April 8th Solar Eclipse
Principal Message
Rays,
We are so excited to host students on April 8th for the Solar Eclipse. Our PTA has been amazing and acquired solar glasses for every student on campus. Our district instructional teams have provided strong instructional activities, centered around the eclipse, to our teachers; and we have a strong plan in place to make sure learning is focused and students are safe as we experience this event together. To keep all students safe and due to limited space on campus we are unable to invite parents and community members to campus on this day. As stated above we have worked hard to answer any questions you may have about what the Solar Eclipse will look like for all learners on this day. If you have any additional question related to April 8th please reach out to campus or email me directly.
Thank you,
Alison Pennington
Principal Ronald Reagan Elementary School
Is there Parent Information provided by the district for the eclipse?
Yes, you may find all parent information on this website: https://www.leanderisd.org/total-solar-eclipse-event/ . Our district Science department has worked hard to ensure our staff and community have the most up to date information on the eclipse.
When will students go outside and where will they watch the eclipse?
Students will begin to go outside around 1:20 pm and will stay outside until around 1:45 pm. Students will be located on the large and small playgrounds. We will have staff members stationed at gates and entrances to where students will be located. Outside of this amazing educational experience our priority is student safety. We will monitor campus throughout the day to make sure community members are not on property and our students have space to watch this once and a lifetime event.
Are parents and the community allowed on campus for the event?
Due to the limited space for student learning, limited parking, and safety of all we will not be allowing community members or parents on campus for this event.
What can students bring outside to watch the eclipse?
Students may bring their safety glasses and water outside with them to watch the eclipse. Anything else they bring outside may get dirty or lost.
Will students be allowed back in the building during the eclipse?
Yes, students will be allowed back into the building to use the bathroom or get water. We will have staff monitoring the doors to make sure students have access to the building.
What if it Rains?
Currently there is a 42% chance of rain on April 8th. If it rains we will watch the eclipse via this link: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/livestreams .
Can students leave early on this day?
Yes, you are allowed to come get your child early any day of the school year. Due to the size of the event, we request all early pick up occur prior to 12:30 pm. We will only have 1 staff member in the office until 1:30 and the office will be closed from 1:30-1:45 pm.
Can students Opt Out of watching the eclipse?
Yes, we are happy to have any student opting out of the eclipse watch the phenomenon on a screen in the gym. Students will be monitored by a staff member during this time. If you would like your student to opt out you must fill out this form by April 5th at 4pm: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4t_ioO1NFXl9luqDiYnDWNf-HN9nopFtG_kXAjzBLhB9eog/viewform .