News

On Monday, August 21, all of America will experience a solar eclipse.  Some areas will witness a total eclipse (when the moon entirely covers the sun); other regions will witness a partial eclipse.  Southern California will experience a 62% eclipse, with the moon beginning to cover the sun at 9:05 am, reaching maximum coverage at 10:21 am, and then moving away from the sun at 11:45 am.

This is the first total solar eclipse visible in the US in 38 years.  While this is an exciting learning opportunity, according to the American Astronomical Society<https://eclipse.aas.org/>* and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, looking at the sun during an eclipse without adequate eye protection can cause permanent damage to the retina.

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special solar eclipse glasses.  Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun.  If you choose to purchase eclipse glasses for your child, go to this NASA website<https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/iso-certification>, for a list of reputable vendors and to make sure your eclipse glasses are safe.

Please also talk with your children and make sure they understand that looking at the sun during the eclipse without adequate eye protection can cause permanent damage to their eyes.  Teachers and administrators will also be reinforcing this with students over the course of the next two days, and on Monday. 

As a precautionary measure, all TVUSD schools will be on an inclement weather schedule/rainy day schedule, keeping students inside, on Monday, August 21 during the eclipse period.    Schools may allow students to view the eclipse online, either in classrooms or the MPR.  Some teachers may have students go outside and watch the eclipse using pinhole eclipse viewers.  If you have questions about what your child’s school or teacher has planned, please feel free to contact the school office or your child’s teacher.

For Elementary Students:  Elementary schools will be on an inclement weather schedule/rainy day schedule, keeping students inside, on Monday, August 21 from 9:05 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  At 11:30 a.m., students will be escorted to their lunch areas for their regularly scheduled lunch.  Elementary students eat lunch for the first 20 minutes of their lunch period and play afterward.  They will be supervised and under cover for the last 15 minutes of the eclipse, which concludes at 11:45 a.m.