Schools: No freaking way

Students sign contracts to curb dirty dancing

By ELISABETH HULETTE, Staff Writer

Published 10/02/09

There was trouble on the dance floor last year at South River High School's homecoming.

The problem was the dancing itself, the way girls hiked up their skirts and couples simulated sex, moves sometimes called grinding or freaking.

Dirty dancing stories circulated over the next few days, angry parents called, and finally the school canceled its next dance - the spring fling - to teach students a lesson.

Now South River is trying to prevent a repeat episode at its homecoming dance tomorrow by asking students to sign contracts promising to dance appropriately.

"It's a good reminder of last year, and that...

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Smells like teen spirit - 2009-10-31 08:03:39

History has taught us that this fight will be lost. Complain all you want about an assault on decency, but alcohol became legal again, people are now allowed to marry someone of a different ethnicity, and women finally got the right to vote. Values change, even the ones you hate or hold dear.

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james white - Severna PArk, MD - Karma: Neutral

MarilynRD - 2009-10-03 14:45:42

Sock hops...woodstock...schooldances! I share this concern and hear rumors of condoms being found on the dance floor (public and private school dances). Administrators have it tough these days! Parents have it tough! Elvis...Led Zep...Rap, Parents complain about this stuff. Would the internet in the 50's say this too about Elvis? Oh my! It takes a village and I think printing this article is good for all to give some thought to this issue. "Making" teens act a certain way is easy, but having them internalize it (when your not around) is another. We all need to thank the administrators/teachers/coaches helping our kids succeed. Partners, in education is the goal hopefully.

"Why couldn't they be like we were, perfect in every way, what's the matter with kids TODAY!!!":)

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M D - Davidsonville, - Karma: Excellent

Culture - 2009-10-02 19:22:09

The 'Anything goes' culture supported by todays 'Rap' music and videos makes this behavior seem normal to our kids.
It aint normal, it's disgusting.
Todays culture makes Elvis and the Beatles etc. look like Sunday School.

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Emmaline Giles - West River, MD - Karma: Terrible

End the Insanity - 2009-10-02 16:47:14

If parents are unwilling to control their angels and teach them that the crap they call dancing is unacceptable public behavior, then our tax dollars shouldn't be used to fund underaged strip clubs.

It is a societal embarassment that the school system is making kids sign contracts stating they won't "dance" with their buttocks touching their partner or they won't simulate sexual activity. And tomorrow we'll wonder why so many high school students are becoming parents.

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Floyd daBarber - Mayberry, NC - Karma: Neutral

Good job South River - 2009-10-02 16:38:17

I chaparoned a homecoming dance couple of years ago and couldnt believe my eyes. We were constantly separating the kids on the dance floor and off. Granted most of the kids were well behaved. Parents if you can volunteer at the dances then do so.

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A. Barham - crownsville, MD - Karma: Excellent

footloose - 2009-10-02 16:15:18

"It's just not appropriate," said Bill Myers, principal at South River. "It's not the dancing that most of us remember. Their parents didn't dance that way."

I'm glad to see south river hired the principle from footloose.

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D R. - severna park, MD - Karma: Excellent