During their regular March meeting, the Triton School Board members heard from Superintendent Jeremy Riffle on a number of projects and programs underway at the schools and preparation for the coming solar eclipse on April 8.
A total eclipse happens somewhere on Earth about every 18 months but is a very rare event in a specific place on the planet. The next in this particular path would be in around 100 years. This particular eclipse is special for another reason since the moon lies a little closer to the Earth in 2024 so it will appear just a bit larger in the sky.
The eclipse is a hot topic worldwide and the main pathway of that event runs through Indiana. Many school corporations have started preparing for the safety of students during that eclipse.
Riffle told the board that it currently is impossible to book a hotel room in Indianapolis with people from all over the world wanting to view the event and Indianapolis schools have canceled classes for that day.
So far as Triton is concerned school will be dismissed two hours early on April 8 to allow students to get home safely. He noted that the eclipse will begin at 1 p.m. ET but be at its height at 3 p.m. which is the normal time of dismissal.
Riffle consulted with Indiana officials and was told that many motorists will pull to the side of the highway on major thoroughfares to view the event creating another traffic hazard for buses transporting students home.
He also noted that the corporation has purchased approved “solar eclipse glasses” for students. It is very unsafe to view an eclipse with the naked eye and Riffle said they didn’t want students to damage their eyes looking out of the window on buses or in other ways.
In addition to getting students home safely, outdoor athletic events have been adjusted since there will be darkness at the time they start. The Triton softball and baseball teams have home games scheduled that have been switched because of the availability of lights.
