On Monday, August 21st a total eclipse will cross the entire country, coast-to-coast, for the first time since 1918. Weather permitting, the entire continent will have the opportunity to view an eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun, casting a shadow on Earth's surface.
GCA is excited to have this unique opportunity to educate our children about this amazing event and we are thrilled to have two scientists coming to talk with all of our students and even do a few activities with our elementary. Zach and Karissa Jones, Biomedical Sciences PhD students at the FSU College of Medicine and co-founders of SciWorld, are no strangers to GCA. They have hosted our Science Celebration the past two years and they will be with us on Monday afternoon.
The school has purchased ISO certified viewing glasses from American Paper Optics for all of the students and faculty; however, we will not take our elementary students outside for the viewing. As a parent, you are welcome to come sign your child out to view here at school or take them home for a family event. The middle school and high school students will take part in the viewing after meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Jones and review all the safety rules involved with the eclipse. If you do not want your student to participate in the viewing please let us know and we will make arrangements for them to stay in the classroom until dismissal.
Monday, August 21st Agenda
1:00 - 1:20 p.m. - 1st & 2nd grade meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Jones in the OS
1:20 - 1:40 p.m. - 3rd & 4th grade meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Jones in the OS
1:40 - 2:00 pm. - 5th grade meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Jones in the OS
2:00 p.m. - Middle & HS students meet with Mr. and Mrs. Jones in the gym, then they will go outside for viewing.
3:10 p.m. - Elementary Dismissal
3:20 p.m. - MS/HS Dismissal
Note: As always, student safety is our top concern. Per NASA, looking at the eclipse without special, certified viewing glasses is unsafe. At no time during the eclipse should the student/participant remove their glasses and look directly at the sun. This can lead to permanent eye damage or other unknown effect. GCA will stress this with students as we prepare them for the event; however, please talk with your child about it at home as well.
