Which schools will dismiss early or be closed for the April 8 solar eclipse and why?

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Several school districts in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia will dismiss early or be closed on Monday, April 8 due to the solar eclipse.

Some schools will be on a regular schedule while others have not decided yet if they will alter their schedules.

Some districts, like Sullivan County Schools, cited safety as a reason why they decided to close or dismiss early. The eclipse will begin around the time that schools normally dismiss. School officials also want to give students a chance to view the eclipse with their families.

Attendance is another factor.

“In preparation for this eclipse, we went back and looked at attendance and early withdrawals during the 2017 eclipse and concluded that an overwhelming number of our families at that time wanted to experience the event with their children,” Director of Bristol, Tennessee City Schools Dr. Annette Tudor said in a post on the school system’s website . “Therefore, we made the decision to dismiss early prior to the start of the eclipse. The early dismissal will allow our families the opportunity to share the experience together, and most importantly, dismiss our students safely prior to the start of the eclipse.”

Below is a list of school districts that will dismiss early or be closed on Monday, April 8 . Districts that have confirmed they will be on a regular schedule are also listed.

This list will be updated.

Northeast Tennessee

Bristol, Tenn. City Schools

Bristol, Tennessee elementary schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Tennessee Middle and Tennessee High School will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. Buses will run.

According to the school system, eclipse glasses will be distributed to students.

Carter County Schools

Carter County Schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. There will be no Carter Cares.

Elizabethton City Schools

Elizabethton City Schools will be closed on Monday, April 8.

Greene County Schools

Greene County Schools will dismiss early at 11:30 a.m.

Hawkins County Schools

Hawkins County Schools will dismiss early and busses will begin taking students home at 12:30 p.m.

Kingsport City Schools

Middle and high school students will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. After-school activities will be paused until 4 p.m.

Elementary and pre-K will operate on a regular schedule.

“Given that the eclipse will be taking place during our normal afternoon dismissal time for middle and high school students, the safety of buses and student drivers on the road during the peak eclipse time is a concern and the reason for the early dismissal,” Assistant Superintendent Andy True said.

Rogersville City School

Rogersville City School will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

Sullivan County Schools

Sullivan County Schools will be closed on Monday, April 8.

Unicoi County Schools

Unicoi County High and Middle will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:45 a.m.

Lunch will be served, according to the school system.

Southwest Virginia

Buchanan County Schools

Buchanan County Schools will be on a regular schedule.

Lee County Schools

Lee County Public Schools will dismiss at 12:05 p.m.

Norton City Schools

Norton City Schools will be on a regular schedule.

Russell County Schools

Russell County Schools will be on a regular schedule.

Scott County Schools

Scott County Schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

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