Traits of Success Earn Free Books at Park Avenue
In developing skills that support lifelong success, young readers are being rewarded at Park Avenue Elementary School. A new book vending machine in the lobby was purchased by the PTA and students can receive a token for a free book by demonstrating the Portrait of a Graduate trait of the month.
The New York State Portrait of a Graduate, adopted in July 2025 includes six competencies – academically prepared, creative innovators, critical thinkers, effective communicators, global citizens and reflective and future focused. Each month, one of these attributes is highlighted at Park Avenue.
Teachers can nominate up to four students per month who strongly demonstrate the competency. Those children receive a certificate and a token to visit the book vending machine. It is continually stocked by the PTA with reading material that appeals to kindergartners, sixth graders and everyone in between. In February, 48 students were rewarded for being an effective communicator. The March competency is creative innovator. School social worker Samantha Kalmus created child-friendly definitions of the six competencies to make it relatable to elementary students.
“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 Graduate, and we are so grateful to the PTA for their generous donation and ongoing support.”
