On April 8, “Eclipse Day'' will be coming to the State of Ohio. Quite frankly, we do not know what to expect, but our district has heeded the experiences of other states that have navigated similar events and the guidance of local EMA officials. Due to potential traffic, safety concerns, and timing of the eclipse, Fairbanks Local Schools will be closed on April 8, 2024. Students will engage in Panther Pathway Activities so they can learn, experience, and enjoy this once in a lifetime event.
Below are several items that have bearing on plans over the next five weeks. Please review them and let us know if you have any questions.
Eclipse Fair
On March 20 - 21, Fairbanks High School students will be leading an Eclipse Fair to prepare our students for the events on April 8. This event will be held in the middle school gymnasium. Mrs. Tebbe will be sharing information with staff heading into those two days. This is an exciting way for our high school students to share their learning with other Panthers.
Crystal Tebbe, a high school science teacher, and the Science Club is hosting a Community Eclipse Event that will highlight the event, safety practices, and resources for community members. This event will be on March 20 at 6:00 pm in the High School Gymnasium.
Panther Pathway Day
The Eclipse Planning Committee has designed several learning opportunities for students leading into the eclipse, but want student focus to be on experiencing the eclipse on April 8. Students will be provided choice boards with different ideas on how to experience the eclipse. Teachers and principals will share this information with staff leading up to Eclipse Day.
Eclipse Folders and Glasses
Students will receive learning materials for Eclipse Day the week of April 1. Part of the materials will be eclipse glasses. Last spring, our schools purchased eclipse glasses for all students so they can observe the eclipse safely. We encourage everyone to review the safety protocols for viewing the eclipse
Resources
To be fair, I have been very skeptical about this process, but through reading and listening to experiences from other places, taking a prudent approach seems the appropriate course of action. To learn more about preparedness for the day, please look through these resources.
Please feel free to reach out to our science teaching staff, building principals, or me with any questions that you may have. Additional materials will be shared electronically as we prepare for Eclipse Day. We are excited to share in the learning and experience with our students, staff, and families!
Go Panthers,
Adham