Milford Schools In Session for Solar Eclipse on April 8

As many of you know, on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. On this date, people within a 124-mile-wide band in Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse between 3:08 p.m. and 3:19 p.m., depending on location. Milford is south and east of the path of totality and will experience a partial eclipse.

As a result, Milford Schools will be in session as planned that day. However, we understand that families may choose to travel to view the total eclipse, and student absences will be excused. Please report your child's absence using the usual school reporting procedures. 

Similarly, staff will be permitted to take leave utilizing normal processes if interested in traveling to the path of totality. 

Elementary schools will be ending their day, or nearing the end of their day, at this time. Where possible, we will arrange for students to view the partial eclipse safely. Information about opting out will be shared closer to April if you prefer your child not participate. 

All students and staff will receive eclipse glasses to ensure that, whether they are enjoying this event at school, at home, or by traveling to the path of totality, it is done safely.  

Additional information will be shared with students, families, and staff before April. Regardless of where families choose to experience the eclipse, we expect it to be an excellent and unique opportunity for learning in our classrooms both the day of and the days leading up to the event. In the meantime, please visit the Ohio Total Solar Eclipse website for additional details. 

Why is Milford Schools Remaining Open on April 8, 2024?

• Total solar eclipses are a rare event in Ohio. However, Milford is outside the path of totality. We support individuals who travel to a location experiencing totality, but given the timing and distance, it does not make sense to close Milford Schools. 

• The State of Ohio does not consider the eclipse an inclement weather day for schools. 

• Several Milford Schools serve as polling places. As a result, Milford Schools already have two remote days scheduled for high-turnout election days this school year. 

• For some districts, April 8 is adjacent to their spring break or will serve as a Professional Development Day. Our spring break is the last week of March, and our district already has Professional Development or Staff Work Days scheduled each month of the school year.