Flexible Instructional Day/Remote Learning
McGuffey Families,
As you may be aware, on April 8th, 2024 our area will be experiencing a unique and exciting event in the form of a partial Solar Eclipse, with the moon passing in front of the sun. This eclipse will begin around 2:00, peaking at 3:17, before concluding around 4:30.
Given the rare occurrence of an eclipse and the great opportunity it provides for learning, we will be sharing educational resources with our teachers and encouraging them to discuss this phenomenon with their students. We also encourage our parents and families to take advantage of this opportunity by discussing the solar eclipse with their children. Educational resources are available for families via our district website (mcguffey.k12.pa.us/DistrictNews.aspx).
Additionally, as a result of the increased risk to eyesight posed by a solar eclipse, and because the timing of the eclipse so closely mirrors our dismissal from school, McGuffey School District will be operating on a remote learning schedule on Monday, April 8, 2024. The decision to move to a remote learning model was made out of an abundance of care and caution, with a desire for everyone in our school community to be able to experience the eclipse as safely as possible. We also wanted to communicate this decision ahead of time with hope that advanced notice would assist families with planning for the remote learning.
For those who may choose to observe the eclipse, we remind you to follow safety recommendations and guidelines, particularly those that call for use of appropriate eclipse glasses for safe viewing. Detailed safety information can be found at: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/
Thank you for your flexibility as we strive to share this educational occurrence with our students while also doing our best to have their safety in mind. Feel free to contact your child’s building principal with any questions about the remote learning schedule for the day.
Educational Resources
NASA 2024 Eclipse Page - NASA’s resource page with educational resources and information related to the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse
NASA Eclipse Page - NASA resources related to all eclipses, not specific to the April 8, 2024 event.
Snap It Eclipse Game - Web based game developed by NASA to help educate about Solar Eclipses.
NSTA Eclipse Resources - Educational resources from the National Science Teachers Association related to the solar eclipse.
NSTA Eclipse Guide for Educators - An eclipse guidebook for teachers put together by the National Science Teachers Association.
Exploratorium Eclipse Activities - A list of several hands on eclipse activities