The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) have announced plans to dismiss students early on April 8th, 2024.
This measure is being taken in anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse to ensure the safety of students.
Boards wish to prevent students from being on school grounds during the eclipse without proper eye protection, as direct viewing of the sun can result in eye damage and potential blindness.
They also seek to mitigate any potential safety concerns for students who would be walking home during the period of peak darkness.
The eclipse is expected to occur between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Individual schools will be contacting families with specific details regarding early dismissal. After-school activities will also be cancelled.
While student transportation services will operate as usual in the morning, there will be adjustments to accommodate the early dismissal.
Unlike some other Ontario school boards which opted to reschedule a Professional Activity (P.A.) day to April 8th, YRDSB and YCDSB do not have a planned P.A. day in proximity to that date.
“Please know that this decision was made with student safety at its centre. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school,” YRDSB stated in a release.
