Recent price increases for candy grams and dance prices have come under fire recently as students allege that candy grams were overpriced and lacked quality candy. We interviewed students and student council members alike to get a better understanding of these price increases.

But first, let's Explore some history. In the 2020-2021 school year, candy gram and dance sales did not occur due to COVID-19 shutdowns and protocols. The following year, candy gram sales and dance sales resumed, but the dance was rescheduled from winter to spring after the Omnicon variant got out of hand. Under 2021-2022 Student Council President Kyle Kennedys, prices for candy grams were $1, and there were two candy sales; one in December and one in February. The first sale, candy gram sales were distributed with a candy cane. In the second sale, candy grams were distributed with a bag of candy but were still $1. 

But under the recent student council administration, candy gram prices have increased to $2 and students have been left asking why. One common complaint among Explore students is that the candy in the candy grams was too little candy. 

“Some people got five pieces of small candy and then others got Ring Pops, etc,” said Zoey Cameron, Explore sixth grader. 

In addition to complaints about candy grams, 8th-grade sales could have been better, only selling about 2.4% of total profits. In its entirety, the student council sold $594 worth of candy grams. 8th graders reportedly closed candy gram sales two days before they were previously scheduled to, closing on December 14, instead of December 16. When asked about this, President Dmitri Sobolev said “That was a collective decision made by the 8th-grade persons and members of the student council and decided that ‘We’re not getting candy gram sales’ which was also met with approval from Ms. L. Norica. 

Most students think that dance prices are reasonable and ideal. “I think the dance was really good if you’re providing, like, snacks and stuff,” said 6th-grade Raquel Canto-Venegas. 

This still doesn’t account for the cause of the price increases. 7th-grade student council representative Desmond Tripp stated “We increased the amount of candy and the quality.” 

He continued, saying, “Sure you’re spending two dollars, but you’re also sending a heartfelt message to your friend and you’re willing to spend two dollars on them and you’re getting candy and you’re raising money for the field trips you’ve been complaining about.” 

Sobolev originally declined to interview, but later respond with “No comment.”

However, the Lucky Charms candy grams will sell for $1 each, signaling that prices have recently been reduced.