School plans for April 8 eclipse?

[Anonymous]

Have any schools announced how they're going to handle this? I know we're not getting the full eclipse in DC, but the "maximum" for us is happening at 3:20pm, which is after HS is out, and when MS kids are on their way home. And we're all supposed to wear the glasses, so I have visions of kids walking home, riding buses, etc and staring up at the sky without the glasses. This seems problematic? Also, it's just a super cool thing to observe, and are the ES kids doing anything to experience it?

[Anonymous]

We tried to order glasses using school funds but were denied because MCPS has frozen all spending. Maybe other schools are less strict about spending these days or are able to use PTA funding

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have any schools announced how they're going to handle this? I know we're not getting the full eclipse in DC, but the "maximum" for us is happening at 3:20pm, which is after HS is out, and when MS kids are on their way home. And we're all supposed to wear the glasses, so I have visions of kids walking home, riding buses, etc and staring up at the sky without the glasses. This seems problematic? Also, it's just a super cool thing to observe, and are the ES kids doing anything to experience it?

Tell your middle and high schoolers the risks, they're old enough to know don't look at the sun? If you want to do something special, pick your kid up early.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We tried to order glasses using school funds but were denied because MCPS has frozen all spending. Maybe other schools are less strict about spending these days or are able to use PTA funding

That would be a waste of school funds. Parents can buy glasses for their kids and do their own thing if they want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We tried to order glasses using school funds but were denied because MCPS has frozen all spending. Maybe other schools are less strict about spending these days or are able to use PTA funding

That would be a waste of school funds. Parents can buy glasses for their kids and do their own thing if they want.

Cheaper than special ed services for 1 blinded kid.

[Anonymous]

kindergarten teacher here-- we're having an Eclipse Day with regular instruction, just space-themed, and will be counting down starting Wednesday/Thursday. I bought glasses a while ago since I remember the rush and difficulty getting them from 2019. When we go back from break, I will ask parents to donate a few bucks to recoup my out-of-pocket costs, and make sure any students who specifically aren't coming to school that day will have their glasses to take home. We will go outside in the afternoon to take a look for sure.

[Anonymous]

Teach your kids how to do a pinhole camera onto a white card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We tried to order glasses using school funds but were denied because MCPS has frozen all spending. Maybe other schools are less strict about spending these days or are able to use PTA funding

That would be a waste of school funds. Parents can buy glasses for their kids and do their own thing if they want.

Why would it be a waste? I am a scientist and the eclipse is huge news in the world of science. I’m shocked MCPS is not making sure that every school does something.

[Anonymous]

The last time Halley's Comet was around, I was in school, and we did a whole unit on it in my MCPS science class. I would think doing eclipse activities could be a great way to engage kids of all ages in science and just experiencing something cool together. I wish they had given teachers some guidance.

[Anonymous]

Most eye doctors will say there is no safe way to look directly at the sun. Even welders glass is not actually dark enough. Since your pupils are so dialated even when wearing there can be damage to the retina.

I can see school systems being a bit shy to take that level of responsibility on directly. With this mostly happening at bus time, it’s hard to have any organized effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most eye doctors will say there is no safe way to look directly at the sun. Even welders glass is not actually dark enough. Since your pupils are so dialated even when wearing there can be damage to the retina.

I can see school systems being a bit shy to take that level of responsibility on directly. With this mostly happening at bus time, it’s hard to have any organized effort.

Eclipse glasses are darker than most welding glasses.

https://www.planetary.org/articles/are-your-solar-eclipse-glasses-safe

https://phillips-safety.com/welding-safety/can-i-use-welding-glasses-to-look-at-the-sun/

Eyee doctors see no benefit to eclipse watching (not their department) so any risk of error is too much for their recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Our MS is hosting something on the field but of course it’s only for kids that don’t have to ride the bus home. Praying they don’t make teachers babysit them as a duty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our MS is hosting something on the field but of course it’s only for kids that don’t have to ride the bus home. Praying they don’t make teachers babysit them as a duty.

We have a staff meeting. Would rather see the eclipse even if it's not a total eclipse here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most eye doctors will say there is no safe way to look directly at the sun. Even welders glass is not actually dark enough. Since your pupils are so dialated even when wearing there can be damage to the retina.

I can see school systems being a bit shy to take that level of responsibility on directly. With this mostly happening at bus time, it’s hard to have any organized effort.

Why do you feel the need to jump in with incorrect information. Eclipse glasses are considered safe and have been endorsed by NASA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most eye doctors will say there is no safe way to look directly at the sun. Even welders glass is not actually dark enough. Since your pupils are so dialated even when wearing there can be damage to the retina.

I can see school systems being a bit shy to take that level of responsibility on directly. With this mostly happening at bus time, it’s hard to have any organized effort.

Why do you feel the need to jump in with incorrect information. Eclipse glasses are considered safe and have been endorsed by NASA

NP. There are a lot of unsafe knockoffs. No way would I be okay with a school providing classes for my kids and having them to look directly at the sun.

Gift NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/article/total-solar-eclipse.html?unlocked_article_code=1.gE0.o8qg.b-oJbG8QdriC&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb

“According to NASA, it is not safe to look at the sun through any optical device while using paper glasses or viewers. To watch the eclipse through cameras, binoculars or telescopes, buy a special solar filter.”