April 3, 2024

Solar Eclipse Information - April 8, 2024

We are thrilled to announce our students will have the opportunity to witness a rare and exciting event: a solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This extraordinary phenomenon will take place in the afternoon, providing a unique learning experience for our students. 

Looking directly into the Sun and a solar eclipse for any amount of time can be damaging to the human eye, so the top priority is to prepare for eye safety! Please talk to your child(ren) about the importance of being safe and not looking directly into the solar eclipse. 

  • We have made these plans to ensure the safety of our students and staff:
  • We purchased solar eclipse glasses for all students and staff.
  • No recess will take place during the afternoon of April 8 and gym classes will remain inside.
  • Teachers have been provided information to share with their students about the eclipse, including how to observe the sun safely and how often total eclipses happen.
  • Classes may go outside during the eclipse with glasses on to observe this rare event.
  • Students will have the glasses in their hands at dismissal, in case they want to stop and look up at the Solar Eclipse. However, they will not be able to wear them as they are walking around, as they are dark and the students will not be able to see.
  • Students will dismiss as usual, but families need to be aware it will be dark at dismissal.

During the eclipse, which will occur between 1:55 p.m. and 4:23 p.m., students will be outside with their classes to observe this awe-inspiring event. Montague will experience a partial eclipse with 90.75% coverage and the maximum eclipse will occur at 3:10 p.m. 

We believe witnessing the solar eclipse firsthand will spark curiosity and wonder in our students, providing them with a memorable learning experience. 

To learn more about the eclipse visit the National Science Teaching Association website:

 https://bit.ly/3xjlZLD

or visit the Time and Date website https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/@5002372?iso=20240408

to see the eclipse path for Montague.

As a reminder, it is NEVER safe to look directly at the Sun. Regular sunglasses, swimming goggles, and most camera filters are NOT safe for looking directly at the Sun. Many local libraries and local retail locations have solar eclipse glasses available for families.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing this remarkable event with our school community.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.