A.M. Kulp Elementary School in Hatfield, PA, has introduced an innovative tool to reward reading, academics, and good behavior—Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. This program is proven to enhance positive rewards programs schools already have in place. As part of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program across the North Penn School District, students are recognized for positive behavior. Their reward is a gold token, used to vend a book from Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. The book is theirs to keep, starting a home library. According to a study done by the Education Resources Information Center, when students read at home and in the classroom, reading comprehension skills grow. Students and staff are confident that Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine will turn A.M. Kulp elementary students into life-long readers.
The Story of A.M. Kulp Elementary School
A.M. Kulp Elementary, a Title I school, receives federal funds to support students in meeting state academic standards. Teachers and Staff are dedicated to ensuring all children receive a high-quality education.According to the Future Ready Report published on the school website, A.M. Kulp Elementary School has some interesting statistics. Of the 554 students enrolled, 37% are economically disadvantaged, 20% are Special Education, and 6% are English-as-a-second language learners.
The student enrollment data showcases a diverse demographic composition, with percentages organized by ethnicity. White students constitute the majority at 53.3%, followed by Asian students at 16.8%. Hispanic students account for 10.5% of the enrollment, while those identifying with two or more races make up 10.1%. Black students represent 8.7% of the enrollment, with a smaller percentage of American Indian/Alaskan Native students at 0.7%. Notably, there is no recorded enrollment for Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander students. This breakdown underscores the multicultural nature of the student body, reflecting a blend of racial and ethnic backgrounds within the educational community.
How Northern Penn School District Uses Their Book Vending Machine
There are many ways to implement Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine program into a school. Alignment with PBIS, Social Emotional Learning(SEL) or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion(DEI) programs are very popular.
Students at A.M. Kulp are directed to focus on “be” statements; be positive, be respectful, and be responsible. When students personify a “be” statement, staff members reward students with “Cougar Paws”. These are tickets that can be redeemed for various prizes including an entry in the monthly book vending machine token drawing. If chosen, students can use the token to vend a book from the machine. The book is theirs to keep, building a home library.
School librarian Alyssa Nedorezov, had been searching for the right way to help students grow their home libraries for years.
“Having the book vending machine in the front lobby of our school provides yet another avenue to get books in the hands of students, helping to bridge the gap between engagement and literacy,” said A.M. Kulp librarian Alyssa Nedorezov. “This allows students to build upon their own personal libraries at home, encouraging good reading habits in all aspects of their lives.”
The vending machine is stocked with diverse books for all students at AM Kulp, ranging from kindergarten through sixth grade. Books are purchased through Title I funding, book fair proceeds, Home and School Association support, and community donations.
Through Title I funding and the support of the A.M. Kulp Home and School Association, Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine can be found in the school lobby.
How BookVending.com Helped
The sales process began in early November. School Librarian, Alyssa Nedorezov, asked her dedicated account manager at BookVending.com to fill out the necessary paperwork for approved vendors of her school district. She also asked for her sales quote to be broken into two pieces as funding was coming from multiple sources. Her requests were answered within twenty-four hours. At some point, the school decided to upgrade its tray options and chose a custom-designed art wrap. Even with all of this happening during the hectic holiday season, all requests were fulfilled within a matter of days.
The school enjoyed working with the team at BookVending.com so much they ordered a second custom-designed machine for another school in the district. Check out this ABC News Video for more details.
The Results
During the 2022-2023 school year, English language growth and attainment among students reached 66.7%, surpassing both the statewide average of 29.0% and the statewide goal for 2033, which stands at 70.3%. This is a particularly significant achievement for economically disadvantaged students. 73.9% meet the interim goal or improvement target. English learners also demonstrated notable progress, with 65.4% achieving growth and attainment targets. However, there remains a need for improvement among other student groups, including American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, White, students with disabilities, and those identifying with two or more races, as indicated by “IS” (insufficient data).
To further enhance this upward trajectory in English language proficiency, the school is looking towardsInchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. This innovative initiative aims to promote literacy and engagement by providing students with equitable access to a diverse selection of books tailored to their interests and reading levels. By fostering a culture of reading both in and outside the classroom, the Bookworm Vending Machine is expected to contribute to improved English language skills and academic outcomes across all student demographics, ultimately advancing the school’s mission of educational excellence and equity.
Call-to-Action
Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine has proven to be a transformative tool for many schools. A.M. Kulp Elementary School is fostering a love for reading and positively impacting student outcomes. As their school continues to witness remarkable success in English language growth and attainment, it’s clear that this innovative program is making a difference. If you’re seeking similar results in your educational institution, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the BookVending.com sales team today. Let us help you enhance your Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program or other initiatives with our tailored solutions. Together, we can empower students, enrich learning experiences, and cultivate a brighter future through the magic of reading. Reach out now and embark on the journey towards educational excellence and equity.