Seniors and juniors from both the Maries R-1 and R-2 school districts will each have a prom this weekend, July 11, but one will be hosted by the district and the other by senior class parents.

Maries County R-2 School District canceled the 2020 prom on Friday, July 3, so senior parents are now hosting a private event at the same time the district-hosted prom should have been.

Maries R-2 announced the decision to cancel prom, which was set to take place on July 11 initially, on their Facebook page last Friday morning.

“After much consideration, the decision has been made to cancel the Belle High School Prom 2020,” according to the post. “This was not a decision made lightly. We apologize for the loss of this milestone, but we look forward to making Prom 2021 a memorable event.”

The post did not go into detail about why the event was canceled. However, many of the posts indicated it was because of health department and CDC rules and guidelines.

A group of senior moms had already anticipated the cancellation and arranged to host the prom from 6 to 10 p.m. on the same date — July 11, at the green building and pavilion at Belle City Park.

“It will be for Belle High School juniors and seniors and one guest,” according to a post from Kaylee Bossaller.

Typical school rules apply, including guests 21-years-old and older are welcome, but no alcohol, tobacco, or drugs are allowed.

“Do not show up intoxicated or you will be asked to leave. Have an I.D. to show if asked. There will be parental supervision,” Bossaller said.

Reservations should be made to Kaylei Roberson at 573-264-8354 as soon as possible so the host may plan accordingly.

The Maries R-1 district announced last week that the annual junior-senior prom will be held this weekend, July 11, at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Vienna.

Initially the school district said Vienna High School juniors and seniors could only bring someone who attends Maries R-1 to the prom. Later on that rule was changed and they can bring guests from outside of Vienna. However, they need a permission slip to bring a guest from outside of the school district. The permission slips can be picked up at the office and should be returned to school no later than July 9.

Superintendent Mark Parker said they consulted with the health department about having prom in the midst of the coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic. Students who are ill should not come and Parker asks the parents to help with this.

At prom, students will be screened for temperature and hand sanitizing will be done.