Monday’s Solar Eclipse is an excused absence for MPS students
MPS parents and students received an email or text message over the weekend giving parents the option of allowing their child not to attend classes Monday. The email is below:
MPS Families-
Alabama is expected to be somewhat impacted by the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. While Alabama is not in the path of totality, the moon is expected to cover over 80% of the sun in our state. The partial eclipse should start around 12:40 PM and end around 3:17 PM, peaking at 1:59 PM.Â
MPS will provide all students and staff with solar eclipse glasses. According to NASA, it is advised not to look directly at the eclipse due to the possibility of severe eye damage. Students and staff will be instructed to wear these protective eyeglasses during dismissal. MPS is advising all schools to keep students and staff indoors during the solar eclipse. To learn more about solar eclipse safety glasses, please click here.
We plan to have a regular dismissal on Monday. However, we’ll take extra precautions if we’re still experiencing dark/dusk-like conditions while dismissing students. Parents and guardians, if you decide to keep your child home on April 8th, 2024, all absent students will be excused. We understand that some families may want to experience the solar eclipse together while following proper safety precautions.
We’re thankful to our parents, guardians, and community supporters. Please contact your child’s school for assistance if you have any questions or concerns about this event.
