Forsyth Schools To Delay Release For Eclipse

CUMMING, GA — Forsyth County public schools will be released 40 minutes later than usual on August 21, due to a solar eclipse that will darken the skies in north Georgia.

The eclipse, which is expected to nearly completely block out the sun's light in Forsyth County is expected, between 2:35-2:40 p.m. that day and will last about two minutes.

The timing of the eclipse puts it during regularly scheduled elementary school afternoon transportation times.

"Since safety is our first priority, this delayed dismissal will ensure that neither students nor employees are on the roadways during the time of the eclipse," Forsyth County Schools spokeswoman Jennifer Caracciolo said in a news release. "All schools will follow normally scheduled start times on August 21."

Schools will be provided further guidance and instructional resources as appropriate, she said. Parents are welcome to check their children out of school earlier in the day if they choose. School staff members who have to extend their days will have their October 20 professional development day shortened by 40 minutes.

Release times for Forsyth County schools on August 21 are:

• Elementary School 1: 3 p.m.
• Elementary School 2: 3:40 p.m.
• Middle School: 4:55 p.m.
• High School: 4:20 p.m.

The last coast-to-coast solar eclipse in the U.S. occurred in 1918. Community solar eclipse resources include:

• An interactive eclipse map that allows to select your location and see the calculated eclipse times and duration of annularity for that location.
• The American Astronomical Society has created How to Safely Watch a Solar Eclipse and has posted eclipse glasses and social viewer information.
• NASA will post a 4-hour, 30-minute live webcast of the total solar eclipse.
• For more information and resources visit the NASA site on the eclipse.

Photo by Rob Stothard/Getty Images News/Getty Images