One South Jersey district is making a preemptive move to cut down on students and staff members bailing on school the day after the Philadelphia Eagles play in the Super Bowl.
With the local NFL team appearing in the big game on Feb. 12, school officials in Gloucester City have announced a two-hour delayed opening the following day.
“It is a rare and special time for families to watch our local professional team compete in the Super Bowl,” Superintendent Sean Gorman said in a statement emailed to the district community. “We feel that it’s important to give students and staff the opportunity to enjoy the game with their families and still attend school and work the next day safely and well-rested.”
The three-school district lies just across the Walt Whitman Bridge from the the Eagles’ home stadium — Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Super Bowl featuring the Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will be played in Glendale, Arizona.
The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m., which could mean a late night for some young fans who want to stay awake until the end.
It wasn’t immediately clear if other area school districts will follow Gloucester City’s lead.
When the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018, several New Jersey school districts canceled classes on the day of the Eagles’ parade and celebration. They included the Collingswood, Oaklyn and Waterford school districts in Camden County.
Officials in those districts couldn’t immediately be reached Tuesday to comment on whether they plan to alter their school schedules on Feb. 13.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Ad Choices