Preparing for Monday's Solar Eclipse: Safety Tips and Educational Opportunities



On Monday, April 8, the Wilmington area will be one of the many cities fortunate enough to have an excellent view of the partial solar eclipse, during which approximately 90% of the sun will be blocked by the moon for roughly four minutes. (Double the time of the Great American Solar Eclipse that occurred in August 2017!)

The entire event, from start to finish, will last from approximately 2 to 4:30 p.m., with the peak occurring at 3:23 p.m. Because the eclipse will occur during school, pick-up and after-care hours, we wanted to share some details about the educational opportunities and safety precautions surrounding this event:

• For the safety of our students, all play areas (playgrounds and Peace Park) will be closed from 2-4:30 p.m.
• It is recommended that students bring a hat or visor to wear at dismissal for additional protection inadvertently looking at the sun.
• Early Childhood Students:
• All Toddler and Primary students will remain indoors during the eclipse.
• As you are picking up your child from school, Primary parents may sign a permission slip and receive eclipse-viewing glasses if you and your child would like to view the eclipse on the way out.
• Elementary and Middle School: 
• Students will be learning about this rare astronomical event in their classrooms throughout the week (watch Bloomz for more information).
• Teachers will take students outside to view the eclipse. You will be asked to sign a permission slip to allow your child to participate and the school will provide eclipse glasses to these students. We also ask you to speak to your child in advance about the dangers of looking directly at the sun.
• If for some reason you feel unsafe walking outside after the afternoon dismissal, you are welcome to use the gym until 4:30 p.m. when the eclipse has ended. Staff will not be in the gym to attend to children, so family members must remain with their children at all times.

If you are interested in learning more about the solar eclipse and related safety precautions, check out the following links:



• National Geographic Kids: Solar Eclipse Science
• PBS Kids: How to Watch the Solar Eclipse with Your Kids
• Family Friendly Guide: How to Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse with Kids