The snow and ice buildup on roofs, walkways, cars and just about everywhere has been a well-known sight this winter for Mainers. At Boothbay Region Elementary School, the flat roofs covering much of the school have resulted in a massive workload for the maintenance crew members who are working hard to prevent leaks and damage as the snow and ice builds pressure, which can cause major damage and costly repairs.

In addition to snow on the roof, the playground outside of BRES is filled with snow as far as the eye can see, and there's no where to put it anymore.

“Cole said he hasn't had outside recess in forever,” mother Jennifer Hyson said. “There must be some solution. I feel bad for the kids and the teachers. The office said parents are complaining, but it is for the kids’ safety and the teachers are frustrated, too.”

With icicles hanging over the side of the building (the crews knock them off as much as possible, but they reform quickly), an ice-coated walkway outside, and a playground totally blocked off by the snow, students have been unable to play outside during recess for several weeks.

“At the end of the day, my job is to keep kids safe,” BRES Principal Mark Tess said. “I will not put kids in jeopardy. The maintenance crews have been amazing, they shovel and melt the ice, but every night it refreezes and it's a constant battle.”

Superintendent Eileen King praised the maintenance crews work as well at the CSD Trustees meeting on March 4, and voiced her concerns about the issues the snow and ice posed should an emergency occur.

“Student safety is always our number one concern,” King said.

Tess asks teachers to come to him with solutions, not problems, and many teachers have done so in this situation.

“Teachers have offered to take students down around the high school for walks, which they have done, and taken them sledding by the hill next to the high school. The PE teachers have used the snowshoes and cross-country skis so the kids can get out and about on days there is no gym,” Tess said.

All kids in grade 6 and below have gym twice a week, so they are still getting physical activity. Some have suggested using the Y or the high school gym for recess, but both have programs going on during the day.

Ashley Dawn of Boothbay, who is studying early childhood education, knows the importance of activity and play to children.

“Last semester one of my teachers talked a lot about how important it is to have recess,” Dawn said. “I worry that the kids can't run around and play.”

“With any luck, we're past the worst of the snow and the kids will be able to play outside again soon,” Tess said.