[3/22/24 Update]

KESD Families & Staff,

Unfortunately the recent recommendations by state and local governments has discouraged our plans for school-based solar eclipse events. While we were very excited to host these educational events, Vermont is expected to receive 150-200,000 visitors on Monday, April 8th and state and local governments are recommending to limit travel on this day. Therefore, all KESD schools will have an early release by 12:10 on Monday, April 8th for students and no after school /KEAP activities will be available. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

All schools will distribute viewing glasses so students can safely view the eclipse and continue our plans to teach students about this amazing astronomical event.  Click here for more eclipse resources.

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[Original Blog Text - Posted 3/7/24]

Kingdom East Families & Staff,

KESD is excited to announce that we will be holding school-based events to celebrate and safely view the April 8th Solar Eclipse! While some schools are releasing students early we believe this is an exciting learning opportunity for our students and families. Teachers will provide pre-learning with students about the eclipse prior to and on the day of the eclipse to cultivate both understanding and excitement.

All KESD schools will have a regular start to the school day on Monday, April 8th with an extended day until 3:45pm in order to view the full solar eclipse at approximately 3:26pm. Eclipse-viewing glasses for all students, staff and families in attendance will be provided. Thanks to KESD staff for supporting this extended day event! 

KEAP/Afterschool programming will run. Buses will provide normal routes home, leaving schools at 3:45-4:00 and please expect longer routes due to expected heavy traffic in the NEK for the eclipse. 

Families are invited to join their children at school for the safe viewing of the full solar eclipse and each school will communicate specific details about their schedule. Also, if you have already made arrangements to celebrate this event in a different way outside of school please communicate your child’s absence or early release with your school office.