Thanks to their PTO, three schools have a new reason to get excited about reading— Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine! This innovative program offers kids free and equitable access to books! The program was made possible by the generosity of Parent-Teacher-Organization’s (PTO) and School Administrations working hand in hand.
PTOs and PTAs are vital in supporting schools and students. Their fundraising efforts, such as book fairs and auctions, can help bring beneficial programs like book vending machines to schools. By involving everyone, PTOs and PTAs can gather support and raise the necessary funds for school improvement projects.
As featured in PTO Today, Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine provides kids with free and equitable access to books. Students are recognized for their birthdays, academic or behavioral achievements. Then teachers reward students with a gold token. Students use that token to vend a book. The best part? The book is theirs to keep, growing a home library.
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BookVending.com takes immense pride in being part of a greater cause. We’re dedicated to utilizing our resources to contribute to the advancement of literacy for all students. This program represents just one of the many ways we are working to prepare children for the challenges of the future.
Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) play a crucial role in supporting schools and students. Through fundraising efforts PTOs and PTAs can help bring beneficial programs, like book vending machines, to their schools. They can organize events like book fairs, read-a-thons, auctions, or raffles. By being creative and involving everyone in the school, PTOs and PTAs can gather support and raise the money needed for the machine.
An Ed.Gov blog post summed up the importance of a PTO perfectly,
“Parents across the country, with different lived experiences, are united by our belief that we can be the catalysts to create transformative change that benefits all children in our public education system. That change can only happen when we commit to truly embracing the power of parent participation, collaboration, and shared responsibility in creating a more equitable and inclusive education system. We are more than just participants in parent-teacher conferences and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. We are on the frontline, fighting for and actively changing policies that will positively impact not only our children today, but also future generations of students.”
In short, PTOs and PTAs play an important role in making sure schools have what they need for students to learn well. Teamed up; school, teachers parents, can make a big difference. Together they have the power encourage kids to fall in love with reading.
But don’t take our word for it! Look what these PTO’s have accomplished for their schools.
Wheatland Center School, in Wisconsin, was excited to elevate their students’ reading culture. The school’s PTO generously funded the purchase of Inchy’s Book Vending Machine. The excitement this vibrant machine generates has turned the act of choosing a book into a thrilling adventure for Wheatland students. The PTO’s dedication to promoting literacy has left an incredible mark on the school. But how did they do it?
Wheatland PTO put together a book vending machine fundraiser called the "Penny War," which saw enthusiastic participation from students. With the goal of acquiring an Inchy's Book Vending Machine for the school, the event engaged students by leveraging the popular video game character Mario as its theme.
According to the PTO’s Facebook page, throughout the week-long competition, students contributed pennies and paper money to their respective grade level buckets, earning points for their grade. Additionally, the strategic use of silver coins allowed students to sabotage competing grades. Daily updates kept the students informed of the leading grade, prompting strategic adjustments in coin allocation. As a reward for their efforts, the winning grade enjoyed a popsicle party on the playground. This successful fundraiser not only fostered a sense of camaraderie among students but also raised funds for a valuable addition to the school's resources.
Geist Elementary, in Indiana, witnessed the power of community support with the unveiling of their PTO funded Inchy’s Book Vending Machine. The machine now stands in a central place—the school library. This high traffic location invites students to explore a diverse range of books. Selections cater to various interests and reading levels. Through their fundraising Geist Elementary’s PTO has demonstrated how collaborative efforts can bring positive change and learning that extends far beyond the classroom.
According to Geist’s PTO website, fundraising really is a community effort. Here’s what they had to say,
“When your student attends Geist Elementary, you are automatically a member of our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). As a result of its fundraising efforts and volunteerism, the GES PTO is able to provide and/or support an impressive array of programs...This campaign, as well as our Fall Festival/Silent Auction, Sponsorships, Flower Sales, Monthly Dine to Donate/Community Partnership Events, School Supply Kit Fundraiser, Movie Nights, and Enrollment in Gator Rewards Programs all provide the money we need to help enrich the school and the experience of all students. By being a member of our PTO, you help support Geist Elementary and the events and activities we host, services we provide, and programs we sponsor. Thank you for partnering with us to provide our students with the best educational experience possible!”
Overall, PTOs and PTAs are vital partners in ensuring that schools have the resources to provide the best possible education for their students. By working with the school administration, teachers, and parents, these organizations make a meaningful impact. Together they provide a lasting legacy of literacy and love for reading among children.
In Georgia, Dunwoody Elementary School’s PTO took the lead in embracing Inchy’s Book Vending Machine. The school recognized the importance of instilling a passion for reading. PTO commitment to this cause was unwavering. Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine was purchased with funds raised from their inaugural Tiger Trot Fun Run. As a bonus, the fun run was live-streamed to all students!
Students at Dunwoody Elementary now eagerly line up to use the machine. Investment in Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine has created a lasting impact on the school’s educational environment.
The PTO’s of Wheatland Center School, Geist Elementary, and Dunwoody Elementary School are inspiring examples of how the generosity of a PTO can bring about positive change in education. By investing in Inchy’s Book Vending Machine, these schools have not only expanded students’ access to literature but have also cultivated a love for reading. As we celebrate these successes, let them serve as a reminder of the profound impact that dedicated parents, teachers, and communities can have on the educational experiences of our children.
If your PTO has more questions that weren’t answered in this article—Contact us! One of our literacy experts is ready to assist you.