NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Public Schools have no plans to dismiss students early Monday for the solar eclipse, school officials said.
Saturday's announcement from NOLA Public Schools comes after Jefferson Parish schools and a slew of schools around the country opted to close their doors early or shutter completely ahead of Monday's eclipse, with many citing safety concerns.
"At present, no schools are planning early dismissals," NOLA Public Schools officials said Saturday. "Some schools may choose to adjust their schedules by foregoing recess during the eclipse period, while others may view it as an enriching educational opportunity for their scholars."
In Jefferson Parish, public schools have an early dismissal, between 10:15 and 11:20 a.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 Superintendent James Gray said Thursday. . "Jefferson Parish schools will be dismissing students on a modified half-day schedule."
The Jefferson Parish superintendent also said that parents would have the choice to let students stay out home on Monday, also. With parish officials offering an excused absence to any parents that choose to do so.
"Parents may choose not to send their child or children to school that Monday because of safety concerns or because they want their child to experience the eclipse with the family at home," Superintendent Grey said.
Other Southeast Louisiana school districts, like St. Tammany Parish did not opt to release students early but said they would place restrictions on outdoor activities.
Meredith Mendez of St. Tammany Parish schools said in March that the parish planned on treating the solar eclipse like a rainy day, with all recess and P.E. classes moving inside.
Mendez, like Superintendent Gray, expressed safety concerns for students.
“You could have a third-grader who burns their eyes,” Mendez said. “There’s no way to monitor every kid during recess to make sure they are not staring too long.”
However, New Orleans Public Schools have opted for a different approach.
"NOLA Public Schools trusts in the autonomy of its schools to make informed decisions that prioritize the safety and education of our scholars," NOLA schools said. "We encourage our school community to embrace this rare event as an opportunity for learning and exploration."
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