TPS Doesn't Expect Drop In Temperature To Close Schools

As the cold air moves in, Tulsa Public Schools is preparing for a very cold school day.

While cold temperatures can cancel school at times, TPS said it doesn't anticipate that being the case Wednesday and the plan is to keep schools open.

The school playground at Anderson Elementary sat empty Tuesday; the only physical activity the kids get at school during the coldest winter days is inside the gym.

Parents like Victoria Rabb and Amanda Storms were getting their kids prepared for temperatures to drop even more Wednesday.

"Hats, jackets, scarves, gloves, boots," Rabb said.

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Storms said, "I went yesterday and bought her some fuzzy lined boots and I'm planning on doing leggings and layers underneath her coat already."

Tulsa Public Schools spokesperson, Chris Payne said, no matter how low the temperature drops Tuesday night, schools will likely stay open.

"It is possible to close due to extremely cold temperatures, but I don't think we are there yet,” he said.

"I've never canceled my day on a cold day, so I think they should keep going," said Storms.

It is cold enough to cancel recess, however. The third graders spent their play time Tuesday inside watching a movie.

Another major concern is keeping students warm while they wait at the bus stop.

Payne said, at times, the cold weather causes mechanical issues in buses, but the district hopes to trouble shoot that problem.

"I know we have some particular buses we have problems with, so we may park those indoors," Payne said.

If there is any kind of problem, parents can download a free app called School Way to check their child's bus route.

"You can go in and select your kid's specific bus routes and they do send text blasts if something happens," said Payne.

The district said employees will get to the bus barn early to start the buses up and make sure they are warm.

Also the temperatures inside the buildings will be a few degrees warmer.