Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker. (AL.com file photo)

While the Aug. 21 solar eclipse has become a much-anticipated phenomenon, an Alabama school system is canceling classes for part of that day because of safety concerns.

Madison City Schools announced Thursday night that it would dismiss students early on the day of the eclipse to help ensure their safety.

Superintendent Robby Parker made the announcement on the school system's Facebook page.

Eye damage can occur if the solar eclipse is viewed without specifically-made safety glasses. And Parker said the school system cannot provide glasses for its 10,500 students and, therefore, their safety could be at risk.

"By dismissing, each parent can ensure their child's safety and afford them the opportunity to watch the eclipse," Parker said in the Facebook message. "I could not live with myself if a child (or numerous children) has permanent retina damage as a result of something that we did at school."

Parker said that if school remained in session, some of the students would not have the opportunity to experience the eclipse, which is expected to occur between 1-3 p.m. on Aug. 21.

"I know some will disagree with this decision and I can accept that and any criticism that may come," Parker said in the message. "What I could not live with is if one of our kids had permanent eye damage that occurred because I couldn't make a tough decision."

Pre-K students will be released at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the eclipse, followed by elementary students at 11 a.m. and secondary students at 11:45 a.m.

Parker also said that students will be excused from school the entire day to view the eclipse if they provide a note from their parents.