On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. In Gwinnett County, weather permitting, we will experience a partial solar eclipse between 1:45 p.m. and 4:21 p.m., with the maximum viewing time at 3:04 p.m.

     Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) will operate on a normal school schedule on April 8, 2024. To help ensure safe viewing for our students and a safe dismissal of students, GCPS will take all precautionary measures to make this exciting experience safe, educational, and enjoyable. Instructional activities on April 8 may include viewing the solar eclipse using solar viewing glasses, learning how to safely view it using a reflective surface, watching the eclipse via live streaming on the web, and much more. Solar viewing glasses will be provided to all Pre-K-12 students, teachers, and school administrators for instructional purposes. All GCPS staff are strongly encouraged to review this safety information to ensure they can participate in viewing the solar eclipse safely.

     While schools plan to provide a safe, educational experience, some parents may not want their children to participate in a live viewing of the eclipse. Families can opt their elementary and middle school students out of participating in an outdoor solar eclipse viewing on April 8. Opt-out forms will be sent to families on Monday, March 11, via ParentSquare and will be due to their child’s teacher by Friday, March 22. The optimal time for viewing occurs after the high school day ends; however, high school students and staff will also receive solar viewing glasses and safety instructions before the eclipse begins.

We look forward to working together to make this unique event meaningful for GCPS students!