ADAMS TWP — Fighting the spread of COVID-19, Mars Area School District announced Tuesday some safety measures that will be taken next school year and this summer.

This includes the cancellation of prom.

“We will not be hosting a prom for the seniors of the Class of 2020,” said Elizabeth McMahon, assistant superintendent. “This breaks our heart to make this kind of a decision.”

Prom was rescheduled for July 28 from May 8 in the wake of the pandemic forcing the closure of schools.

McMahon said though the district held a successful, modified graduation ceremony in June, officials aren't comfortable holding the dance this year.

Among other things, McMahon said it would be hard to enforce and promote social distancing.

“We just don't feel confident,” McMahon said. “We so apologize for that.”

McMahon also said volunteers will not be permitted in school buildings during the 2020-21 school year due to the pandemic. McMahon said the move “saddens” her, particularly because of the number of parents annually involved in district activities.

“We love it,” McMahon said. “And we so appreciate all the volunteers we had.”

District parent Julia Konitzky said she's concerned the elimination of volunteers in schools will negatively impact education.

“How will that be helping the teachers?” Konitzky asked.

Specifically, Konitzky said the board's recent decision to downsize the number of elementary reading specialists because of budget concerns means the need for volunteers will increase.

“I know some of them were helping with reading,” Konitzky said. “It doesn't make sense.”