HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - The Archdiocese of Miami has announced that students in their elementary and high schools in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties will be released early for the upcoming solar eclipse.
According to a press release, students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m., on Aug. 21, before the eclipse on the first day of school.
“We wanted to make sure that the children were prepared and safe for this event,” said Mary Ros Agosta, with the Archdiocese of Miami.
Both @MDCPS and @browardschools announce normal schedules next Monday for #SolarEclipse2017.
— Frank Guzman (@fguzmanon7) August 14, 2017
However, both Miami-Dade and Broward public school have said that they will operate on normal schedules that day.
They will allow students to watch the eclipse if they wear the proper eyewear.
“We need to acknowledge that this solar eclipse is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. “We need to strike a balance between providing safeguards and precautions that protect our kids against the opportunity to create an educational classroom centered around this spectacular event.”
Booker T. Washington High School is particularly excited for the eclipse, which is just in time for their new planetarium.
Doctors said as exciting this event will be, it can also be dangerous if you look at the sun without the proper protection.
“Even if just a little glimpse of the sun is still visible, those rays will hit whoever is staring at the sun,” said Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Dr. Roberto Warman.
Patty Williams said she is making sure her children are ready to watch the eclipse with special glasses.
Fourth-grader Grace Williams said she’s excited but nervous about the eclipse. “If it’s not in the right position, it could damage my eye,” she said.
If you’re gearing up for the day, look for glasses with the ISO certification, which is approved by NASA. For more information on staying safe during the eclipse and where to find the proper glasses, click here.
According to NASA, this will be the first solar eclipse that will cross the entire continental United States in 99 years.
According to TimeandDate.com, the eclipse will begin in South Florida at 1:26 p.m., with the maximum coverage taking place at 2:58 p.m.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.