Last Friday, the atmosphere at Pellston Elementary School was buzzing with anticipation. Michigan State Police troopers welcomed a hallway full of eager students. A mystery awaited them, wrapped in excitement. After a spirited guessing game led by Pellston Superintendent Stephen Seelye and a state trooper, the big reveal took place. Before the students stood a dazzling surprise: Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine.
Books Galore: A Gift from the Community
Thanks to the collaboration between the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and the Gaylord Post’s chapter of the State Trooper Outreach Partnership (STOP), Pellston Elementary School now boasts an Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. Brimming with diverse titles, from the Percy Jackson series to Junie B. Jones books, the machine promises a literary adventure for every student.
Unwrapping Joy: Emoji Clues and Book Selections
Kindergarten teacher Emily Matelski orchestrated the unveiling. To unlock the book vending machine, students had to correctly guess five book titles, including classics like “Curious George,” “The Little Engine that Could,” and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.” Then the grand reveal sparked applause and cheers, echoing the excitement of the moment.
Matelski highlighted the machine’s significance as a means for children to access books that might otherwise be financially out of reach during events like the Scholastic Book Fair.
Partnerships for Literacy: Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and STOP
Jake Myers, the community philanthropy officer for the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, shared the story behind the collaboration. The partnership with the state police, initiated in the fall, aimed to bring the book vending machine to Pellston to promote literacy and positive behavior.
Myers expressed his joy at witnessing the community’s enthusiasm for reading, emphasizing the positive impact of promoting education through such initiatives.
Coins for Knowledge: How the Machine Operates
The book vending machine operates on special coins that students can earn through good behavior and attendance. Sgt. Ashley Miller from the Michigan State Police addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of good behavior as a means to earn the coveted coins.
Future Grants and Opportunities
Myers informed the audience that the community foundation is currently accepting applications for spring grants until March 1. The same program that funded the Pellston book vending machine supports these grants. Additionally, the foundation’s scholarship deadline for students is also March 1.
In conclusion, the new book vending machine at Pellston Elementary serves as a testament to the power of community partnerships in fostering a love for reading and education. As students eagerly select their literary treasures, the hope is that this initiative will inspire a lifelong love of learning in the hearts of Pellston’s young minds.
Bring Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine To Your School
Interested in bringing Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine to your school? Reach out to bookvending.com today. Our literacy experts are ready to help.