Book vending machine unveiled at elementary school
Machine accepts special coins earned by students demonstrating behavioral merit
There’s a new currency at Washington Elementary School and it’s kindness, courtesy and respect.
This is part of a new initiative called “You Matter” being spearheaded by Washington Elementary Principal Lisa Derenzo, who said the program focuses on celebrating the genius in all children.
As part of that celebration and to wrap up Read Across America Week, the Foundation for Boyertown Education presented the school with a book vending machine, which accepts special coins that can be earned by students demonstrating behavioral merit.
“The machine not only gets kids excited about reading, but also provides a lesson in setting goals and earning rewards, by being good role models,” Amy Muzopappa, executive director for the foundation, said in the release.
The book vending machine will be permanently
placed in the school lobby, where every student will pass by it on their way to and from school.
“I just love to read to kids and I do it every chance I get,” Derenzo said in the release. “We want to get kids excited about books!”
For some elementary students, the ability to choose their own book is a far greater reward than just being handed a book. On that note, the vending machine is as much of a positivity tool as it is a book dispenser. Teachers find the positives in each student and the tokens reward that behavior.
“This is just the first of what we hope (will be) many book vending machines
for the Boyertown Area School District,” said Muzopappa. “There are six elementary schools in our district. Our hope is to eventually see book dispensers in all of them.”
A nonprofit organization, the Foundation for Boyertown Education fosters enriched educational experiences for the students of the Boyertown Area School District by providing grants and enhanced learning opportunities. An independent public charity separate from the Boyertown School District founded in 2013, the foundation is run solely by a volunteer board comprised of community leaders, business owners and parents.
“The machine not only gets kids excited about reading, but also provides a lesson in setting goals and earning rewards, by being good role models.”
—Amy Muzopappa, executive director for the foundation
To carry out its mission, the Foundation relies on tax-deductible donations from individuals, businesses, corporations, service clubs, civic groups, alumni and residents.
For more information, visit www.foundationbe. org.