Poets like Emily Dickinson have written about it. Pink Floyd referenced it in lyrics. Biologists study its affect on animals. Astronomers study the science behind it. Artists have depicted it in various forms of media. I’m talking about a total solar eclipse-- and one is happening on April 8th!
We at Anderson County Schools are excited to announce that we will be in session on April 8th and are enthusiastically planning activities related to the eclipse. The next total solar eclipse to have a path crossing through Kentucky won’t happen again until October 17th, 2153; so, we see this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as a great way to get students excited about space AND to create a teachable moment that will stick with our students for a long time to come. What’s more, this total solar eclipse will be unlike any other-- as recent articles predict that it will be the most observed total solar eclipse in history!
To allow our students to safely participate, Anderson County Schools will be providing each student with a pair of solar viewing glasses through which they can safely observe the eclipse. Parents, we ask that you review safety guidelines for the glasses ahead of April 8th, and teachers will review the information with students at your child’s school as well. Since peak viewing for the eclipse is at 3:08pm, when the sun will be eclipsed at 97% here in Lawrenceburg, please expect delays in dismissal/transportation by at least 10-15 minutes.
Should you choose to travel to other parts of Kentucky for better viewing options or feel more comfortable viewing the event at home, please plan accordingly and complete an Educational Enrichment Opportunity form (available on your child’s school webpage or by request from your child’s school) in advance of April 8th. Alternatively, should you prefer that your child(ren) not participate in any structured outdoor eclipse activities, you may obtain an “Opt-Out” form from your child(ren)’s school website or school front office. Students that “Opt-Out” will participate in a related indoor activity, such as live-streaming of the event on a TV, projector, etc.
If you would like to get your child excited about the eclipse and/or learn more about it, please find below several sources from NASA:
NASA Information on Eclipses
NASA Link for Eclipse Safety
NASA Link for Eclipses
NASA Live Stream of April 8th Eclipse
Eclipse in Lawrenceburg
Information above from NASA Eclipse Web Site, EYE SAFETY DURING SOLAR ECLIPSES:
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html