Fenwick Alumni from the classes of 1980 and 81 came "back to school" on Sept. 25, celebrating in school classrooms. | Facebook
Fenwick Alumni from the classes of 1980 and 81 came "back to school" on Sept. 25, celebrating in school classrooms. | Facebook
Fenwick H.S. students are closely watching the weather forecast for River Grove.
That's where they will hold their 2021 Homecoming dance Saturday night under the lights at Triton Community College's football stadium, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Weather.com says the temperature will be 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with an 18% chance of rain showers.
Fenwick students are required to wear masks at all times while in school classrooms.
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Fenwick officials announced on Sept. 15 they were canceling Homecoming citing "COVID-19 restrictions," but reconsidered amid parent and student outcry that the school hadn't also canceled its school alumni and fundraising events.
An email from Principal Peter Groom on Sept. 22 announced "changes" to the school's original Homecoming dance plan, replacing a "one-hour dance party" after the Friday night Homecoming football game with a two-hour dance on the Triton football field, a day later.
"We have made some alterations to our Homecoming/Spirit Week activities based on previous feedback we received," Groom wrote. "We strongly suggest that masks be worn by the students and staff at all (outdoor) Homecoming/Spirit Week events."
As with the coming black tie-optional Blackfriars Gala, scheduled indoors at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace on Oct. 22, Groom hasn't required school fundraising groups or alumni to host their fall reunion celebrations outdoors or to wear masks.
On Sept. 25, photos posted on the school Facebook page show Fenwick's classes of 1980 and 1981 celebrating in Fenwick school classrooms and hallways, maskless. Photos also show school didn't require masks at the Fathers and Mothers' Club "Fall Fest" that same night, hosted indoors at Riverside Country Club.
In addition to masks, Groom said that students cannot wear "hard-soled shoes or heels" and "that students consider weather in their choice of attire" for the outdoor dance.
In the case of inclement weather, the Homecoming dance will be canceled and not rescheduled, he said.
Fenwick's varsity football team is 4-2 and hosts St. Patrick (4-2) Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
The Blackfriars' Gala celebrates the school's first co-ed class, in 1996. Tables cost $3,250; attendees can pre-order bottles of Veuve Cliquot or 2018 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon for $200 each. The event includes a live auction and paddle raise.
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