Schools didn't escape the damage caused by this weekend's strong winds and hail.

Crews returned early from their spring break to repair damage this week and ensure that schools were ready to accept students.

In Richmond County, the damage included shingles being ripped off the roofs of nine portable classrooms and bleachers being thrown through the backstop at Glenn Hills Middle School, said Benton Starks, the senior director of facilities services.

At nearby Glenn Hills High School, several 80-foot light poles along the baseball field were snapped in half.

Weather damage didn't keep New Ellenton Middle School pupils away Monday.

Aiken County schools' maintenance staff worked all weekend to remove downed trees and repair roof damage on the front office and cafeteria, said Deputy Superintendent David Caver.

Athletic fields and accompanying buildings, which are rented by the city of New Ellenton, were destroyed. The damage won't affect the school's athletics, Mr. Caver said.

Tarp-covered roofs held against Monday's rain, and pupils were routed to a gym entrance.

Mr. Caver said he didn't have a cost estimate of the damage, but hoped most of the costs would be covered by insurance.

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851. Reach Julia Sellers at (706) 823-3424.