Central Texas school districts plan solar eclipse viewing activities for students Monday

Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·2 min read
Swaraj Patel takes a photo of the eclipse on his smartphone through a pair of solar glasses at an eclipse-viewing party at Penn State Behrend on Aug. 21, 2017. Patel was a sophomore computer engineering student from India at the time. Hundreds turned out at Behrend to see what, in Erie, was a partial eclipse.
Swaraj Patel takes a photo of the eclipse on his smartphone through a pair of solar glasses at an eclipse-viewing party at Penn State Behrend on Aug. 21, 2017. Patel was a sophomore computer engineering student from India at the time. Hundreds turned out at Behrend to see what, in Erie, was a partial eclipse.

School districts that plan to remain open for Monday’s rare total solar eclipse will provide students the chance to view the celestial event safely, according to Central Texas school officials.

Districts that plan to remain open Monday have an array of activities planned for students to view the eclipse.

In the Hutto district, every campus has plans to be outside during a portion of the eclipse Monday, said Brittany Swanson, associate superintendent for instruction and innovation.

“We are just wanting parents to be assured that it will be an engaging experience and a memorable day,” Swanson said.

More: Taking your kid out of school for the solar eclipse? Absences won't be excused, AISD says

The district also plans to station additional staff at different campuses to help students with their eclipse viewing glasses — special glasses that allow people to view an eclipse without damaging their eyes.

“We're hoping that parents will choose to send their students to school to experience it with their peers and class,” Swanson said.

Some districts, like Eanes, have enlisted volunteer parents to help students safely view the eclipse.

Although a similar event took place seven years ago, this rare phenomenon will be a couple thousand miles closer to Earth than previous occurrences. It will be partially visible in all 48 contiguous states and will be the last total solar eclipse until Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.

Several districts, like Round Rock, are also preparing for traffic issues.

Round Rock district officials noted they’re in constant communication with city and county leaders, plan to run bus routes as normal and have prepped bus drivers and supervisors for the potential traffic.

Students who are absent Monday will receive an unexcused absence in most area schools, if the district plans to remain open.

Districts have also created opt-out policies for parents who don’t want their children to view the eclipse outside, and alternate plans inside will be available.

Austin area school districts open Monday for eclipse

  • Austin

  • Bastrop

  • Eanes

  • Elgin

  • Georgetown

  • Hutto

  • Leander

  • Pflugerville

  • Round Rock

Austin area districts closed Monday

  • Del Valle

  • Dripping Springs

  • Hays

  • Lago Vista

  • Lake Travis

  • Manor

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Central Texas schools plan student solar eclipse viewing activities