The solar eclipse is Aug. 21, and it will be happening right as students are dismissed from school.

Officials with the Volusia County School District are taking steps to protect students and their eyes.

“There is about an 80 percent eclipse. So looking directly into the sun can cause serious eye damage and potentially blindness,” said Robert Edgcom, community and information specialist with the Volusia County School District.

Officials with the school district sent out an email to staff to inform them of the dangers of looking directly at the sun during the solar eclipse.

“We are going to be speaking with athletic directors, activity directors and our extended-day programs to keep all activities inside until the duration of the eclipse,” Edgcomb said.

Parents will also receive a phone call Sunday to encourage them to speak with their kids about listening to their teachers about how to experience the eclipse safely.

Brevard County:

School officials with Brevard County said all outdoor activities between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. will be moved indoors. A spokesperson said it excludes prep-planned educational activities that will follow proper safety protocols.

The district also announced it will excuse absences for students on Monday.

Regular dismissal will not be affected.

Lake County:

The Lake County School district announced Monday that all its outdoor school activities between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. will be moved indoors. That includes all physical education classes, recess and sports practices.

With principal approval, teachers may choose to plan structured activities to help students safely observe the eclipse using eyewear recommended by the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Parents who do not want their children to participate in activities related to the solar eclipse are asked to send a note to the school by Friday, Aug. 18.

Orange County:

Marion County:

Polk County:

All outdoor activities held between 1:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. will now be moved indoors. The school district said dismissal times will not be impacted.

Seminole County:

The Solar Eclipse will take place next Monday, August 21st. Out of an abundance of caution for our student's safety, SCPS will adhere to the following guidelines:

1. ALL outdoor school activities will be moved indoors from 1:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

2. Schools will be dismissed at their regularly scheduled times.

3. Students who are signed out by their parents prior to the eclipse event will be excused beginning at 12:30 p.m. Parents must follow normal sign-out protocol through your school's Front Office.

4. Principals may approve teachers of science (grades 3-12) 10-minute solar viewing activities for students upon verification of NASA approved eclipse glasses and signed parent permission. To date only four manufacturers have certified their eclipse glasses (Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17).

5. We are encouraging teachers to use their classroom TV monitors to view the eclipse safely in their classrooms.

It is important for parents to talk to your children and remind them never to look directly into the sun at any time or for any reason. Additional details for your review are available on NASA's website: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

Cox Media Group