Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on May 23, 2014 8:29:16 GMT -6
www.shelbynews.com/articles/2014/05/21/news/doc537bb81bc7ccd998437252.txt
Superheroes will invade Triton Central Middle School during Comic-Con Triton
FAIRLAND - There may be no safer place than Triton Central Middle School this week, as fifth-graders in Kristi Reedy's class are keeping the school safe of villains.
For the second year in a row, Reedy's class will be embarking on a new way to understand reading through comics.
And, in the wake of new blockbusters involving X-Men and Captain America, the move has been beneficial.
* On Thursday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Comic-Con Triton will be in full swing, thanks to Reedy.
"This year's event is much bigger and much better than last year. In fact, it's growing every single day, and I couldn't be more excited," Reedy said.
For Reedy, this is year two of a plan she had last year.
While not growing up reading comics, Reedy began researching the use of comics in the classroom.
"I've learned a lot about the literacy benefits of using comics in the classroom, but I am starting to realize that comics really hit on something much deeper. There is a true sense of community within the comic world. As I travel around to comic stores, comic conventions and sometimes just random places where I'm not actively seeking comics, people are quick to offer their time, services, financial support, and of course, their comics," Reedy said.
Reedy said she's heard from numerous adult men who have said that comic books were important to their reading development.
"Many of them credit comic books as the first reading material that actually made them love reading, and then they eventually branched out to other genres. I've seen the same thing happen with my students," she said.
All those reasons are why Reedy wanted to bring the event back during the 2013-14 school year.
"Comics have meant so much to so many people over the years that people have an overwhelming desire to do whatever they can to make sure the next generation shares their same passion for all things comic. As a teacher, I want my kids to understand their place within their community and the importance of giving back to that community. Community has been our theme this year in fifth grade, and learning about how comics tell the social stories of our time is just one more way for us to get involved with and to understand our community," Reedy said.
One big difference for this year's event will be that it will be available to the entire community, according to Reedy.
The move comes after students at both Triton Central Elementary School and Triton Central High School asked to play a role in the development.
"This year's con will showcase work from students throughout the corporation - from comics to artwork to video games. I have invited teachers throughout the corporation to get involved with our comic unit, even if it's just to talk with students about the wonderful opportunity coming up for them. All of the fifth-grade language arts classes will have comics with original student-created superheros to showcase. Sixth-grade science students are creating models of original superheroes that derive their powers from animal adaptations. They will have a comic strip style explanation. Also, our art students will showcase comic artwork. More and more teachers each day are getting involved," Reedy said.
In addition, Mike Costello, from Downtown Comics, will be on hand to sell comics, as well as give out free comic books to people that come dressed in costume, while supplies last.
"They will also be running contests and giving prizes to contest winners. I am very thankful for their support, involvement, and generosity," Reedy said.
And, Reedy has the opportunity to showcase the work of Roger Slifer, who grew up in Morristown.
Slifer worked for Marvel as a freelance writer, assistant editor and special projects editor before moving to DC Comics.
"At DC Comics, he wrote, edited, and illustrated for many different comics, but most notably wrote for Omega Men and was the creator of Lobo, the anti-hero. Later in his career, he worked as an animator for Jem and the Holograms, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Yu-Gi-Oh, and many more. He was also heavily involved in creator's rights issues throughout his career," Reedy said.
Reedy said Slifer sustained serious injuries when he was the victim in a hit-and-run in California in 2012.
"He sustained massive injuries, and is now back in the area in an assisted living facility. His sister, Connie Carlton, has told me many stories of how the comic community really rallied to help support her and Roger emotionally and financially. The organization called The Hero Initiative also helped out tremendously. Last year, she brought in all of his work that she has been storing for him and made it available to kids to see, and she is doing it again this year. It is exciting to her that Roger's legacy can live on through our students. A portion of the proceeds from our comic-con will be donated to The Hero Initiative in Roger's name," Reedy said.
The night will feature concessions, face painting, photo booths, comic video games and the opportunity for people to read digital comics and play around with different online comic creators, according to Reedy.
"It should be a really amazing night for kids and adults alike," Reedy said.
Superheroes will invade Triton Central Middle School during Comic-Con Triton
FAIRLAND - There may be no safer place than Triton Central Middle School this week, as fifth-graders in Kristi Reedy's class are keeping the school safe of villains.
For the second year in a row, Reedy's class will be embarking on a new way to understand reading through comics.
And, in the wake of new blockbusters involving X-Men and Captain America, the move has been beneficial.
* On Thursday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Comic-Con Triton will be in full swing, thanks to Reedy.
"This year's event is much bigger and much better than last year. In fact, it's growing every single day, and I couldn't be more excited," Reedy said.
For Reedy, this is year two of a plan she had last year.
While not growing up reading comics, Reedy began researching the use of comics in the classroom.
"I've learned a lot about the literacy benefits of using comics in the classroom, but I am starting to realize that comics really hit on something much deeper. There is a true sense of community within the comic world. As I travel around to comic stores, comic conventions and sometimes just random places where I'm not actively seeking comics, people are quick to offer their time, services, financial support, and of course, their comics," Reedy said.
Reedy said she's heard from numerous adult men who have said that comic books were important to their reading development.
"Many of them credit comic books as the first reading material that actually made them love reading, and then they eventually branched out to other genres. I've seen the same thing happen with my students," she said.
All those reasons are why Reedy wanted to bring the event back during the 2013-14 school year.
"Comics have meant so much to so many people over the years that people have an overwhelming desire to do whatever they can to make sure the next generation shares their same passion for all things comic. As a teacher, I want my kids to understand their place within their community and the importance of giving back to that community. Community has been our theme this year in fifth grade, and learning about how comics tell the social stories of our time is just one more way for us to get involved with and to understand our community," Reedy said.
One big difference for this year's event will be that it will be available to the entire community, according to Reedy.
The move comes after students at both Triton Central Elementary School and Triton Central High School asked to play a role in the development.
"This year's con will showcase work from students throughout the corporation - from comics to artwork to video games. I have invited teachers throughout the corporation to get involved with our comic unit, even if it's just to talk with students about the wonderful opportunity coming up for them. All of the fifth-grade language arts classes will have comics with original student-created superheros to showcase. Sixth-grade science students are creating models of original superheroes that derive their powers from animal adaptations. They will have a comic strip style explanation. Also, our art students will showcase comic artwork. More and more teachers each day are getting involved," Reedy said.
In addition, Mike Costello, from Downtown Comics, will be on hand to sell comics, as well as give out free comic books to people that come dressed in costume, while supplies last.
"They will also be running contests and giving prizes to contest winners. I am very thankful for their support, involvement, and generosity," Reedy said.
And, Reedy has the opportunity to showcase the work of Roger Slifer, who grew up in Morristown.
Slifer worked for Marvel as a freelance writer, assistant editor and special projects editor before moving to DC Comics.
"At DC Comics, he wrote, edited, and illustrated for many different comics, but most notably wrote for Omega Men and was the creator of Lobo, the anti-hero. Later in his career, he worked as an animator for Jem and the Holograms, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Yu-Gi-Oh, and many more. He was also heavily involved in creator's rights issues throughout his career," Reedy said.
Reedy said Slifer sustained serious injuries when he was the victim in a hit-and-run in California in 2012.
"He sustained massive injuries, and is now back in the area in an assisted living facility. His sister, Connie Carlton, has told me many stories of how the comic community really rallied to help support her and Roger emotionally and financially. The organization called The Hero Initiative also helped out tremendously. Last year, she brought in all of his work that she has been storing for him and made it available to kids to see, and she is doing it again this year. It is exciting to her that Roger's legacy can live on through our students. A portion of the proceeds from our comic-con will be donated to The Hero Initiative in Roger's name," Reedy said.
The night will feature concessions, face painting, photo booths, comic video games and the opportunity for people to read digital comics and play around with different online comic creators, according to Reedy.
"It should be a really amazing night for kids and adults alike," Reedy said.