Solar Eclipse 2024
Dear KLSD Community,
As you may know, on April 8th 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur and be visible in northern parts of New York State. This is a rare and exciting astronomical event. The next such eclipse won’t be visible in New York State until 2079.
In our area, although the total eclipse will not be visible, a partial eclipse will occur between approximately 2:00 and 4:30 pm, with peak coverage (about 90% of the sun) occurring at 3:26 pm.
So, why is your school superintendent writing to you about this solar phenomenon? I’m writing because the eclipse presents both exciting educational opportunities and some safety concerns (related to the day and timing of the event). We have been considering both and want to share our plans with you, so that your family can plan accordingly.
Our schools will be in session for their regular hours on Monday, April 8. It is the first day after our Spring Break. At all grade levels, during science instruction, teachers will present age-appropriate lessons relevant to the eclipse. They will include safety tips about not looking directly at the sun without appropriate protection. I also encourage families to review safety information (see link above) with your children at home.
Towards the end of the school day, all schools will supply students and staff with NASA-approved eclipse viewing safety glasses. At our middle and high schools, the school day ends and students are dismissed before the peak eclipse. The glasses are provided in case students wish to view the eclipse, with their family’s permission, after the school day.
At our elementary schools, dismissal coincides with the peak eclipse time. Students will be walking to their buses (or cars) and, knowing that they may be tempted to look up, we want to offer as much safety as we can by providing these glasses (which students will be asked to wear).
We will not be supervising viewings of the eclipse during the school day. If any family wishes to have their child(ren) dismissed from school to view this rare solar event as a family, we understand and we will consider this an excused absence. Please notify your school following typical attendance procedures no later than Thursday, March 28.
Sincerely,
Andrew Selesnick, Superintendent of Schools