Greetings Augusta School Families,
As you know, we are looking forward to the solar eclipse on April 8th. For some, it may be the only time they will be able to experience such a unique and educational event. Combined with the opportunity to utilize the eclipse as a teaching situation it is our responsibility to do what is possible to emphasize watching safely. The school department will provide safe solar viewing glasses to all students and staff. We are expecting teachers to make students aware of the safety concerns of viewing an eclipse and provide an opportunity for students, especially elementary students, to use the glasses prior to the eclipse.
Eclipse timeline for Augusta:
Beginning: 2:18 p.m.
Maximum coverage (98.3%): 3:31 p.m.
Ends : 4:40 p.m.
After carefully reviewing the information provided by the national weather service, the University of Maine, and Maine’s Department of Education (See below), we have decided to err on the side of caution and hold an Early Release Day for students on April 8, 2024. The early release will ensure that students are off the buses (especially elementary students) and hopefully in the care of a responsible person if they watch the eclipse.
Additional Notes:
All outdoor activities (including athletics) that are sponsored by the school department will be canceled or held inside during the entire eclipse
CATC will still conduct a full school day and dismiss at 1:30pm
There will be no AM or PM Pre-K on April 8th
For more information regarding the eclipse:
Thank you and safely enjoy the eclipse,
The Augusta School Department