Eclipse 2017
Information Sheet
Dear LaSalle Elementary Families,
Monday, August 21, 2017 will present a rare and unique learning opportunity for LaSalle residents and our students as a solar eclipse will be viewable across the continental United States. The last time a viewing opportunity in this capacity occurred was in 1918.
While portions of Southern Illinois will experience the full phenomenon of a total solar eclipse, and offer some of the best viewing in the world, the Illinois River Valley will be provided the opportunity to experience a partial eclipse reaching 90% coverage. During a solar eclipse, the moon’s revolution around Earth comes directly between the Sun and Earth. Though the moon is much smaller than the sun, the close proximity of the moon to the Earth creates the illusion that the sun and moon are relatively the same size. During a solar eclipse, the moon will seem to cover the sun’s disk.
The eclipse will occur in three phases, and a description and listing of times for LaSalle are presented below.
LaSalle (August 21, 2017) – Total Eclipse
· https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2017-august-21?n=788
· Partial solar eclipse visible (90.27% coverage of Sun)
· Magnitude: 0.917 Duration: 2 hours, 49 minutes, 56 second
· Partial begins: Aug. 21 at 11:51:28 am
· Maximum: Aug. 21 at 1:17:35 pm
· Partial ends: Aug. 21 at 2:41:24 pm
Looking directly into the sun at any time can be harmful, but a greater risk is assumed during any phase of a solar eclipse. Because it is a partial eclipse, at no time should the sun be viewed with the naked eye. It is extremely important that students who are outside during any phase of the eclipse view the eclipse only with certified protective eyewear for viewing an eclipse.
Weather permitting, the school plans to continue with its regular routines for recess and PE until 11:50 am. Beyond that, any student who is outside will need to be equipped with approved eyewear. NASA is planning a live stream of the event, and teachers are encouraged to offer the live stream as an alternative to the physical event. Certain teachers have made instructional arrangements corresponding with the solar eclipse, and a few have arranged for students to view the eclipse with certified protective eyewear.
We hope you will encourage your child(ren) to follow all directions regarding the eclipse viewing and stress the importance of the safety guidelines provided.
Additional information, including safety precautions, can be found at:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2017-august-21?n=788
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety
As always, the district respects the decision of the parent(s) concerning the health and well-being of their child. Click here for an OPT-OUT form. If you DO NOT want your child to participate in any outdoor activity during the eclipse, please print, sign and return this form to school on Monday. A copy of this form will also be sent home with your student.
The district recognizes the solar eclipse as a special and unique event in not only the lives of children, but for adults and families. If your family has alternate viewing plans for the eclipse, please contact the school. If you have additional questions, please contact the school.
Sincerely,
Brian DeBernardi
Superintendent
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of LaSalle Elementary School District 122, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, that a tentative budget for said School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the district office, Lincoln Jr. High, 1165 St. Vincent’s Avenue, LaSalle, Illinois, from and after 8:00 a.m. the 16th day of August 2017.
Notice is further hereby given that a public hearing on said budget will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the 19th day of September, 2017, in the media center, Lincoln Jr. High, 1165 St. Vincent’s Avenue, LaSalle, Illinois. Dated this 16th day of August. Board of Education, LaSalle Elementary School District 122, in the Count of LaSalle, State of Illinois.
Jodeen Guisti
Secretary, Board of Education
LaSalle Elementary School District 122
LaSalle Elementary is excited to welcome six new educators to the district! Please welcome Holli Rapp (Third Grade), Megan Perkins (Kindergarten), Karen Theis (Band), Rebecca Forgy (Special Ed), Kristen Hall (Fifth Grade) and Brenda Johnson (Music).