Family Focus

Charlotte elementary school invites men to read to children

By Elsa Gillis
By Elsa Gillis

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A special program at Charlotte’s Hidden Valley Elementary School is changing the way students think about reading.

"Real Men Read" invites men, from police officers to business owners into the classroom to read to children.

On certain Friday mornings, students sit silently focused on the book being read and the person reading it.

"We wanted to get more gentlemen into the building and inspire students and become role models for a lot of our students through literacy and reading,” said Principal Michael Lungarini.

Men from all walks of life volunteer their time for the program.

Lungarini started the program in Chicago and brought it to Hidden Valley Elementary School.

"It takes a village to raise a child,” Lungarini said.

Rob Rogers and A.J. Scales are two of about 40 volunteers who read and discuss the books with the children.

"These are young brilliant kids, that have a trajectory in their life that is enormous, and we just want to launch them,” Rogers said.

"Have you guys ever been bullied or seen someone get bullied and how did it make you feel?" Scales asked. "You know not every kid in this area has the best opportunity, kind of show them, you know there are avenues if you embrace positivity and do the right things and make the right decisions, you don't have to be a product of your circumstance."

Lungarini said they have been successful in getting their boys and girls excited about reading. It’s a day the students, and men alike, look forward to.

“I had two classrooms last time and they had to pry me away,” Scales said. “The kids seemed sad that I had to leave. I was having the time of my life.”

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