Phantoms READ (Reading to Elementary students for Achievement and Development of skills)

In recognition of Black History Month and Read Across America Month, students from Phoebus High School visited three Hampton elementary schools to read books about Rosa Parks that they received from a partnership with Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). 

On Monday, February 5, the Academy of the College Experience (ACE) students had the opportunity to participate in Transit Equity Day in honor of civil rights activist Rosa Parks. The students rode bus route 109 with the Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray to the HRT center where a program was held and Gray unveiled a plaque dedicated to Parks.

Students then visited Barron Fundamental Elementary, Forrest Elementary, and Smith Elementary on February 12 and 15 to read and share the story of Rosa Parks and the significance of equal access to transportation, using the books donated by HRT. In addition, partners from HRT attended and provided each student with activity books and coloring sheets. Special guests Mayor Donnie Tuck and Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray also participated in some of the visits.

“Phantoms READ is an initiative where our ACE Academy students are Reading to Elementary students for Achievement and Development of skills,” shared Lindsay Jackson, ACE academy principal at Phoebus High School. “Visiting the students at Smith, Barron, and Forrest provide our students an opportunity to promote the importance of community literacy. These Phantoms are providing mentorship and a form of accountability while encouraging and supporting younger generations to improve their reading. This, in-turn, will help create responsible citizens and a stronger community. We are encouraging an investment in books as an investment in the future.”