Many Schools Around S.C. Will Be Closed During the Total Solar Eclipse

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- People of all ages will witness the total eclipse in just two weeks. One group that will noticeably be able to take part in the festivities are school age children as many of the schools in the Palmetto State are choosing not to have classes on August 21st.

Back in February, members of the House and Senate passed a joint resolution allowing school districts to be flexible when choosing a start date for the 2017 school year.

“August 21st is the usual first day of school for our students and we dismiss usually around 2:30 so the eclipse is going to be happening right around that time. So schools had to make a decision about how they were going to operate that day. So they have been preparing students,” said state Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman.

School districts around the Midlands like Richland Districts One and Two. Lexington One and Lexington-Richland 5 are all starting school after eclipse day. Districts like Lexington Two start on the 17th and have the 21st off. While other districts like Kershaw County School District are opting for an early dismal on the day of the eclipse.

“I think it comes in around Clemson, and Greenville area, down across the Piedmont and Saluda areas, then down through Columbia and then leaves us down around McClellanville on the coast, so lots of people are involved. We are inviting students particularly those not in the pathway to come to the state museum that day. There are many activities all over South Carolina,” said Spearman.

Many students and parents we spoke to say no classes on eclipse day is a good call.