Next April, folks across the U.S. including many sections of Ohio are preparing for what many are describing as a "once in a lifetime" event: a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

The Boardman Local School District sees this as much more than just a one-day event though, as the district has a list of activities planned leading up to the eclipse that will last the whole school year.

Last spring, Boardman teachers and staff formed a Solar Eclipse Committee to come up with ways to make this a great learning experience for students.

"We are finding every opportunity to make this a year of great learning about our solar system and make it something our students, staff and community will remember forever," said Center Intermediate science teacher Megan Turillo.

The committee meets twice a month to discuss district-wide activities engaging students with information on the annular eclipse on October 14, 2023 and the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Eclipse glasses have been purchased for every Boardman student and bi-monthly video "SUN-Spots" will be pushed out on district communications to students and families featuring "fun-filled- information."

Additionally, West Boulevard Elementary will host SkyDome Planetarium, a life-size inflatable solar system for students to walk through. According to a press release, this is a 45-minute interactive experience that will happen in small groups all day long.

Stadium Drive Elementary PTA has also reserved the same planetarium show scheduled for January 26 and Center Intermediate PTA and Principal Masacci combined to bring the inflatable planetarium to Center Intermediate for January 22 and 23.

Additionally, there will be solar eclipse themed art at Center Intermediate.

According to the release, there is much more still in the process of being planned for this list of activities and these events are just the beginning.