CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI (October 28, 2013) -- Fifty-seven teachers in eight counties in southeast Michigan will be able to implement innovative projects in their classrooms, thanks to more than $40,000 in special grants from Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union’s (MSGCU) Classroom Cash program.
In all, 57 projects were selected to receive grants of up to $750 each. The educators were asked to submit requests for funding for a variety of learning projects and the winners were those that received the most public support through an online voting process at classroomcash.org.
“As a Credit Union that serves educators, we are constantly in awe of the boundless dedication, creativity and passion our teachers give their students each day," Peter Gates, Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union President and CEO, said. "From building butterfly gardens to bringing innovative technology into the classroom, this year’s Classroom Cash Grant recipients have come up with many out-of-the-box learning opportunities. We strongly believe in the power of education, so it is our honor to assist these devoted teachers with their educational goals as they continue to enrich students both in and out of the classroom.”
Applications from teachers garnered 25,000 votes from online users from nearly 40 countries. Site visitors and supporters of the teachers – including students, parents, colleagues, friends and family – cast votes online for the proposal. Voting occurred October 8-22. Awards were announced October 25.
MSGCU’s Classroom Cash Grant Program was open to all teachers in the eight county region in Southeast Michigan served by MSGCU: Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, including educators serving in public, private, parochial or charter schools.
Winners include the following:
Anchor Bay School District (1): Cheryl Gaedcke, Lottie M. Schmidt Elementary School
Archdiocese of Detroit (1): Andrea Lenz, St. Anne Catholic Grade School (Warren)
Arts Academy in the Woods (1): Russanne Bucci
Blue Water Catholic Schools (1): Kelly Loria, Cardinal Mooney Catholic (Marine City)
Chippewa Valley Schools (6): Janet Frye& Kathleen Stryjecki, Erie Elementary School; Tami Wilkowski, Seneca Middle School; Dr. Jessica Thomas, Shawnee Elementary School; Gina Vigiletti & Jessica Thoel, Wyandot Middle School
Clawson Public Schools (1): Debbie Smith, Paul A. Schalm Elementary School
Ferndale Public Schools (1): Kristy Kuehn, Grant Early Childhood Center
Fraser Public Schools (1): Merri Lee Day, Richards Middle School
Huron Academy (3): Michelle Ager, Jennifer Casbar & Karen Strong
Lakeview Public Schools (5): Michelle Rossi & Julie McHugh, Ardmore Elementary School; Jennifer Ferri, Greenwood Elementary School; Moira Woods, Jefferson Middle School; Katherine Greig, Princeton
L'Anse Creuse Public Schools (1): Kellie Reimer, Lobbestael Elementary School
Liberty County School System (1): Kristin Pangrcic, Liberty County High School (State of Georgia)
Lutheran High School Association (1): Deborah Teaney, Lutheran High School North (Macomb Twp.)
Madison District Public Schools (1): Beth Pollatz, Edison Elementary School
Macomb Intermediate School District (1): Lindsey Belzyt, International Academy of Macomb (Clinton Twp.)
National Heritage Academies (1): Renee Hugo, Reach Charter Academy (Roseville)
New Haven Community Schools (1): Jill Majewski, New Haven Elementary School
Rochester Community Schools (2): Jennifer Weinbeck, Brooklands Elementary School; Elisabeth Newman, Van Hoosen Middle School
Romeo Community Schools (1): Holly Loose, Indian Hills Elementary School
Roseville Community Schools (2): Tracy Wilson, Kaiser Elementary School; Amy Bourgeois, Roseville High School
Royal Oak Schools (1): Halley Danford, Northwood Elementary School
Southfield Public Schools (4): Hank Lewandowski, Glen W. Levey Middle School; Denise Bush, Thompson K-8 International Academy; Torrie Mass, Southfield-Lathrup High School; Lisa Winston, Vandenberg World Cultures Academy
Troy Public Schools (7): Kitty Schmidt, Baker Middle School; Gayle Spiteri, Bemis Elementary School; Erin Johnson, Boulan Park Middle School; Jessica Thudium & Tonia Romancheck, Hamilton Elementary School; Peter Majask, International Academy East; Adam Burns, Troy Athens High School
Utica Community Schools (7): Hilary Speshock, Beacon Tree Elementary; Jill Erfourth, Duncan Elementary School; Christine Zatell-Holden & Laura Laban, Ebeling Elementary School; Michael Jenkins, Henry Ford II High School; Cheryl Pietraszewski & Tracy Bigelow, Stevenson High School
Van Dyke Public Schools (1): Tom Torrento, Lincoln Middle School
Warren Consolidated Schools (2): Jillian David, Siersma Elementary School; Robin Brighton, Susick Elementary School
Woodhaven Brownstown School District (1): Heather Henderson, Brownstown Middle School
For more information on the Classroom Cash Grant Program, including details on individual grants, teachers and project descriptions, please contact Melissa Bunker by telephone at (313) 886-9074 or via email at marketwrite@comcast.net. A complete list of the winners is available online at www.classroomcash.org .
For more information on Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union and the 2013 MSGCU Classroom Cash Grant Program, please visit www.msgcu.org and www.classroomcash.org, or telephone MSGCU at (586) 263-8800 or (866)-MSGCU4U.
About Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union MSGCU
For nearly 60 years, Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union has provided quality financial services to its members. Founded by several teachers, MSGCU now has more than 75,000 members, $1.33 billion in assets and more than 240 employees. The Credit Union has consistently received Bauer Financial’s highest rating, five stars, and obtained a member satisfaction rating of more than 97% in 2013. With 11 offices located throughout Macomb and Oakland counties, MSGCU offers a full range of personal and business-related financial services. For more information, visit www.msgcu.org or call (586) 263-8800 or 1-(866)-MSGCU4U.