School districts like Olathe and North Kansas City have purchased tens of thousands of eclipse glasses for students and staff.
The Olathe school district says some parents have asked about taking their kids out of school the day of the eclipse, and the school is asking them not to do that.
They say this is a unique learning opportunity they want to take advantage of.
On Monday, August 21st, the eclipse will hit 99.4% totality in Olathe.
“This is the best learning experience that we’re going to have probably in our lifetime, so we want to make sure we have everyone prepared to do it in a safe manner,” said Jessica Dain, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Olathe School District.
In Olathe, most of the educational conversation will happen after the eclipse, but in North Kansas City the school district has planned every day leading up to the event.
The North Kansas City School District will have a view of the eclipse at 10% totality.
“We’re going to start school on Wednesday and from there until the eclipse on Monday, we are going to be talking about it and learning about it. On that day, Monday… it’s a whole day,” said Jessica Nolin, Science Curriculum Coordinator for North Kansas City school district.
Each grade level has different activities planned for the days leading up and the day of the eclipse.
“Besides just observing, we have so many different activities planned,” said Nolin, “Talking about history and what did past civilizations think when solar eclipses happened.”
The school districts know parents are concerned about safety, which is why they have already distributed glasses.
They will be discussing with students why they need to wear them and even practicing how and when to put them on with younger students in the days leading up to the eclipse.
