Teachers at Flint Hill Elementary got a bit of a surprise at their Wednesday afternoon faculty meeting as they learned they had been entered into a drawing to win one of 20 $50 gift cards courtesy of the local Walmart on Industrial Boulevard - a $1,000 donation for the teachers to purchase needed classroom supplies.

For the fourth straight year, assistant manager Dan Brown has donated $1,000 to teachers at a Newton County public elementary school.

"We select a local elementary school each year based on nominations from our associates," said Brown. "This year, Flint Hill received multiple nominations so we were very pleased to designate them as our 2012 Teacher Rewards recipient."

Brown said, "Teacher Rewards has put $4,000 directly into the hands of Newton County teachers since its inception. Walmart realizes that our community's teachers spend a great deal out of their own pockets to ensure their students have everything they need to be successful. Teacher Rewards is our way of recognizing the tremendous contribution of their personal time and money that our teachers make every year."

"I was super excited that several of our parents nominated our school and teachers to be Walmart's partner of the year," said Dr. Lori Thomas, principal of Flint Hill Elementary. "When Walmart called to notify me that Flint Hill was selected, I was overwhelmed with the amount of support that they offered our staff. This is a great example of the wonderful things that happen when parents, communities and schools come together to support each other. Although the teachers were given the gift cards, ultimately the students will benefit as the teachers purchase items to support instruction."