CCE bolsters reading with vending machine

WINTERSVILLE -- Cross Creek Elementary School has another way to reward students and bolster a love of literature with a new book vending machine.

Officials recently cut the ribbon on a new machine stationed inside the Wintersville school which was donated by Mayor Mike Petrella with Economy Lawn Care, Mike Teramana with Hollywood Center and Mike Thomas with FeX Group. Jacob Decker represented the latter business, and school leaders were grateful for the contribution.

"All three donors took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and witnessed the true joy of students using the machine and getting to pick a book to keep," said Dean of Students Alecia Cockrill. "Thank you to Mayor Petrella, Mr. Teramana and Mr. Thomas. Your generous donation will provide students with a lifelong love for reading."

Cockrill said the project was inspired by a similar one at Hills Elementary and is being used to reward students who have shown positive behaviors through the PAX learning program. A ribbon-cutting event was held on Jan. 26 and PAX leaders from November were the first to make selections while another 180 tomes were also dispersed during the school's literacy night celebration. Most recently, PAX leaders for January had their chance to obtain literature.

"Each month, every teacher will pick two students to receive a gold coin for the vending machine. The first coin will go to the student of the month (PAX leader), and the second coin will be given to a student who is a reader leader. The staff and students are thrilled about this new addition and the ways in which it supports our initiatives with reading literacy and PBIS," she noted. "We should distribute 50 books a month."

The books were donated by PTO members and staff while letters were sent to local businesses and posted on Facebook. Parents have also shown interest in getting involved. The school is accepting material for grades PreK-6 that are either picture or chapter books with popular themes. People may also make monetary donations for the vending machine and Cockrill said the books will be labeled with the contributor's name to show students the community's support.

"We have access to a bargain book site where we can purchase books as a school for a really great price," she added. "The books are special to the students because they are theirs to keep."

Checks are made payable to the Indian Creek Local School District and can be mailed to Cross Creek Elementary at 587 Bantam Ridge Road, Wintersville, Ohio, 43953. For information, contact Cockrill at (740) 264-1691.