NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Seven year-round schools will dismiss students early on Monday before the solar eclipse in the afternoon.
The county schools announced today that year-round schools will be dismissed at noon on Monday, Aug. 21. The following year-round elementary and middle schools will have their schedules affected:
- Eaton
- Codington
- Freeman
- Lake Forest Academy
- Snipes
- Sunset Park
- Virgo
According to a release from Tufanna L. Bradley-Thomas, community relations coordinator for the county schools:
“The decision to dismiss early was made after many parents expressed interest in viewing the solar eclipse with their students. Additionally, since the solar eclipse is a rare occurrence, the district decided the educational value of the event warrants the early dismissal. The district is also concerned about student safety and did not want to have school buses on the road during the eclipse.”
In the Wilmington area, the eclipse will begin at 1:19 p.m. and will reach its maximum at 2:48 p.m.
The county schools will also cancel all planned athletic activities for the day; the county will also cancel driver’s education programs in the afternoon hours between noon at 4:30 p.m.
High schools currently in session will not close or be dismissed early: Isaac Bear, Wilmington Early College and Sea-TECH will operate on a normal schedule.