Ensuring Student Safety During the Solar Eclipse
Dear Kanawha County Schools Parents and Guardians,
On the afternoon of Monday, April 8, 2024, it is anticipated that between 1:58 p.m. to 4:29 p.m. our region will experience a partial solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and earth, blocking all or a portion of the sun’s rays.
Medical professionals advise it is always dangerous to look directly at the sun without appropriate eye protection. Out of an abundance of caution, Kanawha County Schools (KCS) is taking extra steps for your child’s safety.
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KCS will follow a regular schedule on Monday, April 8, 2024.
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All schools have been encouraged to share the solar eclipse viewing experience with students by utilizing television feeds or internet live streams. If you have questions regarding this, please contact your child’s school.
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Resources and lessons about the solar eclipse are available from the West Virginia Department of Education, NASA, and other science outlets.
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Teachers will talk with students about the dangers of looking directly at the sun at any time, especially during the solar eclipse.
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Students will not be permitted outside for any activities other than those planned and approved by the principal during the hours of 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. This includes recess, afterschool day care programs, YMCA hosted in our schools, athletics, band or other activities/clubs that typically commence outside.
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As the students are dismissed, staff will be on hand to instruct students not to look directly at the sun and to monitor as they exit the building.
The eclipse will continue during dismissal time. KCS asks parents to discuss with their child the option of wearing glasses until arriving home. KCS asks the parents of students who drive, walk, bike, or ride the bus to and from school to further reinforce the dangers of looking at the sun while they are on their way home Monday, April 8, 2024.
For information regarding the eclipse path please utilize the following link: Eclipse Path of Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 (timeanddate.com)
We appreciate your understanding and support during this unique learning experience and request that you talk with your child regarding the eclipse prior to Monday, April 8, 2024.