On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Michigan's eclipse coverage will range from 75% in the northwest Upper Peninsula to a small area in the southeast Lower Peninsula experiencing totality (100%). Although Genesee County is not in the “path of totality” we will be able to experience the impact of the solar eclipse to some degree, most notably between 1:58 p.m. – 4:27 p.m.
While this is an exciting event, safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. It is not safe to look directly at the Sun, particularly during a solar eclipse, without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. When watching the partial phases of the solar eclipse directly with your eyes, you must always look through safe solar viewing glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer.
We understand that students will want to “look up” to see this exciting scientific occurrence! Neithercut Elementary will be distributing “eclipse glasses” to all students to ensure a safeand educational experience. Classroom teachers, as appropriate, may also incorporate this eventinto their curriculum, allowing students to learn about the science behind solar eclipses. If your child’s teacher utilizes this event as a learning opportunity, all students will be wearing “eclipse glasses” with adult supervision.
However, it is important to note that the timing of the eclipse may coincide with dismissal of your child’s school day. Although students will have access to eclipse glasses while on the school bus, we recognize that some students may not tolerate wearing the glasses while on the bus, nor can we ensure that all students wear eclipse glasses while transporting students home.
Please take the opportunity to have a conversation with your child about this special event and remind them that it is never safe to stare directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse. If you have any questions or concerns regarding school day events or transportation during the solar eclipse, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Educationally Yours,
Mrs. KaSandra Cookenmaster, Ed.S.
Principal, Neithercut Elementary School