As you may be aware, there will be a partial solar eclipse in our area on Monday, April 8. While the eclipse will not be as intense in Alberta as it will be in other parts of North America, there are risks associated with viewing it which could cause permanent eye damage.
As the eclipse is expected to start at 11:54 am, peak at 12:46 pm and finish by 1:39 pm, SAM will be adjusting our schedules and activities that day to keep students indoors during the time of the eclipse to help protect our students and staff from the risks associated with viewing the eclipse. As many of our students will be curious about the solar eclipse, many of our classrooms will be participating in alternative activities related to the eclipse that will include viewing an online streamed video of the eclipse.
Morning Kindergarten Students
Additionally, to help ensure the safety of our students and our bus drivers during the eclipse, there will be no noon-hour busing for half-day Kindergarten students on April 8 across the division. Parents of students in our morning Kindergarten program will need to decide whether to send their children to school that day. If parents do bring their children to Kindergarten, we recommend picking their child up early so they are home before the eclipse starts. Additionally, families who rely on private childcare providers to pick up and drop off their children during this period should reach out to these providers to find out what their plans are and make appropriate arrangements.
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