Dear ARHS families,

I am writing to share the message below from the APTO. The primary audience for their message are Juniors and their families. But, I have included families of students in grades 9 and 10, too, because the shift they outline below will impact future classes as well. I encourage you to take time to review the email below. Please direct questions to aptoboard@gmail.com :

Dear ARHS Families,

For decades, the APTO has organized, fundraised for, and supervised the Junior Post Prom Party (JPPP). In recent years (particularly since the pandemic), student interest in the event has changed significantly. With that shift, the APTO has concluded that our planning should change as well: based on recent survey results, participation trends, safety considerations, and the financial sustainability of the event, the APTO Board voted last week not to move forward with the Junior Post Prom Party. Instead, the Board plans to direct its efforts and resources toward enhancing the Prom experience itself, in ways that can benefit a greater number of students and do so in a more financially sustainable manner.

The History of the JPPP — and How Students' Interests Have Changed:

The JPPP was originally created many years ago by parents to provide juniors with a substance-free, supervised, all-night event following prom. Traditionally, the event ran from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. at the New England Sports Center. Over time, however, many schools like ours began to see declining student participation in overnight post-prom events, with students often asking to leave early or opting out altogether. At the same time, schools across the region have seen a positive trend: student substance use rates have declined, as measured by the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey.

Last year, in response to these trends, the APTO moved the event to Apex Entertainment and shortened the time to 11:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. after surveying the Class of 2026. Even with these adjustments, participation remained so uncertain that the event's viability was in question right up until doors opened: 24 hours before the event, only 60 juniors had purchased tickets, though an additional 100 students ultimately attended after making last-minute plans with friends.

While students’ interest in the event and their willingness to commit weeks in advance have declined, the cost of hosting the event has not: last year, the total cost exceeded $25,000, including a $5,000 deposit required months in advance and a minimum attendance commitment with the venue.

Accessing Student Voice:

Last week, with the support of Mr. Bevan, juniors were surveyed about their interest in attending the JPPP, participating in another celebratory event, having no additional event, or enhancing the Prom itself. Students were given time during English class to complete the survey, and 203 of the 290 juniors responded.

The results were clear: most students indicated they would prefer that the APTO direct its finite resources of funding, time, and volunteer effort toward enhancing the Prom experience itself, rather than organizing an expensive pre- or post-prom event that many members of the class would not attend. Students also shared their own ideas for enhancements and input on ideas the APTO is considering, including a make-your-own cannoli bar, which generated strong interest.

Hearing Your Thoughts:

We recognize that the JPPP has been a valued tradition for many families, and we understand that this change may prompt questions. Our goal is to be transparent, share the information that guided the Board’s decision, and provide families with an opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback.

To that end, we invite you to attend the next ARHS APTO Open Meeting:

Tuesday, March 10

7:00 PM

(Location / Zoom link to follow)

During the meeting, we will:

• Share the student survey results

• Review participation and cost data

• Discuss safety considerations

• Outline next steps

• Provide time for questions and community feedback

Following this meeting, the APTO also plans to meet with Class of 2027 student officers and their faculty advisors to gather student input on what they would most like to see as part of an enhanced Prom experience.

We appreciate the continued partnership and support of our ARHS families as we work together to create a memorable and safe experience for our students.

Sincerely,

The ARHS APTO Board