You hear the music, you see the students dancing, and you see the moonlight coming through the open vents. Oh, wait not here at Jenkins Middle School here you see the sun creeping through the vents in the gym. Why, because this is a dance in the middle of the afternoon. From 1:00-4:00 we have our school dances these days. Students have been wondering why we have not had one single night dance all year.

"More students are able to attend and it is much safer if we hold the dances right after school," stated school dean Mr. Symonds.

Mr. Merritt said "The main reason is safety and it is also much more convenient for the parents to pick up their children at 4:00 p.m. rather than at 9:00 at night."

So we have the issue of safety, the issue of attendance, and picking people up. Those are the reasons are why we are not having night dances.

Safety is something that is constantly being stressed about when you do anything. If you are driving a four-wheeler, walking down the street, or remember that little rule you were taught, to never talk to strangers. Those all involve safety even if you don't realize it the adults and teachers do. You are taught about safety from the day you can walk basically. Now you are not having dances because of safety.

The next reason is because of attendance. It seems to the students that the attendance at the dances is about the same. Most kids if they can't get a ride home then they can't go to the dance. It's the exact same thing about getting a ride to and back from the dance. If they want to go they will find a way is what most of the students are saying?

The final reason that administrators say we are not having night dances is because it is easier for parents to pick up the students after school. The general consensus from students is it is just as easy for the adults to pick up the students at either time.
Beverly Baird said, "I believe it is just as hard to pick up my child at the night dances as it is at the afternoon dances. The only difference is I do not have to drive her there and back which saves me some time."

Now remember this, they want you to be kept safe as well as to keep the parents and teachers happy.