4-09-2024 5:16am

Photos: near total eclipse at Roscoe Middle School

Michael McGinnis Editor

Roscoe Middle School teachers Heather Galluzzo and Deanna Phillips found that mounting their eclipse glasses in paper plates gave more protection and looked cooler.

Roscoe Middle School was one of several Winnebago County schools that released students from class for half an hour to see the 91% partial eclipse on Monday, Apr. 8, 2024. Other schools: Hononegah High School, Whitman Post, Willowbrook, Shirland, Red Shed Preschool, and Kinnikinnick.

Lance Walker, Joseph Rogotti, Jaxon Westergaard, and Aden Pond made use of their eclipse glasses behind Roscoe Middle School and made sure their names were spelled right in the news.

Art teacher Lily Picot climbed on the roof at Roscoe Middle School to take a very large group picture behind the school. All the students had been released from class to watch the eclipse.

Naturally, between glances at the crescent shaped sun in the sky, the six hundred middle schoolers took the opportunity to run around a little on the grass. After all, when their big eclipse comes on August 12, 2045, they'll probably be at work.

Science teacher Tracy Jasinski says all her sixth grade students could tell you a lot about eclipses, though students from previous years may have forgot some details. She sent emails to the media inviting them to join them. The result: two television crews showed up besides Rockton-Roscoe News. She shared extra glasses with the three reporters, none of whom had brought their own.

Jasinski 's news release:

Looking for a news event? Roscoe Middle School is thrilled to have an opportunity to view an extraordinary celestial event. On April 8th, from 1:50 pm to 2:20 pm, the entire school will be witnessing the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a solar eclipse.

This rare celestial occurrence will be a momentous occasion, providing an educational and immersive experience for all of our students. Students have been learning the science behind solar eclipses and experimenting with how solar eclipse glasses work versus regular sunglasses. The safety and well-being of our students is of the utmost importance, and all students will be provided with eclipse glasses that adhere to all necessary safety protocols.