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Important Announcement: School Closure on April 8th for Solar Eclipse Safety

Dear WPSBC Families and Staff,

 

In light of the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, we want to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and staff at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children. After careful consideration and consultation with experts, we have decided to close the school on this day. We believe that keeping your child at home is the safest option during this rare celestial event.

 

It's crucial to address some misconceptions surrounding solar eclipses and how to safely view them. There is a lot of misinformation circulating, and it is important to fully understand the potential dangers associated with viewing a solar eclipse without proper precautions.

 

To ensure that our community can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience safely, we urge everyone to follow these guidelines:

 

  1. Use Certified Solar Viewing Glasses: It's essential to use specially designed solar viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection and can cause serious eye damage.
  2. Avoid Looking Directly at the Sun: Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, even during a partial eclipse. Use solar viewing glasses or other indirect viewing methods to observe the eclipse safely.
  3. Beware of Unsafe Viewing Methods: Do not use homemade filters, unfiltered cameras, telescopes, or binoculars to view the eclipse. These methods can amplify the sun's harmful rays and cause irreversible eye damage.
  4. Stay Informed: Educate yourself and your family about the risks associated with viewing a solar eclipse and the proper safety measures to take.

 

Below we have provided links to trustworthy and credible sources where you can find more information.

 

We understand that witnessing a solar eclipse is an exciting event, but the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, we can all enjoy this celestial phenomenon safely. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

 

Helpful Resources: