NORTH JACKSON — Jackson-Milton Elementary School students have a new vending machine at their school, but this vending machine dispenses books instead of snacks and sweets. Jackson-Milton Elementary is the recent recipient of the $8,905 Pages for Positivity: Lit & Behavior Grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.

The book vending machine arrived in September to kick off the new school year. Students don’t need money to get a book, they can earn a coin toward their selection as part of the school’s behavioral incentive program.

There will be plenty of options for children to pick from since the vending machine will hold approximately 225 books, including chapter and picture books.

Grant writer and social worker Andrea Bosnjak of Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio secured the grant with the support of Dr. Holly Welch, JMES Principal and Assistant Superintendent. “The importance of early literacy and good behavior are two things we work hard at instilling in our students. This gift enables us to accomplish both by rewarding students for their positive choices at school with a trip to the book vending machine,” Dr. Welch said.

Ambassador for the foundation, Dr. Kist, and ESC’s Andrea Bosnjak attended the Oct. 16 Jackson-Milton Schools board meeting to formally unveil the book vending machine and thank the foundation for awarding the grant.