As many of you know, on August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will cross the continental United States from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. The last time a total eclipse crossed the United States from sea to sea was June 8, 1918.  This is an historic event and a wonderful opportunity to view one of nature’s most stunning displays.

The elementary, middle, and high school will have lessons across the curriculum highlighting the event.  A special thanks to FPD parent, Dr. Jeffery Hinson who has donated NASA approved safety eclipse glasses for each student in grades 1 – 12 and their teachers on the day of the event so that we can go outside and watch together.

Safety will be a top priority. In grades one through twelve, we will discuss the importance of wearing the safety glasses. Please do the same with your children at home.

Parents are invited to join their students for the viewing, but please bring your own safety glasses.

Special Note for Parents of Students in PreK and Kindergarten:

For the utmost safety of our littlest Vikings, we will not be including our preschool students in the outdoor activity since they may not understand the importance of wearing their safety glasses. However, we will be watching it via a live stream indoors. You are also welcome to come pick-up your child before the viewing if you would like to participate as a family at home.

Special Note for Parents of Students in Grades 1 – 5:

Please sign and return to your child’s teacher the Eclipse Viewing Permission Slip with your preference. If you prefer that your child not participate, you may request to come pick up your child before the viewing or that your child stay indoors and watch the eclipse via a live stream.

Special Note for Parents of Middle and High School Students: 

If you would prefer that your child not participate in the viewing of the eclipse, please call Liz Causey in the High School office at 478.477.6505, and we will have a place for students to view it inside via a live stream during that time.

Schedule:

Students will go to the viewing areas at 2:30 p.m. For elementary, this will be the grass area near the carpool zone. For middle and high school, this will be the soccer field. Elementary students will return to the carpool zone after the viewing while Middle and High School students will return to their classrooms before being dismissed at 3:10 p.m.

More Information About the Eclipse:

For more information regarding the eclipse, safety tips, and other resources please visit https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety