Oak Hill Elementary is celebrating a major literacy milestone thanks to a NEF Teacher Innovation Grant awarded to Andrea Dowdy, a dedicated educator committed to fostering a love of reading across all grade levels. Her vision—to bring a fully stocked Book Vending Machine to the school—has officially come to life, creating a joyful and motivating new way for students to engage with books.
Dowdy’s project was designed to spark excitement around reading for all 700 students at Oak Hill Elementary, from Pre‑K through 5th grade. The vending machine allows students to earn books through positive behavior tokens and Accelerated Reader achievements, blending literacy growth with character development.
Her goal was simple but powerful: promote reading, increase Lexile levels, and make literacy feel magical. By offering books as rewards, students are encouraged to build strong reading habits while celebrating their own progress.
With NEF’s support, the vending machine was purchased and filled with a wide selection of new books. Dowdy worked diligently—hosting two book fairs and coordinating logistics—to ensure the machine would be fully funded and ready for use by the beginning of 2026.
The installation culminated in a celebratory ribbon‑cutting ceremony, marking the official debut of the school’s newest literacy centerpiece. Reflecting on the moment, Dowdy shared:
“Oak Hill Elementary’s very own Book Vending Machine. I would like to thank Newton Education Foundation for helping to make this DREAM a REALITY. Our ribbon cutting was a success, and 4 students earned tokens for a free book!”
This project represents exactly what the Teacher Innovation Grant program was created to do—empower educators to bring creative, student‑centered ideas to life. Thanks to Dowdy’s passion and NEF’s investment, Oak Hill students now have a vibrant, engaging way to discover new books and celebrate their achievements.
Help to make more educational dreams a reality! Donate at www.newtoneducationfoundation.org/donate.