Medina introduces book vending machine to promote reading and Mustang values

Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: Students and staff celebrate the first books retrieved from the machine at the Medina Junior-Senior High School. Pictured left to right are: Anna Saj; Carrielynn Schlegal; Mrs. Sara Kyle, teacher; Mrs. Mollie Mark, Assistant Principal; Mrs. Beth Dickhut, teacher; Esmeralda Guzman Gonzalez; Mr. Michael Cavanagh, principal; Cameron Kenward; Madeline Mark; and Grace Goodrich.

Posted 30 January 2025 at 7:19 pm

By Julie Webber, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction for the Medina Central School District

MEDINA – The Medina Central School District is thrilled to announce the installation of brand-new book vending machines in all three school buildings, thanks to Title V Rural Schools funding.

These innovative machines are part of an exciting initiative to promote literacy while encouraging students to embody the values of the Mustang Mission: respect, responsibility, honesty and kindness.

(Left) Oak Orchard Primary School Principal Jennifer Stearns helps kindergartner, Skylar Houseknecht, retrieve her selection from the machine. (Right) Tokens that students earn to redeem for books.

Students earn special tokens by demonstrating these core values. The tokens can then be used to “purchase” books from the vending machines, allowing students to take home a tangible reward for their positive behavior.

“This program is a wonderful way to inspire our students to read and demonstrate the traits of a good person,” said Julie Webber, assistant superintendent for instruction. “We’re proud to integrate this creative approach to fostering a love for reading and character development, while also getting books in the hands of our students.”

The book vending machines are filled with a diverse selection of books suitable for various ages and reading levels, ensuring that every student can find something they’ll enjoy. By connecting positive behavior to tangible rewards, the program is designed to motivate students to embody the values of the Mustang Mission both inside and outside the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to help select future titles to include in the machines.

The district believes this initiative will have a lasting impact on both the academic success and personal growth of its students.

(Left) UPK student, Liam Boyce, shows off his book choice while another UPK student, Vivienne Randolf, waits to select hers next. (Right) A second grader, Joziah Mortenson-Chamblee, ponders which book to select from the machine.