Albion PTA donates book vending machine and books for elementary students

Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: The PTA, Albion school officials and students celebrated a new book vending machine at the elementary school.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – The Albion Parent Teachers Association (PTA) donated a brand-new book vending machine to the elementary school this fall.

For the past couple of weeks, the Albion PTA has stocked the vending machine with age-appropriate books and, on Monday a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held before the monthly Board of Education meeting.

Albion PTA Vice President Jessica Estela says the goal of the book vending machine is to help promote literacy and provide an opportunity for positive reinforcement.

According to Estela, the plan is to provide each elementary teacher with enough awards so every student can be recognized for their “good” behavior at some point during the school year. Students will be given the opportunity to use either the school’s book vending machine or the book vending machine at the Hoag Library as their reward.

“We want this to be an opportunity that is inclusive of everyone,” Estela said. “Even the children with significant behavioral struggles will have a ‘good’ day at some point throughout the year. The goal is to really emphasize the good behavior and hopefully create a cascade of better behavior.”

Students in kindergarten, first, and second grades will be introduced to the vending machine by reading the book that came with it: “The Dream” by Jason Blumberg. The story follows Inchy the Bookworm’s adventure as he finds through reading and wants to share those feelings with his friends.

Albion Elementary School Principal Angela Conway said it was important to both the school and the PTA that this be a character-driven award rather than an academic highlight.

“Our goal is always to foster good, well-rounded learners,” Conway said. “It is equally important that we encourage our students to be good citizens as well.”

Principal Conway hopes that this program will reinforce the school’s motto: SOAR, which stands for safety, showing ownership, acting responsibly and respectfulness toward others.

Estela also explains that this process will encourage a positive office experience for students.

“The [principal’s] office is often thought to be a place where students are sent just when they have done something wrong, and I really wanted to change that,” Estela said. “I think it’s important that students see administration and office staff as supports.”

“We are happy to partner with the Albion PTA and Hoag Library to promote literacy, inclusivity, and positive behavior incentives,” Principal Conway said. “This is a continued goal at the Elementary School and we are grateful for the community’s support in educating all of our SOARing Purple Eagles.”

The Albion PTA will continue to purchase, donate, and stock books for the vending machine, providing the students with plenty of new options throughout the year. For more information on the Albion PTA, please contact PTA President Beth Stanley at purple.eagles.pta@gmail.com.