Schools in the ArkLaTex closing for Great American Eclipse on April 8

(KSLA) - Some schools districts in the ArkLaTex are closing Monday, April 8 for the Great American Eclipse.

TEXARKANA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Texarkana Independent School District will close all of its facilities for the total solar eclipse on April 8.

The district made the announcement Wednesday, March 27 after “careful consideration and consultation” with local emergency managers. The closure is due to possible safety issues surrounding the eclipse, including increased traffic congestion.

Officials are expecting an influx of thousands of people to the area since Texarkana is in the path of totality. The end of the eclipse would coincide with the end of a typical school day, and could cause serious delays of up to several hours for school dismissal procedures. Traffic congestion could also cause delays for crews responding to emergencies. School officials say this closure is a precautionary measure.

TISD officials encourage all families to make their own preparations if planning to view the eclipse.

Despite school being closed the day of the eclipse, students will be learning about the phenomenon in the days leading up to it.

HOPE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Hope Public Schools will also be closed on April 8, however, school will be in session Friday, April 12. Previously, April 12 was scheduled as a day for campuses to be closed, but due to the closure on April 8, the calendar was reworked. Students and teachers are expected to report to school like normal on April 12.

TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Meanwhile, Texas State Technical College will close its East Williamson County, North Texas, and Waco campuses on April 8. No in-person classes will be held that day. Online classes will continue as normal. The college’s Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, and West Texas locations will operate as normal. All locations will resume normal operations Tuesday, April 9.

Copyright 2024 KSLA. All rights reserved.