On Monday, August 21st , between 2:00pm-3:00pm we will be witnessing an almost total eclipse of the sun. Being outside during the eclipse is not dangerous to your eyesight as long as you do not look DIRECTLY at the sun. Looking at the event without eye protection could cause damage to your child's eyes. If we dismiss school with our normal routine (8:00-2:50), we would have 97 Lower School students outside at one time, and it would be impossible to ensure that every child would follow directions. Therefore, on Monday, Lower School teachers will keep students in their classrooms until you come inside to pick them up. We realize this will cause a minor traffic jam and some inconvenience, but that is a small sacrifice to ensure your child's health.
If parents would prefer to pick their child up early on Monday to avoid being out at the time of the eclipse, please send a note with your child on Monday. We will discuss and remind our Middle and Upper School students about the dangers of looking directly at the eclipse, but please reiterate this at home. Upper or Middle School parents may have students excused at 12:25, if they choose to, but please send a note to give them permission to leave. All athletic events will go on as scheduled. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
