North Alabama schools announce dismissal plans for solar eclipse Monday

Taylor Mitchell
·1 min read
3

NORTH ALABAMA (WHNT) — Some North Alabama schools have announced changes to dismissal plans ahead of Monday’s solar eclipse.

Two northeast Alabama systems have released plans to ensure student safety during the total solar eclipse on April 8. While North Alabama is not in the line to totality for the eclipse, the area will experience about 80 to 90% of coverage.

Solar eclipse forecast for the Tennessee Valley

To avoid any damage to students’ eyes due to the eclipse, one local school system announced special dismissal plans ahead of the eclipse.

Fort Payne Superintendent Brian Jett said in a letter to parents and staff Thursday that Fort Payne City Schools plans not to release students from school until 3:17 p.m., the end of the eclipse viewing period.

Jett said the slightly late dismissal is part of an overall plan to keep students safe during the eclipse. He explained students will also not be allowed outside during the eclipse, with students viewing the event from their classrooms.

Scottsboro City Schools, on the other hand, will be releasing early on Monday. Superintendent Amy Childress said Friday that due to concerns over student safety during school dismissal, elementary school students will be released at 11 a.m. Monday.

Scottsboro Junior High School and Scottsboro High School students will also be released early at 11:45 a.m.

Childress said she does encourage parents to watch the eclipse with their children, while also stressing the need to protect their eyes.

The superintendent suggested watching the eclipse online with NASA, and you can find a link to that stream here.

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