The solar eclipse will be visible in our area around 3:35 pm on Monday, April 8, which is a pretty cool phenomenon – but it’s also causing concern for school district administrators who are worried about kids will be looking up toward the sky during dismissal.
Matthew J. Block, superintendent for Livingston Public Schools, sent a letter to parents weeks ago announcing dismissal at 12:45 pm for all schools because the eclipse is scheduled for 3-4 pm, and he didn’t want kids looking up toward the sun with their eyes unprotected while going to the bus.
Shore Regional High School District, which draws teens from Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright and West Long Branch, will close at 1:30 pm to accommodate student drivers. If a parent wants their kid home earlier, they can write a letter to the Attendance Office indicating their preferred time for dismissal. All afterschool activities, co-curricular clubs and sports games/practices will be canceled, but students should check in with their coach or advisor to see if the event will be postponed until later in the evening.
Pennsauken Public Schools have changed Monday to a half day for all students, and all extracurricular sports and activities will be canceled.
Cherry Hill Public Schools will follow an early dismissal schedule and close the School-Aged Child Care program for the day. All afterschool activities are canceled.
Mark Schwarz, superintendent of Ridgewood Public Schools, said he will not be closing schools, but did suggest that parents talk to their kids about the eclipse in advance, reinforcing the need for eye protection. He cautioned that kids walking, riding their bikes or taking the bus home from school need to be careful because roadway visibility during the eclipse could be limited. The district will operate on a normal dismissal schedule, but Schwarz said parents should consider picking up their kids from school.
Before next week, you can check out these events in NJ and NY that will explain what happens during the eclipse, and how to protect your eyes from damage. Then, plan where you and your family will watch this once-in-a-lifetime natural event.
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Read More:
Look Up! Here’s Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse on April 8
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