Princeton City Schools -

An Important Solar Eclipse Update for Princeton City Schools:

Despite our glasses being ISO-approved, our district attorneys have advised that we cannot distribute them because we cannot guarantee their proper usage outside of the school environment.

PCSD will NOT be able to distribute eclipse glasses to each student for the April 8, 2024 eclipse. Adults may pick up to five free glasses (per household) at the Princeton Administration Center at 3900 Cottingham Drive. Glasses will be available for pickup between 8 AM and 3 PM on Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and require an adult signature. 

April 2, 2024

Re: Solar Eclipse Glasses Distribution

As we approach the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, we have been working diligently to ensure the safety of our students and staff during this unique astronomical occurrence. However, after careful consideration and consultation with our school district's attorney, I regret to inform you of a change in our plans regarding the distribution of solar eclipse glasses. PCSD will NOT send glasses home with each student.

Regarding safety and liability concerns, we cannot distribute solar eclipse glasses to students or families. Despite our glasses being ISO-approved, we cannot guarantee their proper usage outside of the school environment. Ensuring the safe and appropriate use of solar eclipse glasses presents a significant challenge for us outside of the school environment, and we must prioritize the well-being of our students and community.

However, we understand the importance of experiencing such a rare event safely. Therefore, we have arranged for interested adults to obtain up to five pairs of solar eclipse glasses from the Princeton Administration Center at 3900 Cottingham Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45241. Glasses will be available for pickup between 8 AM and 3 PM on Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and require an adult signature. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We encourage everyone to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when viewing the solar eclipse.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 513-864-1005 or ecard@vikingmail.org. Thank you for understanding and your cooperation in this matter.

As Always…Go Vikes,

G. Elgin Card,

Superintendent

March 12, 2024
(scroll to the bottom of this post for tip sheets and other important links)

No School on April 8th
On April 8, 2024, Ohio will play host to a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1806. During this event, we will witness an awe-inspiring 99% sun coverage in the Princeton City School District area. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us since the next total solar eclipse in Ohio won't occur until 2099! 

In our area, the Solar Eclipse begins at 1:52 PM, the Solar Eclipse maximum will be at 3:09 PM, and the Solar Eclipse will end at 4:25 PM.

Our school district has been eagerly preparing for the April 8 Solar Eclipse with plans to make it a safe and memorable experience for our entire learning community. Our goal is always to keep our schools open for learning whenever possible. We strive to operate in a way that provides a safe and welcoming learning environment for each Princeton student and staff member.

We recognize that as other school districts have canceled, that has a ripple effect on our staff, whose own families may be impacted. We also know that some staff members need to drive home through areas that could be more significantly impacted by increased tourist traffic due to the eclipse’s timing. Due to the timing of the eclipse and significant staffing shortages that closures in surrounding school districts have compounded, Princeton City Schools will be closed for students and staff (as a calamity day) on April 8, 2024. 

After-school activities/Sports practices and games have been canceled. Events starting after 5:00 p.m. may continue. 

Solar Eclipse Learning will continue. We are grateful for the team of educators who have created terrific plans to maximize the learning that will celebrate and commemorate this celestial experience. Each student and staff member will be provided with certified solar eclipse glasses.  We will distribute the solar eclipse glasses for students to take home the week of April 1st. These glasses will allow students to observe the eclipse safely with their families.

Whether your family is traveling to a location in 100% totality, watching 99% totality in the local area, or following along online, we’d love to see you share your excitement with us on social media by posting a photo with the #AAGV (#As Always…Go Vikes!) 

Thank you for your flexibility and commitment to our learning community’s safety and well-being.

As Always…Go Vikes!

G. Elgin Card, Superintendent

On April 8, 2024, people within a 124-mile-wide stretch of Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse—where the moon appears to totally obscure the sun. And for those not in the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be viewable. A total solar eclipse is a rare and unique event. Ohio's last visible total solar eclipse was over 200 years ago—in 1806!