Floral Park-Bellerose School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new book vending machine on Oct. 24.
A committee comprised of teachers, administrators and PTA members was assembled at the start of the 2021-22 school year to develop a plan to raise funds for and implement a book vending machine. The committee also discussed the design of the vending machine, book options and how the vending machine could tie into other schoolwide initiatives like Book of the Month. Funds for the machine were primarily raised through the school’s Boosterthon event last spring.
While planning the design for the book vending machine, the committee wanted to include student input and participation. A design contest was held, inviting students in grades K-6 to create artwork during their lessons with art teacher Amanda Ellis. The winning artwork was chosen by a schoolwide vote, and several students from each grade level had their designs selected to become part of the custom wrap of the machine.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the art contest winners were in attendance. They are Keira Basile, Maya Bergen, Callen Brown, Leila Gonzales (not in attendance), Connor King, Lauren Le Blanc, Aiden Premdas, Gabriel Sanchez, Fatima Vasquez, Maeve Vecchione and Lydia Vota. The students demonstrated how the book vending machine works to those in attendance.
“Our hope is that the book vending machine becomes a central hub for literacy and positive behavior within our school building,” Principal John DeKams said.
Students will be rewarded with tokens for the vending machine by displaying positive behaviors such as teamwork, responsibility, hard work and being kind to others.
