Students and staff alike at Ledyard Center School donned their best superhero garb for an Oct. 9 assembly.

Sue Nash-Ditzel, principal at the school, went all out for the occasion with a mask, tutu, Ledyard Center School shirt and most importantly, a red cape indicating she was one of the school’s “HEART Avengers.”

The HEART Avengers program was launched this year as part of an initiative to make students feel included at school, whether it’s in class, at lunch or at recess. Nash-Ditzel said the initiative went along with the school’s longstanding theme of “HEART,” in which students try to demonstrate Helpfulness, Effort, Acceptance, Respect and Thoughtfulness. The school climate committee met at the end of last school year to develop the program.

“We thought we would have some kind of ambassadors outside at recess,” she said. “As this year started, we just kind of developed it into the superhero theme.”

The school settled on the HEART Avengers because superheroes are very popular with the students.

The assembly began with music from the “Captain America: The First Avenger” soundtrack, and all the teachers wore Ledyard shirts with the Captain America shield on them.

The first award granted was the Glitter Heart, which goes to students who go above and beyond to include people in their day. Once those students were honored, the 12 third- and fifth-graders serving as September’s HEART Avengers told stories about their “HEART Avenger successes.” Those ranged from asking a lonely classmate to join a game of four-square to helping settle an argument between students at recess.

“They’re trying to intervene by using their kindness,” Nash-Ditzel said. “They have been chosen by teachers to be HEART Avengers because they exemplify HEART behavior in the classroom at all times. They try to intervene by talking to the kids and seeing if they can help.”

The school had a good climate before the initiative, but the program has continued to bring students and staff together and build the school community, she said.

The assembly concluded with a rendition of the school’s HEART song performed by fourth-grade teacher Ben Freiert and his ukelele. After the assembly, Nash-Ditzel held a special meeting with the September and October honorees so the outgoing HEART Avengers could give the incoming ambassadors tips on how to do the job, including knowing when to notify a teacher.

Most of the current students said the position was pretty easy, but Nash-Ditzel said they take it very seriously because it makes them feel important in the school community. They are easily identified by their superhero-print lanyards and are often seen actively searching the playground at recess for classmates in need.

“I think it was one of the first days I went out, and one of the HEART Avengers said to me, ‘Dr. Nash-Ditzel, I’ve had six customers already, I’m really busy,’” she said. “They get a big kick out of it.”

November’s HEART Avengers will be selected from students in the second and fourth grades.

a.hutchinson@theday.com

twitter: @ahutch411