EHES Solar Eclipse Bulletin

We are excited about the solar eclipse taking place on April 8, 2024 and have already started planning for the big event. The eclipse will be partially visible from about 1:40 p.m. to 4:00 p.m and will reach its peak at 3:03. Please read below for details specific to what your child will experience as the event unfolds.

• Who's Participating
• Preparing the Students
• Viewing Schedule and Supervision
• Opt-out Information
• Early Checkout and Dismissal Plan
• After School Program Plan
  
• Updates and Reminders

All students will receive special viewing glasses designed to protect their eyes. The glasses have been certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and labeled as ISO 12312-2 compliant. However, only students in grades 3rd-5th will be eligible to go outside and view the eclipse. PreK- 2nd grade students will view the event on a streaming platform. This is a system-wide decision for Bartow County schools.

The upcoming eclipse will be mentioned during morning announcements beginning the week of March 18th. Facts and safety tips will be shared to build excitement for the event. During the week of March 25th, teachers will provide direct instruction on expectations, rules, and safety glasses. A review will occur the morning of April 8th.

Because the event is happening so close to dismissal, there will be limited opportunities for students to view the event. To limit exposure, students will go outside in three-minute increments. Students will view the eclipse on the upper grade's playground.

All personnel not assigned to opt-outs will be outside to ensure students follow the NASA safety tips. Students not following the safety tips will be escorted by a staff member to the indoor viewing room.

Viewing times listed below include transition times to and from the playground.

1:45- 3rd grade

1:50 4th grade

1:55 5th grade

2:00 3rd grade

2:05 4th grade

2:10 5th grade

Parents of 3rd-5th grade students can choose to have their child stay indoors during the event. Students staying inside will view the event live via a streaming service. Supervising staff will make the experience fun for the students to ensure they do not experience fear of missing out. To opt your child out of the outdoor event, please click the link https://forms.office.com/r/Jhu0JbPSHE and complete a digital form by March 22, 2024. Paper copies in English and Spanish will also be available in the front office.

Students can be checked out early beginning at 11:30 without penalty. It will be hard to predict how many parents will choose to check their child out early, so be prepared for a line. In other words, if you want your child to see the event live, do not wait until just before the eclipse begins to check him or her out. Students checking out early will receive their glasses in the classroom before leaving.

Because the eclipse will continue during dismissal, all students will be instructed on safety procedures and reminded not to look at the sun. Because the viewing glasses darken the field of vision so well, they cannot be worn as students walk to their bus or vehicle. PreK- 2nd grade parents can send a hat with a bill or umbrella to help block the student's view. Our staff will also be monitoring the students closely during this transition.

Lower grade students will continue to view the eclipse on a streaming platform with special attention given when the eclipse reaches it peak. 3rd-5th grade students will be outside for the peak at 3:00 and periodically as the event comes to its conclusion depending on their interest. Those who opt out will continue to be supervised indoors during the event.

The eclipse is occurring the day students return from Spring Break. Social media alerts will be sent on Sunday, April 7th to remind you about the event and the procedures we have in place to ensure a fun and safe day for our students.