A solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in the Capital Region. The eclipse will begin in our area at 2:12 p.m. and will end at 4:36 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring at 3:26 p.m.
Monday, April 8 will be a regular school day for middle school and high school; all elementary schools will dismiss early at 1:30 p.m. due to the timing of the eclipse. The district is prioritizing safe viewing for all students and will be distributing solar eclipse viewing glasses to every student in the district. The glasses are being provided by the Bethlehem Public Library. Each school will distribute the glasses to students.
The district will also provide middle school and high school students with an opportunity to experience the solar eclipse together at a viewing party to be held at the middle school.
Important information for Monday, April 8
Elementary schools
All elementary schools in the district will dismiss at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8 due to the timing of the eclipse. The maximum eclipse will occur at 3:26 p.m. This is the same time buses usually leave the elementary schools for the afternoon runs.
Lunch will be served at the elementary schools on Monday, April 8 according to the regular schedule. The School’s Out after-school program will be closed on April 8. Families whose children attend other after-school programs should check with their provider to find out if their after-school program will be running a regular or alternate schedule on April 8.
Middle school
BCMS students will dismiss at the regular time, 2:45 p.m. Students who wish to stay at the school to view the eclipse with other students and staff can participate in a viewing party. High school students will also be invited to attend the viewing party at the middle school. The viewing party at the middle school is for students in grades 6-12 only. There will be no outside visitors allowed.
The viewing party will begin immediately after school and will be held outside behind the building. It will begin at 2:50 p.m. and will end at 3:45 p.m. Middle school students will NOT be allowed to leave school and return to view the eclipse. Students must have their eclipse glasses to participate. Staff will be at the school to supervise students. Students in grades 6-12 who are taking the late bus home from the middle school will board buses at approximately 3:50 p.m. for their ride home.
Parents/guardians will have to complete an RSVP for their middle school students to attend the viewing party on April 8. Students must have their eclipse glasses to participate in the viewing party at the middle school. Please watch for more Eclipse Day information from the school.
High school
BCHS students will dismiss at the regular time, 2:07 p.m. There will be no late bus on Monday, April 8, however, students will be able to take shuttle buses to the middle school where a viewing party will be held for students and staff. The shuttle buses will be clearly marked and will leave the high school at 2:16 p.m.
The viewing party at the middle school is for students in grades 6-12 only. No visitors, other than high school students who sign up to attend, will be allowed on school property.
Staff will be at the middle school to supervise students. The middle school viewing party will conclude at approx. 3:45 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 who are taking the late bus home from the middle school will board buses at approximately 3:50 p.m. for their ride home.
Parents/guardians will have to complete an RSVP for their high school students to take the shuttle bus on April 8. Students must have their eclipse glasses to participate in the viewing party at the middle school. Please watch for more Eclipse Day information from the school.
As excitement builds for this rare celestial event, we encourage families to review these resources regarding the solar eclipse, especially the eye safety information.
Please watch for more information from your child’s school as the district continues to prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse.