Why Some New York Schools Will Be Closed Monday, April 8

Are you getting excited about the upcoming solar eclipse? I'm not saying total solar eclipse, because, in our section of the Southern Tier of New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania, we will not be in the path of the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, 2024

But, according to sources, we will be close to 97%, which is described as a partial solar eclipse. But that will be a great show to see just the same. That is, provided our almost always sunny days (being sarcastic here), we won't have total cloud cover with or without precipitation.

The eclipse should begin its flight through our area around 2:10 p.m. with the maximum particle eclipse occurring around 3:23 p.m. and completely gone by around 4:38 p.m. Take a look at the animation graphic on the Eclipse 2024 website. It's a cool graphic to see how the eclipse will play out throughout New York.

I remember when I was in school if an eclipse event was happening during school hours, depending on the school, our teachers would let us go outside to observe the eclipse, safely of course, but then we were herded back into the building to resume the school day.

But in 2024, several New York State school districts that live in the total eclipse path are giving their students a partial or entire day off. That's right, the entire day off to observe the eclipse.

I can only wonder what percentage of students will look up from their mobile phones to see this amazing event in the sky. Just a personal observation, and pardon the pun.

According to NYup.com, the Buffalo City School District is giving its 32,000 students and staff the day off. It's probably for the best since Erie County is on the path of the total eclipse which will peak at 3:18 p.m., which is around the time school would be letting out. Given how busy the area will be with locals and tourists, it's probably best.

In a recent CNY Central article, Syracuse area school districts will be giving students either a half or a full day off, depending on the school district. Again probably for the best since the end school day, like Buffalo will occur close to the peak time of the eclipse.

The website article notes that the Syracuse School District will provide its students with a pair of protective eyewear to wear at home. Good idea.

In Northern New York, according to MyNBC.com, areas where a total solar eclipse will be occurring, several school districts are also either giving their students a full day off or early dismissal.