Helping students get a glimpse of history

Baker said 750 of the pairs ordered will be distributed throughout Alta Loma Middle School so each student will own a set, but he hopes to continue fundraising so more district students can properly witness the rare event.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. ... It’s an amazing learning experience that — while it’s not going to be full here in South San Francisco — it’s going to be an impressive sight,” said Baker.

Baker launched an online fundraiser on gofundme.com to help finance the initiative he took up after talking to teachers at the school. To date, he has received $150 in donations, or about one-quarter of the cost required to buy the glasses. The rest of the purchase price has been filled by Baker using his monthly stipend paid from the district for his role as a trustee.

“The conversations started with teachers because I’m a huge astronomy fan. I was one of the few who really loved that class in college, I guess,” he said. “So when I was talking to the teachers, I asked if they had something going on for the eclipse and whether there was something I could do to help?”

The full solar eclipse — when the moon passes between Earth and the Sun — will occur Monday, Aug. 21, marking the first time since 1918 that such an event will be visible across the entire nation.

Those watching the astronomical event risk damaging their eyes by viewing it without a pair of specialized protective glasses designed to filter excessive amounts of ultraviolet rays.

Looking into the sun during the eclipse can result in the equivalent of sunburned eyes, causing heightened sensitivity or discomfort. In extreme cases, permanent damage is possible.

As Baker said he is pleased to do his part assuring each Alta Loma Middle School student is prepared to safely watch the event, he said hopefully more donations could expand access for all district middle-schoolers.

Baker joked he was compelled to establish the private fundraiser partially because the district’s annual spending plan does not consider astronomical events which occur roughly once every half century.

“This is a once-in-every-40-years things, so it’s not put into year-to-year budgets,” he said.

The eclipse offers a unique learning opportunities for schools, noted Baker, as it crosses through a variety of disciplines including astronomy, geography and even ecology because educators can drill down into the impact on solar energy.

While the full brilliance of the eclipse will not be viewable from California, Baker said students are lucky to have an open campus from where they can get their best glimpse — so long as the fog often floating above South City is not too thick.

With a couple weeks before the eclipse happens, Baker said he is optimistic more money will be raised and another batch of glasses can be purchased for the rest of interested students across the district.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and hopefully we can get more glasses to more students,” he said.

Visit gofundme.com/z5p7kd-eclipse-glasses-for-ssf-students for more information or to donate to the campaign.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 105