Despite changes to insurance policies and adjustments to the Carnival schedule, the student council and staff have worked relentlessly to assure Carnival remains vibrant. As summer approaches and the school year wraps up, all grades are invited to enjoy one last event together.
On May 19 at 11:30 a.m., students are invited outside to enjoy face painting, yard games, food and live music. In contrast to previous years, free carnival-style lunches will be served in the cafeteria to ensure all students can participate in the festivities.
Classes will be shortened, and upperclassmen will roll out onto the fields first, followed by the underclassmen. Shortly after at 12 p.m., the PowderPuff game will take place.
Principal Sean Bevan has worked to accommodate both the insurance policies and student council’s goals.
“We will still be able to do a lot of what is a part of the carnival experience as well as some new things,” Bevan said. “We are trying to reinvent the elements we are no longer able to offer.”
While inflatables are no longer allowed, a slip and slide, mini golf and a pickleball tournament will take place.
The insurance policies are outside of the school’s control, like nutrition regulations and calendar scheduling, which has shifted to accommodate AP Psychology students whose exam was originally conflicting.
Clubs will be able to sell goods, with Carnival continuing to be one of the most efficient ways of fundraising for Algonquin’s extracurriculars. Just like previous years, boba will be sold by the Asian Culture Club and various steering class committees will sell treats, as the regulations remain constant for student vendoring.
With a forecast calling for clear skies and warm air, students are encouraged to suit up with sunglasses and sunscreen.
The carnival has become a tradition marking the end of the school year and remains the one time a year where people will attempt to dunk their superintendent in the tank.
Student council president Amelia Sinclair has been working alongside other student council members to ensure that despite the changes, there will be just as many, if not more, activity options for everyone.
“The Student Council has worked incredibly hard to come up with activities that align with the district’s insurance needs while still offering the same amount of fun activities for students,” Sinclair said. “The student body has really stepped up to create innovative and engaging club booths such as a pie eating contest, açaí bowls and more.”