SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Today, students across Sylacauga will experience the first total solar eclipse of their generation, and Sylacauga City Schools has plans to enhance their experience of this incredible natural event.
Dismissal/Bus Schedule Changes Today, Monday, Aug. 21
A 92.3% partial eclipse will begin in Sylacauga at 12:02 p.m., and it will end a few seconds before 3:00 p.m.
Due to this timing, Sylacauga City Schools will extend the school day for two schools. This dismissal change will impact all bus schedules.
Indian Valley Elementary and Nichols-Lawson Middle schools will dismiss at 3:00 p.m. after the eclipse has ended. Pinecrest Elementary and Sylacauga High will dismiss at their regular times.
All bus riders will be delayed approximately 20-30 minutes returning home.
Experiencing the Eclipse Safely
The eclipse should be viewed only through approved lenses for safety reasons, and vision loss is a risk even then. Therefore, Sylacauga City Schools plans to ensure the safety of students by keeping them indoors during the eclipse.
As the sky changes throughout the afternoon, students will follow this amazing event with their teachers and peers.
Solar Eclipse Educational Plans
Teachers will use the extended schedule to engage students in various activities. Students will study this natural phenomenon, and they will have opportunity to track the progression of the eclipse.
Several school groups will have indoor viewing parties, and they will follow the NASA website. This website is free to the public, and it contains great historical and scientific information.
Teachers will also be using resource materials provided online by NASA, AMSTI, and other educational references.
Sylacauga City Schools says this total solar eclipse will open the door for more learning opportunities this school year.
Rhonda Shierling for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
