FLINTON — A special vending machine was recent unveiled for students at Glendale Elementary.
On Thursday afternoon, students were assembled in the school hallway and had a view of a large item covered in a colorful cloth.
Principal Jenny Williams, with the help of high school cheerleaders and school mascot, Vinnie the Viking, pulled the large cloth to reveal the book vending machine — as all of the children cheered.
The machine was donated to the school by the Glendale School District Education Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission of supporting educational support for students in the Glendale School District.
“Funds for the machine have been through generous donations from Kyle Wright, Sue Wilk, GSDEF Golf Tournament participants, GSDEF WineFest guests, and GSDEF donors,” said William Morrison of the GSDEF.
The machine is filled with dozens of books that will provide a variety for children to choose from.
“We have made sure there are selections for every grade level, and also multiple ability levels, to ensure a variety of options for the children,” said Morrison.
Elementary students in grades kindergarten through sixth will have the opportunity to get books from the new vending machine.
“Students will be able to earn gold coins from their teachers in recognition for good behavior, improved grades, reading accomplishments, and other positive behaviors,” said Morrison.
Children will be able to take the coins to the office and receive assistance at the machine from staff.
“I hope to see a lot of gold coins crossing my desk,” said Williams.
Students that participated in the summer reading program were awarded coins to use in the machine Thursday.
The GSDEF also provided all children with a bookmark during the event Thursday.
“We are very excited and thankful to have the foundation to provide this for our students, and the fact that there are books of every ability level will really benefit the students at Glendale,” said Maureen Letcher, Glendale School District Superintendent.