New “Golden Coin” Initiative at McClelland Elementary Means More Books for Students
When you think of school vending machines, you may think of candy or soda. Books being dispensed is not likely the image that comes to mind.
At McClelland Elementary, though, there’s a new vending machine that does just that. And according to the school’s media specialist, Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine is “wildly popular.”
“It’s packed full of new release, high interest books,” said McClelland Media Specialist Casey Hanna. “We’ve worked hard at McClelland to build a community of enthusiastic readers, and the vending machine is a great way to reward the students for their achievements.”
Ms. Hanna used funds earned from a successful Scholastic book fair at the school to pay for the book vending machine and 300 books to stock it. She first saw the vending machine on Facebook through a program that promotes teaching positive learning communities.
Since the machine became available for student use on February 2, dozens have popped golden coins into it and watched a paperback book fall to the bottom to be fished out. Kindergarten student Yamileth Terrazas-Acosta chose a story about a friendship between a rabbit and a piece of candy called “Bunbun & Bonbon: Fancy Friends.”
Yamileth and other McClelland students have earned their golden coins in a variety of ways: hard work, good behavior, acts of kindness. Teachers choose one student a week from their classrooms to receive a golden coin. The coins, and books, are prizes that students love to earn.
Principal Jennifer Nichols chose Yamileth to receive a golden coin “because she shows kindness and caring to everyone.” Mrs. Nichols said Yamileth also showed tremendous through recent standardized testing.
“Students are selected for displaying the Wayne Habits of Success, which is what unites our positive behavior system and social-emotional learning program,” said Mrs. Nichols.
McClelland would appreciate donations of gently used paperback books to be able to continue stocking the vending machine. Anyone interested in donating may contact the school’s front office at 317-988-8000.
ABOUT THE MSD OF WAYNE TOWNSHIP
The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township provides multiple pathways to success for more than 16,000 students, preschool through high school. Located on the west side of Indianapolis, MSD Wayne works in partnership with the Wayne Township community to help every learner achieve excellence. To learn more about MSD Wayne, visit www.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/msdwaynetownship/ and Twitter @WayneTwpSchools and @WayneTwpSuper.
