Students in area schools had a unique learning experience brought to their doorsteps on Monday, as the solar eclipse occurred before their eyes. School officials took precautions and made plans to …
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Students savor historic learning experience
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Students in area schools had a unique learning experience brought to their doorsteps on Monday, as the solar eclipse occurred before their eyes.School officials took precautions and made plans to provide the safest and most memorable experience for students of all ages.Warrenton High School Principal Dr. Loraine Raziq says seeing the students in awe of the event was memorable as an educator. She and her staff facilitated a three-hour window of interactive learning, as students went out on the athletic concourse and football field.“It was amazing,” said Dr. Raziq. “We were standing up on the plaza, and the entire student body was laid out on the football field watching this. The kids will never forget this day.”Among the activities were a green screen with which students could take their picture holding or jumping through the eclipse. The science department was gauging the temperature changes and tracking the way the sun looked.Students enjoyed a barbecue lunch as solar system-themed music played over the loud speakers. As totality set in, “I Wear My Sunglasses at Night,” blasted across the concourse.At Wright City High School, students were counting down in anticipation of totality, as everyone donned glasses provided by the district. Principal Shawn Brown says it was one of the greatest days for him as an educator.“It was a cool experience to be able to share with their school and staff,” said Brown. “They’ll always remember where they were on Aug. 21, 2017.”One of the concerns for school officials was to make certain students followed instructions with protecting their eyes from the sun.“Safety was our top priority, making sure kids knew when and how to wear the glasses,” said Brown. “Through all the legwork, it was so worth it to hear their reactions and how much it meant for them to share this day with their classmates.”Administrators from both districts agreed that school was the perfect place for students to take in this historic experience. Some area school canceled classes in anticipation of the heavy traffic volume that was expected as a result of the eclipse.“It was nice to be outside without the chromebooks open or without everybody staring at their phones,” said Brown. “We’ll never be able to recapture that moment.”
Kindergartner Franklin Bartlett sees a solar eclipse for the first time at Warrior Ridge Elementary School Monday, Aug. 21. Submitted photo.
