Every year, Lincoln hosts a homecoming dance and school spirit week for students from all grades. However, this year, things look different. 

Senior Xander Levine, associated student body (ASB) director of communication, clubs and activities, said that, as of right now, there will be no homecoming dance.

“Unfortunately, PPS is not allowing dances or indoor pep-assemblies yet but we are advocating for their return with safety protocols in place,” Principal Peyton Chapman said. 

From Oct. 18 to 22, students are celebrating their school pride during spirit week. 

Themes for spirit week include pajama day, decades day, jersey day, snow/mountain day, and “class color competition.” In past years, Lincoln has held “colors wars” during spirit week, where students are assigned a color based on their grade level and compete for the most school spirit by decorating their hallways and dressing up in their respective colors. This year, according to flock leader Anna Loy, the leadership team and Lincoln administrators decided to change the name to “class color competition” instead of “color wars” due to the racial connotations of the name “color wars.”

There will be an opportunity to participate in activities before, after and throughout school. Lincoln will provide a party, free food, music, games, homecoming tailgate and other surprises. Participants from each grade will win prizes if they choose to compete in games and contests. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the annual “class color competition” assembly has been canceled, but students are still able to dress up and decorate their halls. On the last day of spirit week, Oct. 22, students can attend the big homecoming football game against Ida B. Wells, which will take place at Ida B. Wells-Barnett High school at 7 pm. 

Senior Luna Abadia says she has heard a lot about homecoming, but never had the chance to attend. 

“It’s disappointing to not have this American high school ritual, but I am hopeful we can make prom happen,” she said. 

Abadia also shared her thoughts on spirit week.

“[Spirit week is a] representation of students’ creativity and identity,” she said. 

Junior Kylee Wilkinson says the decision to not have a homecoming dance this year was necessary.

“I don’t see it as a super safe thing to be having at this moment,” she said.

However, she enjoys the creativity of spirit week.

“It’s a lighthearted way to connect with people and make school more fun,” she said. 

Senior class communications representative Nieka Marais agreed. 

“It’s always good to show you’re participating in school activities because that’s really what strengthens a community and brings everyone together,” she said. “At the end of the day, whether you like it or not, Lincoln is one of your communities and it should rather be a good one than a bad one.”