What CNY school districts are closing for the solar eclipse?

CENTRAL NEW YORK (WSYR-TV) — In preparation for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, several central New York school districts have announced changes to their schedules.

Already several school districts in CNY have announced they have canceled school the day of the eclipse or are having a half day to let kids get out of school before the eclipse around 3:15 p.m.

The reason why so many schools are closing on eclipse day is because of the potential harm to children’s eyesight as the eclipse will happen at about the same time school is being let out.

Meghan Piper, the Liverpool School District public information officer, told NewsChannel 9 in December that having children walking home or on a bus during that time would not provide them with the necessary protection.

“Most districts in the area have chosen either an early dismissal or to close completely that day. Originally we were scheduled for a half day. Discussions between local superintendents about what to do that day started last school year, but in recent months area emergency management offices have joined the discussions,” said Piper.

The central and western New York areas are very close to the dead center of the eclipse’s path of totality and emergency management offices expect visitors to flood the region to see the eclipse in person.

“With the extra added traffic and number of events being planned for the area, the district was concerned about safely transporting students to and from school that day. School districts in other regions of the country that have experienced total eclipses like this have encountered those issues and the district decided to make the switch,” said Piper.

If you’re wondering what schools in CNY have decided, read the list below.

CNY schools closing for the solar eclipse

1. Liverpool Central School District

All schools in the Liverpool CSD will be closed on the day of the eclipse.

2. Fayetteville Manlius Central School District

All schools in the Fayetteville Manlius CSD have canceled school on the day of the eclipse. They also canceled all spring-modified sports, postponing everything until Tuesday, April 9. Varsity and JV practices will run from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

3. West Genesee Central School District

All schools in the West Genesee CSD will be closed on April 8 to accommodate for the total solar eclipse.

4. Jamesville DeWitt Central School District

All schools in the Jamesville DeWitt CSD will be closed on the day of the eclipse.

“The Central New York region is expected to be a prime viewing area for the eclipse and we’re anticipating more visitors and traffic in our community. The estimated time of the eclipse falls within our regular school dismissal window. The safety of our students is our top priority and we feel it would be best to keep J-D buses off of roads that day,” stated Jamesville DeWitt Central School District Superintendent, Peter Smith.

5. Auburn Enlarged City School District

All schools in the Auburn ECSD will be closed on the day of the eclipse for a staff development day.

6. Canastota Central School District

All schools in the Canastota CSD will be closed on the day of the eclipse.

CNY schools having half-days on the solar eclipse

1. Cazenovia Central School District

All schools in the Cazenovia CSD schools will have a half day of school for the solar eclipse with an early dismissal at 11:30 a.m.

2. Syracuse City School District

All schools in the Syracuse CSD will have half days on April 8 so students have time to get home before the solar eclipse happens.

3. Pulaski Academy and Central Schools

PACS has announced they will have a half day on April 8.

4. East Syracuse Minoa Central School District 

All students at the ESMCSD will have a half-day but staff is required to work all day.

CNY schools having activities during the solar eclipse

1. Baldwinsville Central School District

Unlike most schools, the Baldwinsville CSD is keeping all schools open during the solar eclipse so teachers and students can watch.

“A total solar eclipse will be visible around 3:20 p.m. on Monday, April 8th. We wanted to let you know for planning purposes that school will be in session for the full day on that day. Many teachers are planning activities to help commemorate this rare event. We’ve provided our educators with some ideas on possible activities,” stated Joseph M. DeBarbieri Superintendent of Schools for the Baldwinsville CSD.

You can view those activities on the Baldwinsville CSD website.

Don’t see your local school district listed and you know if they are closing, having a half-day, or are open on the day of the eclipse? Let us know!

If you are a teacher or parent who received notification about your local school district’s plans for the solar eclipse, please email the name, decision of the district, website, and other information to our digital team here.

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