Solar Eclipse Information
Parents,
As you know, on Monday, August 21,2017, the United States will experience the first total solar eclipse to travel from coast to coast in nearly a century. The rarity of this eclipse has created a lot of excitement amongst Chino Valley Unified teachers, with many planning to use the eclipse as a learning opportunity for kids. With that excitement has come questions about how to ensure students’ safety and what options the schools can use for observing the eclipse. First, it is important to note that even during a solar eclipse it is not safe to look directly at the sun without special glasses or camera filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Students may be tempted to look directly at the sun based on an incorrect assumption that during an eclipse it will not harm their eyes; however, looking at the sun, even for a few seconds could cause serious vision damage and we want to make sure we have safety measures in place to prevent injury to students and staff.
For schools and teachers who prefer to allow their students to experience the solar eclipse outside, you can use the options outlined in “How to View the 2017 Solar Eclipse Safely” flyer below. The two most common methods are the “pinhole” option and the use of solar glasses. Using the pinhole option, students will see a reflection of the partial solar eclipse rather than looking at the sun directly.
While students should not experience any vision risk using the pinhole method it is important to constantly remind students of the dangers of looking at the sun at any time throughout the event to ensure students are not tempted to look at the sun.
The second most common method is to observe the sun with the use of solar glasses. Anyone who wishes to use this method must first ensure that the glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. To date five manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products: American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold film only), Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17. All glasses should be inspected before use, and any scratched or damaged glasses should be immediately discarded. Students should be supervised at all times and teachers will ensure students are wearing their glasses before looking at the sun. Again, supervision of students will be critical to ensure students are not looking at the sun without the required protective glasses.
If teachers will be using any option beyond the NASA livestream, it is required that all students return the attached “Waiver for Minor Activities” form in order to participate.
Lastly, please remind your child of the dangers of looking at the sun. Country Springs will remain vigilant of students who may be tempted to look up during the eclipse. The eclipse will be visible in Chino from approximately 9:06 am to 11:36 am; Country Springs will be on “Rainy Day Schedule” (No Recesses/PE) during this time. Please call the school if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Thomas S. Mackessy
Principal
Country Springs Elementary School
14145 Village Center Dr.
Chino Hills, CA 91709
(909) 590-8212
Tom_Mackessy@chino.k12.ca.us
As you know, on Monday, August 21,2017, the United States will experience the first total solar eclipse to travel from coast to coast in nearly a century. The rarity of this eclipse has created a lot of excitement amongst Chino Valley Unified teachers, with many planning to use the eclipse as a learning opportunity for kids. With that excitement has come questions about how to ensure students’ safety and what options the schools can use for observing the eclipse. First, it is important to note that even during a solar eclipse it is not safe to look directly at the sun without special glasses or camera filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Students may be tempted to look directly at the sun based on an incorrect assumption that during an eclipse it will not harm their eyes; however, looking at the sun, even for a few seconds could cause serious vision damage and we want to make sure we have safety measures in place to prevent injury to students and staff.
For schools and teachers who prefer to allow their students to experience the solar eclipse outside, you can use the options outlined in “How to View the 2017 Solar Eclipse Safely” flyer below. The two most common methods are the “pinhole” option and the use of solar glasses. Using the pinhole option, students will see a reflection of the partial solar eclipse rather than looking at the sun directly.
While students should not experience any vision risk using the pinhole method it is important to constantly remind students of the dangers of looking at the sun at any time throughout the event to ensure students are not tempted to look at the sun.
The second most common method is to observe the sun with the use of solar glasses. Anyone who wishes to use this method must first ensure that the glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. To date five manufacturers have certified that their eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products: American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold film only), Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17. All glasses should be inspected before use, and any scratched or damaged glasses should be immediately discarded. Students should be supervised at all times and teachers will ensure students are wearing their glasses before looking at the sun. Again, supervision of students will be critical to ensure students are not looking at the sun without the required protective glasses.
If teachers will be using any option beyond the NASA livestream, it is required that all students return the attached “Waiver for Minor Activities” form in order to participate.
Lastly, please remind your child of the dangers of looking at the sun. Country Springs will remain vigilant of students who may be tempted to look up during the eclipse. The eclipse will be visible in Chino from approximately 9:06 am to 11:36 am; Country Springs will be on “Rainy Day Schedule” (No Recesses/PE) during this time. Please call the school if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Thomas S. Mackessy
Principal
Country Springs Elementary School
14145 Village Center Dr.
Chino Hills, CA 91709
(909) 590-8212
Tom_Mackessy@chino.k12.ca.us
Send in your Box Tops. Each box top earns Country Springs 10 cents! That money adds up quickly and is a huge help.
