Mascoutah School District To Receive “Book Nook” Vending Machines
Above is an example photo of a “Book Nook” machine. The Mascoutah machines will be custom tailored with local themed imagery and colors.
By Zachary Daum
The Mascoutah School District recently approved the purchase of five book vending machines, also known as “Book Nook” machines, from Superior Text, a school resource company. The initiative, costing $35,706, will be funded through a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) literacy grant. This effort is aimed at bolstering the district’s literacy goals by making books more accessible to students across all five schools in the district.
The new book vending machines, part of the district’s literacy initiative, will be strategically placed in high-traffic areas within each school. These locations include libraries, atriums, and cafeterias, depending on the school’s choice, ensuring easy access for all students. The concept is simple: students earn tokens from teachers and staff for positive behavior or academic achievements, which they can use to “purchase” books from the vending machines. This approach not only promotes reading but also encourages positive reinforcement.
“We are so proud of what the DoDEA Grant can do for our students,” Jackie Jones, grant project manager for the school district remarked. “This grant, known as the LIT (Literacy and Teaching) Literacy Grant, focuses on K-12 academic achievement in all areas of literacy, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening.”
Executive Director of Academic Services Susanne Tobben and Jeanine Sheppard, two key players in the initiative, alongside Dr. David Deets and the School Board, were instrumental in ensuring the project aligned with the district’s educational goals. Their collective efforts made the purchasing of these machines through the DoDEA grant possible and emphasize the district’s commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning among its students.
“DoDEA grants have always aimed to empower student achievement and support professional development for teachers,” Jones explained. “Our district has had several grants in the past, primarily focused on science and mathematics. However, with the LIT Literacy Grant, we wanted to create new pathways in literacy.”
Jones also highlighted the significance of making books accessible to students at home, not just in libraries or classrooms. “We looked into various literacy items and discovered book vending machines at different conventions. These machines work similarly to food vending machines, but instead of snacks, they dispense books.”
Jones also wanted to note that each school will receive books that are age appropriate for each school. Books for children will be available at the grade schools, while young adult books will be available at the high schools. In addition, books for students whose first language is not English will be available. For instance, a Spanish or German language version of a book may be available, depending on what is in stock at that time.
The Mascoutah Public Library is also collaborating with the school district to ensure every student receives a library card for the 2024/2025 school year and beyond. This partnership aims to further enhance the accessibility of books and promote a culture of reading within the community.
The introduction of book vending machines is a testament to Mascoutah School District’s dedication to improving literacy among its students. By leveraging the DoDEA grant and fostering collaborations, the district is paving the way for a brighter, more literate future for its students. With strategic planning and enthusiastic support from educators and administrators, the “Book Nook” initiative promises to be a cornerstone in the district’s educational framework.
