This message is a reminder that Mars Area School District will hold a Remote Learning Day with instruction ending at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

The District opted for a Remote Learning Day to address some safety-related concerns surrounding the timing of the total solar eclipse, which will be occurring between 2 and 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8, and to provide students and their families with an opportunity to experience this rare celestial event together in the afternoon hours.

With instruction ending at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 8, the Remote Learning Day will run on a regular school schedule. The day will NOT run on a two-hour delay with modified kindergarten schedule, as with a typical Remote Learning Day. Some schools may need to further modify bell schedules to accommodate the shortened day. Information relevant to any such changes, will have been communicated by the individual school.

As the District’s buildings will be closed during the Remote Learning Day on Monday, April 8, all indoor afternoon and/or evening activities will be cancelled. Due to rescheduling concerns associated with outdoor activities, any outdoor activities that are scheduled during the time of the eclipse (2 and 4:30 p.m.) will not be cancelled; but, will be held at an alternate time and/or location. (Information specific to each sports team will be available at https://marsareaathletics.com/events or via the individual coach.)

Also of note, Mars Robotics Association has generously donated 2,500 eclipse glasses, which were sent home with the District’s elementary students (Grades K-6) on April 3. Before viewing the eclipse, please be reminded of the following safety tips:

• Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Use solar viewing glasses, a handheld viewfinder, a pinhole projector, or other optical device designed for sun observation.
• Do not look at the sun through sunglasses; unprotected cameras, binoculars or telescopes; or any other optical device, while using eclipse glasses or a handheld viewfinder. Concentrated solar rays can damage the filter and cause serious eye injury.
• The only time it is safe to view an eclipse with the naked eye is during the brief total phase when the sun’s face is completely obscured by the moon. Otherwise, use protective eyewear at all times.
• Supervise children closely and ensure they understand the dangers of unprotected eclipse viewing.

Additional safety guidelines are available at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/.

Our District thanks all parents/guardians in advance for your cooperation and we hope you have an educational experience while also staying safe during this extraordinary solar eclipse event.