UPDATE: We are NOT allowed to have a solar viewing at school. Bummer! Solar glasses were donated by our local county library and sent home. We have discussed what a Solar Eclipse is in great length in class. If you would like to keep your child home Monday or check out early, it will be an excused absence. Just don’t forget to send in a note.
2024 Solar Eclipse
Information for School Leaders
- Schools and teachers should not organize a viewing activity during the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
- Schools and teachers should not purchase or provide eclipse glasses or viewers to view the eclipse at school.
- Absences will be excused if parents decide to keep their child at home or request early dismissal.
- Normal dismissal procedures will be followed on April 8.
- The following information will be shared with all staff and families through School Messenger on April 2.
Information for staff and families shared through School Messenger
A total solar eclipse—an event that occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun— will occur on April 8th. In Northeast Florida, the eclipse will begin at approximately 1:48 PM, and will reach its maximum at 3:05 PM. Due to our geographic location, the sun will be about 70% eclipsed at its maximum, which means the sun may only appear slightly dimmer than usual.
Even during a partial eclipse, there are safety concerns for students and staff; therefore, schools will not organize viewing activities of the solar eclipse. Absences will be excused if parents decide to keep their child at home or request early dismissal.
Safety guidelines should be followed if families decide to view the eclipse.
- Do not look directly into the sun during the solar eclipse, as it could be harmful to your vision.
- Do not look into the sun without proper eye protection.
- Do not look at the sun through a telescope or binoculars.
- Do not look at the sun through sunglasses, smoked glasses, or welder’s glasses.
- Do not look at the sun through a camera/smart phone.
The only safe method for viewing the solar eclipse is by using special-purpose solar filters such as eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers. NASA does not approve any particular brand of solar viewer as stated on the NASA website.
Suggested Resources
- 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Safety: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/
- 2024 Total Solar Eclipse (NASA): https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/
- NASA’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Broadcast (NASA): https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14520
“What is a solar eclipse?” (NASA lesson): https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/mini-lessonactivity/what-solar-eclipse
Swim field trip forms went home this week. Our amazing PTAO sponsored this event so it is FREE! Please make sure you turn it in by April 29th. * If your child plans not to attend, let me know so I can make arrangements for them while we are gone. *
Our class novel is “Because of Winn Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo. Let me know if you would like an alternate assignment for your child!
Academics:
ELA: Point-of-view, schwa
Math: volume, mass, and capacity
Science: energy sources
Social Studies: local government
Beau
Thank you for taking initiative and being HUMBLE this week!
Important Dates:
4/19: No school
4/23: Interims issued
5/2: ELA F.A.S.T testing (last time, best time!)
5/6 – 5/9: Swim Week!
5/14: Math F.A.S.T testing (last time, best time!)
5/24: Last Day of school – early release at 1:50
Reminders:
*PLEASE encourage your child to read nightly!
Check H.A.C weekly
