Chaperoning a School Dance
Don't confuse the kids' fun with your fun when the principal asks you to chaperone a school dance. During the dance you might be tempted to boogie with the kids, but remember that the French word chaperonmeans the hood that falconers cover their birds' heads with to keep them calm. You're trying to ensure that students' high-octane energy doesn't explode into misbehavior. You do this by walking, talking, and keeping order. Step back from the fun and remember that it's irresponsible to dance when you're supposed to be chaperoning.
You serve a vital protective function as a chaperone because kids have sometimes suffered harm at social functions. For instance, in 1999, two visiting fifteen-year-old British girls said they were raped at a party held in the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, California. The girls said they were given liquor prior to their ordeal. Keep your eyes open.
Protect the kids by patrolling everywhere in the building where the dance is being held. Don't linger anywhere too long because you're trying to keep an eye on everybody. Visit all parts of the room so that if a kid in an isolated corner needs help you can come running.
You're not there to spoil the kids' fun, but you are there to prevent misbehavior. Enlist the help of other teacher-chaperones if necessary. Take chaperoning seriously: Watch over everyone, mediate arguments, discourage inappropriate dancing, and encourage all the kids to dance and have fun.
