Will there be school on April 8? How Corning-area districts are planning for eclipse
Corning-Painted Post Area School District students will have a half day of school on April 8, when the Great American Eclipse will occur, with community-based eclipse activities planned throughout March and early April.
C-PP Superintendent of Schools Michelle Caulfield said the C-PP Food Service Department has a fun eclipse-themed menu planned for the week prior to the solar eclipse, and the district will offer learning activities for every student.
A total solar eclipse, which will be visible to millions of Americans in the path of totality that day, happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and darkening the sky as if it were dawn or dusk.
While Corning is just outside the path of totality, in a "deep partial" eclipse area, local viewers will still be treated to an incredible show.
The solar eclipse in the Corning area is expected to start at about 2:07 p.m. and meet maximum coverage at about 3:22 p.m.
More: What time does the April 8 solar eclipse peak in the Corning area? When, where to watch
How Corning schools will experience eclipse
“We’ve planned learning activities and celebrations in the C-PP Area School District, in partnership with GST BOCES, leading up to the April 8 solar eclipse,” Caulfield said. “Every student will learn about this phenomenon and how to experience it safely.”
Caulfield called the solar eclipse a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
C-PP teachers will educate all students and families on safety when experiencing the eclipse, officials said. All students will learn about what an eclipse is, why it occurs, how rare it is, and other facts about the event.
Campbell-Savona, Bradford plans for eclipse
The Campbell-Savona and Bradford central school district students will also have a half day on April 8. No other plans for the upcoming event have been announced by those districts.
Addison Central School District has not yet formally announced plans for the eclipse.
The best places to witness the eclipse include open parks or waterfront areas with unobstructed views of the sky. It is not safe to look directly at the sun, even during partial eclipse, without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
This article originally appeared on The Leader: 2024 Solar Eclipse: Will Corning, Campbell, Bradford schools close?
