WTEF Funds Eclipse Glasses for Students, Staff and Community

April 2024

The highly-anticipated solar eclipse is just around the corner – and the Wayne Township Education Foundation wants to help make sure we can all make the most of it.

WTEF, with generous funding from its partner Schmidt Associates, is providing free eclipse-viewing glasses for MSD of Wayne Township students and staff, as well as members of the community. The glasses will help MSD Wayne’s curriculum team as it leads the district’s eclipse-education efforts.

“To view the eclipse, you must wear proper eye protection,” said WTEF Executive Director Lisa Baize. “As the district discussed how to make the most of this scientific phenomena and create a learning opportunity for our 16,000 students and their families, WTEF was excited to find a funding partner so families can experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks any part of the sun. On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible (weather permitting) in Indiana. All continental U.S. states will experience at least a partial eclipse. Two shadows will pass over – a lighter shadow called the penumbra and a dark shadow called the umbra. Indiana is located in the umbra, so people here will experience a total solar eclipse.

In Indianapolis, the eclipse will begin around 1:51 p.m. and last until 4:24 p.m. To view the eclipse, you must wear proper eye protection (solar filter glasses) during all but the “totality” phase.

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as the purple eclipse glasses being provided to students and staff. Experts offer these safety guidelines for using these eclipse-viewing glasses:

• Children should use the glasses with adult supervision.
• Individuals who wear glasses should keep them on and put the solar filter glasses on over them or hold them in place.
• To use the glasses, look down, put the solar glasses on, then look at the sun. After looking at the sun, turn away and remove the filter. Do not remove the solar glasses while looking at the sun.
• Do not look at the sun with an unfiltered camera, telescope, or binoculars.
• Do not put the solar filter glasses over a device to look at the sun.
• The only time to view the sun without solar filter glasses is during the totality of the total solar eclipse, which lasts about three minutes.
• Individuals should consult with a health care provider about specific health needs.

For more information about the solar eclipse and how the MSD of Wayne Township is helping students and families prepare for it, please visit this page on the MSD Wayne website.

ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.