NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Because of the timing of the April 8 solar eclipse passing over the Hampton Roads region, 10 On Your Side has confirmed a couple local school districts have decided to adjust their calendar for that day. Norfolk Public Schools announced on Monday that it has decided to make that an asynchronous learning day for students.

School officials said they made this decision to ensure safety for students. An eclipse can be dangerous if you don’t protect your eyes properly. The eclipse is expected to coincide with the same time many students will leave school.

Accomack County

Accomack County Schools Superintendent Rhonda Hall said at a recent board meeting she was concerned kids would look up at the sun during the eclipse during regular dismissal time/it was a safety issue. In a unanimous vote approved by the school board, they decided to swap a previously scheduled early out day (April 17) to the April 8 date instead.

A message posted on the school district’s website states that Middle School and High Schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. on April 8; Elementary Schools will now dismiss at 12:30 p.m. that day.

Norfolk Public Schools

April 8 is the date NPS students were supposed to return to school following more than a week off for Spring Break. It will now be a remote learning day.

The message sent to families Monday evening stated, in part:

“The purpose of this correspondence is to inform you about an upcoming celestial event that presents a unique and exciting educational opportunity for our students: the total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024. While Virginia will not experience a total solar eclipse, we will witness a significant partial eclipse, reaching between 80-90% totality, depending on the specific area of the state. In Norfolk, Virginia, the eclipse will begin at approximately 2:02 p.m. with its maximum view around 3:20 p.m. and lasting until about 4 p.m. Even with a partial eclipse, everyone must protect their eyes if they choose to view the eclipse. According to research, exposing your eyes to the sun without proper eye protection during a solar eclipse can cause “eclipse blindness” or retinal burns, also known as solar retinopathy. This exposure to the light can cause damage or even destroy cells in the retina. 

With the eclipse coinciding with the time when many students are preparing to depart from their school locations or already traveling home, and to better ensure their safety, students will not report to school on Monday, April 8, 2024. Instead, banked time will be utilized for an asynchronous learning day.  This means that students will be expected to work remotely at home on this date, engaged in instructional activities assigned by their teachers.  To ensure continuity of learning, all students will receive an asynchronous activity focused on literacy with an integration of science activities connected to the eclipse.   

Message on March 25 from Norfolk Public Schools

NPS said copies of the independent learning activities would be sent home with students this week.

All childcare and afterschool activities associated with Norfolk Public Schools, including athletics, will be canceled on Monday, April 8, 2024.

The school division created a 2024 Total Solar Eclipse webpage that includes links to eye safety tips.

10 On Your Side is working to find out if any other local school districts plan to adjust their schedules because of the eclipse.

Newport News Public Schools

Newport News Public Schools is closed April 8 for students. It’s a scheduled teacher planning day on the district’s calendar.

Suffolk Public Schools

Suffolk Public Schools is not adjusting its schedule because of the eclipse. School is in session for a full day on Monday, April 8, 2024.