Solar eclipse: Safety information for our families
On Monday, Aug. 21, the Sacramento region will be treated to a partial solar eclipse between 9-11:45 a.m. Many of our schools and teachers have recognized the remarkable learning opportunity available and are planning eclipse-related activities with students.
The safety of our students is our number one priority, and our schools understand that staring at even a sliver of the sun without adequate eye protection can cause permanent eye damage. Schools will be sending home consent forms this week should any of them be planning eclipse-related activities.
Schools that will be hosting activities that involve directly viewing the eclipse outside will provide industry standard solar eclipse glasses. Parents are welcome to send their children to school with personal viewing glasses, but make sure that they meet basic proper safety viewing standards. Alternative eclipse viewing methods, such as pinhole projection, are also permitted at school and do not require safety glasses – but will require parent consent.
Here are some helpful resources for safe eclipse viewing:
Some schools may choose to move their recess indoors or reschedule later in the day. If you have specific questions about your child’s plans during the eclipse, please contact your school.