LOW MOOR — Alleghany Highlands Public Schools will release students from school three hours early on Monday, April 8, to avoid timing difficulties that might occur with a solar eclipse that will happen during the afternoon.
The eclipse will occur during the normal bus dismissal times at several school buildings. The early dismissal will allow students, at their parents’ discretion, to view the eclipse without disruptions and help avoid any concerns with students trying to view the eclipse while riding buses. The fullest point of the partial eclipse will occur in the Highlands at 3:15 p.m. It will be the first solar eclipse in the Highlands since 2017.
Funding from the Alleghany Foundation will provide students with specialized glasses with solar lenses that will allow them to view the eclipse and avoid eye damage.
The calendar change that provides for the early dismissal was approved by the school board on Feb. 19
Parents with questions should contact the school their student attends.
With approximately 2,700 students, AHPS was created when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged in July 2022. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington.
AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at www.ahps.k12.va.us.