Dupage Policy Journal

Glenbard West High School will be allowing sports and arts events at the school but canceled the school’s dance. 

Every year since the 1940s Glenbard West High School has held its annual Heart Hop dance. That tradition won't happen this year. 

“I have heard from some concerned that we are being inconsistent,” Principal Peter Monaghan said in an email to parents.

He noted the reasons the dance should be canceled while other events are allowed to go forward at the school.

“Dances are not like other events (athletics, performing arts, etc.). They are ostensibly social events where students are in very close proximity for lengthy periods. Those who have been to our dances know that the dance floor is packed with students, and enforcing masking is nearly impossible,” he said.

Monaghan also noted “students are not stationary and facing in one direction” and “(p)eer schools in our area have similarly canceled dances.”

“Making these kinds of decisions is very difficult. Our administrative team is hyper-aware of the many sacrifices students have had to make during these last two years. No one relishes the idea of adding to that list.”

Still, Monaghan defended large sporting events when compared to school dances. As such the Winter Whiteout games occured Jan. 29 at the GBW Biester Gym. All levels of varsity were played. The event included the men’s and women’s teams, and the school gave away free white pom poms, although matching shirts cost attendees extra. 

The event serves as a hefty fundraiser for the high school’s booster club. The halftime show entertainment included Jesse White Tumblers and GBW Steppers. The game also featured a silent auction. Attendees were offered such perks as priority seating and reserved parking for the team’s basketball games.  

D87 Superintendent David Larson last year encouraged his teachers to "be creative” when grading after severe learning loss early on in the pandemic.

The Biden Administration has tied federal dollars to mandate COVID-19 protocols in schools. Other Illinois schools note their insurers are threatening to not cover them if they do not follow public health mandates.

Larson was criticized for encouraging vaccinations for students as well. Some D897 administration officials notably began skipping the words “under God” when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, though later apologized.