The Great North American Eclipse

Good afternoon, SACS families and caregivers, 

In advance of the total solar eclipse in spring 2024, SACS would like to advise you of our district’s plans.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, the day SACS students and staff are scheduled to return to school following Spring Break, a total solar eclipse will take a spectacular journey across North America and Hoosiers may experience a total eclipse of the sun. 

This total solar eclipse – the first to touch Indiana since the 1869 and the last to touch Fort Wayne until 2099 - will arc across Indiana from southwest to northeast. All areas of Indiana will experience 90-100% totality.  However, only places within the 115-mile-wide path of totality e.g., Bloomington, Indianapolis, Muncie, will see a total solar eclipse lasting between three and four minutes.

Here in Fort Wayne, the moon will start to cover the sun at approximately 1:53 p.m. and will reach it’s maximum eclipse (99.8%) around 3:10 p.m. The moon will have completely moved off the sun by 4:24 p.m. 

SACS will have school and our dedicated teachers are excited to utilize the eclipse as a powerful educational tool. This event offers a real-time learning opportunity, allowing students to witness firsthand the wonders of our universe and delve into the science behind solar eclipses. Age-appropriate lessons may be tailored to engage students in understanding the astronomical phenomena, will hopes of fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the world around them…and beyond.

Many Indiana, Ohio, and other school districts within or near the 115-mile-wide path of totality are choosing to close early or for the entire day. These decisions stem from safety considerations, not due to any inherent danger posed by the eclipse itself, but rather due to the anticipated influx of visitors and traffic congestion in these regions. SACS has been working with state and local officials throughout our planning to remain open.

At the time of the maximum eclipse, Homestead High School, Woodside Middle School, Summit Middle School, Covington Elementary, and Whispering Meadows Elementary students will have been dismissed and will either be home or, enroute home. Aboite Elementary, Deer Ridge Elementary, Haverhill Elementary and Lafayette Meadows Elementary will still be in session. 

The Great North American Eclipse is a valuable, rare opportunity for students to witness and learn about the universe. We are excited to safely share this celestial learning event with your child. You are encouraged to visit Indiana Department of Education’s website for further eclipse information and resources.

Thank you,Park Ginder, Ph.D., Superintendent
Southwest Allen County Schools