Three Newton County teachers are the recipients of the winter 2012 classroom grant from the Newton Education Foundation, a private organization that raises public funds to benefit the students of Newton County.

The foundation announced November that they would fund up to $2,000 in grants at each school level - elementary, middle and high - and that all teachers in the NCSS could apply for the grants, which can be used to pay for a variety of instructional projects and materials.

Nearly two dozen teachers applied from around the NCSS, but the winners were chosen from the Newton County Theme School, Challenge Charter Academy and the Newton College and Career Academy.

Steven Joyce from the theme school received money to use for the project "What does STEM have to do with physical education? Simple machines!"; Challenge Charter Academy's Rhonda Rodgers received grant funds for "Digitally Speaking,"; and Newton College and Career Academy's Angela Cooper received a grant for "Bones are worth 1,000 words."

"The committee was most impressed with the quality of the grant applications that were submitted for our consideration. This was a difficult decision, but we are pleased to assist these selected teachers in providing innovative projects and programs for the students in their classrooms," said Huanne Brown, grant sub-committee member.

Teachers were awarded their grants at the December Newton County Board of Education combined work session and meeting.

Those interested in donating to or learning more about the Newton Education Foundation can visit www.reimaginenewton.org.