Back to School and the Solar Eclipse

This information has been provided by the Broward County Public School Board.

In the afternoon of Monday, August 21, 2017, the first day of school, Broward County will experience a partial solar eclipse. A partial solar eclipse is when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun. The partial solar eclipse will begin at 1:26 p.m. and last until 4:20 p.m. with a maximum coverage being reached at 2:57 p.m.

Observing the sun can be dangerous to the eyes if proper precautions are not taken. To minimize the likelihood that students will look directly at the sun and risk damaging their eyes:

• ALL outdoor activities between the hours of 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. (physical education classes, recess, athletic practice, band practice, aftercare program, etc.) at ALL schools, will be moved indoors. Outdoor activities can resume after 4:30 p.m.

• Before Monday, August 21, 2017, we ask that ALL PARENTS speak to their child about the eclipse and dangers of looking directly at the sun and the potential damage this can cause to their eyes.

We are also asking parents to use an abundance of caution while driving during the time of the eclipse, and to be especially careful in the parent pickup area at school to avoid distracted drivers, students and pedestrians. Regular dismissal will not be affected.

Here is a link to a Scientific American informational article “Science Says Why We Can’t Look at the Sun” by Rachael Rettner (Copyright 2017 Live Science) on the risks when looking directly at the sun. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/science-says-why-we-cant-look-at-the-sun/.

For more information, please read our news release: http://www.browardschools.com/News-And-Events/News/BCPS-Prepares-for-the-First-Day-of-School-and-the#.WZNEz1F9601.

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.

Broward County Public Schools