SeDoMoCha earns bronze honors in WinterKids Winter Games
WinterKids, a Maine based nonprofit, is proud to announce the top three winning schools from this year’s WinterKids Winter Games, a statewide outdoor learning challenge that engaged 104 schools and 10,687 students across Maine.
This year’s top three schools are Gold Medal School: Hall-Dale Elementary, Hallowell, Kennebec County. $5,000 cash award; Silver Medal School: Community Regional Charter School, Cornville, Somerset County. $3,000 cash award; and Bronze Medal School: SeDoMoCha Elementary School, Dover-Foxcroft, Piscataquis County. $1,500 cash award
The WinterKids Winter Games are a four-week winter competition held annually, designed to help schools integrate movement, learning, and wellness into the school day. This year’s Winter Games ran from Jan. 12 through Feb. 6 and centered on the theme HEART, focused on caring for our hearts and for each other, both physically and emotionally. HEART health and following your HEART guided students’ outdoor learning as schools moved through WinterKids’ four classic weekly themes: Physical Activity, Nutrition, Family and Winter Carnival, all supported by the Winter Games Playbook.
Participation in the Winter Games was free for all Maine schools. Each participating school received a toolkit with weekly incentives that complimented their daily activities, and a Winter Games Playbook for every child, offering activity instructions, reflection prompts, and connections that extended learning beyond the classroom.
All 14 schools participating in the Competitive Track of the Winter Games received a cash award based on where they placed.
These schools demonstrated outstanding participation, creativity and commitment to engaging students across grade levels in outdoor learning throughout the Winter Games.
Educators report that the Winter Games supported meaningful changes in how students interact, participate, and see themselves as part of their school community.
“One moment that really stood out to me was a student who typically struggles with PE and often opts out or sits during running activities. This week, he was leading the charge outside: moving, smiling, and fully participating. Seeing that shift was incredibly powerful,” said Kasey Bevis, physical education teacher at SeDoMoCha.
While three schools earned top recognition, every participating school benefits from the program. Students across Maine experienced increased movement, time outdoors, and opportunities to learn together during the winter season.
“Educators across Maine shared that this year’s Winter Games created a sense of connection their school communities truly needed,” WinterKids Executive Director Courtney Holub said. “Students who had once opted out of physical activity took on leadership roles, upperclassmen modeled encouragement and teamwork, and kids found joy in moving together. In a moment when connection matters more than ever, the Winter Games offered students (and teachers) something positive to anticipate and a powerful reminder of what community can feel like.”
The 2026 WinterKids Winter Games are made possible through the generous support of Hannaford SnackPals, Backyard Farms, Aroma Joe’s, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, MMG Insurance and Stockhouse Restaurant.
All WinterKids programs are made possible thanks to our dedicated Community Partners: WEX, Portland Media Group, WMTW Channel 8, Agren, Central Maine Power and LL Bean.
WinterKids helps children across Maine develop healthy lifelong habits through education and outdoor winter activity. The WinterKids Winter Games are part of a broader effort to ensure that all kids, regardless of background, have the opportunity to move, learn and explore in Maine’s unique outdoor classroom. Learn more at www.winterkids.org.