Winter Formal is coming up, and many students in campus are unimpressed. The location change from the usual Mulligan’s sounded great at first, before hearing that it’d take place in the parking lot and charge just as much. Throughout the year multiple dances and after school activities have been canceled for unclear reasons such as the movie night and hello dance. Dance decorations have been rushed and with such a track record, paying for a ticket feels more like a raffle. Now, budgets for dances are never disclosed and there is no telling how much each dance costs. But to not only have a ticket costs so much for no clear list of entertainment is irresponsible to the people who are unsure of the reasonableness of the price tag. Elsinore has a problem with asking for more than what is provided, and students are bored with redundancy and odd themes, and some are even being left out by how much it cost. My personal advice would be to:
1. Allow for adjustable prices/budget to make dances more affordable
I have heard many times of how my friends are unable to go to a dance because of the cost being too much. It is understandable that such things would not be free, but it’s getting to the point that these dances seem to be advertised to certain students. To prevent exclusion, allow for appeals to be made for cheaper ticket prices, or afterschool activities that will reward the participant(s) in a free ticket. Another way would be to factor a cheaper ticket into the budget or promote more fundraising. Allow students to sell things to get the money for their ticket and have it be arranged by the school to add extra security.
2. Have the (entire) student body suggest and vote on themes
Print out papers that allow students to write down appropriate theme suggestions or allow submissions through 5-star and pick 5 or more that students can narrow down their vote to. Then, with the top 3 choices, send printed papers to every 2nd or 3rd period, have students fill in their final choice, and file it into a specific box to make counting more efficient. As taxing as that sounds, we would surely have enough time to execute that with how little dances we do have.
3. Clearly state activities, refreshments, and any extra gifts
On the official social media accounts and posters list what all will be provided to allow students to make an educated purchase to attend. You can also allow for voting on what snacks and drinks to be provided be taken place on 5-star. If there will be a photo booth, have it listed on the flyer. If there will be food trucks, state what food trucks will be there. Allow for preorders on food, and if one truck cannot make it, notify students ASAP. If there will be carnival games, advertise what games it will be. Set expectations for what they are rather than interpretation.
