DRYDEN, N.Y. (WHCU) — Dryden is joining a list of local school districts closing for the eclipse. 

Students have the day off April 8 to view the first total solar eclipse in New York in nearly 100 years. Ithaca, Groton, and Homer schools will also be closed on the 8th for the eclipse, which will be visible across the Southern Tier in the afternoon. 

Meantime, New York State Police are preparing for the total solar eclipse. Acting Superintendent Steven James says troopers will be ready for potential increases in traffic of people seeking the perfect vantage point to safely view the eclipse April 8.

Additional troopers will be sent to monitor some roadways across New York, and the state police are also working with local authorities.