DeKalb schools keeping students an extra hour for solar eclipse

The total solar eclipse is seen from the island of Kastellorizo, Greece, on Wednesday, March 29, 2006. As the moon covered the sun, the temperature dropped quickly, as the sun blackened and a fiery rim surrounded it, and the sky turned an dark blue.

DeKalb County Schools will extend its school day by one hour on Monday, Aug. 21 to provide "safe viewing and instructional opportunities related to the expected solar eclipse," the district announced.

Parents are encouraged to contact their child's school to determine the exact dismissal time, the district said.

The solar eclipse is expected to occur across North America when the moon obscures 97.4 percent of the sun. It will be visible around 1:02 p.m. and end at 4 p.m.

"DCSD reminds its community that it is not safe to stare directly into the sun without special glasses," the news release said, "and it is providing lessons that will allow students to safely take advantage of the moment."
Those lessons may involve the distribution of special viewing glasses, and opportunities to view the eclipse using monitors and safe viewing options. Many teachers will also include the eclipse in their lessons that day.

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