LA students in all three divisions embraced the spirit of the solar eclipse with a variety of activities on Monday, April 8. This rare occurrence last took place in New Jersey in August 2017, a time when some of our youngest students had not yet been born.
All students, faculty and staff who wished to participate in the viewing, which was voluntary, were provided solar glasses. Others watched the NASA livestream of the eclipse.
Lower School students in Ms. Kelly Coleman’s STEM class prepared for the day by making their own viewers. The Lower School also decided to use an umbrella escort for the students during dismissal, especially with PreK, JK and Kindergarten, who were also requested to wear brimmed hats and not look up. The older students in Lower School wore solar glasses and joined their teachers for a viewing near the playground.
Middle School students warmed up for the afternoon viewing with a practice session during recess in the amphitheater. Those who wished to participate in the main event joined their teachers outside in the afternoon. The Middle School also set up a Sunspotter Solar Telescope.
Upper School students reported to Laidlaw Gym for the final block of the day to receive instructions and solar glasses. Students joined faculty members on the back fields and caught glimpses during the peak of the eclipse, including 89% totality at 3:24 p.m.