North American Total Solar Eclipse
Information for April 8
Hawthorn Families:
Welcome back from spring break! We hope everyone is feeling well-rested and recharged, ready to embark on the exciting journey ahead in our school community.
On Monday, April 8, a near-total solar eclipse will be visible in Vernon Hills! We will be treated to a stunning 94% view of the eclipse's totality. This event is not only a fantastic learning opportunity for our students, but also a chance to experience a rare celestial phenomenon together. To ensure everyone can safely enjoy this moment, we've partnered with the Hawthorn PTO to provide special solar eclipse glasses for all students and staff.
In the lead-up, our educators will be sparking curiosity about solar eclipses, exploring the science behind them, and discussing safe viewing practices. Emphasizing safety, it is vital to remember that looking directly at the sun without proper protection can be harmful. That's why we're equipping everyone with the necessary safety gear and educating our school community on the use of solar eclipse glasses. Please be sure to speak with your child about wearing their solar eclipse glasses.
We are also enforcing additional safety procedures on April 8:
Protective Eyewear: A must for anyone stepping outside from 12:51 to 3:22 PM.
Indoor Recess & P.E.: All activities during the eclipse will be held indoors to ensure safety.
Safe Dismissal: Students at Aspen, Hawthorn School for Young Learners, Lincoln (afternoon classes), Middle School North, and Middle School South will need their eclipse glasses for dismissal.
For families preferring their child not participate in the outdoor viewing, please contact your child’s school principal prior to April 8. We have alternative indoor activities available.
A heartfelt thank you to the Hawthorn PTO for their support, enabling us to provide this educational experience!
Let's make this eclipse viewing a memorable and safe event for our students. Please be sure to talk to your child about the importance of wearing their eclipse glasses and join us in looking forward to this extraordinary day!
Eclipse Schedule
Start: 12:51 PM
Maximum Eclipse: 2:08 PM
End: 3:22 PM