March 19, 2024
Dear Cairo-Durham Central School District Families,
The Cairo-Durham Central School District will have an Early Dismissal on Monday, April 8, 2024. Cairo-Durham Middle and High School will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served. No after school activities will be taking place. Cairo-Durham Elementary School will release at 12:45 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served, per usual, however there will be no P.M. Pre-K.
In addition, the District received guidance from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Questar III BOCES regarding an impending solar eclipse that will be visible in New York State, shortly after 2 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024.
New York State will be one of 11 contiguous states situated within the path of totality for the total solar eclipse. Several regions of the state will be in the direct path of totality. Other parts will be able to view a partial solar eclipse. This presents a unique educational opportunity for students to learn about this exciting astronomical event, and an ideal teachable moment for educators to delve into the wonders of the cosmos.
With the health and safety of students, staff and the school community being the District’s top priority, I would like to share with you details and considerations for the eclipse:
Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun's bright face, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. If you are to view the eclipse, the Cairo-Durham Central School District, NYSED and Questar III BOCES advise to wear eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
Click here to view a list compiled by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) of North American retailers carrying approved eclipse glasses and solar viewers.
Resources from NASA and the AAS on how to safely view a solar eclipse can be found by clicking here (NASA) and here (AAS).
Please view the attached PDF document explaining eclipse viewing safety, maintenance of viewers and more.
Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Sincerely,
Michael Wetherbee
Superintendent of Schools
Cairo-Durham Central School District