Lago Vista ISD closing April 8 for solar eclipse

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the celestial event of the April 2024 solar eclipse gets closer, more schools are announcing closures for that day, including Lago Vista Independent School District.

Academic calendars across Central Texas show at least 10 districts in the area are canceling classes on April 8, 2024, due to the eclipse.

In a letter sent out to parents, Lago Vista ISD Deputy Superintendent Suzy Lofton Bullis said the district will close school for staff and students on April 8. This day will not be made up.

The eclipse will be in the path of totality for residents of the district, according to Lago Vista ISD. The district said this would be the last total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. until 2044.

This decision comes after discussing with district staff and city officials about the safety and well-being of students and staff during the event, the letter said.

Although Lago Vista ISD will close that day, it emphasized the solar eclipse is a "unique education experience that we hope will foster a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe."

Students will be given classroom instructional activities as it gets closer to the event, and they will also get one pair of safety glasses to take home, the district said.