March 20, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: SAISD Foundation is unveiling the newest addition to Margil Elementary’s campus - a book vending machine. Principal Andrea Castañeda will cut the ceremonial ribbon and the book vending machine will be unveiled. This vibrant new tool for the campus is there to spark scholars' love of reading with the Bookworm Token Challenge. By participating, students can earn tokens by crushing reading goals, which unlocks the opportunity to pick out a book of their choice from the vending machine.
                    
WHEN: Friday, March 21, 2025, 11 – 11:30 a.m.
 
WHERE: Margil Elementary School, 1000 Perez Street, San Antonio, TX
 
WHO:  Margil ES students  
SAISD Foundation board members

MORE: There is new programming related to the book vending machine that encourages students to read and earn tokens. With a goal of 100 points based on their system, students can earn points based on their grade level to make it challenging but very possible for each student to gain 100 points. 

To ensure the experience is meaningful, students provide a deliverable where they are engaging in the literature by designing a new book cover, writing a different ending or even serving as a book reviewer. This is all in an effort to grow their love of reading by providing additional genres for them to explore through the book vending machine. Students are ready to read, earn, and collect books—because the more they read, the more rewards they receive.

Margil’s book vending machine is the second of ten units to be installed this semester thanks to funding by the SAISD Foundation, The Najim Charitable Foundation, the John and Florence Newman Foundation, and funds by individual donors during the 2024 Big Give and Inspire Awards Paddles Up.