Eclipse to be Viewed at the School
Many outdoor activities are planned
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will cross the continental United States from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. The last time a total eclipse crossed the United States from sea to sea was June 8, 1918. In the U.S., millions will gather along a tiny ribbon less than 100 miles wide to see totality, the complete blocking out of the sun by the moon which will reveal the solar corona. The rest of the entire country will be able to see a partial eclipse. It is truly an historic event and a wonderful opportunity to view one of nature's most stunning displays.
Our students and staff will participate in several hours of related activities here at school prior to the phase of totality. Then, just before 1:00 PM, we will all be gathered at the center of the football field to witness this once in a lifetime event. The outdoor activities will conclude at approximately 1:15.
As part of the extensive preparations, each student will be issued a NASA approved pair of viewing glasses and will receive instruction regarding eye safety procedures. Groups consisting of older and younger students and at least two adults will be formed in order to better monitor each student. If parents are still nervous about their child following the viewing rules, they are welcome to be here with them, but we ask that they provide their own viewing glasses. Regardless, all students must a parental permission form signed in order to participate in the activities at school. If a parent is not comfortable with granting permission, we ask that they make arrangements for their child to not be at school on this day. Some parents may choose to keep their child at home and experience the eclipse as a family. That is completely fine, as well.
Additional information about the day, including the permission form, should arrive in the mail to each household very soon.
Some of the planned activities for students include:
- Making a pinhole eclipse viewer
- Shadow art
- Viewing the sun and eclipse through a filtered telescope
- Lunar and solar distances
- Sketching the sun’s corona
- Ultra-violet sensitive beads
- Writing about the experience
Regardless where you are at midday on August 21st, we hope that you take time to experience an event you will never forget nor likely see again. Thank you for your cooperation with us as we try to provide a wonderful educational opportunity!
Let’s all hope for clear skies!