UPDATE @6:40 a.m. (Aug. 21)
UPDATE @6:23 a.m. (Aug. 21)
Northridge Local Schools is delaying its first day of the year until Tuesday.
The district’s first day of school was scheduled for today, but due to the eclipse, was delayed a day, according to the district’s website.
>> Solar eclipse 2017 happening today: How to watch and what to know
UPDATE @ 7:55 p.m. (Aug. 18)
Southeastern Local Schools in South Charleston announced Friday night that it would close Monday out of concern for student safety.
The Great American Eclipse will happen during dismissal times, district officials said on its Twitter feed.
The district is among several across the region that have opted to close.
UPDATE @ 2:30 p.m. (Aug. 18)
Springboro Community Schools notified parents Friday of its plans regarding Monday’s solar eclipse.
Several grades normal release time will occur during the peak of the solar eclipse at 2:27 p.m. Due to that, the district has decided to count absences or early dismissals related to the solar eclipse as excused for students at any building.
Those that choose to attend school will be dismissed to their buses or cars at their normal time during the eclipse peak, but will be instructed by teachers to not look directly at the sun without approved American Astrological Society (AAS) standard eclipse glasses:
- To walk in a straight line outside
- Look directly ahead or at the ground
- Any student not following the guidelines will be escorted back in to the school
Some students in the district will get the opportunity to view the solar eclipse outdoors.
Students in 5th grade at Dennis Elementary will be issued AAS standard eclipse glasses to view the event because according to the district, the solar eclipse aligns with the grade’s science curriculum. Other 5th grade students at Five Points Elementary will have to view a live stream of the eclipse due to a glasses order not being fulfilled.
Students at Springboro Junior High School who return a signed permission slip and supply their own eclipse glasses will also be allowed to view the eclipse outdoors because the eclipse aligns with 7th grade Science standards.
All other grades will be be kept indoors after 1 p.m. and be allowed to watch a live stream of the eclipse in their classrooms.
For more details on Springboro Schools eclipse plans, click here.
UPDATE @ 5:29 p.m. (Aug. 17)
Practice for Bellbrook High School sports teams will be limited to indoor activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday due to the eclipse.
Xenia Community Schools will be closed Monday, Aug. 21.
EARLIER REPORT
Many school districts across the region are planning to turn Monday’s Great American Eclipse into a great learning opportunity.
Beavercreek City Schools is among about 20 districts to return to class today.
“Kids are excited, the staff is excited,” Superintendent Paul Otten said.
In addition to regular planning for the upcoming academic year, the district had to consider the Great American Eclipse. The district bought eclipse glasses earlier this summer.
“Every student and staff member in the district will be getting solar glasses,” which Otten said will be handed out Monday to the district’s staff and more than 7,800 students.
Teachers are enthusiastic about an interactive science lesson, the superintendent said.
“They saw it immediately as a learning experience for our kids, and instead of just trying to talk about it in the classroom, we wanted to give them an opportunity to get out and experience it firsthand,” Otten said.
Lena Ellis’ daughter started kindergarten today. “She’s so ready,” said Ellis, who admitted she is as well. “Mommy gets her break.”
She applauds the district for making sure science lessons on the eclipse will be safe.
“I think it’s wonderful they’ll keep their eyes protected,” Ellis said.
However, students must have parental permission to participate in outdoor eclipse activities. Letters will be sent home by the end of the week.
More eclipse-related news is on the News Center 7 website's #SkyWitness7 page.
News Center 7 will livestream special eclipse coverage Monday on Facebook and www.whio.com. A special broadcast also will be on AM 1290 and 95.7 WHIO.