The Newton Education Foundation recently awarded approximately $5,500 in classroom grants to Newton County School System (NCSS) teachers.  The Foundation awards six grants per year, three in the fall and three in the spring. All NCSS teachers are eligible to apply for the grants, which can be used to pay for a wide variety of innovative instructional projects and materials.

“The application process has gotten more competitive with every grant opportunity,” said Loucy Hay, chair of the Newton Education Foundation. “Teachers work hard on presenting their ideas, emphasizing the creative and innovative methods they use on a daily basis.”

The following teachers were awarded grants:

Elizabeth Rogers and Katie Sauls—Newton County Theme School

Grant Amount: $1,973.00

Project: The Schoolyard Chicken and Egg Project

Description of Project: Ms. Rogers and Ms. Sauls co-wrote a grant that will provide a chicken coop for their school. Working with the chickens will address life science standards in the primary grades as they study different aspects of egg production.

Heather Hodge—Middle Ridge Elementary School

Grant Amount: $1672.53

Project: Geometry in Architecture

Description of Project: Ms. Hodge’s students will have an opportunity to hone their geometry skills by building a city using a 3D printer, 3D pens and laptops. Part of their project is to visit a leading architectural firm in Atlanta to learn about career opportunities in architecture and get a firsthand look at design.

Ken Meakins—Porterdale Elementary School

Grant Amount: $1798.20

Project: Assessing Physical Fitness

Description of Project: Mr. Meakins’ grant will provide aerobic step kits to be used in his physical education classes. The step exercises will educate students about building endurance while lowering resting heart rate.

“The Newton Education Foundation continues to serve as a stalwart supporter of the Newton County School System and we deeply appreciate their commitment to education,” said NCSS Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Craig Lockhart. “Vibrant partners-in-education strengthen our overall community, and we are grateful for the Newton Education Foundation’s work. In addition, we would like to congratulate the grant recipients for going the extra mile to enhance their students’ learning experience.”

The Newton Education Foundation is a local, independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation founded in 2009 to create a culture of support for public education in Newton County.  The goal of the Foundation is simple—to raise private dollars for public education.  If you would like to support the Newton Education Foundation by making a tax-deductible donation, you can mail it to: Newton Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1586, Covington, Georgia 30015.