Tisd Shared this email with thier students. We’re reaching out to share a crucial update regarding Texarkana ISD’s plans for Monday, April 8, 2024, which coincides with the total solar eclipse. Texarkana finds itself in the path of totality for this extraordinary event, where observers in our region will witness the moon obscuring the sun, resulting in a momentary darkness. While our initial plan was to maintain regular school operations on April 8, further deliberation and consultation with local emergency management officials have led us to reconsider. Consequently, we’ve decided to close all schools on Monday, April 8, meaning there will be no classes or school-related activities.
This decision stems from our unwavering commitment to prioritize the safety of our students and staff above all else. Local authorities have shared forecasts indicating a potential influx of up to 50,000 visitors to our area, which could significantly impact traffic on city streets, state highways, and the federal highway system. Given that the eclipse is expected to conclude around the usual school dismissal time, our concerns revolve around potential traffic congestion, transportation challenges, and delays in emergency response. Prolonged delays along bus routes could result in children being stranded on buses for extended periods. Moreover, emergency service departments are anticipated to be under considerable strain throughout the day, potentially leading to prolonged response times if their assistance is needed.
We acknowledge the immense significance of this event, and like many of you, we’re eagerly anticipating this historic moment. In the days leading up to the eclipse, students across TISD will have the opportunity to delve deeper into this phenomenon through educational activities led by their teachers. We encourage our community to explore more about the eclipse and how to observe it safely by visiting the NASA website and accessing the available resources.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we embark on this historic journey together.
