The Newton Foundation for Educational Excellence announces the recipients of the Fall 2014 ReImagine Newton Classroom Grants.

The foundation awarded a little more than $5,000 in grants to the following teachers and projects: Shanna Powell of Middle Ridge Elementary School; Marcus Pollard of Newton College and Career Academy; Lynne Behnke of Oak Hill Elementary School.

In October, the Foundation announced it would fund three grants for up to $2,000 each. Any Newton County School System teacher could apply for the grants, which could be used to pay for a wide variety of innovative instructional projects and materials.

“The Foundation received applications across all grade levels and disciplines, reflecting the caliber of our innovative educators and their desire to go beyond the standard curriculum,” member Hillary Edgar said. “It is gratifying for our volunteer board to be able to meet the needs of our public educators with the private funds we have raised.”

Powell’s project was for the Sprouting New Roots Garden and Outdoor STEM Lab, Pollard for Academic Trout Routes and Behnke for the STEM Lab.

“The committee members were extremely impressed by the scope of this year’s proposals and were excited to fund grants that highlight innovations in STEM education during this cycle,” Dr. Jami Berry, Board Chair said.