Schalmont School District Closure on April 8 for Solar Eclipse, Impacting Local Families

Schalmont School District will be closed on Monday, April 8, due to a solar eclipse. The decision was made considering the eclipse's timing and student safety. The peak of the event is expected at 3:26 p.m., coinciding with elementary students' bus rides. An unused snow day will be utilized for this closure.

The closure allows families to witness the eclipse, which will be 97% visible in the Capital Region where the district is located. The district encourages families to travel north for a total view and to use eclipse glasses for safe viewing.

A 9th grade field trip to Paul Smith’s College will continue as planned. Over 200 students will participate, offering them a chance to witness the total eclipse. The district appreciates the teachers' efforts in planning this educational trip.

The district recognizes the inconvenience the closure may cause for families needing childcare or taking time off work. The decision was also influenced by other local districts closing, potentially causing a staff shortage due to teachers needing to care for their own children.

Dr. Thomas Reardon, the Superintendent, thanked families for their understanding and invited questions via email. He stressed that without adequate staff, proper supervision and meaningful instruction would not be possible.

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