2024 Solar Eclipse Forces Change in Spring Break Schedule

Ayden Hagemann

On March 1st, 2023, the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees met on February 27th to vote on a calendar change to accommodate the 2024 solar eclipse. As a result, the board unanimously approved adjusting the 2023-24 school year calendar, and some slight changes will be made toward Spring Break. Instead of Spring Break lasting from March 29th-April 7th, the 29th will now be a school day for students and staff, and April 8th, 2024, will be canceled. The board is doing this out of the students and staff’s safety, as it will be pitch black at around the time school ends for the day (3:00). They also wanted students and staff to enjoy the solar eclipse with the community. Because Carmel will be a prime spot to view the total eclipse, many visitors are expected to be in the area that day. CCS may host a community event to view the eclipse, but details are still being discussed. The last total solar eclipse in the United States was in August of 2017, and it has been 819 years since Hamilton County had a total solar eclipse. This will also be the last total eclipse that can be seen from the United States until Aug. 23, 2044, and the next total solar eclipse doesn’t come to Indiana until 2153.