News

What is a 'total' solar eclipse?

The Earth orbits the sun, and the moon orbits the Earth. Sometimes, the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, causing the moon to block the sun's light from reaching the Earth. This is called a solar eclipse.

On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the moon's shadow completely covers the sun – known as 'the path of totality' – will experience a 'total' solar eclipse. The sky will become dark as if it were dawn or dusk. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044! Click the link to learn more: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/ 

What's happening at Springmont?
According to NASA's maps, Georgia will not be in the path of totality, but weather permitting, we will see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon blocks part of the sun. The eclipse is expected to begin at 1:45 and continue through 4:21, with the maximum occlusion at 3:04 p.m.

• Toddlers are too young to understand and safely view this phenomenon and will proceed with normal class activities.
• Primary students who stay for the afternoon will be provided special eclipse-viewing glasses and will view the eclipse carefully supervised in small groups.
• Elementary students will have lessons about the Earth's orbit and eclipses this week so they can better understand what they will see on April 8. Students will be provided special eclipse-viewing glasses and will view the eclipse with their classes, carefully supervised.
• Middle School students will be provided special eclipse-viewing glasses and will view the eclipse with their class after being instructed about eclipse-viewing safety.

What do parents need to know?

Because the eclipse peaks at 3:04 p.m., we will offer a 12:00-12:15 dismissal for students who will view the eclipse off campus with their families, and afternoon carpools will run a bit later to allow students who stay for the afternoon to see the eclipse carefully supervised on campus. Click the links in Springmont Weekly News for Toddler, Primary, and Elementary & Middle School details and 12-12:15 carpool registration, if applicable.