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Lindbergh Elementary rewards strong attendance with book vending machine

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November 5, 2025

Students at Lindbergh Elementary School in St. Joseph, Missouri, are earning books instead of snacks from a special vending machine as part of a program to encourage strong attendance and a love of reading, according to a KQ 2 report.

The school's PTA purchased the book vending machine to motivate students, with those maintaining 95 percent attendance or higher in September receiving a golden token to select a free book.

Administrators said attendance has improved since the program began, and more than 300 books have already been distributed this year for attendance milestones and birthdays.

School leaders said they hope the initiative continues to inspire students to come to school consistently and engage with reading.