BCS Solar Eclipse Update
Information for Monday, April 8, 2024
Dear BCS Families:
We are excited for the total solar eclipse that will take place on Monday, April 8, 2024. We are aware that Detroit is in a near totality zone for the eclipse and are sharing resources with our staff and WE HAVE SECURED GLASSES FOR EVERY STUDENT AND STAFF MEMBER AT BCS in order for them to prepare students for this event. However, we need your help! It is important that families emphasize the importance for students to wear the glasses if they choose to look at the eclipse when they are outside with their class (for a planned viewing event) or at dismissal. Here is additional information you can share with your family about the eclipse: https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/SolarEclipses2023_Handouts.pdf
TIMING OF THE ECLIPSE
The eclipse (the moon passing between the sun and Earth casting a shadow on the Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light in some areas) will begin around 1:50pm and will end around 4:27pm. The peak of the eclipse will take place around 3:14pm, right around our 3:18pm regular dismissal time.
BCS ECLIPSE VIEWING PLAN
We will have some classes who are taking their students to view the eclipse earlier in the day (between 2pm-3pm) and have a specific lesson. However, these teachers will be sending out an OPT OUT form for parents who do not wish to have their students view the eclipse. We will have another staff member with any students who will not view the eclipse while the class goes out for viewing.
BCS DISMISSAL PLAN
Any students who will leave at 3:18pm will be given glasses and told they need to put them on if they plan to look at the eclipse during dismissal. However, it is important to note that it will be dark at dismissal. Additionally, the glasses that make viewing the solar eclipse safe are not safe for walking, so we will not require students to walk with them on (in fact, we will instruct them not to do this). If your child will stay for Choice Hour on Monday they will not go outside with their choice hour until they dismiss at 4:10pm. We do want to emphasize that it is never safe or recommended to look directly at the sun even with sunglasses. The glasses that we are providing to our students and staff are specially created to make viewing the eclipse safe.
Finally, if you would like to pick up your student/s early on Monday, April 8, 2024 (anytime between 11:30-3pm) please complete this form so that we can have your student/s ready in the office at the time of your pick up.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school with any questions you may have regarding our plans for the eclipse. Thank you!