Texas School District Closes After Two Junior High Teachers Die From COVID: Report

BY Erika Marie 2.6K Views
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COVID-19
The Connally Independent School District sent students home for a week after two of their teachers passed away from coronavirus.

During this COVID-19 crisis, America's second-largest state in the union's representatives have argued arduously against mandates. Whether it was social distancing, wearing masks, closing businesses, getting vaccinated, or staying home under quarantine, politicians from Texas have been documented battling it out on Capitol Hill. However, the Delta variant of COVID-19 has swept through the United States and we're seeing an increase in cases once again.

In Waco, Texas, just 87 miles from Dallas, the Connally Independent School District has decided to temporarily shut its doors after they suffered two tragedies and an influx of new coronavirus cases.

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According to Fox44 News, following the death of a teacher at Connally Junior High School, the second teacher at the school to die from COVID, the district opted to have students learn through remote teaching until September 7. During the closure, the schools in the district will reportedly be "thoroughly [cleaned] and [sanitized]."

“Although they were in the same content area, they were at two different grade levels in two different portions, as far as of the building,” says Assistant Superintendent Jill Bottelberghe. “Any of our staff who’s been identified as close contacts, we ask them to be tested every other day."

Parents across the country have been up in arms as their children return to school and are required to wear masks. Several teachers have taken anti-vaccine and anti-mask stances as well, and many school board meetings have gone viral after videos showing irate and tearful parents have captivated social media.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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