Local schools altering dismissal schedules for eclipse

August 15, 2017

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WCTV) -- Valdosta City Schools has announced schools will be closed on August 21 for the total solar eclipse.

The statement reads, in full, "There will be no school for students or staff on Monday, August 21, 2017, as a result of conditions associated with the total solar eclipse. The eclipse presents a unique situation which could create numerous logistical challenges resulting in conditions that could place students at risk. Additionally, the partial phase of the solar event will take place during school dismissal."

VCS is the fourth local school district to alter it's schedule on the day of the eclipse and is the first district to not hold classes.

August 15, 2017

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WCTV) -- Two more school districts have announced dismissal time changes for Monday, August 21, due to the solar eclipse.

Tuesday, Lowndes County Schools announced plans for early dismissal.

Lowndes County says its elementary schools will be dismissing in two phases, at 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., middle schools will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m., and Lowndes High School and Parker Mathis Learning Center will be dismissed at 12 p.m.

While many districts are planning to release students early, Grady County Schools has announced plans to extend the school day by 22 minutes and dismiss students at 3:30 p.m.

The school district said in a statement, "Grady County Schools view this event as an remarkable learning opportunity for our students. There are teachable moments and this is certainly a rare opportunity to learn about the Science of an eclipse and astronomical aspects of the event.... [Late dismissal] will allow us an opportunity to keep the students safe during the most dangerous time of the eclipse. Teachers will plan lessons about the eclipse and Grady County Schools will furnish each student a pair of solar eclipse glasses CE ISO certified for viewing the eclipse."

Parents who do not want their children to participate in Grady County's eclipse lesson plan can fill out an opt-out form. That form is available

.

August 9, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Following Leon County Schools' announcement on Tuesday that the district would be altering school dismissal times on August 21 to accommodate the Solar Eclipse, Wakulla County Schools announced a similar initiative on Wednesday.

According to WCS' website, high schools will be released at noon on August 21, middle schools will let out at 12:20 p.m. and elementary schools will be out at 4:10 p.m.

WCS also says parents are welcome to pick up their children at any time throughout the day.

August 8, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- Leon County Schools has announced an adjustment to dismissal times for all ages on Monday, August 21 to coincide with the solar eclipse.

High schools will be letting out at 12:50 p.m., elementary schools will be dismissing at 3:30 p.m. and middle schools will end at 4:10 p.m. on August 21.

LCS states the changes are "out of an abundance of caution," and notes all outdoor afternoon activities will be either postponed or held indoors until 4 p.m.