Fearing kids will look at sun, JP schools dismiss early for eclipse

Citing safety concerns, Jefferson Parish Public Schools will dismiss early on Monday before the partial solar eclipse begins in the area.

"Out of an abundance of caution we have made plans to employ an amended half day schedule," the district said in an email. "We want to take every precaution to protect the safety of our students."

The eclipse starts around 12:30 p.m. and will peak around 1:50. The entire event lasts until around 3 p.m.

"Given that close to 80% of our schools' dismissal times fall during the middle of the eclipse time frame and as dismissal requires our students to be outside, Jefferson Parish Schools will be dismissing students on a modified half-day schedule," the schools system said.

Schools will dismiss between 10:15 a.m. and 11:20 a.m.

Students who miss the entire day will receive an excused absence.

A partial eclipse should never be viewed directly, as the sun remains bright enough to permanently damage eyesight. Only specially-tinted glasses can be used to look at the sun.

Click here for more information on Jefferson Parish School's schedule for Monday April 8.