QES receives book vending machine from PTSA

As students file into Queensbury Elementary School’s front doors early this Thursday morning, a gaze of excitement is laid upon a shiny new vending machine–one filled with brand-new books for children to choose.

Young boy reaches up to a ribbon in order to cut it with scissors
Elliott Di Bari cuts the ribbon to unveil the new Book Vending Machine, made possible by the QES PTSA

“We want to give a huge thank you to the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) of QES!” said QES Principal Jessica Rossetti, “They worked so hard to get this approved through shared decision making and to have it delivered to the school.”

The book vending machine, located in an alcove near the front entrance, does not accept money, only shiny gold inchworm coins (pictured below) specific to the vending machine. 

“A gold inchworm coin to be used at the book vending machine will be given to each elementary school child by teachers at least twice per year, as a reward for positive behaviors, on their birthday or other special day, and for completing summer reading!” said Assistant Principal Kristin Bergin.

Principal Jessica Rossetti shows the gold inchworm coin to the school via their virtual morning announcements
Example of a book that is available through the machine, a gold ‘Inchy’ inchworm coin that the machine accepts, and the certificate of literacy awarded the school by the vending machine manufacturers
From L to R: Amelia Di Bari, Elliott Di Bari, Amelia Freiberger, Principal Rossetti, Mrs. Di Bari (PTSA), Mrs. Freiberger (Teacher and PTSA) wave to the school via morning announcements in front of the new book vending machine