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Cincinnati Public Schools, other Tri-State school districts cancel classes for April solar eclipse

The solar eclipse will start in the afternoon on April 8.
How to see the total solar eclipse this spring
Posted at 5:00 PM, Mar 21, 2024
and last updated 2024-03-26 04:39:10-04

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Public Schools is joining several other Tri-State school districts in closing on Monday, April 8 in observance of a "one-in-a-lifetime" experience.

The district will be closed for all students while staff members are expected to report to work for professional development.

"This decision reflects our commitment to safety and efficiency, particularly considering the expected transportation delays and the risk to students walking home post-dismissal," CPS said in a release. "The solar eclipse, an event that captivates and educates, will begin its partial phase at approximately 2 p.m., with the peak — a nearly two-minute period of significant darkness — occurring around 3 p.m. Normal sunlight conditions are expected to resume by 4 p.m."

A total eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the face of the sun completely. While the eclipse only lasts a few minutes, the entire process takes several hours.

If you’re in downtown Cincinnati, the moon’s shadow will engulf 99% of the sun.

RELATED | This interactive map shows the best time to see the solar eclipse in your city

This is the first time since 1806 that Ohio will be the site of a total solar eclipse. NASA reports this will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044.

The following school districts have also adjusted their calendars on April 8:

  • Edgewood City Schools
  • Fairfield City School District
  • Forest Hills School District
  • Indian Hill Exempted Village School District (early release)
  • Loveland City School District
  • Madeira City Schools (early release)
  • Madison City Schools
  • Mariemont City Schools
  • Middletown City School District
  • Mt. Healthy City Schools
  • Princeton City Schools
  • Reading Community City School District
  • Southwest Local School District
  • St. Bernard-Elmwood Place City Schools (early release)
  • Sycamore Community Schools
  • Talawanda School District
  • Three Rivers Local School District
  • Winton Woods City Schools
  • Wyoming City Schools

READ MORE
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'Fuel might be gone': Safety officials warn public in solar eclipse path of totality to be prepared
Best places to view the April 8 eclipse path, and how long it lasts in the Tri-State

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