Jefferson R-7 Won’t Have School on Eclipse Day 2024

(FESTUS) Thirteen months from now on Monday April 8, 2024 a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The main path of the eclipse will make itself known in Texas, Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, the northwest tip of Pennsylvania, New York, the northern tips of Vermont, New Hampshire and the northern half of Maine.

While Jefferson County won’t be in the direct path like the total solar eclipse in August 2017, the area will still experience effects and the peak time is estimated to be as twice as long. One area school district making plans for that day is Jefferson R-7. In putting the district calendar together for next school year and anticipating families and students may want to observe the eclipse, the board decided school will not be in session on “eclipse day”. R-7 Superintendent Clint Johnson says, if the district were to hold school and have a day of low attendance, it could cost the district money from the state.

In Missouri, Cape Girardeau is considered to be a top spot to “take in” the eclipse beginning at 12:41pm and peaking at 1:58pm. In Illinois, people are expected to travel to Carbondale for the full effect.

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