discouraged because of the need for continual adult supervision as well as the lack of sleep added into an already busy weekend. A recommended and popular alternative is to allow students to spend a late night gathering at a supervised house with a pre-determined end time, while observing Glenview curfew and state driving laws (see below).
Are corsages and boutonnières customary?
Yes, they are customary for couples. Boys usually give the girls corsages and girls give the boys boutonnières that they have ordered and purchased from local floral shops or grocery stores prior to the dance. For singles or groups of singles it is not customary.
Are there favors? Who pays for them?
Yes, there are small memorabilia gifts for boys and girls. Their cost is included in the price of admission.
Do students rent limos or buses?
Most freshmen and sophomores are driven by parent carpools. Some juniors and seniors do choose to rent limos or buses. There are advantages and disadvantages to this option. The pros include keeping the entire group together while being driven to dinner (if planned) and to the dance. The cons include the high cost, which means it is not a viable option for all families. Parents are encouraged to chaperone buses and large limos. The Parents’ Association recommends carefully researching the company if this option is exercised as different companies have different satisfaction ratings.
Are vehicle searches conducted?
School rules apply; all vehicles are subject to search. Make sure limos do not contain alcohol prior to rental if this option is exercised.
What happens if a student comes to a dance under the influence?
Glenbrook South dances and events have had very few issues with students who attend under the influence and staff is in place to ensure a safe, drug and alcohol free environment. However, any student who gives evidence of being under the influence of, or in possession of alcohol or drugs, will be detained and his or her parents will be contacted immediately. Board policy dictates that students under the influence be suspended for ten days and other discipline including losses of privileges and potential expulsion are considered. Students who distribute any illegal substance at a dance or school-related activity are required to be submitted to the Board of Education for consideration of expulsion.
What is appropriate behavior for the dance?
It is expected that students exhibit respectful behavior to the opposite sex and self-advocate for their own comfort level on and off the dance floor. Provocative dancing is not acceptable.
What time is curfew in Glenview?
The curfew ordinance in Glenview on Friday and Saturday is 11:59 p.m. for anyone under 17 years of age.
What are the Illinois state driving curfew and laws?
State law requires an 11 p.m. curfew for drivers under 18 on Fridays and Saturdays. An exemption allows them to drive directly to and from school-sanctioned activities outside the restriction times. For the first year of licensing, or until the driver is 18, whichever comes first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under 20, unless the additional passenger is a sibling of the driver.
What are the legal liabilities for parents hosting pre- and post-dance parties?
Parents should refuse to host or support any pre-dance or post-dance party that serves alcohol or drugs in any form. It is a crime for parents to knowingly authorize, enable or permit minors to consume alcohol at their residence, and parents may also be held civilly liable for death or injuries caused by a minor’s intoxication if they provided alcohol to the minor.
HOMECOMING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What activities are included in Homecoming weekend?
Friday: Float building 3:30-11 p.m.; Titan Tailgate Party 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Autos Courtyard; Pep Rally 5:30-6:10 p.m. in the Main Gym; Football Game 7-9:30 p.m. in John Davis Stadium; Street Dance 9:30-11 p.m. in the Autos Courtyard Saturday: Parade 10-11 a.m.; Semi-formal Homecoming Dance 8-11 p.m. in the Main Gym
When is Homecoming weekend?
Early October
Are there 2 dances? Yes, a casual Street Dance on Friday and the semi-formal Homecoming Dance on Saturday
When does the Street Dance begin and end?
9:30-11 p.m. Friday
Where is the Street Dance held?
On GBS grounds outside in the Autos Courtyard near the cafeterias
How much does the Street Dance cost?
Last year’s individual admission to the Street Dance and Pep Rally: $3.00 with activity pass, $4.00 without activity pass; must show school ID
Where are Street Dance tickets sold?
At the door only
Who can attend the Street Dance?
Only GBS students with school ID
When does the Homecoming Dance begin and end?
8-11 p.m. Saturday
Where is the Homecoming Dance held?
The Homecoming Dance is held at Glenbrook South High School, in the Main Gym (Titan Dome)
How much do tickets (called bids) to the Homecoming Dance cost?
Last year’s admission: $7.50 per individual bid or $15.00 per couple with activity pass, $9.00 per individual or $18.00 per couple without activity pass, $20.00 per couple at door. Couples’ bids are customarily paid for by the male. School ID is needed to purchase bids.
Where are Homecoming bids sold?
Bids are sold at the GBS bookstore starting two weeks prior to the dance and also at the door.
Is dinner included at the Homecoming Dance?
Dinner is not a part of the Homecoming Dance at GBS, nor is it a required part of the festivities. Some students plan a dinner at a designated house or local restaurant before the dance (allowing plenty of time to ensure arrival at the dance at 8 p.m.) or after the dance (keeping the 11:59 p.m. curfew in mind for those under 17).
What is appropriate attire for the Homecoming Dance?
Traditional, semi-formal attire: coats and ties for boys, no jeans or khakis or dress shirts without jackets; cocktail dresses with appropriate shoes for girls. Students who are inappropriately dressed will be turned away.
Who can attend the Homecoming Dance?
Any currently enrolled GBS student is welcome or any date of a current GBS student. Students must bring school IDs to attend.
Can anyone attend the Homecoming Dance without a date?
Yes. Any currently enrolled GBS students are welcome to attend individually or with a group. Students must bring school IDs to attend.
Can students attend the Homecoming Dance if they are not enrolled at GBS?
Yes, but only as the date of a current GBS student. Students must bring school IDs to attend.
What is the average attendance at the Homecoming Dance?
900-1000 students
Are photographs offered at the dance?
Professional photographers are not present at this dance. Some students arrange for group pictures at a member of their groups home prior to the dance and invite parents of other group members to the picture session as well. Students also are welcome to bring cameras to the dance.
Are corsages and boutonnières customary?
Yes, they are customary for students who go as couples. Boys usually give the girls corsages and girls give the boys boutonnières that they have ordered and purchased from local floral shops or grocery stores prior to the dance. For singles or groups of singles it is not customary.
Do students rent limos or buses for the Homecoming Dance?
Most freshmen and sophomores are driven by parent carpools. Some juniors and seniors do choose to rent limos or buses. There are advantages and disadvantages to this option. The pros include keeping the entire group together while being driven to dinner (if planned) and to the dance. The cons include the high cost, which means it is not a viable option for all families. Parents are encouraged to chaperone buses and large limos. The Parents’ Association recommends carefully researching the company if this option is exercised as different companies have different satisfaction ratings.
Who plans Homecoming? Students often plan the activities around the dance but parents should remain in contact with each other to maintain appropriate parameters on plans and verify adult supervision at any pre- or post-dance activities.
Are there mementos at the dance?
At the Homecoming Dance there are mementos (sometimes stars) on display decorating the windows and/or walls with the names of the couples and singles attending written on them. Students often remove and take the mementos as keepsakes of the event.
Are there favors? Who pays for them?
Yes, there are small memorabilia gifts for boys and girls. Their cost is included in the price of admission. Some students also purchase customized favors for their individual groups but this is not mandatory.
Is there a Homecoming Court? Yes. The court includes a Homecoming Queen and one female attendant per grade level. They are voted on by the student body and are announced at the Pep Rally.
How are girls nominated for the Homecoming Court?
The Queen is nominated by student activity club members and athletic team members. The attendants are nominated by an open ballot for each grade level.
TURNABOUT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Turnabout? Turnabout is a semi-formal dance where it is customary for the girls to ask the boys to attend.
Can anyone attend without a date?
Yes. Any currently enrolled GBS students are welcome to attend individually or with a group. Students must bring school IDs to attend.
Who can attend Turnabout? Any currently enrolled GBS student is welcome or any date of a current GBS student. Students must bring school IDs to attend.
Can students attend if they are not enrolled at GBS?
Yes, but only as the date of a current GBS student. Students must bring school IDs to attend.
What is the average attendance?
800-900 students
When is Turnabout? First Saturday in March
What time does Turnabout begin and end?
8-11 p.m. Saturday
Where is Turnabout held? The Turnabout dance is held at Glenbrook South High School in the Main Gym (Titan Dome).
How much do Turnabout tickets (called bids) cost?
Last year’s admission: $7.50 per individual or $15.00 per couple with activity pass, $9.00 per individual or $18.00 per couple without activity pass, $20.00 per couple at door. Couples’ bids are customarily paid for by the girl. School IDs are needed to purchase bids.
Where are Turnabout bids sold?
Bids are sold at the GBS bookstore starting two weeks prior to the dance and also at the door.
Is dinner included? No, dinner is not included at the dance and is not a required part of the festivities. Some students organize a dinner before or after the dance at a designated house or local restaurant keeping the 11:59 p.m. curfew in mind for those under 17. If before the dance, allow plenty of time for dinner to ensure arrival at the dance at 8 p.m.
What is appropriate attire? Traditional, semi-formal attire: coats and ties for boys, no jeans or khakis or dress shirts without jackets; cocktail dresses with appropriate shoes for girls. Students who are inappropriately dressed will be turned away.
Are photographs offered at the dance?
No. Some students arrange for group pictures at a member of their group’s home prior to the dance and invite parents of other group members to the picture session as well. Students are also welcome to bring cameras to the dance.
Are corsages and boutonnières customary?
For couples this is customary. Boys usually give the girls corsages and girls give the boys boutonnières that they have been ordered and purchased from local floral shops or grocery stores prior to the dance. For singles or groups of singles it is not customary.
Do students rent limos or buses?
Most freshmen and sophomores are driven by parent carpools. Some juniors and seniors do choose to rent limos or buses. There are advantages and disadvantages to this option. The pros include keeping the entire group together while being driven to dinner (if planned) and to the dance. The cons include the high cost, which means it is not a viable option for all families. Parents are encouraged to chaperone buses and large limos. The Parents’ Association recommends carefully researching the company if this option is exercised as different companies have different satisfaction ratings.
Who plans Turnabout? Students often plan the activities around the dance but parents should remain in contact with each other to maintain appropriate parameters on plans and verify adult supervision at any pre- or post-dance activities.
Are there mementos at the dance?
At Turnabout there are mementos (sometimes stars) on display decorating the windows and/or walls with the names of the couples and singles attending written on them. Students often remove and take the mementos as keepsakes of the event.
Are there favors? Who pays for them?
Yes, there are small memorabilia gifts for boys and girls. Their cost is included in the price of admission. Some students also purchase custom favors such as t-shirts for their individual group but this in not mandatory.
Is there a Turnabout Court? Yes. The court includes a Turnabout King and a male attendant from each grade level. They are voted on during the week by the student body and are announced at the dance.
How are boys nominated for the Turnabout Court?
The King and attendants are nominated by an open ballot for each grade level. Final voting is done the week of the dance.
PROM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Prom? Prom is a black tie dinner-dance with music and a drawing for a valuable door prize.
When is Prom? Usually the third Friday in May
What time does Prom begin and end?
Registration 6:30 p.m. Friday; dinner 7:30 p.m.; dancing 9 p.m.- midnight
Where is Prom? The 2014 Prom will be held at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont.
How much do Prom bids (tickets) cost?
Last year’s admission: $65 per individual bid or $130.00 per couple. (Note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed.)
Where are bids sold? Bids are sold at the GBS bookstore up until 1 week before the Prom. They cannot be purchased at the door due to the hotel’s need for accurate counts for dinner arrangements.
Is dinner included? Yes, dinner is included at this dance; it is a mandatory part of the Prom and it is part of the cost of admission. Vegetarian meals MUST be ordered when the bid is purchased. The hotel will not otherwise provide vegetarian meals on the night of Prom.
Are tables reserved? Yes, reserved tables of 12 are available if bids are received at least 2 weeks before the Prom and a form is completed filling all 12 seats at the table. Reserved tables are not available for less than 12 students or if bids are purchased during the last week of bid sales. Students should be prompt so they can organize a table and be seated with friends.
What is the appropriate attire? Attire is tuxedos for boys and appropriate dress to complement a black-tie occasion for girls. Students who are inappropriately dressed will be asked to leave. (Note: For those in need, the Nurse’s office at GBS has some girls’ and boys’ formalwear available for student use and accepts donations of gently worn garments.)
Who is sent an invitation to Prom? All junior and senior students and their parents are sent email information approximately one month prior to Prom.
Who can attend Prom? Any junior or senior currently enrolled GBS student is welcome to attend; or anyone who is the date of a current GBS junior or senior.
Can anyone attend without a date? Yes. Any currently enrolled GBS junior or senior is welcome to attend individually or with a group
Can students attend if they are not enrolled at GBS?
Yes, but only as the date of a current GBS student.
What is the average attendance? 600-650 students Are photographs offered at the dance?
Yes. A photo booth will be available. Students also arrange for their own photos beforehand at a pre-Prom photo party with other members of their group or they can bring cameras to the dance.
Are corsages and boutonnières customary?
For couples this is customary. Boys usually give the girls corsages and girls give the boys boutonnières that they have ordered and purchased from local floral shops or grocery stores prior to the dance. For singles or groups of singles it is not customary.
Do students rent limos or buses? Some students and groups do chose this option. Parents are encouraged to chaperone buses and large limos. The Parents’ Association recommends carefully researching the company if this option is exercised as different companies have different satisfaction ratings.
Is parking available? Parking is available for a small charge. How are the Prom King and Queen nominated?
The King and Queen are nominated by an open ballot for juniors and seniors. They are announced at the Prom dance.
What are common post-Prom activities?
Students’ plans after Prom sometimes include a weekend of group activities. These might include a day at the beach, Great America, downtown Chicago, Navy Pier, or activities such as movies, live stage performances, bowling, whirly ball, laser tag, etc. Some groups plan an overnight event at an out-of-town location. This activity is a personal choice determined by each group of students and their parents. The practice is certainly not mandatory and all parents must be aware of the risks involved and verify that the event is supervised by adults. Parents’ concerns for these activities include long-distance driving, unsupervised activities, liabilities and issues associated with underage drinking, and co-ed sleepovers. As always, parents need to set the limits and boundaries they feel are appropriate for their children.
What about hotel rooms after Prom?
State law prohibits hotels from renting rooms to anyone under the age of 21. State law also prohibits parents from renting hotel rooms for minors. Parents should refuse to allow their students to rent a hotel room or attend a party in a rented room.
SAMPLE DANCE ITINERARY and CONTACT INFORMATION
Below is a sample itinerary for Homecoming or Turnabout. The purpose of an itinerary is to outline the evening’s activities and location of each. The table with contact information is useful for everyone in the group, both during the planning stages and on the evening of the dance.
5:30 p.m. Pictures at a designated location. (Include
address/phone/directions to house.) Students and parents gather for pictures.
6:00 p.m. Parents A, B, C, D drive students to a pre-arranged
restaurant or home where dinner will be served. (Plan ahead which car will transport which students to each location; list restaurant or home with phone/directions.) Note: several Glenview restaurants offer fixed price dinner packages for Homecoming and Turnabout; make reservations early.
7:45 p.m. Parents E, F, G, H drive students from the restaurant
or the home to GBS for the dance. 11:00 p.m. Parents A, C, F, I pick up students from the dance and
bring them home or to a post-dance gathering at someone’s house or elsewhere. (List parent chaperones or parents that will be at home and their phone numbers. If activity ends after curfew, designate and list adults responsible for taking students home.)
SAMPLE CONTACT INFORMATION TABLE
Last Name
Home Phone
Parent Email
Parent Cell
Student Name
Student Cell
Parent A
Parent B
Parent C
Parent D
Parent E
Parent F
Parent G
Parent H
Parent I
