Many school districts in upstate New York are canceling class or dismissing students early in anticipation of a rare total solar eclipse that will be passing through the region. This includes districts in Buffalo, Rochester, and the Adirondack Mountains. While some districts are using unused snow days or extending spring breaks to account for the day off, another factor is avoiding liability for potential vision damage to students who may stare at the eclipse without proper eye protection on school property. For example, the Buffalo City School District, the state’s third largest, has chosen to cancel classes and give students and teachers the opportunity to view the eclipse on their own time.
Schools in the City of Light are expected to be totally blacked out at 3:18 p.m., when students would typically be getting on buses to head home. Suburban districts in the surrounding area are also closing or sending students home early. Similarly, schools in Rochester, the state’s fourth largest district, and Syracuse have given students the day off due to safety concerns surrounding the eclipse. The risk of students staring at the sun and causing permanent damage to their eyes is a major concern for educators, prompting the decision to close schools or let students observe the event in a safe environment.
While Albany, the state capital, is not directly in the zone of totality, schools there are providing students with a half-day on Monday. In the Adirondack region, schools are adjusting schedules to ensure classroom instruction and after-school activities do not coincide with the eclipse. Some schools are even supplying students with protective glasses for viewing the event. State troopers are advising residents in the region to prepare for potential traffic jams of up to 12 hours as tourists flock to the area to witness the eclipse.
The eclipse will be visible in 29 of New York’s 62 counties, with New York City experiencing 91% totality. Despite this, classes in the city are not set to be interrupted, with no special viewing events or plans in place as per one teacher in the district. The New York State Department of Education encourages districts to review their school calendars to avoid conflicts due to the eclipse, which presents a unique educational opportunity for students. Governor Kathy Hochul has highlighted the fact that this event puts New York in the spotlight as the epicenter of the total solar eclipse.
In summary, the upcoming total solar eclipse in upstate New York has prompted many school districts to cancel classes or dismiss students early to allow them to witness the event safely. Safety concerns regarding potential vision damage from staring at the sun without eye protection have played a significant role in the decisions made by educators. While some districts are using snow days or extending breaks to accommodate the eclipse, others are providing students with protective glasses and adjusted schedules to prevent conflicts with classroom activities. The eclipse presents a unique educational opportunity for students, with New York City experiencing 91% totality, but classes are not disrupted in the city. Governor Kathy Hochul has emphasized the significance of this event, positioning New York in the sun and the limelight.
