School outlines plans for viewing eclipse

On Monday, Aug. 21, students across Wilmington School District 209-U will be learning about an event that is being called The Great American Solar Eclipse, because it is the first time since 1918 a solar eclipse will be visible on a path across the entire continental United States.

The School District has been making plans to ensure that its students can enjoy and experience this once-in-a-lifetime event while ensuring their safety and well being. There are some potential risks with the direct viewing of any solar eclipse.

"Safety is always a top priority for our School District," Dr. Matt Swick, superintendent, said in a message to district parents. "In order to ensure the safety and well being of our students, the event will be viewed indoors. Our goal is to make this experience both safe, educational and enjoyable."

The ideal eclipse viewing window is fairly narrow in the afternoon hours. The district administration recommends that neither students nor adults look directly at the sun at any time during the eclipse.

Teachers at all grade levels have been planning for some very exciting learning experiences and activities, which will be taking place throughout the day on Monday. Students at Bruning, Stevens Intermediate School, Wilmington Middle School and Wilmington High School will also have the opportuntity to view the eclipse as it occus via NASA TV and other online sources.

Parents are asked to remind their children to be safe and take extra care to not look directly at the sun at any point on Monday, expecially when they are released at the end of the school day. School staff will be providing safety reminders throughout the day as well, as the students learn many new and interesting things about the solar eclipse.

For more information regarding general eclipse safety precautions, please visit <http://www.eclipseglasses.com/pages/safety> www.eclipseglasses.com/pages/safety or <http://www.eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety> www.eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety.