Millstone TOWNSHIP, NJ, May 22, 2013 – Millstone Township Foundation for Educational Excellence (MTFEE) awarded a $1,600 grant today at the "First Grade Show" to Millstone Township Primary School for an interactive author visit. MTFEE is a non-profit organization devoted to funding grants for items that nurture extraordinary educational experiences for every student in Millstone Township Public Schools, that are beyond the scope of the general school budget. MTFEE also awarded two grants in February for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education programs, totaling $4,203.19.  

The award granted today was submitted by Collen Henkin, second grade teacher, on behalf of the second grade team which also includes Karen Gurico, Jackie Happich, Cheryl Hoffmann, Laura Hughes, Marian Peck and Donna Romano. The grant consists of a visit from published children's author, Marcie Aboff, who will present a school-wide program (Pre-K through 2) entitled, "My Life as an Author" to show students how ideas become books. During the presentation, she will read a story aloud and explain how she gets the ideas for her writing. She will also identify all of the people that are needed to publish a book. In addition, she will present her "What's Your Story?" interactive personal narrative writing workshop to the second grade students to inspire them as writers. Ms. Aboff will return for a follow up visit with the second graders to provide feedback about their writing. The program is scheduled to be implemented in the fall of 2013.

In keeping with itsmission, thegrant will enhance the Writing Workshop curriculum for all grades—with special focus on the second grade curriculum—by providing Millstone Township Primary School students the opportunity to interact with a published author in a small setting and understand the process involved in publishing a book. Since 2002, MTFEE has awarded more than $437,800 to Millstone Township Public Schools. There are currently more than 60 MTFEE-funded grant programs running in the Millstone Township School District. Every child that matriculates through the school district will in some way benefit from an MTFEE-funded grant.

MTFEE grants are awarded every school year. Once grant applications are received and compiled, the grant committee has an opportunity to review them individually and then come together as a group to discuss them before their recommendations are presented to the entire MTFEE board of trustees for final approval. The committee utilizes a grading system, similar to a rubric that the teachers use, during the review process to fairly evaluate the applications.

For more information about donating to MTFEE, becoming a trustee, or its fundraising activities and events, please e-mail info@mtfee.org , visit www.mtfee.org and become a Facebook friend.

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About Marcie Aboff

Marcie Aboff is a children's author and guest speaker. She specializes in picture books, beginning readers, chapter books and magazine stories. Ms. Aboff writes for both trade and educational publishers, fiction and nonfiction. Her newest trade books include four math 'Read it Readers' -- The Pizza Palace, The Tallest Snowman, Mike's Mystery and The Lemonade Standoff. Other trade books include The Giant Jelly Bean Jar (A Garden State Book Award Nominee), Uncle Willy's Tickles, India and Guatemala. Marcie has also written over two dozen educational books for guided and leveled reading programs. She is the author of licensed activity books for DreamWorks, Looney Tunes, Clifford--The Big Red Dog, Holly Hobbie , and others. Her short stories are featured in numerous children's magazines including Highlights for Children, Spider and Children's Playmate . She is a member of Authors Guild and SCBWI.

About MTFEE

From its initial conception in 1995 to its designation as a 501©3 charitable organization in 2002, the Millstone Township Foundation for Educational Excellence (MTFEE) has remained steadfast in its goal to fund grants for items that nurture extraordinary educational experiences for every student in Millstone Township Public Schools and are beyond the scope of the general school budget. Items include innovative classroom programs, educational opportunities for students, staff development, and state-of-the-art teaching materials. Through the creativity of the teaching staff’s grant applications and the fundraising efforts of MTFEE, the foundation is proud to have awarded more than $437,800 in grants to Millstone Township schools. MTFEE grants, which have been awarded at every grade level and in every discipline, have included SMARTBoards ^® , mobile computer and iPad ^™ labs, and a rock climbing wall. MTFEE was the first organization in the district to put iPads ^™ into the classroom in the spring of 2011.There are currently more than 60 MTFEE-funded grant programs running. Every child that matriculates through the school district will in some way benefit from an MTFEE-funded grant. MTFEE is a member of New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership and The National Consortium of State and Local Education Foundations (NCEFS).