Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School

Senior & Junior Prom
 

Parents, Guardians, and Students,

We hope that this letter finds you well. With springtime just around the corner, the Senior class officers are in the midst of planning one of the most memorable events of the students’ high school experience—the Senior/Junior Prom taking place at Presidential Caterers on April 12^th from 6:00-10:00PM. Junior arrival is from 6 - 6:30PM and Senior arrival is from 6:30 to 7PM. Students are not permitted to leave before 10PM. As the prom moderators, our goal is to assist the students in creating a safe and positive atmosphere on prom night. We are confident that we can count on parental support regarding this issue, and respectfully ask that you lend your assistance in three key areas. 

First, we believe that the primary role of the faculty and administration on prom night is to ensure a safe environment for our students and guests. The last thing that we want to happen is for a positive, enjoyable night to be threatened by risky behavior. We have discussed the school’s drinking and drug policy with the girls, and ask that you also support our efforts to prevent the abuse of such substances before, during, and after school functions such as the prom. We know that you share our concerns about the well-being of your daughters and their friends, and ask that you emphasize that concern with them in the weeks ahead. The girls value your opinions, and honest discussions with your daughters can be the most effective way to prevent the poor judgment they might otherwise exercise on prom night. 

Second, we ask that you be a part of your daughters’ decisions about what to wear to the prom. We have the utmost respect for your daughters and, like you, we hope that they respect themselves. Their self-respect is reflected in the way that they choose to represent themselves at this elegant function. Traditionally the girls wear long, formal dresses or formal pant suits/tuxedos. Any male guests they ask to join them for the evening should wear tuxedos or formal dress suits. As they enter the hall, the girls introduce their guests to members of the faculty receiving line. This ritual is a cherished tradition that our faculty members look forward to each year, and we are proud of the grace and maturity that our students display as they walk through the line. We are confident that this year’s attire and behavior will preserve this milestone tradition and reflect the girls’ self-respect, grace, and maturity as Gwynedd Girls.  

Third, as we do each year, a pre-Prom Assembly, with guests from Morgan's Light, will be held on March 20th  for all juniors and seniors during Community Period.  Morgan's Light's mission is to educate young adults to recognize the difference between healthy and toxic relationships. Attendance at this assembly is required for students in order to attend the Prom. 

Finally, please encourage the girls to remember key deadlines for guest information, payment, seating, etc. Also, school policy requires both the student and her date remain for the entirety of the prom. We ask that you remind your daughters about the importance of adhering to policies and procedures out of respect to the chaperones and prom committee who are giving so freely of their time to create a special night for their students and peers. 

Thank you in advance for your support in promoting a safe and enjoyable prom. We know that we can always count on Gwynedd Mercy parents to advance the mission and values of our school, and for that, we are truly grateful. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Monsalve and Mrs. Fasano at gwyneddprom@gmahs.org.

In Mercy,  

Mrs. Caitlin Fasano '09 and Mrs. Anne Monsalve