HARRISON — When the annual WinterKids Winter Games kicked off at Harrison Elementary School kicked off last week, it was questionable whether all the activities planned for the four-week program would be possible. Western Maine has seen little to no snow since the beginning of the year and what was on the ground was hardened or dirtied by recent rains.

That all changed over the weekend when Sunday arrived with a nor’easter that blanketed Harrison with up to six inches of snow. Its timing could not have been better, as weather is the theme for this year’s Winter Games, with “precipitation” being the focus of this week’s activities.

Harrison Elementary School is once again participating in Maine’s WinterKids Winter Games. Last week students learned about the role of carbon dioxide in temperature change during an outdoor activity. Supplied photo

There are two ways to participate in the WinterKids Winter Games – the competitive track and the play-along track. This marks HES’ sixth year taking part in the competitive track, representing Cumberland County. Last year the school finished the competition ninth overall.

“We kicked off with ‘weather at your school,'” said HES coordinator Samantha Geer, who teaches third grade. “We learned about climate change, using a game to look at carbon dioxide and how it traps heat and bounces back.”

Last week students observed temperatures, using a weather station set up outside. There were also be activities teaching about wind speed and cloud formations.

Students also gathered materials from nature with water, freezing them in muffin tins to create sun catchers that were hung along the playground for observation as they eventually melt.

Advertisement

“It was a way to get us all outside and exploring nature for an art activity.”

Winter Games challenges extend from school to kids’ time at home. They were encouraged to gather family and friends for “Movie Moments,” a time to sit and enjoy each other’s company while watching a movie. The goal is to relax in a low-energy activity.

Each of the four grades are going on field trips to skate at Bridgton Academy, with a school-wide skate party happening there during week three with families invited to participate. Families were also invited to join their students at school this week for a community lunch.

Closing ceremonies for the Winter Games will be held Feb. 5, with hot chocolate being provided by Aroma Joe’s of Naples.

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.