The senior class was informed that they will not be allowed to bring outside guests to prom this year. This class has been short-changed on so many levels, due to the COVID virus. They did not get their junior prom and have not been able to be together as a class and enjoy most senior activities/bonding like normal. They've finally been given the green light to have a prom and now they cannot bring outside guests. I believe that this is short-sighted and unnecessary for the following reasons:

1. The football season, which only ended one week ago, was allowed to happen - these players had very close physical contact with other players from other schools. How is prom any different?
2. Due to the small size of the class, and the venue being outdoors, the maximum allowed number of guests would not be reached by state standards.
   1. State regulations limit 150: https://www.mass.gov/doc/appendix-to-covid-19-orde...
3. Prom is on the last day of school for the seniors. They will therefore not be back at school after prom.
4. The guests that these students want to bring are close enough contacts to the students already. Students are already hanging out with them on a regular basis. There is no greater threat to the Quaboag school population than there already is.
5. Guests could be required to bring a negative COVID test or do a rapid test on site before entering.

Please show your support of the senior class and sign this petition in support of permitting outside guests under normal school guidelines!