Hawley Elementary School students earned stickers for voting and helping to choose a new school motto on Monday, November 7.

Lead teacher Keri Snowden said the school's Safe School Climate team came up with the suggestions for the new motto before voting on the group's top three choices. Classes then took turns on Monday to visit the school's multipurpose room to vote on the three possible mottos.

Ms Snowden said the Safe School Climate team, includes herself, other teachers, paraeducators, parent representatives, and a school counselor. All team members focused on creating a motto inspired by Ben's Bells, as the school is already a Kind Campus. The school is also working to raise funds for a Ben's Bells mural with the words "Be Kind."

Voting for the new school motto worked perfectly with Election Day, Ms Snowden said.

"I think the kids are going to love that they have a voice in this choice," she added.

As first grade students in Shannon Davies's class entered, Ms Snowden explained the students would wait for their chance to vote at one of two stations. An educator would then help the students read the motto choices, if needed, so the students could choose their favorite of the three. After selecting their choice, the students dropped off the ballots in one of two boxes.

The first motto choice was "Be Kind, Be Grateful, Be Happy," the second was "Be Kind to Everyone and Grateful for Everything," and the third was "Be True. Be You. Be Kind."

The final tally of votes named the new school motto as "Be True. Be You. Be Kind."