Most schools have classes; Chester Upland has half day off

For most schools in Delaware County it will be business as usual during Monday’s solar eclipse, however students in the Chester Upland School District will have a half day.

Chester Upland officials said in light of this phenomenon and the overlapping of school dismissal times around the eclipse’s onset in Delaware County they made the decision.

“We prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community,” said Dr. Latrice N. Mumin, interim superintendent of Chester Upland, in a press release. “Given the unique circumstances of the solar eclipse, we believe it’s best to be proactive in ensuring everyone’s safety while traveling during this time. We also hope that our scholars and staff can safely enjoy this event, and we encourage everyone to wear ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses to prevent injury.”

Most other districts contacted by the Daily Times have said they are planning full day classes.

A number of districts including; Garnet Valley, Radnor and William Penn will give students glasses to watch the eclipse safely.

Radnor School District said teachers will share background information about the eclipse as well as proper use of the glasses and they encouraged all families to discuss with children the importance of this event and the necessity of using protective glasses.

Springfield School District said families are welcome to take an early dismissal for their children without penalty so long as the appropriate process is completed.

Some districts, including Penn Delco and Rose Tree Media, have after-school sports activities at the middle school level and delayed sports until after 4 p.m. at the high school level on Monday.

The partial eclipse will begin at 2:08 p.m. Monday in the Philadelphia area, with the highest coverage happening at 3:23 p.m.

Prepare for the landscape to significantly darken during the moon’s transit of the sun. The moon will cover roughly 90% of the sun at its peak.