Monday, April 8
Solar Eclipse Preparation
On Monday, April 8 – just after we return from Spring Break - we will be in the path of a solar eclipse. West Michigan will experience a partial eclipse from 1:55 to 4:24pm with 94% totality at 3:11pm.
While this is an amazing educational opportunity, there are also potential risks. Viewing of the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent damage to vision. And regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
In order to protect students from these risks, here are some of the precautions HPS buildings and classrooms will take during the eclipse:
- Students and staff will limit outdoor activities after 1:45pm unless it is part of a pre-planned and supervised activity.
- Approved protective eyewear (meets the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard) will be worn by all students during these planned activities.
- If your child's classroom will be participating in outdoor eclipse activities, their teacher has already notified you about those plans. If you choose not to have your child participate in a Solar Eclipse activity, please contact your child’s teacher.
- Because the eclipse will still be happening as we dismiss, we will remind all students and staff in an end-of-day announcement about the potential eye damage that could result from looking at the sun, even with sunglasses.