MILO — Milo Elementary will be joining schools across the state in the new year in a friendly competition designed to help turn winter into a season of movement, learning and community spirit.

Milo Elementary has been chosen to represent Piscataquis County in the WinterKids 2026 Winter Games Competitive Track, Principal Tina Dumond told the school during a Dec. 3 meeting in the Penquis Valley School cafeteria.

“We are all very excited to have this competition every week for four weeks,” Dumond said with the program starting on Jan. 12.

This year’s WinterKids’ Winter Games has a theme of “Heart!” Now in its ninth year, the games invite elementary schools across Maine to compete in weekly outdoor activities that combine physical education, nutrition and winter wellness. Schools track participation, build momentum with creative themes and showcase their team spirit — all while earning points and having fun outdoors.

“This program transforms the coldest months of the year into something kids look forward to,” Marion Doyle, education director at WinterKids, said in a statement. “It’s not just about winning, it’s about building resilience, encouraging teamwork and reminding every student that they belong outside.”

Participation is free and schools taking part receive a Winter Games “PLAYBook” for each student with weekly themes and activity guides, resources and incentives for each student meant to support their outdoor learning activities and cash prizes and gear for participating schools (with up to $5,000 for the top institution).

WinterKids helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through education and outdoor winter activity. Through inclusive, hands-on programming, the program is intended to empower schools and families to make winter a season of connection, curiosity and joy.

In other business, Brownville Elementary staff voted to decorate doors for the season as a fun engagement activity, Principal Joshua Bessey said. 

Two weeks will be available to plan and implement the door designs and pictures will be posted once everything is complete.

“As part of our door decorating, we are pleased to have Sheriff (Bob) Young, Fire Chief (Shawn) Mitchell and none other than Santa himself coming in to judge the doors this year,” Bessey wrote in his report.

Penquis Valley was fortunate to host a highly successful three-day visit across the district for students and educators from Boston College, Principal Katie Joyner-Robertson wrote in her report. She thanked nurse Beth Heal for fostering and facilitating the visit. 

The Boston College students and educators brought meaningful support to students, staff and community as the group conducted hearing and vision screenings for students, volunteered at local food pantries, installed educational bulletin boards throughout the district and spent time working directly in classrooms to support instruction and student engagement. 

The group generously donated dozens of blankets, jackets, pants and shoes and made substantial contributions to the Penquis Grab and Go program. 

“Their service and generosity made a meaningful impact as we enter the winter season,” Joyner-Robertson wrote.

Penquis Valley High School and Middle School student councils both completed successful community service initiatives this fall, the principal said.

Through combined donation efforts the student councils were able to give $350 to the American Legion in Brownville and $450 to the Dyer’s Hope House Food Pantry in Milo.

“These contributions reflect the leadership, civic engagement and generosity of our students,” Joyner-Robertson wrote.

Coaches for the 2025-26 winter sports season were appointed: Cameron Bailey, high school boys basketball; Erika Landry, high school boys JV basketball; Jay Murano, high school girls basketball; Beth Heal, high school girls JV basketball; Tammy Murano, high school cheer; Devin Perkins, middle school boys basketball; Derek Perkins, middle school girls basketball; and Amanda Beckwith, middle school cheer.