Dear Upper Moreland Families,
On Monday, April 8th a solar eclipse will occur in the sky over the Upper Moreland School District, according to the NASA website about eclipses. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. The eclipse will begin at approximately 2:05 pm and conclude at 4:30 pm. During peak coverage from about 3:20 pm to 4:00 pm; the sky will grow darker, similar to the appearance of the sky at dawn or dusk.
On April 8th, teachers will dedicate instructional time to teaching our students about solar eclipses. This will include learning about astronomy and understanding important eye safety precautions when viewing the eclipse.
Based on the timing of the eclipse event and the forecasted mostly sunny skies, all students will receive a pair of certified eclipse viewing glasses prior to dismissal. Our staff will instruct students to avoid looking directly at the sun. Additionally, due to peak coverage and darker skies from 3:20 to 4:00, we will delay the start of any outside after-school activities until 4:30 pm.
High school and middle school dismissal will occur at the beginning of the eclipse event when the moon is just beginning to pass in front of the sun. All students will receive a pair of certified eclipse-viewing glasses that they can wear to view the eclipse when they arrive at home. High school drivers should not wear eclipse-viewing glasses while driving.
Elementary dismissal will occur just before peak coverage of the sun. The sky will grow darker as elementary students dismiss. All elementary students will receive a pair of certified eclipse-viewing glasses that they can wear to view the eclipse on the bus or when they arrive at home.
While the event will be a visual phenomenon, we ask our community to take the necessary safeguards if you plan to observe the event. Staring directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent damage to your eyes. The intense solar radiation can burn the retina, leading to solar retinopathy, or other vision problems. Always use proper solar viewing equipment, such as certified solar eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse.
Please reference the following resources for additional information and safety recommendations:
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Regards,
Dr. Sue Elliott
Superintendent of Schools