Third graders at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary went to Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley on Feb. 22 to build snowmen outside of the residents' windows. The weather was beautiful and the snow was perfect for packing and rolling.

"I don't know who enjoyed it more – the residents watching and waving out their windows, or the kids playing in the snow," said teacher Kathy Habben.

The outing was a reward for the students. When it came time to decide what they were going to do, they made the choice to brighten someone else's day.

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The class started collecting items to make snowmen outside the windows of the nursing home residents and the activity also turned into helping the animals that are trying to survive Iowa's long winter. Students made pinecone bird feeders and collected corn to scatter on the ground. To let the residents know that they care, the students also stuffed envelopes with poems written in their best cursive handwriting along with a packet of hot chocolate and a minty treat.

"My heart was filled with pride as I watched my students be so excited about doing things for others," Habben said. "Here at H-M-S we pride ourselves in following our new PBIS motto of the 3 R's: Showing Respect, acting Responsible and having positive Relationships."