Hamden students help Sandy victims rebuild

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some schools on Long Island were destroyed by Superstorm Sandy and now some students here in Connecticut are doing their part to help them rebuild.

When students at Spring Glen Elementary School in Hamden heard that students in Long Beach, New York, had lost their school during Superstorm Sandy, they wanted to do something to help. So they held a Spirit Week to raise money to help the school rebuild.

"Our last spirit day was actually for Hurricane Sandy," said Kristyna Bertolone, teacher, Spring Glen Elementary. "We've raised a little over $200, but they thought that wasn't enough they wanted to do more."

This week Spring Glen students raised $1,500, and they're still waiting to add up the money raised from students at five other schools in Hamden.

"It's been awesome, the kids have brought in more than enough money I think and I've gotten pennies, I've gotten quarters, I've gotten checks," Bertolone said, "so the families here at Spring Glenn, and I can only speak for Spring Glenn, have been more than generous during this time of need."

This spirit week they added a little twist, having the students come to school dressed as their heroes.

"My uncle George because I love him and he was very brave when he was in war," said 3rd grader Ben Bielen.

"My hero is my mom because she was very courageous when she was at war," said 3rd grader Emily Faint.

The six Hamden Elementary Schools raised $2,914.59 today. All of the money raised will go directly to the Long Beach Public School District.