Talawanda School District- Letter/August 21, 2017 Eclipse Event
Solar Eclipse Viewing at Talawanda School District
On August 21, 2017, Talawanda School District will have an opportunity to view the total solar eclipse due to our location. This event is being called “The Great American Solar Eclipse,” because it is the first time since 1918 a solar eclipse will be visible on a path across the entire continental United States. To celebrate this event, Talawanda has purchased protective eyewear for all K-8 students and staff, and for students in select science classrooms at the high school level. Students will be discussing eclipse information and reviewing safety procedures during their science classes. It is important to understand that homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses (even very dark ones) are not safe for looking at the sun. Students will not be permitted to look at the sun, or the partially eclipsed sun, through unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars or other optical devices without eclipse-safe glasses.
Please note that NOT ALL CLASSROOMS will be participating in this activity.
If your child’s class has an activity planned you will receive a permission slip that will come home with your child. If your child’s class does not have a planned activity, but you would like to have your own viewing with your child, they may be picked up from school early without it counting against your child’s attendance record.
Due to these safety concerns, your child MUST have a signed Solar Eclipse Viewing Permission Form returned no later than Monday, August 21, 2017 in order to participate in eclipse viewing during the school day on Monday. If you do not return the permission form or you do not wish for your child to view the eclipse, your child will complete an alternative activity from inside the school building during the eclipse viewing. Any recess normally scheduled between 1:00 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. will be held indoors.
Students involved in extra-curricular activities will be inside of their school until 3:50 p.m.
Safety Reminders for TMS & THS Students at Dismissal Time/Transportation Home:
- Wear protective eclipse shades when looking directly at the sun (sunglasses are not appropriate eyewear).
- Students should look away from the sun before making adjustments to or removing their protective eyewear.
Please view the safety information here on the website link below and we encourage you to discuss the dangers with your child prior to the event.
Eclipse 101: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-101
Everything You Need to Know about the Great American Solar Eclipse!:
