Dear Parents and Guardians,
On Monday, April 8, there will be a Total Solar Eclipse starting around 2:00 p.m. and ending around 4:30 p.m. Even though Massachusetts is not in the path of totality, it is still very important to take all safety precautions to prevent permanent eye damage. Here’s what the district is doing:
- All afterschool activities, including athletics, will be delayed until after the eclipse or if possible, moved indoors.
- Eclipse safety reminders will be broadcast in each school building during dismissal.
- Bloom bus company has been notified and drivers have been made aware
Here’s how parents and caregivers can help:
- Do not allow your children to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, which can cause permanent eye damage.
- Do provide your children with proper eye protection, such as solar eclipse glasses, to prevent eye damage from looking directly at the sun during the eclipse.
- Do not assume that regular sunglasses or makeshift eye protection, such as homemade filters, are safe for viewing the eclipse. Do not downplay the importance of eye safety during the eclipse, which can lead to retinal damage or blindness.
- Do educate your children about the importance of not looking directly at the sun without protection.
- Do supervise any children at home during the eclipse to ensure they are using eye protection properly.
- Do take advantage of this educational opportunity to teach your children about the science behind solar eclipses and the significance of this natural phenomenon.
For more information about the eclipse and eclipse safety, you can visit the following websites:
Thank you for your cooperation and support in making sure our students have a safe and enjoyable learning experience during the upcoming solar eclipse.