SAGLE — A soundtrack of Halloween classics filled Sagle Elementary's gymnasium Friday as students dressed as everything from pirates to police officers took center stage at the school's first annual costume competition. 

Even Tille, the school's therapy dog, participated. The goldendoodle sported a superhero costume, matching several faculty members. 

Students from each grade level took turns proudly displaying their costumes before a panel of judges, including members of the Lake Pend Oreille School District School Board, before winners were announced in each category. 

"I was really happy that the board members were able to come and be judges because I think it's good for our kids and good for them to be connected," Principal Jennifer Majors said. 

"Should we do this again next year?" Majors asked, prompting chorusing cheers from students. 

Majors decided to host the event after noticing the school lacked a Halloween tradition during her first year as the school's principal. 

"I had done it at my previous schools as a principal, and then I had done it at a previous school here in the district as a teacher," said Majors. "The plan was to pilot it here this year, and it went great." 

Majors said she hopes the event will create lasting memories for the students. 

"Kids have a lot of things that they learn every day, and what I think is really telling is sometimes, this is the kind of stuff that they really remember," Majors said. 

While students might not recall every math lesson or social studies project they had years into the future, they are likely to remember their teacher dressing up as a caterpillar or winning in a costume category, Majors said. 

"It's just such a memorable moment for everyone," Majors said.

    Tillie, Sagle Elementary's therapy dog, joins faculty members in costume during the school's Halloween costume competition.
  

    Sagle Elementary faculty members take part in the school's Halloween costume contest.
  

    Sagle elementary students watch during the school Halloween costume contest.
  

    Sagle elementary students talk during the school's Halloween costume contest.