Two local Georgia school districts are taking different approaches to the upcoming total solar eclipse on Aug. 21.
Ware County
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In Ware County, students will be dismissed early that Monday because of the dangers of looking with the naked eye at the eclipse, according to a message from the district's superintendent.
“Although there are some visual aids available for purchase, many physicians do not recommend looking directly into the eclipse, as there are no guarantees that viewing devices will protect eyesight,” Superintendent Jim Lebrun wrote. “It would be extremely difficult to supervise and ensure that students and staff were wearing the protective eye wear properly.”
The schedule for dismissal Aug. 21 will be:
Daffodil Pre-K: 10:30 a.m.
Elementary/WCLC: 11 a.m.
Middle Schools: 11:45 a.m.
High School: 12:15 p.m.
Lebrun said students will be served breakfast and a brown bag lunch on Aug 21, and all students and drivers are encouraged to be home no later than 2 p.m., as the peak of the eclipse is expected at 2:44 p.m.
Staff members will be dismissed following the last student leaving school.
Afternoon practices, such as band, volleyball, softball, football, at all of the counties schools will meet inside until 3:20 p.m. that day. After that they can go back to their regular activities, Lebrun said.
Glynn County
In Glynn County, students will be kept at school later, rather than dismissed early, because of the eclipse, the district announced.
Glynn County Schools will delay release of elementary, middle and high school students by 45 minutes on that day. The following are normal release times and adjusted release times for Aug. 21:
| Normal Release | Aug. 21 Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | 2:30 p.m. | 3:15 p.m. |
| High Schools | 3:30 p.m. | 4:15 p.m. |
| Middle Schools | 3:45 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. |
| Jackson Learning Center | 2:45 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. |
| Coastal Academy | 3:00 p.m. | 3:45 p.m. |
| FACES/Leaps and Bounds | 2:00 p.m. | Noon |
“Although Glynn County will not experience a total eclipse, the event will be significant and the darkest part of the eclipse will occur during dismissal of elementary school students,” the district said. “As are most districts across the state, the Glynn County School System is adjusting the schedule on Aug. 21 to help ensure the safety of all students -- walkers/bicyclers, bus riders and those who utilize a personal vehicle.”
The district said letting the students out later will help them keep an eye on students during the peak of the solar event.
“For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime event,” the district said. “Leading up to August 21 and on that day, schools will use the event, which will impact the United States from coast to coast, as a learning opportunity. Students and parents will receive information and guidance regarding safety precautions to take during the eclipse.”
Any student who uses the eclipse as a learning activity with family and is absent on Aug. 21 will receive School Sponsored Activity (SSA) credit for the absence provided the student submits a one-page written report or presentation to the school's administrative staff no later than Monday, August 28, 2017. Notes submitted by parents for other absences must meet established guidelines to be deemed an excused absence.