Dear Commerce Parents and Guardians,
On April 8th, Commerce will be in the path of a partial solar eclipse. This event is being called “The Great North American Solar Eclipse.” CPS is planning a brief viewing opportunity for our students in grades PreK-12 to allow students to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. Our district has purchased eclipse-safe viewing glasses for students, faculty and staff.
Safety is always a top priority. We will take all precautionary measures to make this experience both safe and enjoyable. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. Students will not be permitted to look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun through unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars, or other optical devices, with or without glasses. (For more information on viewing the eclipse safely to prevent eye damage, please visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/.)
Because of these safety concerns, your child(ren) will be bringing home a permission slip to view the event using eclipse glasses. If you choose to allow your child to participate we ask that you help us stress the importance of only looking at the sun through the safety glasses. A parent or guardian signature on this sheet is required in order for students to participate in the event using the eclipse glasses. If you are not comfortable allowing your child to participate, please do not sign the permission slip. Students whose parents do not complete this form will not be able to attend the outdoor viewing event, but will be taught about the event with other students in their classes.
Thank you for your time.
Go Tigers!