I am writing this petition to urge our community to stand together in requesting Superintendent Larry Maynard decide to allow all students and staff at Oakwood CUSD #76 the wonderful opportunity to experience the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Many surrounding school districts are taking the day off, utilizing e-learning, or providing safety glasses so they can experience this extraordinary and rare educational event together. In the past, Oakwood has provided safety glasses and encouraged classes to view the 2017 solar eclipse. I still hear excited and fond chatter from students that describe it as a core school memory.

Whereas an email was sent on April 4, 2024, in the evening stating students whose parents sent in prior notice for absence related to the solar eclipse will be excused, this decision is not inclusive. Many students will not have the opportunity to view it, as well as the staff who deserve this opportunity just as much. The email states there will be indoor learning activities related to this instructional event, but where is the fun in that when many will be denied the privilege to experience this historical moment firsthand?