On August 21, 2017 the moon will pass between the earth and the sun for the first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse since 1918. Millions of Americans in 12 states will be able to watch this solar spectacle that will turn day into night for several minutes.
Several grade levels will be in school during this event and our educators will take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime happening to make it a tremendous learning experience for our students. There will also be several grade levels released at their normal time, which happens to be during the peak of the solar eclipse, 2:27 pm. We understand concerns over dismissal times coinciding with the peak of the solar eclipse. Therefore, absences or early dismissals, related to the solar eclipse, will count as excused on Monday, August 21st, 2017 for all school buildings in the Springboro Community City School District.
Below is a rundown of what each building in our district will be doing on Monday, Aug. 21st, with regards to the solar eclipse –
Clearcreek Elementary
PreK – 1st Grades
Kindergarten students (Last Names P-Z) and 1st Grade students will report/dismiss at regularly scheduled times. All students will remain in class during the day, with recess/gym being moved indoors (similar to what would happen if it were raining outside). PreK students and Kindergarten students (Last Names A-O) are not scheduled to report to Clearcreek Elementary, as per staggered schedule. Dennis Elementary
2nd – 4th Grades
Students in grades 2nd - 4th will report/dismiss at regularly scheduled times. All students will remain in class during the day, with recess/gym being moved indoors, if scheduled after 1:00pm (similar to what would happen if it were raining outside). Students may have the opportunity to watch a live stream of the solar eclipse, projected in a classroom. 5th Grade
Students in 5th Grade will report/dismiss at regularly scheduled times. Given solar eclipses align with the 5th Grade Science standards, all students were provided the opportunity to receive information/permission slips detailing the day’s activities and the option to sign up to view the solar eclipse outside, as part of the class. Glasses will be supplied by Dennis Elementary and meet the American Astrological Society's standards (ISO 12312-2) for safe viewing of the solar eclipse. Students may have the opportunity to watch a live stream of the solar eclipse, projected in a classroom. Five Points Elementary
2nd – 5th Grades
Students in grades 2nd - 5th* will report/dismiss at regularly scheduled times. All students will remain in class during the day, with recess/gym being moved indoors, if scheduled after 1:00pm (similar to what would happen if it were raining outside). Students may have the opportunity to watch a live stream of the solar eclipse, projected in a classroom. *Unfortunately, the glasses purchased for 5th Grade Five Points students were unable to be fulfilled, despite being ordered several weeks ago. The order was cancelled, per the vendor, on Aug. 14th. Springboro Intermediate
6th Grade
Students in 6th Grade** will report/dismiss at regularly scheduled times. All students will remain in class during the day, with recess/gym being moved indoors, if scheduled after 1:00pm (similar to what would happen if it were raining outside). Students may have the opportunity to watch a live stream of the solar eclipse, projected in a classroom. **Unfortunately, the glasses purchased for Springboro Intermediate students were unable to be fulfilled, despite being ordered several weeks ago. The order was cancelled, per the vendor, on Aug. 14th. Springboro Junior High School
7th - 8th Grades
Students in grades 7th – 8th*** will report/dismiss at regularly scheduled times. Given solar eclipses align with the 7th Grade Science standards, all students were provided the opportunity to receive information/permission slips detailing the day’s activities and the option to sign up to view the solar eclipse outside, as part of the class. While glasses will not be supplied by SJHS, students are given the option to bring in their own pair of eclipse glasses that must meet the American Astrological Society's standards (ISO 12312-2) for safe viewing of the solar eclipse. Students who turn in the permission slip will be allowed to go to the football field at 1:30 pm. Since the peak of the solar eclipse is occurring at 2:27 pm, the Junior High is inviting students who have turned in the permission slip to remain at the football field after the conclusion of the school day at 2:20 pm. The students will be supervised by school personnel. It is requested that all students are picked up at the Junior High by 3:45 pm. Students without a signed permission slip will have the opportunity to watch a live stream of the solar eclipse, projected in a classroom, and can be picked up/go home at normal dismissal. ***Unfortunately, the glasses purchased for Springboro Junior High students were unable to be fulfilled, despite being ordered several weeks ago. The order was cancelled, per the vendor, on Aug. 14th.
Springboro High School
9th-12th Grades
Students in grades 9th – 12th will report/dismiss at regularly scheduled times. All students will remain in class during the day. District
Teachers/staff will review guidelines for safe viewing with their students prior to the solar eclipse taking place on Monday, Aug. 21st:
- Do NOT look directly at the sun unless you have on the approved solar eclipse glasses, which meet the American Astrological Society's standards (ISO 12312-2).
- Walk in a straight line outside, looking directly ahead or at the ground with your teacher.
- Any student not following these guidelines will be escorted back into the school. Again, given concerns over dismissal times coinciding with the peak of the solar eclipse, absences or early dismissals, related to the solar eclipse, will count as excused on Monday, August 21st, 2017 for all school buildings in the Springboro Community City School District.
We look forward to this extraordinary event and making it a positive learning experience for everyone!
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school building directly.