Toledo Public Schools outlines April 8 eclipse waiver day; every student to receive viewing glasses

Toledo Public Schools staff told the board March 26 that the district will treat April 8 as a waiver/training day in response to the total solar eclipse expected in Northwest Ohio. Staff will be present in the morning for in-person sessions and released in the afternoon; buildings are scheduled to close by 12:30 p.m. to reduce safety and transportation risks associated with expected congestion.

Jennifer Lawless and district presenters described a day of targeted training: morning in-person sessions for staff and building teams, MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) reflection activities to collect implementation data, and afternoon virtual modules tailored by department. Central office will run parallel, role-specific trainings on topics such as team culture and effective meetings. Security, transportation, maintenance and food service teams have tailored morning schedules and will participate in afternoon modules.

The district said it purchased and distributed a pair of eclipse glasses for every student and provided a teacher-developed viewing guide that will be sent home before spring break. "We have purchased and sent out ... a pair of eclipse glasses for every student along with a viewing guide," a district presenter said, explaining that safety procedures and classroom resources were developed by teachers in the science academy.

The presenters noted uncertainties the district planned for, including possible congestion and effects on internet capacity during the event. They described the MTSS portion of the day as an opportunity to collect reflective data from building core teams to inform future implementation efforts.

The board asked clarifying questions about family communications and safety; the district said materials and instructions will be sent home prior to the event. The board also praised staff for preparing materials and training for the district.

The board did not take formal action on the topic beyond the presentation; the district is implementing the waiver-day schedule as described.