The Springfield City School District will be closed on April 8, 2024 due to The Great North American Eclipse.
This change was made in the interest of student safety, as preschool and elementary students would typically be released for dismissal at approximately the same time as the eclipse.
The District has also purchased certified eyewear to send home with students prior to April 8.
“We have taken these measures so that our students can safely enjoy this historic event with their families,” said SCSD Superintendent Dr. Bob Hill.
According to the Clark County Combined Health District, the eclipse will darken the skies across a 124-mile stretch of Ohio, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone in its path. The last time Ohio saw a total solar eclipse was more than 200 years ago in 1806.
Watching a solar eclipse is a memorable experience, but looking directly at the sun can seriously damage your eyes. Staring at the sun for even a short time without wearing the right eye protection can damage your retina permanently. It can even cause blindness, called solar retinopathy. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, or homemade filters are not safe for looking at the sun.
Eclipse glasses can be used to watch a solar eclipse safely. They must meet a very specific worldwide standard known as ISO 12312-2. There have been reports that some companies are selling counterfeit products labeled as if they conform to international safety standards (ISO). Do not search for eclipse glasses on the internet and buy whatever pops up in the ads or search results. Check the American Astronomical Society list of reputable vendors whose products conform to ISO standards and buy from one of them. You may also contact CCCHD and they can provide additional glasses to your family at no cost.
It's expected that the eclipse will bring several thousand people into the Springfield & Clark County area on April 8. Expect traffic jams and the potential for cell signal and WiFi to be impacted.
For more information on the eclipse, go to ccchd.com/eclipse.
Several SCSD buildings are also incorporating the eclipse into their classroom lessons. In March, Horace Mann Elementary will host Dr. Daniel Fleisch, a Wittenberg University astronomy professor who will give a presentation about the eclipse to upper elementary students.