Saints Cyril & Methodius School Hosts Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

On Monday, August 21st, Saints Cyril & Methodius School in Deer Park hosted a solar eclipse viewing party. Over one hundred students, parents, alumni, and parishioners witnessed this once in a generation phenomenon. School Principal Sister Susan Snyder remarked, “It’s a privilege to be able to share this experience with our many wonderful students as part of our commitment to a S.T.E.A.M (i.e. science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education.”

The last solar eclipse visible from Long Island occurred in 1994, although one must travel back to 1918 to have seen a total solar eclipse that crossed the entire country. The next total solar eclipse won’t be visible in North America until April 8, 2024. NASA describes a total solar eclipse as being “only visible from a small area on Earth. The people who see the total eclipse are in the center of the moon’s shadow when it hits Earth. The sky becomes very dark, as if it were night. For a total eclipse to take place, the sun, moon and Earth must be in a direct line.”

The weather cooperated with clear skies. Safety remained the number one concern during the viewing party. The school supplied stargazers with ISO 12312-2 compliant solar eclipse glasses in partnership with the local Deer Park Public Library. The school also provided onlookers with water, snacks, and some educational materials while they all waited for “totality” at 2:46PM - well at least 71% totality on Long Island. Spectators lined up to view the solar eclipse through a large telescope, equipped with solar filter, provided by school science teacher Mr. Jerry Senatore.

Mr. Senatore shared his thoughts on the solar eclipse, “At Saints Cyril & Methodius School we focus on cultivating the mind, spirit, and moral character of our students. I consider it a blessing to have been able to guide our students today in careful contemplation of the magnificent spectacle on display.”

Saints Cyril & Methodius School thanks all participants and supporters for making the viewing party such a success.

"When we put the importance of our children’s education first, the possibilities are endless..."

Saints Cyril & Methodius School is located on Deer Park Avenue in Deer Park. It educates children of all faiths from nursery school through eighth grade. Many graduates go on to study at their first choice Catholic High School, including St. Anthony’s, St. John the Baptist, and Chaminade. Please visit our website at www.sscmweb.org to learn more. You may also contact the school administrator Mrs. Diane Sabbatino at (631) 667-4044, or email at admissions@sscmweb.org, to ask about tuition discounts for kindergarten and first grade, as well as other financial assistance offered through Tomorrow's Hope Foundation.