The New Kensington-Arnold School District has changed its plans for Monday because of the solar eclipse.
The district will dismiss students early on Monday, Superintendent Chris Sefcheck announced. Previously, the district said it was going to hold classes as regularly scheduled.
Many Pittsburgh area school districts are releasing students early, going to flexible instruction days or canceling classes entirely because of the eclipse, which will happen in the afternoon, when districts normally send students home.
Sefcheck cited guidance from the state Department of Education, which says that safety precautions should be followed during the two to three hours of the eclipse phase progression from about 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the New Kensington-Arnold area.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority, and we have planned this early dismissal to ensure a safe experience,” Sefcheck wrote in a letter to district families.
The district’s dismissal schedule Monday will be:
• Valley Junior-Senior High: 12:25 p.m.
• Roy A. Hunt Elementary: 1:05 p.m.
• H.D. Berkey Elementary: 1:30 p.m.
• Martin Elementary: 1:30 p.m.
“We understand that this early dismissal may require some adjustments to your family’s schedule, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” Sefcheck wrote. “We ask that you reinforce safety precautions with your children on that day.”
Northern Westmoreland CTC announces plans
The Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center, located next to Valley High School in New Kensington, has also announced that it will dismiss students early Monday because of the eclipse.
The school serves students from Burrell, Franklin Regional, Kiski Area and New Kensington-Arnold.
According to the school, morning students will report and be dismissed back to their districts at their normal times. Afternoon students will remain at their districts and be dismissed from there.
Students with driving permits are able to attend, but all students will be dismissed by 10:35 a.m.
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a TribLive reporter covering news in New Kensington, Arnold and Plum. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, Brian has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.