As Middle Gate Elementary School students, faculty, and staff exited the school on Thursday, October 8, a number of volunteers for the day, including members of Newtown Hook & Ladder Co. #1, were preparing to take an aerial photo of the entire school community forming the words “Be Kind” and the shape of a heart.

The school community last came together for a large group photo in April of 2013. That year the word “Peace” was formed.

This year the school’s PTA and Principal Chris Geissler decided to create the words “Be Kind” and the shape of a heart. The words were inspired by Ben’s Bells, which is a nonprofit organization founded by Jeannette Maré of Tucson, Ariz., creating ceramic bead and bell wind chimes that are randomly distributed in places in need of healing and happiness.

During the 2014-15 school year Middle Gate students were challenged to complete 1,000 acts of kindness by the end of the school year by two local representatives of Ben’s Bells, now located in Bethel.

“Be Kind” was spelled on the ground for everyone to use as a guide before the school community gathered for the photo.

Middle Gate parent Jeff Jorgenson and Jon Miller were on hand on Thursday to take aerial video and photos using drones. As students walked out of the school for the photo gathering, many looked up, pointed, and began to wave at the drones overhead. Middle Gate parents Cori Repp, a professional photographer, and Jennifer Avari, also took photos from the ground during the event. Other PTA members and parents were also on hand, and each worked to coordinate the group photo.

Newtown Hook & Ladder Co. #1 members Joe Miller and Ross Janutolo brought the company’s ladder truck to the school for the day, and Mr Janutolo was handed Ms Repp’s camera to snap a photo of the whole school community once everyone was in place.

According to PTA President Debbie DeBlasi, the final photo will be used to print cards to sell at the school.