PORTSMOUTH — Last Friday was a rare day when students were allowed to wear hats in class at Melville Elementary School. 

In fact, it was encouraged.

“We had a ‘Hats Off to the Grads Day’ today,” explained Kim Toro, vice president of the Melville Parent-Teachers Group. “The students donated a dollar to wear their hats, and all the money we’ve collected is going to the (Portsmouth High School) senior class post-prom party on June 5 at the Glen Manor House.”

The 22nd post-prom party, organized and run by parents of the PHS seniors, allows students a safe and alcohol/drug-free environment.

Ms. Toro said members of the school community wanted to show the seniors how proud they were of their upcoming graduation and happy they were making the “smart and safe decision” on prom night.

The Parents Helping Students Organization (PHSO) at PHS asked each school for donations, and Melville collected $230 as of Friday, Ms. Toro said.

“We decided to do something different. We wanted to get the kids involved, rather than just hand over a donation,” she said in explaining the “Hats Off” day.

Alexis Alvanas, the PHS senior class president who attended Melville as a youngster, visited the school Friday to greet the students — including her little brother Matthew, a second-grader there.

“I think it’s great, with everyone coming together as a community,” Alexis said.