The country is eagerly anticipating Monday's total solar eclipse.
And local school districts are taking different approaches to the historic event.
Nearly all Tampa Bay area school systems are allowing an excused absence if you want to watch the solar eclipse as a family. But if you are sending your child off to school Monday, eclipse viewing policies vary.
A notice on the Hillsborough district website says that, "all school sponsored activities between 1:15 and 4:15 p.m. must take place indoors, unless it’s for approved educational eclipse lessons that follow safety procedures."
The Pinellas district sent out guidance to principals which "highly recommends that students watch the eclipse via a NASA live stream. But if a viewing activity is organized as part of a science lesson, teachers must have a signed parent permission for each student." The same goes for students in Pasco and Sarasota counties.
Hernando and Manatee schools will only permit students to watch the solar eclipse online. All after school activities will be held inside until after 4:30 p.m.
