Dear WHS Seniors,
If you want to be guaranteed a ticket to prom, please purchase by Monday, April 26 via Epay. On Monday, ticket sales will open up to allow seniors to purchase a ticket for a Wayzata junior or sophomore guest.
We are so excited to be able to host a "Senior Only Prom" this year. While it may not look the same as in years past, we have been busy planning a fun and safe event! This year, prom will be held at the Minneapolis Event Center. We will utilize the Grand 1858 Ballroom for the dance, the Riverside Room for food, and the outdoor fire pits in the garden area as a relaxing place to gather. Please read the following information carefully!
COVID Protocols
MDE and MDH have released guidelines that schools must follow in planning for prom and graduation. The following will apply to this event.
- Attendance limits have been determined by the state based on the size of the venue.
- All participants must be masked for the entire event. This includes on the dance floor.
- Food may be served in designated areas. No food or beverages can be served after 11:00 p.m.
- No outside guests will be permitted to attend. No exceptions.
- Students must be responsible for following all COVID safety protocols.
- Students can attend this event in pods up to SIX. Within your pod, you do not need to adhere to social distancing guidelines (either mingling or dancing). However, different pods will need to maintain social distance from each other. Your help in managing this expectation will be greatly appreciated.
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, etc.), waiting on pending test results or serving a school-required quarantine will not be able to attend this activity.
Ticket Sales
Ticket sales will be capped at 800 to conform to attendance limits. Starting today, April 16, WHS seniors will be able to purchase a single prom ticket on Epay. After April 23, if there are still tickets available, seniors will be able to purchase a second ticket for a WHS Junior or Sophomore guest. All ticket sales will be final. In the event that we sell out, we will create a waitlist. Ticket sales will conclude on May 7. After this date, no additional tickets will be sold.
Dress Code
While prom is traditionally a formal event, we do not want this to be a barrier to participation, especially since COVID may make it more difficult to purchase or shop for formal attire. Please know that all seniors are welcome to attend!
Check-In
- Pods should plan to arrive and check in together. You will not need to print a ticket or receipt from Epay to bring with you. However, you must have purchased a ticket prior to the event.
- Random temperature checks and breathalyzers will take place during check-in.
- Once you leave the event, you will not be allowed to reenter.
- Doors close at 10:00 p.m. No one will be admitted to the event after this time.
Other
- You will not need additional cash to purchase food and beverages at the event. Food and beverage service will conclude at 11:00 p.m.
- There will be a free, attended coat check at the event.
- Minneapolis Event Center staff will provide security at the event.
- WHS staff and administration will chaperone the event.
- Parking is available across the street from the event center at the Interstate Parking Garage. Metered street parking is also available.
The Unknowns
We wanted to acknowledge that there are still some unknowns as well as things that are beyond our control regarding this event. We will continue to monitor these situations and provide updates as needed.
- We are not certain, yet, how we will keep track of the 6 person pods for contact tracing. We may utilize a colored wristband system or socially distanced squares on the dance floor. More to come!
- We don't know if there will be a spike in COVID cases in Minnesota in the next month.
- We don't know if there will be continued community unrest as a result of recent events in our state.
It is our hope that we will be able to come together with the Wayzata High School Class of 2021 and celebrate your amazing accomplishments and enjoy one final dance together!
On behalf of the student body, the WHS Student Council Prom Committee
is looking forward to seeing you at this event!
Scott Gengler, WHS Principal
Amy Swenson and Lauren Wilvers, Student Council Advisors
Jack Ross, Junior Class President
Ramira Ambrose, Junior Class Vice President
Semara Lee, Junior Class Secretary
Nikki Nagiri, Junior Class PR Representative
Natalie Koehler, Junior Class Representative
Ife Adeboye, Junior Class Representative
Questions may be directed to amy.swenson@wayzataschools.org