It has many names in the Austin public elementary schools, but the purpose is essentially the same: promoting safety, leadership and responsibility in its students.

The Student Safety Leadership Team at Sumner Elementary monitors the hallways, sidewalks, street intersections and playgrounds in and surrounding the building.

“We like to promote that leadership,” explained Megan Higgins, Safety Team advisor.

About 20 students in grades 4 an 5 wear reflective yellow vests and hold red flags before and after school as they stop vehicles at crosswalks and guide students across some of the most hazardous streets in Austin. They also monitor students to ensure they walk and play safely on school grounds.

“On the northwest and northeast there’s a billion cars going by,” said captain Matt Anderson, fifth grade.

Safety Team captains also have a big responsibly — training new members.

Each of the captains went to patrol camp at the Legionville School Safety Patrol Training Center in Brainerd, Minn. last summer.

“You get to meet new people at the camp and help out with things,” said fifth-grader Erin Anderson. Students learn first aid and safety training in addition to canoeing, swimming and other fun activities.

During Sumner’s monthly assemblies, the team presents Safety Tips of the Month. In February, for example, the team explained that students shouldn’t throw snow and ice, should walk in the hallways and wipe off their feet when entering the building.

Sumner’s team also has team socials, like bowling, culminating with a trip to a Minnesota Twins game at the end of the year and an awards banquet.

A Safety Leader of the Month is chosen by Higgins and other teachers.

“It’s not just being leaders on the team — it’s in the classroom,” Higgins said.