Grafton High homecoming shelved for fall

Grafton High School students and staff were expecting to celebrate homecoming this week, but traditional festivities have been postponed until spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The reaction from students was very understanding. I think they knew this would be coming,” GHS Principal Scott Mantei said.

“They have done a great job since day one with some of the changes that have been put into place this year. I think they were disappointed, but they should be disappointed.”

Mantei said school officials made the announcement two weeks ago after consulting other area high schools.

A district letter sent to families stated:

“Creating additional gatherings of students (both small and large) will increase the risk of further positive cases and close contacts at GHS. Since our goal is for students to continue in-person instruction and extracurricular activities, it is necessary to postpone (homecoming) activities.”

Although traditional activities such as the pep rally, parade, powder puff football game and Saturday night’s dance have been postponed, Mantei said the spirit of homecoming is being observed this week with student dress-up days, socially distant lunch games and a pre-recorded pep rally at the end of the week.

“Those were a couple of things the student council worked on, and we wanted to still do it,” Mantei said. “We wanted to at least give our kids the opportunity to celebrate the week.”

The Black Hawks’ varsity football team will play New Berlin West in Grafton on Friday, Oct. 9.

Mantei said officials are working with the student council to bring back the traditional activities in spring and is also exploring options for prom.

“We are looking at creative ways to conduct those activities in the spring. We don’t know what they will look like at this point,” he said.

“If we are under similar restrictions, it might look like something occurring outdoors.”

Port Washington High School was to have a homecoming dance last week, but officials decided to cancel the event. 

Ozaukee High School in Fredonia is celebrating its homecoming this week but will not have a dance.

“Our goal is to have homecoming in the spring. We know people are disappointed, but we want to stay safe to stay open,” Mantei said.