Another local middle school unexpectedly announces early close

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Classes will end at 1 p.m. Thursday at Indian Spring Middle School, which is shifting to online instruction in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19, Transformation Waco, which operates the school, announced.

“We will transition to fully remote instruction, and the campus will remain closed for in-person instruction through at least next Thursday. At this time, we plan to reopen for in-person instruction on Friday, Nov. 13,” Principal Joseph Alexander said in a message to parents.

“While only two people at our campus have reported testing positive for COVID-19 so far this week, a significant number of employees are currently quarantining as a result of those and earlier cases. Most of our educators are able to teach remotely,” he said.

"However, the number of employees out presents a challenge for appropriately supervising students without bringing large groups of students together in the same space. Because of that, we made the decision to transition to fully remote instruction for the next five school days.

The school will follow normal dismissal procedures.

Students will be provided with devices to take home and those without internet access at home may check out mobile hotspots.

The school will be deep-cleaned and sanitized.

Waco ISD officials Wednesday announced the suspension of on-campus instruction at G.W. Carver Middle School and Lake Air Montessori Magnet School until next Wednesday after positive COVID-19 tests.

On Thursday the district announced G.W. Carver will remain closed until after Thanksgiving break on Nov. 30.

At Lake Air, 20 employees and nearly 100 students were out Wednesday because of close contact with someone who tested positive or other reasons.