2017 Solar Eclipse

On Monday August 21, 2017, a total eclipse of the Sun will be visible in the continental U.S. A total eclipse is when the Sun is completely hidden by the Moon, the sky becomes dark, and the Sun’s corona becomes visible, looking like a halo.

Here in Arkansas there will be a partial eclipse starting at 11:43 am maximum coverage 1:12 pm and ending at 2:41 pm.

Safety during the eclipse viewing is our top priority. Looking directly at the sun is unsafe because the sun will never be totally covered during our eclipse experience.

NASA recommends that people who plan to view the eclipse wear special glasses with special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses.

NASA has coordinated with medical and science professionals to provide safety information. For details, visit:  https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

Van Buren Schools

Each Van Buren school will provide students opportunities to participate in the eclipse phenomena. Participation may vary from going outdoors to view the eclipse with official eclipse glasses or possibly watching the live NASA eclipse broadcast.

During the Eclipse all Van Buren schools will protect our students by eliminating any outside transitions during the period of the eclipse. Classes normally held outside, such as PE, will be inside. Also, students will have indoor recess during the time of the eclipse.

If you would like to personally experience the eclipse with your child, you may check them out of school after 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 21, 2017 and the afternoon absence will be excused.  Your child will not be charged with an absence for the afternoon of the eclipse.  Students missing the whole day will be charged with a morning absence.