As eighth period came to a close, the sky began to darken as the moon covered the sun in a once in a lifetime event. With it, students and staff scrambled outside to see the eclipse shrouding the campus.
Interestingly enough, attendance records showed that there were a significant number of absences today. According to Attendance Secretary Maureen Borden, nearly 300 students did not attend school. However, average absences this early in the year are typically around 10-20 per day in all grade. Additionally, over 80 kids signed out between noon and 1 p.m. All this together is likely a result of today’s eclipse, as many students went to see the event for themselves.
Here’s what some of those still on campus thought about the view.
What did you think about the eclipse?
Emma Morris, grade 3
We’re watching this video of a solar eclipse to see how the eclipse looks different in different places. Seeing it was really cool.”
Ken Dorji, grade 7
It looked like a big, black ball blocking the sun.”
Jaxon Carney, grade 8
While looking through the glasses, it looks like a cartoon moon, and its lit, because its the sun.”
Julia Blom, grade 10
[The eclipse] was really fascinating, and it’s a lot darker than I expected. I thought it would be brighter but the glasses make the sky really dark so you can see the moon better.”
Freda Williams, third grade teacher
I was so excited. I’ve been planning since May to use this as an opportunity to teach them about different phenomena. I even planned a party with different eclipse inspired foods.”
Lucy Cherubino, Teacher Aide
I thought it was really beautiful. It looked so orange.”
Story by eighth grade journalism students SARAH CATALANO, FRANKIE GRASSO-CLAY, PEYTON HARRIS, and DEACON STANLEY