News Release

SYRACUSE — The Wawasee Community School District has announced an enriching educational experience for all students on Monday, April 8, marking a near total solar eclipse for the area.

With the stage set to 98% totality, this awe-inspiring celestial event presents a unique learning opportunity for students. The eclipse timeline extends from about 2-4 p.m. with the peak occurring around 3 p.m.

The district believes that being in school for this day is a priority, this will be the first day back from spring break and know that many of the students will have been out of the classroom for an entire week.

As educators, corporation staff sees this as a fantastic learning opportunity. This event is happening right at dismissal for the schools, which throws a few complications into the event. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of the students, all will be provided with NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses.

To accommodate the timing of the eclipse and maximize the educational experience, the district has made slight adjustments to the dismissal times:

• Elementary schools will dismiss students at 3:20 p.m.
• Wawasee Middle School will dismiss students at 3:25 p.m.
• Wawasee High School will see buses depart at 3:25 p.m. with student athletes, student drivers and walkers dismissed at 3:05 p.m.

The district recognizes the importance of family during such monumental events and understand if parents wish to have their children experience the eclipse together as a family.

Should you choose to pick up your student early for this purpose, the district requests that pickups be completed before 2:30 p.m. to avoid disruption during the eclipse viewing activities.