Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced that students will be dismissed early on April 8 during the partial solar eclipse.
Spotsylvania County is not dismissing school early but will move all afterschool activities indoors for the duration of the eclipse. Caroline County is doing the same. Stafford County will provide a full day of instruction but is purchasing special glasses for students to view the eclipse during dismissal.
In Fredericksburg, elementary schools will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. and middle and high schools will be dismissed at noon. Preschool programs will also end at noon.
“Our concern is everyone’s safety,” Fredericksburg City Schools officials stated in a Facebook post. “We know it would be tempting for some students to look at the sun which could cause injury without eye protection. We also know that many parents would like to experience the solar eclipse with their children … The early dismissal will allow students to arrive home safely.”
The statement added that school officials hope students and families “take the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary, natural phenomenon,” and that more information regarding safe viewing will be posted later.
In Spotsylvania, school officials noted that the eclipse will begin at 2:02 p.m. and end at 4:31 p.m., peaking at 3:19 p.m. All dismissals will take place during the eclipse period. Parents are encouraged to speak to their children about solar eclipse safety tips such as never looking directly at the sun, using special glasses or filters that conform to all International Organization for Standardization standards and ensuring glasses are from reputable manufacturers. Spotsylvania officials also noted that looking at the sun through tinted windows, sunglasses, telescopes, or binoculars may still cause damage.
The school division provided a link to a list of reputable companies that conform to safety standards: https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters.
Caroline school officials noted that in their viewing area, the moon will obscure approximately 85% of the sun between 2-4:20 p.m. for an “awe inspiring event.” The school division purchased protective eyewear for all students and staff.
“This eclipse marks a truly historic occasion, as the next visible one in the United States will occur in 2044,” a message to Caroline’s parents stated. “Let’s make the most of this remarkable learning opportunity together.”
Stafford educators were provided with NASA-approved, grade-level appropriate materials to support instruction. Students in the middle and elementary schools will all receive solar viewing glasses to protect their eyes during the bus ride home, and to observe the once-in-a-generation teachable moment firsthand.
As a precautionary measure, additional instruction will be provided by certified teachers on elementary school afternoon bus routes in Stafford County. Equipped with additional eclipse facts to deliver at appropriate stops, these teachers will also ensure students are wearing their school-provided, ISO 12312-2 solar safety glasses during the bus ride.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to celebrate science and provide our students with a meaningful, real-life experience that enhances the instructional day,” said Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, superintendent.
King George Schools noted that their county will experience 85% coverage during the eclipse. Elementary students “will have lessons designed around the eclipse,” and schools will provide solar eclipse glasses for viewing, according to a memo sent to families.
