WEEK 1: Community Connections
Welcome to WEEK 1 of the WinterKids Winter Games, sponsored by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care!
This year’s program is buzzing with energy as schools across Maine participate in winter-themed activities designed to promote outdoor activity and community spirit. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share stories and images from these schools as they embrace outdoor education and learn how individual and collective actions impact our climate.
During week one, Competitive Track schools focused on TEMPERATURE and competed for points by completing weather-focused activities and school-wide opening ceremonies. By involving families, local experts, and even businesses, the WinterKids Winter Games are much more than just a competition; they’re a celebration of winter.
Winning Moment of the Week Submission:
Schools wrapped up the first week of competition. This year, 16 Maine schools schools are competing for $5000 (Competitive Track), and 80+ schools are playing along (Play Along Track) by completing daily outdoor educational challenges with a WEATHER focus. Each week, the kids are tasked with taking and recording daily weather observations and learning about weather and climate topics. Schools earn points for completing these challenges.
One additional point is given to the school winning the Moment of the Week. Competitive Track schools were asked to submit a short video sharing their opening ceremony activities this week.
North Haven Community School was the clear winner with this drone video. Congratulations!
A special shout-out also goes to the two schools tied for 2nd place- Rangeley Lakes Regional School and Lamoine Consolidated School:
Highlights from Participating Schools
While schools follow specific guidelines each week, there is plenty of opportunity to make the Winter Games events and activities their own. Here are a few highlights from week 1.
Cranberry Isle School: A Tight-Knit Community
This island community faces unique challenges like traveling by mail boat with weather-dependent schedules. The school is posting its weather data at an outdoor station utilized by local fishermen before heading out to sea!
Rangeley Lakes Regional School: WAYS
Rangeley Lakes Regional School welcomed a visit from WMTW meteorologist Ted McInerney’s Weather at Your School (WAYS) program. Students had “snow” much fun being a part of Ted’s early morning weather broadcast!
Community Regional Charter School: Staff Relay Race
Another fun highlight was the staff relay race at Community Regional Charter School. Teachers and staff took turns racing to get outdoor clothing to dress Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler for winter. A fun, outdoor game reinforcing the importance of dressing in layers!
Environmental Stewardship: Friendship Friday
Friendship Fridays are focused on planet-friendly activities! This week, the focus was on conserving energy and turning out the lights for movie night!
Teaching children to be aware that using electricity can contribute to global warming is one small way to encourage them to protect our planet.
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