PA Collaborates with High School Leadership to Improve Student Experiences

1/22/2024

Last Spring, after conversations with the Ensworth administration, Parent Association leadership allocated funds to support High School dances during the 2023-2024 school year. As envisioned by all involved, the plan was to make each dance the highlight of the students' evening rather than a quick "stop" between pre-dance dinners and post-dance social gatherings.

When students returned to school in the fall and elected their student government, the Homecoming Dance, scheduled for September 23, was one of the first items on the agenda. Head of High School Nowell Hesse and Dean of Students Scott Perkinson worked alongside faculty sponsors and student leadership to determine what students envisioned for the Homecoming Dance. Parent volunteers then solicited contracts, photos, and bids to support the students' vision and ultimately helped secure a DJ, photo booths, food, and more.

As the big event approached, Mr. Hesse encouraged students to support a later end-time for the dance and then emailed parents to ask that they pick up their children or arrange for group transportation at the end of the event rather than during it.

"I am grateful for the PA's partnership and support in helping to provide our students with an entertaining, safe environment where they can all have fun and enjoy being together," Hesse said.

When it was all said and done, the 2023 Homecoming Dance boasted a raffle, cotton candy in the colors of the Houses, a dance competition with prizes, and a mini-donut treat at the night's end. Thanks to a community-wide effort, the dance was not only the most well-attended on Ensworth record, with 510 students (including 80 guests), but hundreds of students continued dancing the night away when the later end-time rolled around.

Faculty members remarked, "Without a doubt, the best dance we've had - at least in my time," and "Best dance I've been to myself." Feedback from parents and students also came with resounding positivity. One parent said, "These efforts make for such a tight, strong, and connected community."

The Parent Association and High School are partnering again for Frost Formal on Saturday, February 3 and we are thrilled to see what this collaboration unfolds.