EC Principal Letter
Dear ANCS Elementary families,
As I am sure you are all aware, there will be a solar eclipse on April 8th, the Monday we return from spring break. I wanted to share our plans with you so you can make a decision about how and where your family will choose to view the eclipse, if at all.
Here’s the specifics on timing that day. Keep in mind, Atlanta is not in the path of totality, so our viewing will be limited.
- Partial eclipse begins: 1:45
- Totality begins: 2:26
- Maximum: 3:04
- Totality ends 3:41
- Partial ends: 4:20.
Please read the following carefully so you can make a decision for your family.
- Since the peak of the eclipse will happen at 3:04, after dismissal, we will not have a full-school viewing.
- However, we have purchased appropriate viewing glasses for all students and teachers at the school. We are allowing teachers to take students out to view the effects of the eclipse between 1:45 and 2:30. It is possible that not all classes will choose to go outside.
- Safety is our top priority. Please read this article from NASA about eclipse safety and talk with your child at home about safe viewing procedures. We will also discuss this during morning meeting on Monday morning. Due to the serious eye damage that can be caused by looking at the sun at any point during the eclipse (or any time), students must keep the viewing glasses on at all times while outside. We understand that this may be uncomfortable for some, but this is a non-negotiable. If you are concerned about your child’s ability or willingness to follow directions and/or keep the viewing glasses on, please communicate with his/her teachers. You may also pick your child up from school prior to 1:30 to ensure safety.
- If your family is planning to view the eclipse elsewhere and your child will not be at school on Monday, April 8th, please let your child’s teachers know as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly.
- If your child attends ANCS after school, please be aware that they will not be taking students outside until after 4:20, when the eclipse is over.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I am wishing you all a safe and happy spring break. I look forward to seeing you all back at school on Monday, April 8th.
Take care,
Lara
Lara Zelski
Lara Zelski began working at ANCS in 2007. Previously, she worked at the Howard School and taught art, Spanish, reading and math. She taught 6th, 4th, and 2nd in DeKalb County. She taught 4th and 5th grade in Decatur and then moved to Title One reading and math instruction for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. She taught 5th grade at the ANCS elementary campus for two years.
