Matt Burgy, Head of School
March 29, 2024
Dear Oakridge Family,
The Oakridge School will be in a prime location to witness a historic celestial occurrence - a total eclipse of the sun! On Monday, April 8, Arlington will be directly in the path of totality, providing an exceptional opportunity for our students to experience this rare phenomenon. According to NASA, the eclipse is expected to create temporary daytime darkness or totality for approximately 3 minutes and 16 seconds, beginning at 1:40 PM.
The Oakridge School will remain open during this time as part of our commitment to providing enriching educational experiences. Here are the details of our plans for the day:
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Safety Measures: All students and faculty/staff will receive solar eclipse glasses, safety training, and guidance on wearing them correctly.
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Curriculum Integration: Lesson plans across all divisions will incorporate learning about the eclipse.
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Early Childhood Center (ECC): Our youngest learners (Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten) will safely view the eclipse on displays within their classrooms.
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Special Guest Speaker: Oakridge Alum and Astronomer Ryan Haygood '00 will speak to Middle and Upper School students, enriching their understanding of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of an Astronomer.
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Campus Open to Parents: Parents are welcome to visit the campus with a visitor's lanyard from 1:20 - 2:00 PM to share this experience with their child(ren).
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Opt-Out Option: If you prefer that your child not participate in the eclipse viewing activities, please get in touch with your division head.
The Total Eclipse is a momentous occasion for scientific exploration and learning, and we encourage all students to participate in this valuable opportunity for discussion and discovery.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this event. We look forward to sharing this exciting experience with our students and faculty.
Thank you for your continued support.
Warm regards,
Matt Burgy
Head of School
