Ellsworth and MDI Schools to Close Early on April 8th

Students at Ellsworth and MDI Schools will enjoy a half-day of school on Monday, April 8th, the day that most of Maine will experience a near-total solar eclipse.

Because of the fact that the eclipse will occur during the normal dismissal time, the MDI and Ellsworth School Districts want to minimize the risks for students, staff and especially the bus drivers.

An important safety reminder from the the National Park Service

The only safe way to look directly at the sun during an eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters, like eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers.
Remember the only safe time to look at the sun without solar filters is during the 2-4 minutes of total eclipse. It is never safe to look at the sun without solar filters during any other phases of the eclipse, or if you are viewing a partial or annular eclipse.

The Ellsworth Schools are canceling all after-school activities that day between 1 and 5 p.m.