Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District 1 N. Willard St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 (928) 634-2288 Mr. Steve King Superintendent MEMO: TO: All COCSD Staff & Students RE: Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017

Mr. David Snyder Director of Business Services

DATE: August 17, 2017 FROM: Superintendent, Steve King

There will be a total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21. It will be the first time since 1869 that a solar eclipse will be visible in a path across the U.S. Please use your best judgement in relation to the solar eclipse with viewing safety a priority. The moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, beginning at 9:13 a.m. Arizona Time. The height of the eclipse will occur around 10:33 a.m. Arizona time, when approximately 95% of the sun’s surface will be covered. It will take approximately 88 minutes for the moon to move out of the way, with the event concluding by at 12:00 p.m. Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Schools will observe its regular dismissal times on August 21 (2:30 p.m. for elementary schools, and 3:35 p.m. for middle schools). All outdoor activities between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – which include: physical education classes, recess, athletic practice, co-curricular activities or practices – must be moved indoors during the time period. Outdoor activities can resume after 12:00 p.m. Students may participate in a school sponsored eclipse observation activity - if the school’s principal approves the activity. However, all students participating will be using eyewear recommended by the American Astronomical Society (AAS). These activities must have prior approval from the school’s principal and parent permission for student participation will also be required. Note: If a school has a class activity of school wide event, parents may opt their student out of participation. Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is offering the following guidance to schools and the community for safely viewing the eclipse on August 21, 2017: Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Only devices recommended by the AAS should be used to safely watch the eclipse. Therefore, homemade devices cannot be utilized to view the eclipse. Parents should speak with their children about the dangers of looking directly at the sun and the potential damage this can cause to their eyes. Distracted drivers and pedestrians are likely on the day of the eclipse. So, we all need to make sure to use caution during parent pick-up and dismissal of student walkers, and bus-riders. Thank you for using your best judgement during this wonderous event!

Steve King, Superintendent “Preparing students for the 21st century through tradition, experience and opportunities.”

Revised August 18, 2017

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