Dear Parents,

The time for the RHHS Prom 2016 is approaching quickly.  I’m sure you’ve marked your calendars for May 20, 2016 at M&T Bank Stadium.  Let me start with a short history lesson that leads up to a current events discussion.  The word prom is short for promenade, which is a formal parading of guests at a party. The event can be traced back to the 19th century when American universities hosted prom for the graduating class. By the 1950s the custom was adopted by high schools and in 1975 President Ford’s daughter was able to enjoy her high school prom at the White House.  This year our prom theme is The Roaring 20s in celebration of our 20th Anniversary and in celebration of a high school experience that is better and better in so many ways.

Current events bring us to prom season in Howard County.  We are excited to offer our students a wonderful evening at M&T Bank Stadium on May 20, 2016 from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.  Tickets will be on sale online May 2-16 and during lunches May 9-16.  The $75 ticket price will include food stations, music and dancing.  This venue is a Baltimore highlight for our students, staff, and families. Prom guests are able to socialize with one another in a large group and enjoy favorite finger foods, which can reduce the stress of restaurant reservations and added transportation arrangements.  We know that in years past some students have consumed alcohol between pictures at home, dinner out, and arrival at the prom, with unfortunate, but very real consequences.  An all-inclusive prom reduces the amount of unsupervised time and helps students make responsible decisions.   Students should arrive no later than 8:30 PM in order to be admitted.

In addition to prom itself, our students are invited to attend the PTSA Post-Prom Party (P3) at AMC Theaters in Columbia, MD.  P3 will include movies, food, and exciting give-aways.  Prom is a special night! What could be better for our Juniors and Seniors than the opportunity for this special night to continue into the wee hours!  Prom is one event, one night, and a lifetime of Hawk memories. In this instance, bigger is definitely better, and the more students who attend, the more fun they will all have together.  What an excellent opportunity to come together as a River Hill community and make this a really big River Hill night! 

As a parent, I share your concerns about safe and appropriate activities for our teens and I am sure students will ask you to host after-prom parties at home; prom night is definitely one night out of many throughout the school year that offers a safe and fun alternative with P3.

In collaboration with our PTSA and the Howard County Police, let me share some of the concerns and risks about potential after-prom parties hosted in homes.

• Drivers under the age of 21 cannot demonstrate evidence of any alcoholic consumption, which would indicate they are under the influence of alcohol. Even one drink before driving can result in the loss of driving privileges and a hefty $530 fine.
• It is illegal to furnish alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21.  Even in home settings, parents or adults who obtain or serve alcohol for minors will be fined and required to appear in court.
• School staff, police officers, and security personnel will supervise the prom. PTSA sponsors the The P3 after-prom party, which will be supervised by parent volunteers, police officers, and additional security.
• Safety is a first priority.  Families should supervise all transportation to and from the prom as well as to and from P3.
• Families will want to work together to oversee any student activities or gatherings outside of the prom or post-prom party.  Howard County Police will investigate information about parties where under-age drinking may be taking place.  You can call the non-emergency police number at 410-313-2284 to report any suspected illegal activity or parties.
• Additional police officers are assigned to patrol our school areas, prom and after-prom locations, and any other known areas, like the school parking lot, with the sole purpose of keeping our students safe.  Speed limits, seat belt requirements, hands-free cell phone use, and DWI laws will be strictly enforced.

We all want our teen children to have a fun and memorable prom night.  We want to promote drug and alcohol-free events as a school, as families, and as a community.  Please review all of your expectations for a safe night; in addition, review the laws by which we all abide, the school rules and policies, especially with regard to drugs and alcohol, and the student responsibility to make good, safe choices.  Please look below for additional details.

Sincerely,

Kathryn S. McKinley

Principal, River Hill High School

 

Activity Guest Request

Students bringing an outside guest to Prom must bring a completed Activity Guest Request form at the time of purchase.   Form should be completed and approved by the guest's school and approved by an RHHS Administrator.  Guest Form

Payment for Prom Tickets and P3

All ticket sales are non-refundable due to illness, change in plans or any unforeseen circumstances.

All obligations must be cleared before a student is permitted to purchase or pick up an online purchased ticket.

Prom and P3 tickets will be sold separately this year. Both cash and check are accepted.  Only Prom tickets can be purchased online by debit and credit card.  Prom tickets are non-refundable for any reason.

Please make checks payable to:

• Prom Tickets: River Hill HS
• P3: River Hill HS PTSA - P3 Ticket Information & Permission/Waiver Form

Online ticket sales start May 2 and can be accessed at: http://osp.osmsinc.com/howardmd/default.aspx.

Bring the receipt from your online purchase to the prom ticket table starting May 9 to pick up your tickets.  All obligations must be cleared BEFORE tickets can be distributed.