NANKIN — Mapleton Elementary School’s cafeteria featured students donning neon colors, splatter paint table cloths, a photo booth and black lights everywhere Friday afternoon as students celebrated the eclipse.
According to principal Cassie Swanson, the elementary school usually does some type of party before spring break. In a typical year, it’s beach themed, but with the eclipse on the horizon, the school changed course this year.
Ashland and the surrounding area will be in the path of totality for an upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8.
More than 150,000 people were expected to venture to the county to see the astronomical event.
The next total solar eclipse in Ohio won’t happen until 2099. Total solar eclipses do happen across the world about once every year and a half.
Most local schools in the area won’t be in session Monday. Several, including Mapleton, have purchased eclipse glasses for students to watch safely from home.
Swanson said teachers at Mapleton have brought the eclipse excitement into their classrooms too. They’ve taught special eclipse lessons to their students in the lead-up to the event.
She said she’s uncertain if the students understand how rare it is for a total solar eclipse to be viewed in Ohio, but that they’ve had fun getting ready for it.
Friday’s party, put together by the school’s student council, was the cherry on top.
Aubrey Elkins, a fifth grade student council representative, helped set up the decorations in the cafeteria Friday. She also handed out cookies and glow sticks to her peers in the cafeteria.
“It’s fun to hang out in the cafeteria and to help the school,” Elkins said.
Elkins added that she plans to watch the eclipse with her family Monday, and looks forward to the event.
Below are photos from Mapleton Elementary’s eclipse party.
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