School News
Dear
Families,
On
Monday, August 21, 2017 the shadow of the Moon will sweep across the Earth
producing a solar eclipse. The Great American Eclipse will range from a total
to partial eclipse depending on location. In Central Virginia we will
experience a partial eclipse, which will begin at approximately 1:14 p.m. and
end at approximately 4:02 p.m. The maximum viewing time for the eclipse will be
at 2:41 p.m.
Last
week we distributed a letter that stated that we would not allow students to
observe the eclipse for safety reasons. Since that time, we have obtained
generous community donations that enabled us to purchase NASA-endorsed eclipse
glasses for each student and staff member. These glasses provide the necessary
protection for safely viewing the eclipse. For that reason, our school has made
the following plan for learning about and observing the eclipse:
Bedford Middle School
Solar Eclipse Plan
- Teachers will receive information about the eclipse-related learning
activities.
- Science teachers will teach lessons about the eclipse including safety
precautions.
- Students will receive information about the solar eclipse and the
dangers involved with viewing the eclipse without eclipse glasses during
the school-wide assembly.
- Reminders about safety during the eclipse will be shared with the
staff and students again the morning of August 21st.
- Students will be expected to have their eclipse glasses on prior to
viewing the eclipse. If students normally wear glasses, they will put the
eclipse glasses on over them.
- Prior to dismissal to go home, students will be directed to put on
their eclipse glasses when directly looking at the sun.
- Students that have been opted-out of viewing the eclipse outside may
watch the eclipse online from NASA in the auditorium so that they can understand
what is happening meteorologically without being exposed to the dangers of
viewing the eclipse directly.
Bedford
County Public Schools also recognizes the eclipse will coincide with dismissal
time and that there may be other times students typically go outside during the
day. Because of these safety concerns, other precautionary measures will be
taken to protect students:
- All teachers will be provided links to educational
resources to help educate students about the eclipse and related safety risks.
- P.E. classes and recess during the eclipse event will
be held indoors.
- All students will be instructed to wear safety
glasses while loading or riding the bus or cars at dismissal when directly
looking at the sun.
- Bus drivers will remind the students of the safety
risks.
- All families who do not want their children to
participate in observing the eclipse must complete the enclosed opt-out form
and return it to the school by Monday
morning, August
21, 2017.
- Any parent may check their children out of school
early to observe the eclipse as a family without attendance consequences.
More
information about the 2017 solar eclipse can be found on NASA’s website at
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/.
A
solar eclipse is a terrific learning opportunity. Taking precautionary measures to educate
our
students and staff will ensure a memorable and safe experience.