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BEAR CREEK TWP. — Citing the uncertainty of the safety of glasses purchased for students to view Monday’s solar eclipse, the Bear Creek Community Charter School will not start its school year Monday.
The vendor who sold the glasses sent a letter stating the eyewear “may not be safe,” according to Jim Smith, the school’s chief executive officer.
“We decided that the best option would be to let the kids stay home and enjoy this historic event with their families,” Smith said. “The vendor advised us to destroy the glasses.”
Smith said the school’s calendar was planned in April to allow parents to be able to schedule around it.
“We didn’t realize there would be a solar eclipse on the first day of school,” said Smith. “When we did learn about it, we decided to use it as an educational opportunity.”
That’s why officials decided to purchase the eclipse-viewing glasses. After he was informed the glasses may not be safe, he has been unable to find suitable replacements.
“We decided it would be best to allow the students to remain home Monday and start school on Tuesday,” Smith said.
When word got out about the glasses being unusable, dozens of calls and emails came in from parents. He said half were concerned about their children missing out on viewing the eclipse and the other half questioned if their child’s safety would be guaranteed — especially on the bus ride home.
“We realized there was no perfect answer,” Smith said. “We apologize for the late notice and the inconvenience.”
The Bear Creek school has 468 students enrolled in grades kindergarten through eighth grade.