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April 8 solar eclipse in Northeast Ohio: Cleveland Metropolitan School District decides to close for the day

'The Greater Cleveland area is expecting a large influx of visitors, which will likely result in heavy traffic congestion on the region’s highways and main roads.'

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metropolitan School District has decided to close all schools and facilities on Monday, April 8, as Northeast Ohio is treated to a total solar eclipse.

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CMSD's decision to close for the eclipse was confirmed in the following letter on Friday morning:

CMSD Families, Staff, and Partners,

Much has been discussed, and many questions have been asked, about the total solar eclipse we will experience on Monday, April 8. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we are fortunate to be in the middle of the action. With that, of course, comes challenges for the District:

The main activity—the totality, or complete coverage of the sun—will occur right around dismissal time for many of our schools. This could result in scholars being on buses during the eclipse and generally complicating dismissal procedures.

The Greater Cleveland area is expecting a large influx of visitors, which will likely result in heavy traffic congestion on the region’s highways and main roads.

It is also possible, because of the large numbers of individuals in the area, that cellular and internet service could be hampered or disrupted.

For these reasons, CMSD has decided that all schools and facilities will be closed on Monday, April 8.

We hope that students, families, educators, and others can use this time to truly enjoy such a unique event. In this spirit, the District has received – through the generosity of an anonymous donor, with the support of Mayor Justin Bibb and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown – a donation of a pair of eclipse glasses for every CMSD scholar! Our Operations team has received these glasses, and they will be delivered to our schools for distribution to scholars in the coming weeks.

Of course, there are many ways to experience the eclipse. Check out this information from NASA on ensuring you’re doing it safely. If you care to venture out or join in the spirit of community and celebration that this event is sure to bring, there are many events throughout the area for you to explore leading up to and during the eclipse, including ones hosted by the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and Cleveland Public Library.

Enjoy the excitement and energy of the eclipse!

Many other districts are doing the same, with Akron Public Schools announcing their decision to close on April 8 back in January.

Here's what time the eclipse will happen in Cleveland:

  • Partial eclipse begins: 1:59:22 p.m.
  • Totality begins: 3:13:45 p.m.
  • Maximum eclipse: 3:15:40 p.m.
  • Totality ends: 3:17:35 p.m.
  • Partial eclipse ends: 4:29 p.m.

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