Kaneland High School will hold the annual Homecoming dance on Sept. 28 in the cafeteria.

The dance is just one of the many traditions that Kaneland has during the homecoming week. It’s a time that is referred to as welcoming back the alumni.

Even though it’s an exciting time, without discipline the dance could get chaotic. Policies are created for the students to follow during the dance.

“Rules are enforced at the school dance to give students an idea of expectation and a standard to maintain,” Kaneland history teacher Javier Martinez said.

Some rules are very obvious. For example, no alcohol or drugs allowed. Students under the influence or students bringing in illegal substances will be removed from the dance and face serious consequences such as possible suspension.

All school rules still apply during the dance. Student’s must respect property and the people around them. Along with the normal school rules, policies are made for the dance. The guest pass policy states a Kaneland student can bring a guest that isn’t older than 21 as long as the guest has applied for a guest pass before the deadline.

Also, all Kaneland dances must end by 11:30 p.m., including clean-up. There is also a no re-entering rule that states once a student leaves the dance, they may not come back.

The consequences that can result from breaking a rule at the dance include removal and not being able to attend future dances.

“If a student breaks a rule at the dance, the consequence will be determined by the level of the rule broken. It just depends, and it’s based on common sense when deciding the punishment for a student,” Martinez said.

All school policies regarding the dance is in the handbook located on the school website.

“Basically Kaneland sticks to the school handbook when it comes to the Homecoming dance regarding P.D.A. and dress codes. We just want students to have fun but within the realm of decency. Anything that makes other students uncomfortable is not tolerated,” Martinez said.

Chaperones are in the cafeteria during the dance to help maintain a safe enviroment.

Most area high schools have similar guidelines when it comes to discipline at their Homecoming dances.

St. Charles North has certain policies during their dance because they have a larger student body, which requires more discipline.

“Rules are needed at the dance to maintain a safe environment and to keep focus on academics during the fun of Homecoming week,”  Eric Bostrand, a dean of St. Charles North, said.

Similar to Kaneland, North has chaperones during the dance.

“The entire administration and many teachers are there to supervise the dance to keep the environment safe and to make sure students are following the expectations of the school while attending the school function,” Bostrand said.

Along with having the entire administration and teachers supervising North’s dance, the school takes another precaution.

“With a bigger school like North, dancing policies are very hard to enforce. We have the students sign a form saying they understand the dance expectations. Items like staying vertical while dancing, no grinding, etc.,” Bostrand said.

Just like North, Geneva High School follows similar restrictions when it comes to dancing.

“We have a no grinding policy that is actually located in our handbook for students to see, along with other rules we have during the dance,” Dean of Students Susan Shrader said.

Kaneland doesn’t have a specific dancing policy, as long as students keep it appropriate. Chaperones will ask students to stop with the inappropriate dancing or consequences will follow. Anything that threatens the safety or comfort of other students will not be allowed.

The Homecoming dance at Kaneland is a part of the rich tradition that has been carried on for quite some time. Students are excited to get together with their friends as they begin a new school year.

Rules may not be a student’s favorite part of the Homecoming dance but these policies are enforced to help keep everyone out of danger. Homecoming is a time to look forward to.