Many schools across the U.S. are reevaluating their class schedules for April 8, 2024, due to a solar eclipse that will hit North America. The eclipse’s path of totality will span 15 states, prompting school districts and universities in the direct path to close for the day or modify schedules out of concern for student safety. Schools in states such as Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have announced alternative schedules due to worries about total darkness posing a safety hazard and the potential for unsafe viewing without proper eyewear.
Some school districts, like Livingston Public Schools in New Jersey and Hays Consolidated Independent School District in Texas, have decided to close school for the entire day of the eclipse at the request of county and emergency management officials. Concerns around traffic control, crowd management, and the potential for delays in emergency responses have led to these closures. Schools are also worried about road congestion and potential safety hazards for students, staff, and bus drivers due to increased traffic on eclipse day.
In a proactive approach to ensuring student safety, Hays CISD has purchased eclipse glasses for all students and staff members and plans to send them home with fun activities and assignments for eclipse day. Erie Public Schools in Pennsylvania will also close on April 8 to mitigate travel and traffic challenges expected from the influx of visitors drawn to the region as it is in the path of totality. While there is no inherent danger from the eclipse itself as long as viewers do not look directly at the sun before totality, precautions are being taken to prevent any potential risks associated with the event.
Universities like the University of Vermont and Kent State University have announced alternative plans for classes on April 8, offering integrative learning experiences related to the solar eclipse theme. UVM has designated the day as an alternative instruction day, providing faculty and students with opportunities for integrative learning and alternative instruction. Kent State University will be in the path of totality for the eclipse and plans to offer a variety of educational events leading up to and on the day of the eclipse, including viewing locations, planetarium shows, and online resources to support academic programming around the event.
While some experts, like astrophysicist Dr. Bill Blair from Johns Hopkins University, believe that schools closing due to increased traffic concerns is a valid decision, others have expressed concerns about potential road hazards caused by last-minute efforts to view the eclipse in areas with cloudy weather. Ultimately, the focus of many school districts and universities is on ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the community during the rare celestial event. The eclipse on April 8, 2024, presents a unique opportunity for educational experiences and integrative learning across disciplines, prompting schools to implement alternative schedules and activities to engage students in the phenomenon.
