by Adele Uphaus
MANAGING EDITOR AND CORRESPONDENT
Monday’s solar eclipse will occur at the end of the school day or on the way home for most area students, and school divisions have announced plans to ensure that children are safe and able to enjoy the rare phenomenon.
Fredericksburg will experience a partial solar eclipse beginning at about 2 p.m. when the moon will touch the edge of the sun and begin to move in front of it. At the maximum point, around 3:19 p.m., the moon will cover all but a sliver of the sun. The event will end by 4:30.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced on Wednesday that schools will close early on April 8, to allow students to arrive home before the event begins.
“Our concern is everyone’s safety,” the division announced on Wednesday evening. “We know it would be tempting for some students to look at the sun which could cause injury without eye protection. We also know that many parents would like to experience the solar eclipse with their children. For these reasons, we will close schools early on Monday, April 8.”
Elementary schools will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. and the high school and middle school at noon.
Monday will be a full school day for Stafford County students, but the division announced plans this week for both promoting safety and education.
All elementary and middle school students will receive solar safety glasses so they can view the solar event on their way home. In addition, teachers will be on every elementary school bus that afternoon to ensure that students wear their glasses and to provide insight into what is happening during the eclipse.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to celebrate science and provide our students with a meaningful, real-life experience that enhances the instructional day,” superintendent Thomas Taylor said in the school division’s announcement.
Spotsylvania students will also have a full day of school, but afternoon activities will be postponed until 5 p.m., after the eclipse has ended, communications director Rene Daniels said.
Daniels said some classes have purchased solar safety glasses or have had them donated, and teachers and staff will share safety tips with students during the day.
In King George County, all elementary schoolers will receive safety glasses so they can watch the eclipse with their classmates, spokeswoman Amanda Higgins said. Secondary and preschool students will not be in school during the event.
“If you have any concerns about your child participating in the solar eclipse viewing, please reach out to your child’s school. We will provide alternative activities for those who are unable to participate,” the division told parents this week. “We encourage parents to discuss the solar eclipse with your child at home and reinforce the importance of wearing protective glasses during the event.”
Caroline County will also provide protective glasses to all students, the division said last week.
“This eclipse marks a truly historic occasion, as the next visible one in the United States will occur in 2044. Let’s make the most of this remarkable learning opportunity together,” the division communicated to families.
School divisions have shared the following resources for families about Monday’s total eclipse:
