Many schools across the U.S. are rethinking their class schedules for April 8, 2024 — the day a solar eclipse will hit North America.
The eclipse’s line of totality — the areas where the sun will experience total coverage — will span 15 states, according to NASA.
The eclipse route will travel from Mexico, arching northeast from Texas to Ohio before reaching Canada and going back into Maine.
Many school districts, and even some universities, that lie in the direct path of the eclipse have already planned to close school or cancel classes out of concern for students’ safety.
Various schools in Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Vermont, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania reportedly plan to have alternative school schedules on April 8.
These districts and institutions have taken into consideration how total darkness may be a safety hazard, as commuters and bus drivers could be distracted on the roads.
Some schools have also expressed concerns about unsafe viewing, as watching a solar eclipse without proper eyewear could lead to permanent eye damage.
Livingston Public Schools in Livingston, New Jersey, released a notice on March 6 from school superintendent Matthew Block, who alerted the district to an early dismissal schedule for eclipse day.
“Several community members have expressed concern about the solar eclipse,” the superintendent said.
“Since the eclipse will occur during our regularly scheduled school dismissal times, many of our students would be outside and unsupervised during the eclipse.”
He added, “Unless children are properly supervised, they could be drawn to look at the eclipse, and would likely do so that day at dismissal. Without the proper equipment, this can cause damage to their eyes.”
He also said, “Our [district] physician added that the glare and distraction caused by the solar eclipse could also present a challenge with driving during this time, which might negatively impact the safety of our parents, staff and bus drivers.”
