April 3, 2024
Dear LCSD #1 Staff, Parents, and Students,
Laramie County School District #1 and the state of Wyoming is not in a direct path of the Solar Eclipse of the 11 states within our nation situated within the path of totality for the solar eclipse. However, according to NASA we will be exposed to partial or 60% of the eclipse. It is dangerous for anyone to look at an eclipse without eye protection. This presents a unique educational opportunity for students to learn about this exciting astronomical event, and an ideal teachable moment for educators as they engage students, while also considerations for the safety of all our school district community.
With the health and safety of students, staff and the school community being the district’s top priority, we would like to share with you details and considerations for the eclipse:
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At this time, LCSD #1 will remain open on Monday, April 8, 2024.
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The eclipse will begin approximately 11:30 am and end about 2 p.m., overlapping with lunch and recess times in most of our schools.
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As a precautionary measure, there will be no outdoor instruction, outdoor recess, or outdoor duties for students, faculty and staff between the above timeframe without precautions.
- Students and staff that need to be outdoors during this timeframe need to utilize approved eclipse glasses and/or solar viewers.
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Lunch protocols and services will be provided as usual for students and staff to eat inside the school building.
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If a parent/guardian would like their child at home during this time or throughout the day, please contact the school attendance clerk or your child's teacher for an excused absence.
Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. If you are to view the eclipse, LCSD #1 advises to wear eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases.
Resources from NASA and the American Astronomical Society AAS on how to safely view a solar eclipse can be found by clicking on the links below:
Thank you for your attention to this matter and be safe!
Jim Fraley
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction
LCSD #1