Local high schools from Menlo-Atherton to Los Altos offer pandemic-altered rites of passage for seniors Uploaded: Thu, Apr 29, 2021, 10:46 am Planning for modified proms, graduation parties and picnics is underway at some local high schools to ensure graduating seniors enjoy at least some of the usual rites of passage amid a pandemic that's stretched over a year. Seniors attending Menlo-Atherton High School's "Enchanted Forest" prom will have to go without high heels, as the masked outdoor event will take place on the Atherton school's soccer field. There won't be dancing at Los Altos High School's "Seniors Under the Stars." Wearing well-fitting face masks, giving shorter commencement speeches and keeping 6 feet of distance between attendees are just some of the guidelines San Mateo County has given schools for safely conducting graduation ceremonies this year. Even with state guidance put out in March that bans handshakes and hugs at ceremonies, this year still offers more than the class of 2020's car parade graduations and canceled proms.