District Solar Eclipse Information

On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will experience an eclipse of the sun. In Cabot, the event starts at 11:48 a.m. Maximum coverage of the sun will happen for around 2 minutes at 1:18 p.m. The eclipse will end in our area at 2:46 p.m. Total coverage will be a little greater than 90%. This will not be enough for it to get completely dark, but it will be noticeably gray in color.

Safety during the eclipse is our top priority. Looking directly at the sun is unsafe. Because the sun will never be totally covered during our eclipse experience, individuals should wear special eclipse glasses during the entire time they are outside. Solar filter glasses, welding safety glasses, or an indirect projection are the only safe ways to view the eclipse.  

Because of these safety concerns, the following precautionary measures will be taken to protect our students:

• Each building will develop schedules to eliminate any outside transitions during the period of the eclipse.

• Classes normally held outside, such as athletic practices, will be inside.

• Students will have indoor recess during the time of the eclipse.

As an alternative to an outside viewing of the eclipse, all students will have the opportunity to view a livestream of the event being provided by NASA at https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive. In addition to the livestream, staff will use resources provided by NASA as part of the broadcast. Resources can be found at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/k-12-formal-education. We will return to our regular schedule at 2:30 p.m. and buses will run on schedule. 

Some of our schools have received eclipse glasses. Those schools will be sending permission slips that must be signed and returned before students will be allowed to directly view the eclipse. Students that do not return the permission slip will be allowed to view the livestream instead. 

Parents who want their children to experience the event live under parental supervision will be allowed to check out their child by 12:00 p.m. We are requesting that students being checked out for the afternoon do so by noon in order to avoid being outdoors during the most dangerous time of the eclipse. Absences will not count against the student.  

This will be a special event and a great learning experience for our students. Our goal is that by taking these steps, we will ensure an enjoyable and safe learning experience. Please contact your child's school if you have additional questions.  

Solar Eclipse Letter from Dr. Thurman