Robert F. Woodall Elementary School, recently added a new method of positive reinforcement while promoting literacy. The school held a ribbon cutting for “Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine” on Monday, May 2. The vending machines in the middle of the school’s foyer and will accept special gold tokens given to students as a reward for exhibiting kindness, good behavior, and exceeding academic goals. This concept is the first of its kind for any school in Robertson County.
The vending machine was purchased for the school through a recent fundraiser organized by librarian Jamie Marvin. Marvin was inspired after reading articles and stories of various schools around the country installing similar machines. The machine has additional upgraded features to support the needs of students at Woodall. “Since our school currently works with students in pre-kindergarten through second grade, we made sure to include picture book options, along with chapter books,” noted Marvin.
Unlike the library, students do not have to return the books they get from the vending machine and will be able to keep them at home. Marvin hopes to supply the books needed to refill the machine through community donations and future fundraising efforts.
Students: Cadence Milburn, Lex Armstrong, and Lucas Perea (not pictured) were selected to be the first book recipients of the machine for being the top myON readers for the school year. Principal Dinah Maupin, Robertson County Materials and Media Coordinator Dr. Ginny Britt, and librarian Jamie Marvin were also on hand to celebrate. The White House Chamber of Commerce lent the ribbon cutting scissors and helped document the occasion.
