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Guidance for solar eclipse day

10/30/2023

Ohio will experience a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse April 8, 2024. Solar eclipses occur when the path of the moon crosses directly in front of the sun. Many parts of the state will be in total darkness for a few minutes during the midafternoon. The remainder of the state will see the sun at least 95% blocked by the moon. The last time any location in Ohio had this type of eclipse was in 1806, making this a novel experience for most Ohioans. Being in the path of this eclipse provides a unique learning opportunity for students. 

The entire eclipse process takes place over several hours on the afternoon of Monday, April 8, with a short totality in the middle of the event. Partial phases of any eclipse can only be safely viewed with specialized eye protection. For more complete information about the eclipse, including lesson ideas and handouts, see the Department’s eclipse webpage or Ohio’s statewide eclipse webpage

There are several factors that districts and schools should consider when finalizing plans for April 8, 2024. The event is expected to draw large numbers of tourists to Ohio, particularly at or near the centerline of totality. The event could impact schools as the timing of the eclipse will occur during most end-of-day dismissal windows. In addition, traffic is expected to be extremely heavy Monday and extending into Tuesday, and communication capabilities such as cell service and internet bandwidth could be diminished or unavailable in places.

To help districts and schools prepare, the Department has developed a list of questions that should be considered when planning for the eclipse.

Questions to Consider: 

Safety: 

  • How do we make sure our students and staff are as safe as possible? 
  • Have we consulted with local emergency management for information and advice? 
  • Should we hold school April 8, 2024? 
  • Should we cancel after-school events such as athletics, board meetings and extracurriculars? 
  • Have we considered how to handle unusual situations caused by the influx of tourists, such the following:
    • Viewers choosing to use school property as a viewing site 
    • Traffic limiting access to schools by parents or emergency vehicles 
    • Safety of students during the dismissal transition 

Communication: 

  • How and what will we communicate to parents? 
    • Prior to the eclipse  
    • Day of the eclipse (if open or hosting an event) 
    • Transportation changes or delays 

Learning Opportunities:  

  • How do we best ensure our students and staff can participate in this once in a lifetime event? 
  • How will we take advantage of this phenomenon as a locally relevant learning opportunity for students?  
  • How do we incorporate history, geography, English language arts, science, fine arts, math and other content areas? For example, fourth grade mathematics subtraction, how many years has it been since Ohio had a total solar eclipse? 
  • What logistics do we need to consider? 
  • Will we provide protective eyewear to students and staff? 
  • What safety plans will be in place during the event? How will we communicate this to staff/students/community?