Students at three EISD campuses will be able to safely watch the 2024 Solar Eclipse thanks to the effort of an Edgewood mom who didn’t want students to miss out.
Dora Maldonado’s children attend Perales STEAM Elementary School, Gus Garcia University School and Kennedy High School. When she learned about the upcoming solar eclipse, she wanted to make sure her children and their classmates had a chance to take part.
“I was talking with two teachers at Gus [Garcia University School] about what events we could do for students,” says Madonado. “One of the teachers mentioned the solar eclipse. We presented a plan to Dr. Boyd, and she said yes.”
What started with a conversation, became a mother’s mission to get glasses donated for children’s campuses.
“I just started calling, emailing and messaging on social media until I finally got a response,” said Maldondo with a smile.
All the effort paid off. She was able to get glasses for all three campuses. A connection she made through the San Antonio Fire Department donated 1,000 glasses and UTSA Applied Engineering & Technology donated an addition 1,700. Once she was able to obtain the eclipse glasses, she reached out to the principals. All three appreciated her effort and determination.
“Ms. Maldonado took it upon herself to secure solar eclipse glasses for all our students for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Jorge Medrano, principal of Perales STEAM Elementary. “This experience brings to life concepts our students learn about in their Kindergarten to 5th grade journey, the earth-moon-sun relationship. They will get to live it firsthand on April 8.”
Now that she’s able to check ‘get solar eclipse glasses’ off her to-do list, Maldonado is excited to be able to witness the historic event.
“I’m hoping students will remember sharing this experience with their teachers and friends, while getting see it with their own eyes” says Maldonado. “I’m looking forward to [watching the eclipse] at Gus Garcia with my twins.”
Edgewood ISD would also like to say thank you to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Buc-ee's for donating 1,300 additional solar eclipse glasses.