ROGERS, Ark. — Unlike many schools in Arkansas, Bellview Elementary in Rogers was in school Monday during the eclipse. However, that didn't stop them from experiencing the event while learning all about why an eclipse happens.
"We've done a lot of pre-teaching about the science behind the eclipse, the science behind the glasses and how they work, and how to be safe," Principal Dan Cox said.
Cox was especially excited about this eclipse because back in 2017, the school district didn't allow them to go out and view it.
"They actually ended up getting the mandate that we couldn't even go outside for it even though there were glasses, but some glasses didn't meet the requirements. So we've been anticipating this one forever," he said.
Cox even had a special helmet allowing him to view the eclipse while also keeping an eye on the kiddos.
"I shared with them my welding helmet that's an auto tint, so I could pull it down and use it and still see everybody," Cox said. "That helped me to monitor everybody, so I didn't have to pull the glasses off and on."
Students' families were welcome to join Bellview in watching the eclipse.
"The best part was we had extra glasses that we had gotten, so we were able to invite all our families to come enjoy this with us," Cox said. "Anytime we can have our family here, we just love it. And we love their engagement with school and from what we hear from them, they really love being able to be engaged with school."
The students said they loved being out to experience this event.
"We're not going to get to experience one for a long time and we've been learning all about it in science, so it's really cool to know how all of it works and like to be looking out for different parts of the eclipse," one student said.
"It might only happen once in our lifetime so I feel like all [of] fifth grade really needs to soak it in," another student added. "It's most likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
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