NEF connects schools with powerful literacy experiences — engaging authors, proven instructional strategies, and community partnerships that help students discover the joy of reading.
Explore the sections on this page to learn more about our literacy initiatives.
The Newton Education Foundation believes every child deserves to see themselves in the pages of a book—and to meet the people who write them. Through strategic partnerships, targeted grants, and community support, NEF brings nationally acclaimed authors into Newton County Schools each year, creating unforgettable literacy experiences for students of all ages.
NEF’s investment ensures that author visits are both inspiring and equitable. Many events include a signed book for every participating student—putting high‑quality literature directly into their hands and homes.
From elementary read‑alouds to high school conversations about writing, identity, and creativity, NEF’s author visits strengthen a culture of literacy across the district. By bringing real authors into classrooms and auditoriums, NEF helps students see that their stories matter—and that they, too, can be creators, thinkers, and lifelong readers.
Newton County Schools’ partnership with REAP: Reading is Essential for All People is strengthening early literacy through structured, research‑based training for teachers and support staff.
The work began in 2024–2025 with a pilot at two schools, where kindergarten and first‑grade teachers were trained in evidence‑aligned reading practices. In year two, the program expanded to four schools and included full‑day structured literacy training for paraprofessionals.
For 2026–2027, the initiative will grow again to reach six schools. At each site, REAP begins by training K–1 teachers, then returns the following year to train 2nd‑ and 3rd‑grade teachers—building a consistent, schoolwide foundation in phonics, decoding, and strong reading instruction.
This collaborative model has gained statewide and national attention, including a presentation at the International Dyslexia Conference highlighting its impact on teacher practice and student success.
The program is funded by the Newton Education Foundation through grants and donations made via the PEACH Education Tax Credit. To learn more about how you can support this important work through the PEACH Education Tax Credit, click here.
Christian Robinson Shares Big-Hearted Stories with Newton County Students
Students at Flint Hill and Live Oak elementary schools enjoyed a visit from the award-winning author/illustrator and received copies of his latest picture book.
Farm‑to‑School Spotlight: Cooking Demo with Chef Asata
A lively, hands‑on demo at NCS's third annual Literacy Extravaganza showed families how simple, fresh ingredients can spark healthier habits at home.
Dav Pilkey Turns Challenges into Superpowers for Newton County Students
Dav Pilkey’s visit brought books, surprises, and inspiration—building a joyful, inclusive culture of literacy in Newton County schools.
REAP Partnership Highlighted at International Dyslexia Conference
Representatives from NEF, NCS, and REAP shared how our collaborative model is making a difference for teachers and students in Newton County.
October Brought Two Nationally Acclaimed Authors to Newton County Students
A partnership between NEF, Newton County Schools, Oxford College and Little Shop of Stories created a great learning day for NCS students.
NEF Literacy Collaboration Hosts Best-Selling Author Tiffany Jackson
Ninth grade students from Alcovy HS and Newton HS will hear from nationally acclaimed author and receive a signed copy of her new book from NEF.
NEF Collaboration Brings Award-Winning Author Derrick Barnes to Newton
Students from Cousins MS and Liberty MS will hear from nationally acclaimed author and receive a signed copy of his new book from NEF.
REAP Structured Literacy Trains Newton County Support Teachers
Paraprofessionals from East Newton and South Salem participate in a full day of training to learn how to support structured literacy in their classrooms.
Literacy Pilot Update: REAP Trainer Visits South Salem Elementary School
Kindergarten and first grade teachers at South Salem Elementary are implementing new strategies from their REAP training to help their students become strong readers.
Author Molly Webster Visits South Salem Elementary to Share her Space-Based Story
The author shared her science-inspired, tale of friendship and memory and, with a grant from NEF, every student got to take home a copy of her book.
Former UGA Wide Receiver and Superbowl Champion Visits East Newton Students
Malcom Mitchell shared his personal reading journey during a visit with students and all 500+ of them left with a free copy of his book.
Published Authors to Visit Newton County Schools
Award-winning authors will visit Newton County elementary schools through an innovative partnership with the new Ideas Festival on the Oxford Campus of Emory University.
Literacy Pilot Takes off this Fall at Two Newton County Schools
The 2024-2025 academic year brings an exciting partnership with REAP that will train teachers at two local schools in structured literacy.