School is being extended across the country so students can see the solar eclipse. We're learning schools in our area are dismissing late too. At around 2:40 p.m. on August 21, the moon will almost completely eclipse the sun.
Alleghany County has ordered glasses for all the students and as of 8/7 has not decided if schools will operate on different dismissal schedule.
Bedford County Schools will be educating students about the nature of the eclipse and the dangers that exist. "We do understand that dismissal time will coincide with the eclipse and we plan to closely monitor our students at that time. Aside from dismissal, we will not expose our students to view this event to ensure their safety. Should you have concerns you may pick your child up that day and there will be no adverse attendance consequences," reads a letter being sent to parents.
Recommended Videos
Botetourt County Schools will dismiss all elementary schools at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 21. Middle Schools will dismiss at approximately 3:55 p.m. and high schools will dismiss at approximately 4:10 p.m. The morning arrival times will not be impacted by the extended school day. Botetourt has paper glasses for students and staff.
Craig County Schools re-evaluated its plans. Schools will now release at 11:30 a.m.
Danville Public Schools will dismiss early due to safety concerns. The regular early dismissal schedule will be used. There will be a moratorium on outdoor afterschool activities from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Floyd County Schools will not need to change the school end time because of the release schedule. Students will still get an opportunity to view at or near its peak. The schools will be providing solar glasses for every student and will provide specific instruction to make it a "hands on learning experience".
Franklin County Schools bought paper glasses for students and staff to safely see it happen. They are asking schools to include lessons about the eclipse and safety procedures to prepare for this "once in a lifetime opportunity." Franklin County elementary schools, Benjamin Franklin Middle School and the Gereau Center will get out at 3:15 p.m.. The High School will dismiss at about 3:30 p.m.
Henry County is changing its original plan. Due to recalls of some eclipse viewing glasses, HCPS has decided to dismiss students three hours early on August 21.
Martinsville City Schools will dismiss 20 minutes late on August 21. The school has purchased glasses for all students, and teachers will incorporate the eclipse into their lessons leading up to the event. Parents have the ability to opt their student out of participating.
Montgomery County schools have glasses for students and will be educating them on the eclipse but schedules remain the same.
Radford City Schools will not be changing schedules but students will be going to Radford University for lessons on the solar eclipse.
We will be updating this list as we get changes to other school systems.