On Monday, April 8, 2024, North America will witness a solar eclipse that will momentarily block out the sun. Although San Diego County is not on the path of the total eclipse, the region is expected to witness a partial eclipse that will begin around 10 a.m., peak at 11:11 a.m., and end at 12:23 p.m. To ensure the safety of all students and staff during this event, all schools within the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) will operate on a rainy day schedule on April 8, with recess and lunch taking place indoors. Any classrooms that are planning to view the eclipse must have parental permission and the proper gear per NASA standards. Your child's school will provide permission slips if they plan to engage in educational activities surrounding the events.

Safety is always first at CVESD; that is why it's important to remember that direct exposure to the sun's rays, especially during an eclipse, poses severe risks to eye health. Even a partial eclipse can cause irreversible eye damage without proper precautions. Below are some important safety tips to keep in mind for April 8:

• We should never look at the sun.
• Viewing any part of the bright sun directly or without the use of certified solar eclipse glasses will cause severe eye injury.
• Sunglasses are not enough protection to view the solar eclipse.

As you know, this is a unique opportunity to spark your child's interest in science by showing how the moon rotates around our planet and how the earth rotates around the sun. To view resources and information about the eclipse, including when and how to watch it safely, visit the San Diego County Office of Education or NASA's website.