Students at Park Avenue Elementary School are being recognized for qualities tied to lifelong success with an incentive that also promotes reading — free books.
A new book vending machine in the school lobby, purchased by the PTA, rewards students who demonstrate monthly traits aligned with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. The framework, adopted in July 2025, outlines six competencies: being academically prepared, a creative innovator, a critical thinker, an effective communicator, a global citizen and reflective and future-focused.
Each month, the school highlights one of those attributes. Teachers may nominate up to four students who exemplify the selected competency. Those students receive a certificate and a token to use at the vending machine, which is stocked by the PTA with books for a range of reading levels.
In February, 48 students were recognized for demonstrating effective communication skills. March’s focus is on being a creative innovator.
School social worker Samantha Kalmus developed student-friendly definitions of the competencies to help make the concepts accessible for younger learners.
“We are preparing students for success by giving them the skills to be lifelong learners,” Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle said. “Developing a love of reading is equally as important as the skills outlined in the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, and we are so grateful to the PTA for their generous donation and ongoing support.”
