As the eagerly anticipated solar eclipse approaches on Monday, April 8, we want to ensure that everyone is well-informed and prepared for this captivating event. While we are thrilled to share this experience with our students, it's crucial to prioritize safety first.
Visit www.visd.net/solareclipse for the parent letter, opt-out forms, and information from NASA and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Please note:
Victoria is not situated within the path of totality, meaning there will be no safe window for direct sun viewing without certified eclipse glasses. Our foremost priority is to educate all participants on the proper viewing protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable eclipse experience for all.
The eclipse is expected to span several hours, with the optimal viewing period projected to occur during the early afternoon, roughly between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. The exact timing may vary, and we are continuously monitoring updates from various sources, including NASA.
To facilitate safe viewing, certified eclipse glasses generously donated by Buc-cees will be distributed to students in grades third through twelfth. Students in Pre-K through second grade will have the opportunity to observe the eclipse through an approved NASA live feed from indoors. Please refrain from sending eclipse viewers with your child, as we will exclusively utilize district-provided certified eclipse viewers.
In the lead-up to the event, educators across the district will incorporate safety and science lessons into their curriculum to prepare students for this unique celestial phenomenon. We aim to ensure that this experience is both educational and engaging for our students.
If you prefer that your third through twelfth-grade student(s) not participate in outdoor eclipse viewing activities, kindly submit an opt-out form to your student’s campus by Friday, April 5th. The opt-out form is available at www.visd.net/solareclipse.
We are committed to fostering a fun and enriching experience for our students while upholding responsible and safe viewing practices. Resources on eclipse viewing safety provided by the Houston Museum of Natural Science and NASA will be shared with students and families as part of our instructional materials.
For any inquiries or concerns, please reach out to the office of your child's respective school.
We eagerly anticipate this exciting learning opportunity on April 8th and thank you for your cooperation and support.