In response to the August 21st solar eclipse impacting the metro Atlanta area, Fulton County Schools will delay the release of elementary school students by 45 minutes on that day. Normal release time for elementary students is 2:20 p.m. Although Atlanta will not experience a total eclipse, the event will be significant and the darkest part of the eclipse is scheduled to occur during the dismissal process of elementary school students. The National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA), as well as several public health organizations, have published safety precautions related to the solar eclipse, and the delay will provide greater opportunity for oversight of students during the peak of the solar event.
Also, schools may use the event as a learning opportunity. Prior to the eclipse, students, parents, and staff will receive information offering guidance from their local school related to the safety precautions during the eclipse. Middle and high school buses also will experience delays due to the delay in elementary dismissal. Middle and high school walkers, car riders, and drivers will dismiss according to their normal schedules.
