‘Posing a safety risk.’ Spartanburg Schools to Use e-Learning Day for Solar Eclipse

All Spartanburg County School Districts to Switch Online due to Solar Eclipse

All school districts in Spartanburg County will turn to e-learning on April 8th as the total solar eclipse sweeps across North America. Originating in the South Pacific Ocean, the eclipse has made it essential for schools to prioritize student safety, given that direct exposure to the event can be potentially harmful unless there is specialized solar viewing protection.

Bus Drivers and Student Drivers’ Safety Concern

There is rising concern over transportation safety during the peak hours of the eclipse. Highlighting their apprehensions, District 5, through its official website, stated that the extended eclipse duration coincides with afternoon dismissal time, creating possible safety hazards for student drivers and bus drivers. “The eclipse, which should last several hours, is expected to occur during afternoon dismissal times, potentially posing a safety risk to both students and staff”, explains the website. It further emphasized the inherent dangers of driving in the peak hours of the eclipse.

After-school Activities After the Eclipse

Despite the disruption, the school districts have planned to continue with after-school activities and athletics post 5 p.m. on the eclipse day. Meanwhile, District 4 has put forward a resumption of activities post 4 p.m. once the eclipse period is over.

A Unique e-Learning Day

April 8th will also see the Greenville County Schools (GCS) switching to e-learning due to the solar eclipse, thus prioritizing student safety while ensuring the continuity of education.

What to Expect from the Solar Eclipse in Upstate

While South Carolina will not witness the path of totality, there will still be a partial eclipse visible from 1:48 p.m. to 4:27 p.m. The eclipse will be at its peak in the Upstate region around 3:05 p.m., leading to the blocking of 85% of the sun. The viewing experience will vary across the state, with the eclipse appearing larger in Upstate and smaller in Lowcountry and coastal regions.

Best Times to Witness the Eclipse

According to eclipse2024.org, the most recommended cities for viewing the eclipse and their optimum times are:

• Anderson: 3:08 p.m.
• Greenville: 3:09 p.m.
• Spartanburg: 3:09 p.m.

The safety measures adopted by schools in Spartanburg County and the overall viewing experience of the solar eclipse in South Carolina will indeed make April 8th a day to remember.