In an effort to make sure students and staff are safe during the nearly total solar eclipse on August 21, dismissal of elementary, middle and high school students will be delayed by one hour.

The peak of the solar eclipse will take place at 2:36 p.m., about the same time that elementary school is regularly dismissed, and will end at 4 p.m. Looking at an eclipse without the proper eyewear can cause permanent eye damage, so to ensure that the school system’s students, school bus drivers, and staff are not on the roadways during the time of the eclipse, the decision was made to extend the school day by one hour.

Arrival times for August 21 will remain the same. Parents can check out their students earlier than the delayed dismissal time if they chose. The delayed dismissal times are as follows: (elementary) 3:25 p.m., (middle) 4:10 p.m., and (high) 4:45 p.m.

Schools will use the additional hour as a learning opportunity to teach about the rare event. The school system has purchased viewing eyewear that is compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard so that all students and staff can view the eclipse safely. Parents will need to sign a consent form for their students to view the eclipse. The consent form and information regarding the delayed dismissal has been sent to parents through their Infinite Campus accounts.