How D.C.-area schools are preparing for the solar eclipse

Thousands of D.C.-area students will be in school Monday while a total solar eclipse sweeps across the nation, a phenomenon that will not be viewable in the United States for another 20 years.

Some schools in the region are holding viewing parties. Some are dismissing students from class during the peak of the solar eclipse and providing special glasses. Others plan to keep students inside during the event to protect children’s eyesight. One elementary school in Montgomery County told parents it would close some classroom blinds as a safety precaution.

The D.C. region is not in the path of totality, but the sun is expected to be 87 percent obscured. During this time, it’s dangerous to look at the sun with the naked eye.

Here are some ways schools are preparing.

D.C.

D.C. Public Schools will not dismiss early, but some schools plan to host watch parties for students.

Northern Virginia

In Northern Virginia, most school districts have not made any operational changes. Dismissal in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun will proceed as normal with safety precautions in place.

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Alexandria City Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools and Loudoun County Public Schools purchased special glasses for all of their students and some schools have planned viewing events. A Loudoun spokeswoman said the district has provided families with safety information and plans to use the event as a learning opportunity.

The state’s largest school system, Fairfax County Public Schools, doesn’t have a districtwide plan in place. It is not handing out eclipse glasses but has shared safety information and resources with families.

Maryland

The state’s two largest school systems — Montgomery County Public Schools and Prince George’s County Public Schools — do not have a districtwide plan in place for students to view the eclipse.

Instead, in both school systems, plans vary on a school-by-school basis, and in some cases, plans are specific to a grade level or class.

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In Montgomery County, for example, Northwood High School in Silver Spring is hosting an after-school viewing, said district spokesman Chris Cram. But at Takoma Park Elementary School, the principal announced in a newsletter that students would not be permitted to view the eclipse, though parents could sign their kids out of class.

Cram said that it is “more operationally difficult” for elementary schools to host events, because school dismissal occurs while the eclipse is ongoing. “Transportation and after-school day care programs must continue,” he said.

In Prince George’s County, Fairmont Heights High School leadership bought special glasses for students to safely view the eclipse. Students will watch the event from the football field. Other schools have specific grade levels or classes hosting eclipse-related activities and watch parties. And some schools are making pinhole projectors as a class activity.

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