On April 8, District 158 got to leave the classroom to witness history. The streets, parking lots, driveways, and Huntley Community School District 158 schoolyards were filled with students who paused their activities to witness a solar eclipse. At precisely 1:30 on Monday, April 8, students stepped outdoors, equipped with their eclipse glasses, to witness the convergence of the sun and the moon from Earth’s vantage point, a sight that sparked wonder and excitement.
Denise Barr, Director of Communications and Public Engagement, Huntley Community School District 158, emphasized, “Our utmost priority was the safety of our students. The solar eclipse viewing was a remarkable learning opportunity, and we had meticulously procured the eclipse viewing glasses well in advance, ensuring their safety was never compromised.”
Eclipse glasses are often made with a polyester film coated in aluminum, and they are highly specialized. Proper eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker than regular sunglasses, blocking nearly all visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light and protecting our sensitive retinas when looking skyward.
Barr said, “We communicated extensively with the families of students. We wanted them to know that we were keeping them safe.”
Teachers, staff members, and the school Superintendent joined the students.
Barr said, “Our Superintendent, Jessica Lombard, led the students outside to watch the total solar eclipse. She loves being with the kids.”
For those who traverse the globe in pursuit of total solar eclipses, the experience is nothing short of transformative. The moon’s shadow obscuring the sun is a sight that leaves an incredible memory.
Barr said, “The next time they will probably see this event happen will be 2044. They will be adults. Their perspective now is through a child’s eyes. It will be different the next time.”
Superintendent Jessica Lombard, Ed.S., said, “I’d like to credit our learning and innovation department for recognizing the educational value in giving our students this unique opportunity to participate in this event safely. We hope being able to witness the solar eclipse firsthand is something our students and staff will remember for a long time to come.”
