The Manville Education Foundation presented checks worth $5,687 to the schools during Back-to-School-Night programs.
By: Mary Ellen Zangara
The Manville Education Foundation (MEF) presented $5,687 in grants to the schools during Back-to-School-Night programs held recently.
Theresa Schaefer, chairwoman of the foundation, and member Deb Knitowski presented five checks to the teachers who received this year’s grants.
"The money that came from the grants and scholarships that we gave out three scholarships for $750 each all came from past fundraisers," Ms. Schaefer said. "It’s the basket auction and different activities that we have done and corporate contributions whatever we come up with."
Ms. Schaefer said the group has been working to increase its fundraising every year to add to its scholarship and grant programs.
"So, this year it’s about $8,000 in grants, and the scholarships came to $2,200," said Ms Schaefer.
For Manville High School, Ms. Knitowski presented grants to purchase equipment to help special needs students read, and a $1,394 project to purchase computer-based software students will use to learn how to run a business.
Weston School first-graders will use math skills while making change at the $500 "Math Money Madness Centers," thanks to a grant awarded to the school’s first-grade teachers. Ms Schaefer also presented a $1,660 grant for reading support programs for kindergarten students at the school.
Roosevelt School received a $675 grant for a Walk for Life project.
The teachers applied for the grants in the spring and were notified recently of their acceptance.
A committee of MEF members chose the grants recipients, based on the purpose and amount of the grants requested. About 14 grant applications were reviewed this year.
One policy of the MEF is to encourage more teachers to apply for the grants by avoiding giving grants to previous winners.
"We start programs in the schools and after that, it is up to the school to continue them," Ms. Schaefer said. "The committee gives the recommendation to the MEF board and they vote on it and decide how many to give out and what to give out."
Ms. Schaefer said the group was limited to five grants because of the amount needed to fund them.
However, the foundation received some special gifts sent in memory of the late Gertrude Franzoso, resident Mary Lou Cebula’s mother.
Ms. Franzoso had worked in the schools, and asked memorial contributions be made to the Manville Education Foundation.
"We went through the grants and asked Mary Lou out of all the grants, what would her mother want. She said the Assistive Reading Technology," Ms. Schaefer said.
The $3,505.30 grant which includes $2,046.60 in memorial donations and $1,458.70 form the MEF will be used to purchase special pens children with learning disabilities can use to improve their reading skills.
"It was a very pleasant surprise and it was very touching that she (Ms. Cebula) honored her mother and gave the money to us. We really appreciate it, that was a nice gift," Ms. Schaefer said.
Starting again from scratch, the MEF will start fundraising again with letters to corporations for donations and the annual basket auction.
"That is our big money raiser. We hope to raise most of the money for the grants and scholarships from the basket auction," Ms. Schaefer said.
While the MEF starts a new cycle of fundraising and grants each year, Ms. Schaefer said they hope to step up their awards.
"We hope to raise more money to offer twice a year grants in December and in the spring," she added. "If we are able to raise enough money, we will go to a two time process to give more money out."
In the three years the foundation has been in existence, the MEF has given almost $30,000 in grants and scholarships.
"If we could continue doing this, it would be great. My goal is to raise enough money to put home economics and wood shop back in the schools," Ms. Schaefer said. "I would love to do that with these grants. We are hoping to get a big corporate sponsor."
To help accomplish that, the foundation would like more members to join them.
"It’s a great foundation and can use help. We need help and appreciate any help we can get," she said.
The group meets once reach month, and organizes two fundraisers annually a search for corporate sponsors and the basket auction.
"We need parents who can send out letters and give some time to help us, we need young parents that’s what we need, that would help," Ms. Schaefer said. "Right now, we need an accountant who could volunteer services to get us going, someone to write brochures, and get our Web site going.
"These are things we are looking for anyone who wants to help, that would be great," she added.
The group boasts that 10 new members have joined, and Ms. Schaefer said anyone "who wants to help the kids" would be welcomed.
"It’s all about the kids. It’s a worthwhile cause from what it was three years ago to this. It’s amazing," said Ms. Schaefer.
For more information on how to help the Manville Education Foundation by becoming a member, call Ms. Schaefer at 526-8621.
To purchase tickets for the Basket Auction that will be held on Nov. 18 at the VFW call Ms. Knitowski at 575-9610.