Robertson County school districts prepare students and staff for eclipse

ROBERTSON COUNTY, Texas (KBTX) – The solar eclipse is just days away, and Robertson County schools are taking advantage of their proximity to the path of totality.

School districts are looking to seize this once-in-a-generation learning opportunity, and educators have the chance to shine a light on learning in near-total darkness.

Five districts call Robertson County home: Bremond, Calvert, Franklin, Hearne and Mumford ISDs.

Bremond ISD falls within the path of totality, and will spend time in 100% darkness. Superintendent Daryl Stuard said the district bought eclipse glasses and will be watching it unfold from their football field.

Calvert ISD follows a four day week, taking Mondays off. Student support specialist Ronnell Trotter said their student media team is gearing up to cover the eclipse. Some teachers made sure their students can still watch, and learn, from the eclipse, even if they’re not in school.

“A lot of teachers, because they know students won’t be here on Monday, have purchased glasses for those students,” Trotter said.

Franklin ISD announced on Facebook that they’ll cancel school Monday.

The post said they want to make sure every student can watch without the risk of getting caught in increased traffic on their rural roads.

Hearne ISD stocked up on eclipse glasses for the occasion.

“When you can add learning to a real-life experience, I think it has a lifelong impact on the individuals,” Superintendent Dr. Adrain Johnson said.

Their classrooms are already filled with grade-appropriate activities to help prepare students for their real-life science lesson. Johnson said this is a powerful learning experience they’re excited to share.

“They’ve been eager to work this into their lessons and work with the students. And being able to not only see it, but learn about it and get into the ‘why,’” he said.

Mumford ISD bought 600 pairs of eclipse glasses, and is working to include as many eclipse-related lessons as possible.

“We’ve encouraged our teachers to have embedded that into science lessons this week and next, and then of course come Monday we’re going to focus more on the eclipse,” Mumford ISD superintendent Dr. Allen Reese said.

The district will reach 99.7% coverage and is working to make sure students can experience the eclipse without losing a day of learning.

“That morning instruction is valuable to us, and we can teach, right? We can have a school day and still cover the eclipse in an appropriate manner,” Reese said.

The eclipse is expected to pass over Robertson County around 12:30 p.m.