A poster found in all of Newtown's public schools portrays the core characteristics our schools strive to instill in students, as a tree. At its roots is the characteristic of perseverance. Its trunk is citizenship, while the main branches promote caring, responsibility, respect, and trustworthiness. They are traits we cultivate in the upcoming generation.

Recently, Middle Gate Elementary School students learned from town and state leaders about good citizenship. Honesty, trust, support, empathy, compassion, and courage were a few more words students were encouraged to add to their lexicon of citizenship. Follow the rules, they were told, and learn and share different ideas. Be thoughtful, and be nice.

Third graders then elaborated on citizenship in artwork of themselves being good citizens: "Help someone get up when they fall down," "Treat others the way you want to be treated," "Don't butt heads to (sic) hard," and "Don't lagh (sic) at someone." It is all great advice offered by these youngsters.

Here's a thought: Pass this advice on to certain national candidates who seem to have missed out on these basic life lessons.

We are working to raise young people who can compete in a dog-eat-dog real world one day, but who also can consider new ideas, or disagree with others in a manner that is respectful. We do not tolerate name-calling, bullying, snubbing, or mocking of others. We ask our children to call out those who make fun of the less fortunate or different, and to reach out a helping hand to all.

As several candidates vie for the highest position in the land, they are being celebrated while behaving in ways that run contrary to what we teach our children. Name calling? Check. Disrespectful? Check. Intolerant? Check. Bullying, dishonesty, and mockery - check, check, and check. They would appear to be, according to our tree of life, rotten at the core.

It might seem prudent to protect children from watching or reading the vitriol spewed by candidates; on the other hand, it is a teaching moment. Point out that certain adults have not mastered self-control or use hurtful language directed at others. Let them know that when someone is in the spotlight for bad behavior, it should not be rewarded. Tell them you are proud to know kind and considerate young people who put Newtown's core characteristics into action every day.

On April 26, Republican and Democratic voters in Connecticut get to put in their two-cents worth as to the next presidential nominees. Will we choose good citizens, as defined by our children? Failure to do so will send a message that good citizenship does not apply to grownups.

Support our schools' mission by seeing that the young people in your life are firmly rooted in what is right. They are the future leaders.

Then send a (kind) message to any presidential hopefuls who need the lessons Newtown children have embraced.

When words and actions prove they have taken the lesson to heart, consider, perhaps, positive reinforcement in the form of a vote.