Banning School Unveils Book Vending Machine To Reward Good Behavior

BANNING, CA — Schoolchildren at Hemmerling Elementary are being given a new incentive to exhibit positive behavior — a book vending machine.

Books from the machine can only be redeemed through tokens awarded for excelling academically, participating in reading groups and for good behavior, the school announced this week.

Hemmerling Elementary hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new machine, which school officials hope will promote literacy on campus and help students grow to love reading.

“This new vending machine is more than just a tool, it’s an invitation for our students to explore new worlds through reading,” said Banning Unified School District Superintendent Terrence Davis. “We’re excited to see how this initiative will inspire and empower students at Hemmerling Elementary.”

On Friday, teachers, students and community members attended the ribbon-cutting, which highlighted how the school is aligning with state and countywide efforts to improve literacy.

Literacy by 5th Grade is an initiative headed by the Riverside County Office of Education to promote lifelong learning, and academic achievement to prepare students for college and the workforce.

The school won the vending machine through a drawing that the Banning Teachers Association participated in.

"We believe that every child deserves access to books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading," said Principal Dr. Ileana Gutierrez.