Sharon Springs School Closure and Safety Measures for April 8th Solar Eclipse

Sharon Springs Central School District will be closed on Monday, April 8th, 2024 due to the upcoming solar eclipse. The decision was made in collaboration with other local schools. The eclipse, which will be 85 percent complete in Sharon Springs, will occur at the end of the school day, potentially causing safety issues during dismissal.

The district had initially planned a solar eclipse viewing party, as mentioned in the Weekly Bulletin, but this has been cancelled. The full eclipse will be visible a short distance away in the Adirondacks and Western New York. Even though Sharon Springs is not in the direct path of the full eclipse, the district is concerned that the event could distract drivers and pedestrians, creating a safety risk.

The district wants to ensure students can view the eclipse safely with the right precautions. They discourage students from trying to view the eclipse while in transit or at school, which could be dangerous. They are encouraging students and their families to learn about safe eclipse viewing practices.

To promote scientific interest and keep students safe, the school's science department has provided information on the eclipse and safe viewing practices. Students will be given 'eclipse glasses' on Thursday, March 28th, to help them view the eclipse safely.

Principal/Superintendent Thomas Yorke has urged students and their families to visit the provided links for more information about the April 8th eclipse and safe viewing practices. The decision to close the school on April 8th is a safety measure for this significant astronomical event.

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