April 8 Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse will occur in North America on Monday, April 8, 2024. While in some places, it will be a “total” solar eclipse, here in the Chicagoland area, about 95% of the sun will be covered at approximately 2:07 p.m. Changes will become noticeable shortly before 1 p.m. and last until approximately 3:20 p.m.

Kirby School District 140 has purchased protective glasses for every student and staff member. Your child's classroom teacher will decide whether or not to go outside on April 8 to view the eclipse. Parents or guardians must sign a permission slip indicating that they approve of their child going outside. Please be on the lookout for permission slips to be sent from classroom teachers through ParentSquare. 

We expect to handle dismissal as usual on April 8. Since our elementary schools dismiss at 2:25 p.m., teachers will stress the importance of not looking at the eclipse while students walk outside to their bus, car, or home.

Parents can help reinforce this important eye-safety message by watching this short video with their children. Please ensure they understand why it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, whether an eclipse is happening or not.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to your building principal if you have any questions.