We are excited about the solar eclipse scheduled to occur on Monday, April 8 and want to ensure that all PTS students, staff, and families have the ability to safely enjoy the event. All PTS students will participate in an early dismissal from school on April 8. Students will have access to breakfast and lunch that day, and transportation will be provided. Teachers will be providing independent learning opportunities to be completed in the afternoon with many eclipse-themed activities available.
While parts of our state south of us are in the path of totality, Portage is expected to experience a 95% partial eclipse. The event will begin at 12:51 p.m., reach a maximum eclipse of 95% at 2:07 p.m., and end at 3:22 p.m. This is a significant event, and we know many residents in our area are looking forward to the experience.
Please note the following:
- School will begin at its normal time on April 8. Students will have independent assignments to complete from home. Exact times will be available soon.
- Our local childcare facilities are aware of the updated schedule and will be communicating options with families.
- All students will have access to breakfast and lunch that day. Meal schedules may be adjusted to fit the updated schedule.
- Our elementary students will receive eclipse-themed independent work to complete in the afternoon. Additional resources from the Indiana Department of Education are available on our website.
- All teachers will be communicating the independent work for the afternoon prior to April 8.
- The State of Indiana is anticipating a large number of additional visitors, primarily in central and southern Indiana. They are warning us to be prepared for interstates, including I-65, the toll road, and I-94, to become congested. This presents the potential for additional traffic on our local roads as well. Our hope is that we avoid the congestion with our early dismissal time, but please be prepared for some potential traffic delays that day.
Additional resources for the solar eclipse can be found on the Indiana Department of Education’s website. On their site, you can find grade-specific activities, safety information for viewing the eclipse, a live stream, and more.
Elementary independent learning packets for their afternoon assignments can be found below.
Afternoon assignments for our middle school and high school students will be posted to Schoology.
Live streams of the solar eclipse can be found here: