UHS celebrates solar eclipse

It’s only a “once in a lifetime” experience and Urbana High School and Urbana Middle School students and staff got to experience it once again!

The Urbana administration came prepared to celebrate the event, passing our solar glasses to all schools across the district.

“As you know, our Student Learning Team has ordered eclipse-safe viewing glasses for students and staff to share in this event together. We want to remind you all that while this is a learning experience that our students will never forget, we also want to ensure that the experience is safe and enjoyable, and we ask that safe viewing remains a top priority,” wrote Superintendent Jennifer Ivory-Tatum in an email to families, students, and staff.

Students gathered on the football field during 7th hour to watch the eclipse!

The last solar eclipse Urbana celebrated was in 2017 and the high school students were excited to get to experience the solar eclipse once again in their lifetime.

“I vaguely remember watching the one in 2017 because my granny thought the 3D glasses from the movie theaters would do the same as the eclipse glasses,” laughed junior Danyla Nash. She was excited to re-watch (this time with proper glasses)!

Sophomore Arelly Gutierrez enjoyed the eclipse as well.

“It felt really cool. Schools don’t experience that a lot, so it was important because we got to all see it together as a school and it was a way to bond with your friends. It’s a memory that some people will carry with them for a long time,” said Gutierrez.

Staff enjoyed the experience as well.

“It was a really cool experience. It’s nice to see the kids outside of the classroom, but still having an educational moment while being able to spend time with their friends,” said English teacher Kim Summers.

The eclipse was a great experience and we hope you all got to enjoy it safely!