Solar Eclipse Viewing, August 21, 2017 Parent/Guardian Consent

On August 21, 2017, Duval County will experience a partial eclipse. A partial solar eclipse is when the moon transverses in between the Earth and the sun. This event is being called “The Great American Solar Eclipse” because it is the first time since 1918 a solar eclipse will be visible on a path across the entire continental United States.

Safety is always a priority for DCPS. We will take precautionary measures with both students and staff to make this experience both safe and enjoyable. Students and staff will be instructed to not look at the sun, or even the partially eclipsed sun, without proper protective eye wear.

As to safety, we provide the following information from NASA:

Solar retinopathy is a result of too much ultraviolet light flooding the retina. In extreme cases this can cause blindness, but is so painful that it is rare for someone to be able to stare at the sun for that long. Typically, eye damage from staring at the sun results in blurred vision, dark or yellow spots, pain in bright light or loss of vision in the center of the eye. Permanent damage to the retina has been shown to occur in approximately100 seconds, but the exact time before damage occurs will vary with the intensity of the sun on a particular day and with how much the viewer's pupil is dilated from decongestants and other drugs they may be taking. Even when 99% of the Sun's surface is obscured during the partial phases of a solar eclipse, the remaining crescent Sun is still intense enough to cause a retinal burn. Note, there are no pain receptors in the retina so your retina can be damaged even before you realize it, and by then it is too late to save your vision! https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/faq

Because of the above safety concern, a parent signature on this sheet is required by August 21, 2017, in order for students to participate in outdoor activities using NASA approved protective glasses or using indirect viewing techniques while at school. Students whose parents do not complete and return this form will participate in an alternative activity inside the building during the eclipse.

I/we the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the below named student, request that the school permit my/our son/daughter to participate in any DCPS viewing event. I/we understand that this is educational and a valid extension of the classroom experience. I’ve talked to my child about the importance of not looking directly at the sun during this event. In consideration of the making of arrangements by the school, I/we release and hold harmless the School Board of Duval County, Florida, its employees, officers and agents from any and all liability for any injuries, loss, or other claims arising or resulting from this viewing of the solar eclipse.

 Printed Parent/Guardian Name:                                                                                                                

  Parent/Guardian Signature:                                                                                     

Date                          

Student’s First Name:                                            

Student’s Last Name:                                          

 School: