HAMSHIRE, Texas — Hamshire-Fannett ISD students went back to class for in-person instruction on August 20 but some classes had to move back to virtual-only classes after the district had 3 positive COVID-19 cases.
Second graders and high school students won't meet for in-person classes on Wednesday.
"It went well those first couple weeks of school. I don't recall any positive cases those first couple weeks," Superintendent Dwaine Augustine told 12News.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly said that the entire district was going to virtual classes on Tuesday.)
Over the weekend, the district was notified about 3 positive cases. On Tuesday the district learned about another positive case in an eighth grade student.
Augustine told 12News they weren't able to contact trace on Tuesday since the news was received at the end of the day. On Wednesday, the contact tracing will be done and the district will know how many students should be required to quarantine.
"We are in a pandemic and we all know there is a risk possibility of having positive cases," Augustine said.
The district's first case was Dr. Paul Shipman, the principal of the high school. The district doesn't believe he came in close contact with anyone on campus, but a letter was sent home to parents to let them know.
The next positive case, the school identified as a high school varsity football player. The school is in the process of contacting all of those parents.
A second grader from the elementary school also tested positive.
Two classes, totaling 30 children must quarantine.
"So you just prepare the best you can. We put protocols in place," Augustine said.
Those protocols were activated, including contact tracing.
As a result, 105 students and 11 staff members are in quarantine.
"We will have staff members calling each parent individually to talk through the different options to see how kids are doing," Augustine said.
Those in quarantine must have a negative test results in order to return to class.
If they don't want to get tested, they must quarantine for 14 days.
In-person classes have been cancelled for Tuesday and Wednesday at the high school, as well as for second graders. Those students will learn virtually.