April 8

Dear WPS Families,

We are excited about the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. The moon is much smaller than the sun, but because it is so close to the Earth, it can appear to partially or completely block the image of the sun, causing darkness. Looking up at the solar eclipse can only be done with special glasses designed especially for a solar eclipse.

All PreK - Grade 4 students will be given eclipse sunglasses that meet the requirements for filtering damaging light from the sun. We ask that you please review the importance of not looking directly at the sun with your child before April 8, as the peak of the eclipse will be happening at approximately 3:24 p.m.

To help our students stay safe, Westfield Public Schools sports games and practices have been canceled on April 8. Remember not to look up during this time unless you use special eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses do not protect the eyes during an eclipse.

Sincerely,

Stefan Czaporowski

Superintendent of Schools