The Quaker School at Horsham has become a stomping ground for superheroes.

When I snuck outside to enjoy a few moments of sunny recess this afternoon, I was delighted to see a gleeful Super Girl chasing an equally giddy Batman and Wonder Woman through the fields.

“I’m going to get you!” I heard from all corners of the playground, as students used their pretend powers to fly, to shift space, to save their friends. “You have to catch us first!”

The popularity of recent comic-book movies, such as Wonder Woman, has students and adults alike feeling a renewed interest in superheroes. But as I watched these playful interactions today, I realized that superheroes are actually nothing new — our building is filled with them.

Our TQS superheroes, however, don’t wear capes or have magic powers. They do, however, have the power to create amazing transformations.

So while the students admire The Scarlet Witch (a popular heroine in the Avengers movie) for her ability to alter reality, what I see as even more amazing is the ability of long-time teacher Karen Glenn to alter the life trajectory of the children in her class.

I saw that magic when TQS student Alice walked into Monday’s collection meeting and hugged her friend Eleanor and rubbed the back of her friend Jackie. This is huge. Over the year, Karen’s class grew from individuals nervously sitting apart on their first day of school into a close group committed to supporting each other. She transformed anxious, lonely, isolated children into happy, caring friends. And for many of them, these are their first friendships.

I now know who my superhero is.

And another: Claire Keefe. For 30 years, Claire has used the highest levels of science-based instruction to teach children how to read. She is tireless in her pursuit. Whether a student is reading one or five years below grade level when they enter her class, they leave not only literate, but also believing in themselves and believing that reading is fun. From non-readers, Claire creates readers. From students who have experienced failure, Claire creates confident, literate self-advocates.

A superhero indeed.

The Quaker School at Horsham is filled with superheroes, and it’s not because our students like to dress like Luke Skywalker, Super Girl and Green Arrow. It’s because we have people here, of all ages, who use their personal powers for the good of others. And there’s nothing more super than that.

Who are the superheroes in your life, and your child’s life? Share your epic tales with us in the comments below, or over on Facebook.