Council Rock To Close Schools Early For Solar Eclipse

NEWTOWN, PA — The Council Rock School District will close school early on Monday, April 8 due to the partial eclipse taking place in the afternoon.

At its peak, 89.5 percent of the sun’s light will be blocked in the area. The eclipse will begin at approximately 2:08 p.m., peak at 3:23 p.m., and conclude by 4:35 p.m.

“After carefully considering the alternatives, and in consultation with our insurance company, other Bucks County school districts, and our solicitor, Council Rock Schools will operate on a half-day early dismissal schedule on Monday, April 8,” announced Superintendent Andy Sanko on Tuesday.

The high schools will dismiss at 10:45 a.m., the middle schools at 11:30 a.m. and the elementary schools at 12:15 p.m.

AM Kindergarten will be held but PM Kindergarten is canceled. All morning MBIT classes will be in session but all afternoon classes are canceled.

There will be no Council Rock outdoor activities, practices, or events between 2 and 5 p.m. and any outdoor activities, practices, or events will be delayed until after 5 p.m. on April 8.

According to Sanko, the Pennsylvania Department of Education considers an early dismissal on the day of the eclipse for safety purposes to be an early dismissal for inclement weather. Since early dismissals for inclement weather are defined as instructional activities, the day will count as a full day of instruction. They also list safety guidelines for the public.

A list of publicly available solar eclipse resources are available on the school district’s website at www.crsd.org.