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Hamden students learn how to be ‘superheroes’

February 12th, 2014

HAMDEN - Superheroes came to life in a school gymnasium Wednesday afternoon at Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, but in a smaller version.

As part of a schoolwide compassion project, students modeled their best superhero costume for a faux wax museum in the school’s gym.

Throughout the year, teachers have worked with students on “age appropriate activities” relating to heroism, compassion and how students can make a difference, according to Literacy Coach Vicky Rose.

“Superheroes save the world, so we asked students, ‘What can you do to save the world?’” Rose said.

Students dressed up as classic superheroes such as Superman and Thor as well as more modern characters such “The Hunger Games” trilogy’s main character Katniss Everdeen and Jack Bauer from the TV series “24.”

Students also painted detailed backdrops for each character, without knowing they’d be attending the superhero museum.

“The entire thing was a surprise. They knew it was superhero day, but they weren’t expecting all of this,” said Ingrid Ellinger-Doviak, head of the enrichment program.

According to Ellinger-Doviak, students researched their superhero in order to play the character properly.

Bob Drobisch’s son, Dylan, posed as Thor from the Avengers.

“This is awesome. You can tell the entire school rallied together,” Drobisch said.

Drobisch said Dylan carried himself “differently” once he was in full costume.

“His whole demeanor was different,” Drobisch said.

Students traveled to each exhibit and could press a sticker on the palm of each superhero’s hand to hear facts about that character’s powers.

Miranda Buckheit, dressed as Wonder Woman, told her peers her special powers included flying and talking to animals.

Marissa Nacleiro, who portrayed Catwoman, said “when she’s (Catwoman) not stealing, her strengths are in combat and acrobatics.”

Ellinger-Doviak said the program was the first of its kind.

“We’ve never done this before. I think this is a fun way to learn,” Ellinger-Doviak said.

Students also heard from Marc Tyler Nobleman, author of “Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman,” who talked to the students about his book and what it means to be a superhero.

Principal Suzanne Duran Crelin dressed as Captain America.

“I think today was a great community builder, plus it’s important to remember to have fun while you’re in school,” Duran Crelin said.

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