Manchester High School Receives Meemic Foundation Grant

The Meemic Foundation, a non-profit organization created by Meemic Insurance Company, announced today, that Manchester High School World Language teacher Jamie Woodring received a grant to to develop a more comfortable learning environment and support 21st century research and project-based learning.

Representative Larry Antonelli, of Antonelli Agency in Plymouth, MI, was on hand to present the check and congratulate the recipients.

When students are comfortable in their workspace, they will be more likely to take chances. This is valuable in a world language class, such as Woodring’s, to get students speaking in the target language and feeling safe learning from their mistakes.

“Exceptional educators are always looking for new and creative ways to inspire their students and we want to make sure that financial concerns don’t stand in the way of those ideas,” said Pamela Harlin, Administrator for the Meemic Foundation.  “The goal of Meemic Foundation grants is to provide the resources necessary for teachers to create a dynamic learning environment for students that not only educates the children but inspires them as well.”

Annually, teachers spend a good amount of their hard-earned money on educational supplies for their classrooms. According to a recent study conducted by Perry Research Professionals for the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA), public school teachers in the United States spend more than $1.6 billion out-of-pocket on school supplies and instructional materials. That equates to an average total of $945 on materials per teacher per year for their classrooms. Meemic Foundation grants can help alleviate budget strains on teachers via grants and allow educators the freedom to be creative with their lessons.

To date, the Meemic Foundation has had a tremendous impact on the educational community with more than $1 million in grants given out to fund inspiring and effective initiatives. The Foundation looks to fund innovative programs, events or projects that will significantly enhance students' classroom experiences in all educational settings including public, private, parochial and charter schools as well as colleges and universities.

What began as a college scholarship program more than 20 years ago, has expanded into a Foundation that has touched more than 1.5 million students through its financial support of education initiatives.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.