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James Bowie High School

2 weeks ago

Dear Arlington ISD Parents and Guardians,

It is officially Eclipse Week in the Arlington ISD! Next Monday, April 8, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to be in the area of totality for the eclipse. The district has been working diligently to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun time Monday. We know you have questions about the district’s plan for the eclipse, and we want to give you answers. The most important thing to remember is that it is a regular school day, attendance will be taken and absences will be counted as usual.

All students can participate in the eclipse regardless of grade level. If you do not wish for your student to participate, please return this opt-out form to your campus. (English letter/opt-out / Spanish letter/opt-out). Those students will be able to watch the eclipse online.

Please contact your campus to see if you are allowed to come to the campus and watch the eclipse with your student. It is a campus-by-campus decision. All students have been provided with glasses to view the eclipse. None will be offered to parents. Please do not send glasses with your student. We will use the approved ones provided by the Perot Museum of Science and History.

Also, please remember that there will be increased traffic in the area, which could impact arrival and dismissal times. The district will do its best to mitigate that, but there could be delays.

Below is an FAQ about the eclipse that should answer any of your questions. If you have more, please contact your student’s campus.

Will Arlington ISD be open on the day of the eclipse?
Yes, this is a regular school day.
Do all students need a parent permission form?
Students only need to return the opt-out form if their parents do not wish for them to participate in viewing the eclipse outdoors. These students will need to remain indoors. Any parent who does not submit a form opting out is giving their child permission to view the eclipse outdoors. The opt-out form is linked here (English letter/opt-out / Spanish letter/opt-out).
Can parents come to the campus during the eclipse?
This is a campus decision. Campuses will let parents know their policy before April 8 with the details. Regular visitor protocols should be followed.
Is the absence excused if you take your child out of school to view the eclipse?
This is a regular school day. As always, you may choose to keep your child home. The Arlington ISD will follow normal attendance policies and an absence from the eclipse will not be excused.
Will primary grades (pre-K, kinder, 1st) students participate in the eclipse?
Yes, primary grade level students can participate just like other students. Parents who have concerns about their child participating can use the opt-out form. Teachers and principals have the discretion to address the individual needs of their campus and alert parents if a student won’t be going outside.
Out of an abundance of caution for our youngest students, Arlington ISD practice will be for pre-K through first-grade grade students to always keep their glasses on during the eclipse ᠆ even during totality.
Can older students take off their glasses during the eclipse?
To view an eclipse safely, students must use eclipse glasses with a specialized solar film designed to protect their eyes. Scientists have shared that except for the brief two minutes when the moon absolutely covers the sun in its totality, at no time should students look directly at the sun without eclipse glasses or eclipse viewers. Please understand there is no way for the school to guarantee that your child will not look at the sun without the eclipse glasses, so please speak with your child about the importance of always following safe viewing practices during this event.
How will the district handle students who will be outside during this time for lunch, athletics, passing periods, or transitioning between campuses?
Students who will be outside between 12:22 p.m. and 3:02 p.m. will be reminded of the dangers of looking at the sun directly. The district will ensure that any student in transition will have their eclipse glasses with them.
What if it is cloudy or there is bad weather?
Please be aware that even if it’s cloudy, students can still hurt their eyes by looking at the sun. If there is inclement weather, teachers can stay inside and watch the eclipse online.
What happens if an emergency occurs during the event?
The district will follow standard procedures for emergencies. If a student is injured in any way, schools will contact the parent.
What if there are transportation delays?
Due to the location of the event, there may be a delay in transportation. Please plan for the possibility of late arrival and late pickup. If there is additional traffic in the area, this could affect student pickup.

Lee Jones
Principal
Bowie High School
Arlington ISD
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