Local school systems prepare for the Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse
Both Calhoun City Schools and Gordon County Schools announced this week delayed dismissal of school on Monday, Aug. 21 to ensure the safety of their students during the total solar eclipse that will take place that day between 2: 35 and 2: 40 p. m. in Gordon County.
Calhoun City released the following statement regarding the eclipse:
“On August 21, Calhoun PreK, Primary and Elementary Schools will delay dismissal by thirty minutes to help ensure the safe viewing of the eclipse and a safe dismissal of students. As dismissal for Calhoun Primary and Elementary School students occurs shortly after 2: 30 p. m., the system feels a thirty minute delay in dismissal will allow for better supervision of students during the eclipse. CCS will share additional information on school related activities related to the eclipse,” said Calhoun City Schools. “Calhoun Middle and High School buses will be delayed; however, all other ( grade) 6 - 12 students will be dismissed on a normal schedule for that day.”
Gordon County Schools also released a statement concerning the eclipse and delayed release of students that day.
“Due to the solar eclipse that will occur on August 21, 2017, Gordon County Schools will DELAY DISMISSAL that afternoon to ensure the safety of all who are involved in the transportation of students- including the students, bus drivers, parents and other family members, as well as our employees,” said the system in the statement. “The peak time to experience the solar eclipse falls during our regularly- scheduled elementary school dismissal time. Subsequently, middle and high schools will have a delay in dismissal of bus riders. Following is the information on August 21 Dismissal Times (for Gordon County Schools: Elementary - 3 p. m.; Middle and High School- car riders as normal, with busses delayed by approximately 30 minutes to allow for completion of elementary routes. Gordon County Schools will provide further guidance regarding extracurricular and after school activities scheduled for that date. Parents are welcome to check out their children earlier than the delayed dismissal time if they so choose. Students checked out after noon will not be penalized in regard to perfect attendance or exam exemption. However, we ask that students not be checked out during the time surrounding