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Health & Fitness

Montville Education Foundation Awards Grants

Two great programs receive grants to support their needs.

Armed with balloons and oversized checks, Directors from the Montville Education Foundation, Inc. (MEF) rolled out in secret to two Montville School campuses on June 15, surprising teachers with the news that their grant proposals had been approved for funding. 

The Prize Patrol Day is fun for the Directors of MEF, who have worked hard all year raising the majority of money through special events.

“This is such a wonderful day for our Foundation,” Vice President Jeanette Ziegler said. “These teachers are not receiving these grants simply because they applied.  They truly put in the time and effort to develop ideas that will advance their students’ academic performance.  They have earned every cent we are providing them.”

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The Montville Education Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Donations from individuals, local businesses and corporations make it possible for the Foundation to provide funds for innovative educational projects and programs that have not been funded by the town or school district’s operating budgets.

“Now more than ever, our mission is vital,” President Linda Patton Heller said. “With so much talk of the state’s budget shortfall and cuts in educational programs, we are here to say that we can help our teachers provide the best possible tools to give their students. 

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Heller added, “MEF is a community wide organization that exists to offer educational opportunities for Montville residents of all ages.”

June 2011 Grant Awards:

Jeff Newton, Principal of Murphy Elementary School awarded $2,730.00 for project “After School Activities Program”.  Murphy had established a program through volunteer efforts and assistance from the school's community and was looking for ways to build on their success and broaden the program.  Funding allows the program to tap into outside vendors for additional hands on and interactive learning--new  and exciting pathways to learning can now be added and the classroom learning is extended through this program. It provides children with learning activities that they select so that learning suits their interests and they remained engaged in learning longer.  The team at Murphy hopes to extend the program to additional grades at the school and increase the enrollment in an already piloted and successful program.

Media Specialists: Mary Ellen, Kane, Murphy Elementary School, Brenda Hankard, Mohegan Elementary School, Barbara Boucher, Oakdale Elementary School, Sara Schultz, Tyl Middle School, Julie Perry, Montville High School, and Laurie Pallin, Director of Curriculum awarded $2,270.00 for their project “Summer Reading Challenge” This is being offered through the Montville School system to "provide literacy opportunities for the town's families throughout the summer." According to the grant application, participating in these types of programs over the summer is critical to retention of reading skills and helps to minimize the decline in reading skills that can occur over
extended breaks.  Objectives of the program include encouraging children to
spend time reading and listening to stories; increasing reading achievement;
providing enriched reading opportunities for families (story hours and book
chats); getting parents involved at the elementary school level; and
providing access to resources in the school libraries to families over the
summer.  Students are encouraged to check books out over the summer and to
attend programs at schools other than their own school.

Grants are made two times annually by MEF. The applications are open to the entire community of Montville, not just to schools.  Applications for the next grant cycle must be postmarked no later the October 31st to be considered for the fall program.  The generosity of the community is key to the Foundation’s continued success. Sponsor a fundraising event, or register to attend. Join as a Friend of the Foundation by sending a tax-deductable donation. Your contribution remains in Montville to benefit our entire community. We thank you for your support!

Upcoming events: “Tee it up for Education Golf Tournament, August 8, 2011, River Ridge Golf Course.  Everyone is welcome.  www.montvilleeducationfoundation.org

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