Hardy County Schools Families,

Monday, April 8, 2024, our region will experience a solar eclipse. This is a very exciting and rare event! Hardy County Schools will operate on a regular schedule on Monday, April 8, 2024. Schools and classrooms may have amazing eclipse-related activities planned! The eclipse will peak close dismissal time, and as always, our goal is student safety. We wanted to be transparent with our safety protocols based on recommendations from scientists and the state department. Remember, the sun isn’t any more powerful during an eclipse than any other day. The temptation to look just makes it even more important to wear approved, protective eyewear.

-All schools have been provided scientifically approved solar eclipse glasses for students interested in viewing the event.

-Students should be encouraged to wear the solar eclipse glasses anytime they anticipate looking at the sun.

-Students should not walk home or drive vehicles with the solar eclipse glasses on as the visibility is limited.

-Students who are picked up in a vehicle or ride a school bus will be monitored by staff until they are in their respective vehicles.

-Bus drivers will encourage students to wear their solar eclipse glasses if they plan to look at the sun, and they will remind students not to wear their solar eclipse glasses when exiting the bus.

-If you do not want your child viewing the eclipse at any time during the school day, please send a note with them stating such. We will make certain they stay inside during any organized classroom eclipse viewing.

-If parents or guardians decide to pick their child up early, any student present for the first half of the day will be counted present for the full day. If your child does not attend school, they will be counted absent.

Please help us in educating your child about the dangers of looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse.

Dr. Sheena Van Meter

Hardy County Schools Superintendent