Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well. After much consideration, I am writing to inform you about an upcoming event that is leading me to adjust our school's schedules and call for an early dismissal from school on April 8, 2024. The dismissal will begin starting at 12:30 from Franklin Elementary.
On that day, there will be a rare occurrence of a solar eclipse. This celestial event presents a unique educational opportunity for our students to witness a natural phenomenon firsthand. However, in the interest of their safety, I have decided to dismiss school early to keep our students safe. Protecting their eyes from the harmful effect and ensuring they arrive home prior to the eclipse is in the best interest of our students.
The eclipse is expected to occur between 2:40 and 3:40 in our area at approximately the same time our student will be dismissed, traveling on buses, and arriving home.
• The safety of our students is our top priority, and while solar eclipses are fascinating to observe, it is crucial to take necessary steps to protect our students' eyesight. The safest way to view the eclipse is through NASA's Live Streaming of the eclipse at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MJY_ptQW1o or https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/live/ Viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage. Therefore, we strongly advise that students do not attempt to observe the eclipse without the appropriate safety measures and under the supervision of their parents. Pendleton County School will provide students with solar glasses. These glasses are to be used at the discretion of the parents. If glasses are scratched or damaged in any way, please dispose.
• Again, safest way to view the eclipse is through NASA's Live Streaming of the eclipse at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MJY_ptQW1o or https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/live/
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the early dismissal or the solar eclipse event, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school.
Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools.
Sincerely,
Charles F. Hedrick, Superintendent