As Miami-Dade and Broward County Public Schools kicks-off a new school year on Monday, August 21, the Great American Solar Eclipse will be traversing North America; and will be visible in South Florida.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun in a path that positions the moon right in front of the sun. The moon, sun, and Earth are directly aligned.
Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause severe damage to the eyes. To strike a balance between ensuring student safety and leveraging this once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity, both Districts will be taking the following measures:
- Dismissal times have not changed.
- Principals and educators may incorporate appropriate
STEAM-related curriculum in schools.
- Most outdoor classes/activities between the hours of 1 p.m.
and 4:30 p.m., including physical education, recess, after-care
programs, athletic/band practices, outdoor games, field trips and
extra-curricular activities will be moved indoors. Some safe outdoor
educational activities may take place.
- The safest way to experience the solar eclipse is online at
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-live-stream. We are encouraging
schools to provide online viewing opportunities for students.
- Parents are asked to speak with their children about the
dangers of looking at the sun, especially if they walk home from school.
- Only devises recognized by NASA and the American Astronomical Society (AAS) with a solar filter, such as “eclipse glasses,” can be
used to safely watch the eclipse. Homemade devices cannot be
used to view the eclipse
- Parents are also urged to use extreme caution when driving
During dismissal times as extra traffic congestion is expected.
Broward District’s Office of Academics has provided teachers with sample lesson plans, and guidance and information regarding the 2017 eclipse for instructional activities.
A solar eclipse can cause unusual changes to your surroundings, and can last for several hours.
The solar eclipse is projected to take place between 1:26 p.m. and 4:20 p.m. EDT in South Florida on August 21, with maximum coverage at approximately 2:57 pm.
