Four teachers now have additional funding for special projects, thanks to Newton Education Foundation/ReImagine Newton — a local, independent nonprofit geared toward supporting public education in Newton County.

The foundation named its fall 2013 ReImagine Newton Classroom Grant recipients at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, awarding a total of $6,000 in grants.

Grant recipients included Eastside High School’s Kelsey Veihman, for "ReImagining Circles: Using Technology to Investigate Key Relationships within Circles"; Newton County Theme School at Ficquett’s Lori Wardingley, for "iCan Do Math"; Porterdale Elementary’s Ken Meakins, for "Teaching Self-Esteem, Honesty and Self-Responsibility through Golf"; and Newton County Theme School at Ficquett’s Kena Hudgins for "MiPad and My Pal."

In October, the foundation announced that it would fund grants at each school level — elementary, middle and high school. Any NCSS teacher could apply, and 20 applications were submitted.

Jami Berry, grant subcommittee member, said members were impressed by the scope of this year’s proposals and were thrilled to be able to fund four grants during this grant cycle.

"The funded grants will touch students at every grade level, using technology and life skills to enhance instruction across the curriculum," Berry said.

The foundations’ board chairwoman, Hillary Edgar, said the volunteer board works hard to raise private funds to support teachers’ projects for their students.

"We have the privilege of seeing the great ideas that all of our applicants have and at the same time, have the difficult task of choosing the grant winners," Edgar said.

The Newton Education Foundation is continuing to meet its goal of raising private dollars for public education through its annual campaign, ReImagine Newton. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the Newton Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1586, Covington, Ga. 30015.

More information can be found online by visiting reimaginenewton.org.