As you may be aware, there will be a solar eclipse on April 8 during the afternoon hours. The eclipse will begin with a partial eclipse at 1:56 p.m., peak at 3:12 p.m., and then end at 4:25 p.m. Since this timing coincides with dismissal and/or recess times for students, it's crucial to discuss solar eclipse safety with your children.

Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Do not look directly at the sun: Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. Encourage your children to use approved solar viewing glasses or indirect viewing methods, such as a pinhole viewer or a pinhole projector, to safely observe the eclipse.

• Use approved eye protection: Ensure that any solar viewing glasses used by your children are compliant with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient for viewing the sun.

• Stay informed: Visit reputable sources like the American Academy of Ophthalmology and NASA for detailed information about solar eclipse eye safety and the dangers of viewing the sun with unapproved methods or equipment.

• Remind others: Encourage your children to remind their friends and classmates about the importance of eye safety during the eclipse. Peer-to-peer reminders can be effective in ensuring everyone stays safe.

Your child's safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing these safety measures at home. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during this exciting astronomical event.