Hampton City Schools and the Hampton Police Division start new Learning with Lex program

Hampton City Schools (HCS) has partnered with the Hampton Police Division (HPD) to launch an exciting new initiative called Learning with Lex. This program brings HPD’s K9, Lex, into schools to engage with students in a positive and meaningful way. Designed to boost reading confidence among elementary students, Learning with Lex also encourages a love of learning and helps build stronger community relationships between students and law enforcement.

 

Officer Ptl. Brittany Fellman, who has worked with K9 Lex since 2024, leads the initiative. Her goal is to foster trust and comfort between students, staff, and the police department—especially by showing that K9 Lex and other police dogs are friendly, caring, and here to help keep schools safe. By introducing students to K9 Lex at an early age, the program helps reduce fear, creates positive associations, and builds familiarity with police and K9 units as the children grow.

 

K9 Lex’s first visit was to Kraft Elementary School, where he was warmly welcomed by students and staff. The visit was a huge success, with K9 Lex receiving plenty of love and attention. He will now be visiting the school regularly every Monday, with plans to expand the program to other schools soon.

 

“I would like to thank HCS for the opportunity to be a positive change with the students,” said Fellman. “K9 Lex and I are excited to see this program succeed.”

“Learning with Lex has provided an awesome opportunity to collaborate with our partners at the Hampton Police Division,” said Catherine Thurston, Title 1 reading interventionist at Kraft Elementary. “The students have responded so well and are eager to show off their improving reading skills. Lex and her handler Officer Fellman are truly a dynamic duo that make  reading fun for our students!”