TRI-Cities, Wash.-A new book vending machine has been installed at William Wiley Elementary in Richland.
The new book vending machine is designed to encourage positive behavior and foster excitement about reading, according to a Richland School District press release.
“The book vending machine at Wiley Elementary is a symbol of opportunity, giving students the joy of choosing their very own book to take home and cherish,” said Principal Paul Chartrand.
Wiley students can earn Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports for displaying the “Wiley Big 3” core values of “I can make good decisions, I can show respect, and I can solve problems.”
PBI points earned by students can be traded in for golden tokens that can be used to get a book from the new vending machine.
According to the RSD, the Wiley 5th grade class of 2020 fundraised for the book vending machine that was also made possible by Mrs. Kristine Troyer and the Sunrise Rotary.
“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein was the first book selected from the vending machine and was presented to Mrs. Troyer in appreciation for her efforts in bringing the vending machine to Wiley.
Columbia River Elementary in Pasco received a vending machine as well. Alex Larmey, owner of Evol Octopus Jiu Jitsu, the school’s official sponsor said reading is important for elementary school students.
“One thing that I believe that means more than anything in education is the ability to read and comprehend,” he said. “Because if you have the ability to read, there is infinite information and knowledge out there. You don’t need all the teachers or anything else.”
Larmey said the main goal is to get a book in every student’s hand by the end of the year. Book donations for the vending machine can be delivered to the school’s main office in person, or by leaving a check in the PTO mailbox
