Toms River Teachers Awarded $11,000 in Grants

Toms River teachers received more than $11,000 in 14 grants presented by Plymouth Rock Assurance – Teachers’ Insurance Plan of New Jersey. 

Rather than spend money advertising, representatives for the insurance company catering to educators said that they would rather put funds toward programs for students. 

"Teachers’ Insurance has always been an active partner of educators throughout New Jersey," said Erin Collinson, marketing and media relations manager. "To date, the company has donated over $168,000 in grants, scholarships, and incentives across 21 school districts."

The grants presented this week ranged from the high school to elementary school level. A list of award recipients is below:

• Issues and Controversies to Help Stimulate Critical Thinking. Toms River High School East, Teachers: Diane Harz, Donald Stellhorn, Alison Mika. $1,000 grant.
• BrainPOP. Intermediate East Middle School, Teacher: Amanda Scanlon. $369 grant.
• Special Prom. Toms River High School East, Teachers: Shane McCloskey, Frances Crowell. $1,000 grant.
• Future Careers in Graphic Design. Toms River High School East, Teachers: Susan Werner, Beth Basile. $1,000 grant.
• Outdoor Learning Center: Part 1 Butterfly Garden. Intermediate South Middle School, Teachers: Cherri Worth, Donna Matlosz. $1,000 grant.
• Sculpture Garden: Treasures and Totems. Intermediate East Middle School, Teachers: Melissa Niemierowski, Allison Berman, Jess Pomeroy, Kevin McCormick. $464 grant.
• Battle of the Books. Intermediate North Middle School, Teachers: Kim Biehler, Jean High. $990 grant.
• Claymation Public Service Announcements. Intermediate East Middle School, Teacher: Kevin McCormick. $482 grant.
• Letters Alive in Kindergarten at Walnut Street Elementary School. Walnut Street Elementary School, Teachers: Jaime Johnston, Heather Bieber, Michele Britton, Melinda D'Addario, Lisa Marino, Maryanne LoGrasso, Tracey Squirini. $1,000 grant.
• iPod Literature: Because of Winn Dixie Project. East Dover Elementary, Teacher: Mary Hammill. $488 grant.
• Project E.A.S.E. Toms River High School North, Teacher: Candice Waszkiewicz. $492 grant. 
• Incorporating original microbiology research as a STEM initiative in the Authentic Science Research (ASR) program. Toms River High School North, Teacher: Pamela Dixon Kuhn. $500 grant. 
• Ready Set Read! North Dover Elementary, Teacher: Jennifer Gottlieb. $1,000 grant.
• Technology in Speech and Language. North Dover Elementary, Teacher: Laura Wenz. $475 grant.