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With a pair of paper glasses over their eyes, Bronxville School students looked up at the sky through their protective lenses to experience the solar eclipse firsthand on April 8. Some students laid on the ground with their friends to get the best view, while others stood up and gasped with excitement at the rare astronomical event. 

“We were fortunate to unite as a school community and witness this extraordinary event,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rachel Kelly said. “I am delighted to envision how this cherished memory will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our students, instilling them with wonder and curiosity for years to come, shaping the very essence of who they are and who they will become.”

In preparation for the solar eclipse – where close to 91% of the sun was covered by the moon in New York State – the students learned all about the eclipse in their classes. Kindergarten through fifth grade students experienced a simulation of the eclipse in their school’s planetarium, explored eclipse-themed stories and books during their library sessions and created UV bracelets. Middle school students constructed pinhole boxes to watch the solar eclipse with, and members of the high school Astronomy Club and Earth Science students facilitated activities for the younger students while highlighting the science behind the solar eclipse. 

For the event, staff members and third through 12th grade students received certified eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse outdoors. Meanwhile, kindergarten through second graders tuned into the NASA livestream of the eclipse from their classrooms. As the solar eclipse unfolded, beginning at 2:11 p.m. and reaching its peak at 3:25 p.m., the elementary and middle school students gathered on the school’s front lawn and the high school students gathered on Chambers Field. 

The next total eclipse won’t happen in North America until 2044.