Spider-Man entered swinging on a rope while The Incredible Hulk “HULK SMASHED” his way through a paper wall during Friday’s “Be a CMT Superhero” rally at the Prendergast School in Ansonia.
School staffers donned alter egos from the Marvel Universe as a way to celebrate school spirit and take some of the drudgery away from the upcoming annual Connecticut Mastery Test.
Kids, who tend to love superheroes, ate it up.
Principal Joe Apicella took on the role of “The Avengers’” leader Captain America, leading the pep talk and a raffle for students who had earned tickets for good behavior.
“We want to get everyone excited, and we thought that since teachers are real-life heroes, we can make it big and it would be really fun,” he said of dressing up.
In fact, the entire staff was costumed in “CMT Superhero” capes and masks, painted and sewn by interns, to join in the fun and support.
“I love how the administration is so enthusiastic and happy to be involved. The energy is wonderful. They’ve done a great job and the kids are loving it too,” said Superintendent Carol Merlone.
During the rally, Captain America advised the young CMT preppers to “be on time, try your best, and check your work.”
Merlone reassured them that if they take pride in their work and always show character they’re sure to breeze through the CMTs.
Teachers said they enjoyed taking part in the theme and the rally and that students seem to have absorbed the energy, as they’ve noticed a positive attitude in the classroom as testing dates near.
“Because of the fact that we’ve tried to make everything fun and relaxing, they’re almost excited to take them,” said Michelle Sloate, a sixth-grade teacher.
Custodian Jamie Puro dressed as Iron Man, physical education teacher Bob Powers dressed as Wolverine, assistant principal Sherrod McNeill dressed as The Hulk and social worker Ryan Sherman dressed as Spiderman.