In consultation with the School Board it was decided that on Monday, April 8, Chesterfield County schools will dismiss students three hours and 15 minutes early. All after-school activities are canceled for the afternoon of April 8. Families and employees should make arrangements for this change, which is being made out of an abundance of caution in connection to the April 8 solar eclipse and our traditional release times.
This early dismissal means buses will return students to their bus stops three hours and 15 minutes earlier than scheduled:
If your school’s regular dismissal is 2:05 p.m., then April 8 dismissal will be 10:50 a.m.
If your school’s regular dismissal is 2:15 p.m., then April 8 dismissal will be 11:00 a.m.
If your school’s regular dismissal is 2:40 p.m., then April 8 dismissal will be 11:25 a.m.
If your school’s regular dismissal is 3:00 p.m., then April 8 dismissal will be 11:45 a.m.
If your school’s regular dismissal is 3:55 p.m., then April 8 dismissal will be 12:40 p.m.
The decision to close early is connected to the solar eclipse that will cross North America on April 8. The eclipse will occur during the hours that our schools usually dismiss students for the day. The majority of Chesterfield County students travel by school bus, then walk from bus stops to their homes. During the transition from school to home on April 8, it would be tempting for students to view the eclipse without eye protection. After serious consideration for student safety and in consultation with the School Board, Chesterfield County Public Schools decided to close schools early on April 8 to allow time for students to arrive home safely.
Schools will follow the inclement weather guidance as it pertains to release of staff and monitoring for completion of bus runs. Further guidance will be forthcoming for other offices.
Central Virginia is not in the path of totality, but the moon will obscure about 80% of the sun here. The April 8 eclipse will begin in our area at 2:02 p.m., will be darkest at 3:19 p.m. and will end at 4:31 p.m. While we will not experience a total eclipse, a partial eclipse can be just as dangerous to eyes. CCPS families and employees are urged to follow eclipse guidelines, including always using safe solar glasses or viewers. NASA’s website offers detailed information about how to safely view an eclipse.