Students at Lafayette and Washington Elementary Schools are transforming positive behavior into opportunities to explore the joy of reading, thanks to the arrival of new book vending machines. These innovative devices, funded through a partnership with the Lancaster Education Foundation (LEF), aim to promote literacy while rewarding students for demonstrating respect, responsibility, and safety.
“We are so excited to partner with the School District of Lancaster to provide funding for book vending machines,” said Angela Trout, Executive Director of LEF. “Last year, we committed to provide up to $5,000 for purchasing a book vending machine for each elementary school. We have already partnered with King, Washington, and Lafayette. Come June, we will open the application process for two to three more schools on a first-come, first-served basis and will continue until all elementary schools that want one have one. Promoting good behavioral choices with the reward of books is an endeavor we are proud to be part of.”
Dr. Grill, principal of Lafayette Elementary School, shared her excitement at the unveiling event. “The Lancaster Education Foundation was so incredibly gracious this year. They knew we wanted a book vending machine, and Miriam Brown from our School Community Organization wrote a grant to support this effort. While LEF ultimately didn’t need the grant to fund the machine, their generosity and proactive support made this a reality,” she explained. “This has been a true partnership between the school, LEF, and our community.”
The machines are more than just a fun and cool way to distribute books, they’re a platform for celebrating students. Through the school’s “Code Rockstar” program, students are recognized for exhibiting respectful, responsible, and safe behavior. “A teacher or even a fellow student can nominate someone as a Code Rockstar. When that happens, our leadership team rushes to the classroom to celebrate them. It’s an amazing moment of recognition,” Dr. Grill shared.
Now, these moments come with a golden token that can be used at the vending machine to select a book. “It’s magical to own a book,” Dr. Grill said. “While we’re fortunate to have a district rich in resources, there’s something special about choosing and owning your very own book.”
The vending machines are stocked with titles tailored to various reading levels and interests, ensuring that every child can find something they’ll love. The experience is made even more exciting by the lights and bells that go off when a token is inserted, turning each selection into a celebration.
“Getting books into students’ hands that they own is incredible,” Dr. Grill said. “This initiative reinforces the idea that their hard work and good choices are recognized and valued. It’s about building a love for reading while celebrating their accomplishments.”
With plans to expand the program to more schools in the district, the Lancaster Education Foundation is paving the way for a brighter future filled with both books and positive behavior. As Angela Trout emphasized, “This is just the beginning. We’re committed to making sure every elementary school that wants a book vending machine can have one.”
The School District of Lancaster and the Lancaster Education Foundation are inspiring young minds and fostering a lifelong love of learning through this exciting new initiative.
