Minisink Valley parents/guardians:
As promised, we’re following up on our March 22 message regarding the April 8 North American Solar Eclipse.
For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event and a tremendous educational experience that we encourage everyone to witness safely.
Based on reliable forecasts for April 8 which indicate mostly sunny weather, the district will dismiss students early on this day. All afterschool activities are canceled. The safety of our students is at the forefront of this decision, because the eclipse will occur in our area at dismissal times.
Dismissal times:
- Middle School: 12:20 p.m.
- High School: 12:30 p.m.
- Elementary schools: 1:40 p.m.
- Afternoon CTEC is canceled.
- All out of district students will be picked up at 12:30 p.m. or at the discretion of the local program.
The eclipse visits New York beginning approximately at 2:10 p.m. with the final exit of the Moon’s shadow from the state at 3:29 p.m. Through New York, the speed of the Moon’s shadow will accelerate from about 2,210 miles per hour to about 2,735 miles per hour.
Our area of New York State will not be in the direct path of the eclipse, but our area will be able to see approximately 94% of the eclipse. Safety glasses are a necessity for anyone outdoors.
Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse (when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face) it’s not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. We urge everyone to take precautions by wearing protective eyewear while viewing.
Reminder: Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
READ MORE AND BE PREPARED:
District statement on the April 8 solar eclipse
NASA Information on the 2024 North American Total Solar Eclipse
New York State Education Department: New York State Total Solar Eclipse – April 2024
What will the eclipse look like near you?
New York State Center for School Health: Solar Eclipses Eye Safety: Protect Your Eyes from the Sun!
The Great North American Solar Eclipse for kids
How to Explain April’s Total Solar Eclipse to Kids
How can I safely watch a solar eclipse with my children?
But First, Shades! How Kids Can View the Solar Eclipse Safely
2024 Total Solar Eclipse in New York State: Health and Safety