The most wonderful time of the year is anytime we get to provide funding for great ideas from teachers and staff at Newton County Schools! In early April, NEF awarded $50,000 to 31 great educator-driven projects.
Since March of 2024, NEF has awarded $100,000 in teacher grants to NCS teachers and staff across the district. Teacher grants encourage educators to come up with innovative solutions to learning challenges, allow them to purchase useful tools for classrooms and help bring learning to life. Newton County Schools has phenomenal employees that always go the extra mile to make learning fun and engaging for every type of learner.
Here are the most recent projects that were funded:
Novel Effect: Awarded $1,080
Meghen Bassel, East Newton Elementary School
This project aims to get elementary school students comfortable with the school resource officer by having him read books using a tool the media center has which provides sounds for read alouds. Funding will add book titles that work with this technology (which are currently limited).
Revolutionizing History: Awarded $342
Meghen Bassel, East Newton Elementary School
To learn about life during the American Revolution students will create a printing press, learn about Benjamin Franklin and use their press to print a famous quote of his.
Flex Seating: Awarded $555
Katlyn Doster, Fairview Elementary
This grant will fund the purchase of alternative seating to encourage collaboration for the 3rd grade learning lounge.
Flex Seating: Awarded $555
Kimberly Souder, Fairview Elementary
Grant to purchase flexible seating options for 5th graders to be able to choose a type of seating that works best for them and their learning style.
Diverse Biography Study: Awarded $1,600
Kathy Nadeau, Fairview Elementary
Students will read diverse biographies in small groups and create biography boxes that showcase their learning.
Special Education Sensory Support: Awarded $2,500
Kenyatta Floyd, Fairview Elementary
To purchase items that help students who have sensory issues so they can be more focused in class.
Special Education Hydroponics Project: Awarded $679
Kelli Rebholz, Flint Hill Elementary
Students in the self contained classroom will collaborate and learn about hydroponics, and the life cycle of plants.
Invention Fair: Awarded $3,000
Roger LaMadrid, Flint Hill Elementary
Students in 2nd grade will create inventions for the invention fair. Funds will provide STEM kits and supplies for all students.
Staff Zen Den: Awarded $679
Heidi Coachman, Flint Hill Elementary
Funding will create a space for teachers to take a break and promote their health wellness.
Maker Bundles: Awarded $2,380
Haley Wigley, Heard-Mixon Elementary
Funding to purchase 10x Maker Bundles that include kid-safe tools to cut and shape cardboard allowing for desiging and building 3D projects.
Cells of Kindness Art Project: Awarded $500
Elizabeth Humphries, Live Oak Elementary
The “Cells of Kindness” project will engage students from multiple grade levels in a collaborative school-wide art project with each student designing a “cell” based on learning parts of a cell.
Reading the Ripples – Reading & the Environment: Awarded $1,350
Jennifer Allen, Mansfield Elementary
Funding for a project that combines reading with environmental awareness and stewardship.
Summer Buckets: Awarded $2,705
Jennifer Cawthorn, Mansfield Elementary
Funding to create and send home summer buckets with students that will include fun activities that reinforce learning and prevent summer slide.
Special Education Coffee Cart: Awarded $300
Leah Johnson, Mansfield Elementary
Grant to help students in special education gain skills by operating a coffee cart.
Sensory Room: Awarded $1,000
Katy Fielder, NC Steam Academy
Funding to transform a designated area in the Special Education office into a sensory room/calming corner that students can come to when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed or just need some space.
Middle School Bird Study: Awarded $2,000
Ali Geigerman, NC Steam Academy
Funding for a bird expert to do a live demo during a study unit when students are observing and learning about birds.
Fun Fractions: Awarded $500
Kathryn Richardson, Oak Hill Elementary
Funding for math manipulatives to make learning fractions hands on.
Book Brigade: Awarded $3,000
Leandra Castillo, West Newton Elementary
This grant will help make classroom libraries well-organized and accessible, allowing students to easily find books that resonate with them.
Portable Performance Stage: Awarded $3,000
Shakhana Fulton , Cousins Middle School
This grant will allow the school to purchase a portable stage that can be set up for student performances/
Reading & Writing with YA Series: Awarded $1,963
Yolanda Williams , Veterans Memorial Middle School
Funding will cover the purchase of a popular young adult book series to strengthen reading and writing skills.
Middle School Garden: Awarded $1,000
Tonique Robinson , Veterans Memorial Middle School
Funding to start a garden at the school to enhance learning and provide hands-on experiences for students.
Student Success Center: Awarded $3,000
Laurynn Scurlock, Alcovy High School
The Student Success Center provides life skills courses for 9th/10th graders and a transition week to help graduation seniors prepare for their next phase of life. Funds will support supplies and activities.
Foundational Piano Skills: Awarded $2,500
Alyxandrea Logino, Eastside High School
Funds will allow the music program to purchase digital keyboards and instructional supplies to teach foundational piano skills.
Professional Dance Floor: Awarded $2,674
Alaina Evans, Newton High School
Funds will purchase a dance floor that can be used for performances and is the type of flooring for professional dancers that prevents slipping and sliding.
Renewable Energy Project: Awarded $721
Kemily Pattillo, Newton College and Career Academy
This grant will allow students to learn about renewable energy resources in environmental science by building and benefitting from a solar cell.
Metalworks Community: Awarded $1,750
Andrew Pollard, Newton College and Career Academy
Funds will provide hands-on learning in valuable technical skills including plasma cutting, welding, and engineering design. Students will design and fabricate metal projects.
Podcast Equipment: Awarded $1,565
Verda Watson, Newton College and Career Academy
Funds will supply podcast equipment so students can create, record and edit podcast featuring a diverse mix of voices from the school and greater community.
Farm to Table Turkeys: Awarded $1,207
Marcus Pollard, Newton College and Career Academy
Funds will educate students and community members on sustainable agricultural practices by providing hands-on experience in the entire turkey production process, from hatching eggs to harvest. Some turkeys will be donated to families in need.
Learning Dog Grooming: Awarded $1,750
Cecily Gunter, Newton College and Career Academy
This project will provide an opportunity for students in the Introduction to Agriculture class to gain hands-on experience while learning from their peers in upper-level agriculture courses. Students will get hands on experience in dog grooming.