On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

 A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. In Kansas City, a deep partial eclipse of magnitude 90.2% will be visible. The partial eclipse begins at 12:37 p.m. and lasts through 3:11 p.m., with the maximum eclipse at 1:54 p.m. when 90.2% of the sun’s surface will be covered by the moon.

On Aug. 21, 2017, we experienced a 99.4% near-total eclipse. While the 2024 eclipse will not be as complete in Kansas City, KS both eclipses can be described as the chance of a lifetime due to the rarity of such events. This is especially relevant knowing that the next opportunity to view a total solar eclipse from the contiguous United States will occur on Aug. 23, 2044.

Schools in USD 500 are preparing for the solar eclipse on April 8 with safety being the number one priority but also a strong emphasis on learning. Be sure you're familiar with when you need to wear specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing by reviewing these safety guidelines.

This site has some resources for teachers and parents to use in preparation for this eclipse. If you find anything else that needs to be shared, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Curriculum Instructional Coaches:  Spencer.Martin@kckps.org (Secondary) or cheryl.beyer@kckps.org (Elementary). 

One important note: The district will have safe eclipse viewing glasses for schools available to purchase.

We are set to offer NASA-approved Solar Eclipse glasses in the Storeroom. These glasses are expected to be in stock at the Storeroom by the week of March 25th, but feel free to place your orders now. Limit 1 per student/staff, and the Storeroom maintains a student count list for your convenience.

Follow the link to see what the eclipse will look like from your zip code or another zip code: Check this out