ATHENS, Texas — Ahead of the total solar eclipse coming to East Texas on April 8, several school districts have announced campus closures for the safety of students and staff.
Below is a full list of closures:
Athens ISD
In a Facebook post, Athens ISD said the district will be closed on Monday, April 8, a day that East Texas communities are expecting to see many visitors as a significant portion will be in the path of totality.
"After careful consideration, this decision is being made to ensure the well-being of our students and staff," the school district said.
Bullard ISD
Bullard ISD said April 8 was originally a staff workday with students already off, but the day was then changed into a school holiday so that staff could be off for the eclipse as well.
Canton ISD
Canton ISD announced, "With enough minutes built into our calendar, we will be able to use these additional minutes for a day off on the 8th. Canton ISD will provide glasses for each of our students to take home with them prior to the event."
Grand Saline ISD
Grand Saline ISD says due to the Van Zandt County disaster declaration during the eclipse, the school district will be closed on April 8.
Mt. Vernon ISD
Mt. Vernon ISD announced in a post on Facebook that they will also be closed on April 8, because the possible increase in visitors "could affect our roadways and our ability to transport students home in an efficient time."
Pittsburg ISD
Pittsburg ISD said on its website that because of expected heavy traffic from the eclipse travelers, April 8 will be a student and staff holiday.
Rains ISD
Rains ISD said in a release that "canceling classes allows parents and community members to fully enjoy and appreciate this impressive once-in-a-lifetime natural happening."
Sulphur Springs ISD
Sulphur Springs ISD has April 8 listed on their academic calendar as a "Eclipse Day" holiday.
Texarkana ISD
Texarkana ISD says the safety and security of the Tiger Family is their top priority and after careful consideration and consultation with local emergency management officials, TISD will be closed on April 8.
"The closure is due to an anticipated increase in traffic congestion caused by an influx of individuals from outside our community during the eclipse," TISD said.
Van ISD
Van ISD will close all campuses and buildings on April 8 due to safety and operational concerns. The school district's decision prioritizes the safety of the students and staff. All students will receive a pair of eclipse glasses on Friday, April 5.
CBS19 will update our website in the event of more local schools choosing to cancel classes for the eclipse.