With West Georgia in the grip of a prolonged cold snap, workers were busy Tuesday making sure Troup County schools were ready for the resumption of classes today.

The maintenance staff surveyed schools for the effects of the exceptionally cold weather. A few exterior pipe leaks were discovered and repaired. At one school, ice was found on the entrance roadway and sand was applied.

Drivers started all buses to identify any potential problems. Bus maintenance crews replaced batteries as needed and addressed other issues as they arose. Regular bus maintenance, including the check of antifreeze levels, is conducted on a routine basis.

Schools have been closed for Christmas holidays, although Tuesday was a work day for teachers and staff.

Principals were making sure students are not affected by the extreme cold when they return to classes today.

“Just as we do when it is raining, students will have recess inside during times of extreme cold,” said Carol Montgomery, principal at Franklin Forest Elementary School. “Instead of playing outside for recess, teachers will lead students in organized play and instructional games. As for loading of buses in the afternoon, students do not leave the building until the buses are ready so there is no waiting time outside.”

Hogansville Elementary School principal Bret Bryant said: “We don’t expect these cold days to be very different from other days. PE will go on as usual in the heated gym. We’ll treat recess as we do extreme summer heat - just continue classes if the weather won’t allow the students to go outside.”

Terry Lord, secretary at Long Cane Elementary School, said the school is prepared for the cold.

“Long Cane’s ‘Morning Patrol’ is ready for any weather emergency. Whether we are facing blowing winds or freezing temperatures, our morning crew is ready to cheerfully greet each student as they arrive,” Lord said. “Our custodial staff arrives early to make sure the building is warm and ready as our students and faculty arrive. If there are any weather-related problems, our maintenance staff is always on call for quick response.

“Outdoor activities such as recess are suspended when the temperatures fall below 40 degrees. When the temperatures take a dramatic dip, you may find us moving faster to keep warm, but our instructional focus continues.”

Although school system officials will continue to evaluate weather and road conditions, there are no plans to delay or cancel classes. Should such a decision be made, announcements will be made in media and on the system’s Web site: www.troup.org.