Eclipse restrictions a missed opportunity for Denton ISD students, teachers
August 20, 2017
Tomorrow, the first total solar eclipse in the U.S. since 1979 will occur. Denton ISD recently decided that all students and staff must remain inside during the event.
In an email sent by the district, it is mentioned that seeing this eclipse would be a good learning experience for students as well as teachers, but we are still prohibited from viewing it in person. There won’t be another solar eclipse in the U.S. until April 8, 2024.
Schools such as Cross Oaks Elementary and Navo Middle School had fundraisers in order to raise money for the glasses necessary to view the eclipse. These schools will now have no use for the glasses they purchased.
On NASA’s website dedicated to the upcoming eclipse, they describe the event as “one of nature’s most awe inspiring sights.” Although NASA has announced that they will be providing coverage of the eclipse, many people would prefer to see the eclipse in person.
If the district is worried about students’ eye health, a good solution would be to only allow students with the proper eyewear to go outside during the eclipse — or they could require permission slips from parents.
Eclipses are filled with academic opportunities and don’t come around very often. This is a missed opportunity for students in Denton ISD.
