Bright Ideas: Newton County Schools teachers awarded $15,000

We believe education is the ultimate source of power in our community. Through our Bright Ideas grant program, we help local teachers bring their most creative and impactful classroom projects to life. We are proud to support educators who are passionate about developing student interests, expanding curriculum, and making learning more exciting.

The Bright Ideas program awards grants to teachers for innovative and special instructional opportunities that go beyond the typical school budget.

• Supporting Innovation: Teachers often have great ideas for hands-on activities, special equipment, or field trips, but lack the resources to implement them. These grants bridge that gap.
• Funding Source: These grants are funded using unclaimed capital credit funds, ensuring that money originally intended for our members is put to work directly benefiting our local youth.
• Annual Awards: Grants are awarded each fall to educators in our service area.

The 2026–2027 Bright Ideas grant recipients from Newton County Schools are:

Allison Gilbert, Eastside High School - “Legumes & Soil Health”: Students will investigate the nitrogen cycle and soil health through hands-on cultivation of legumes.

Andrea Dowdy, Oak Hill Elementary School - “Listen, Read, and Learn: Audiobooks”: Funds will provide audio and interactive resources to support developing and reluctant readers.

Camyljah Giddens, Newton County STEAM Academy - “Olla Irrigation & Art Integration”: Funds will expand art resources, allowing students to create clay vessels while exploring olla irrigation.

Chansley Wren, Veterans Memorial Middle School - “Mission 25: Read to Lead”: Students will participate in independent reading challenges that encourage mastery of academic standards.

Elijah Clark, Eastside High School - “Studio 142: Building a Record Label”: Band students will utilize audio resources, strengthening musicianship and career-ready skills.

Heather Stauff & Amy McCarter, Oak Hill Elementary School - “Making History Meaningful Through Literacy”: Funds will provide resources for students to engage with historical texts and strengthen literacy skills.

Jennifer Cole, Porterdale Elementary School - “From Page to Person: Author Visits”: Funds will support literacy workshops where students connect with authors and explore the creative process.

Jennifer Lollar, Porterdale Elementary School - “From Studio to School: Artist Experience”: Art students will participate in hands-on artist workshops, helping them build confidence and develop their skills.

Jennifer Peters, Alcovy High School - “Beyond the Bloom: Botanical Preservation”: Students will engage in SAE projects that develop skills in botanical preservation and floral design.

Jessica Turberville, Newton County STEAM Academy - “PlantWave STEAM Integration”: Funds will provide sonification technology to help students explore plant life and connect learning standards.

Katherine Fielder, Newton County STEAM Academy - “Brain Boost: Learning Through Play”: Students will use educational games and hands-on materials to reinforce academic skills.

Kelli Swords, Mansfield Elementary School - “Morning Discovery Bags”: Funds will provide kindergarteners with hands-on resources, transforming arrival time into a purposeful learning experience.

Kelly Guglietta, Palmer Stone - “The Next Layer: 3D Initiative”: Students will use 3D printing to create sensory resources for students with disabilities.

Lee Thomas, Eastside High School - “Growing Smarter: Hydroponics”: Students will use a classroom hydroponic system to conduct hands-on laboratory investigations.

MacKenzie Nickson, Oak Hill Elementary School - “Press Play on Reading: Read Alouds”: Funds will provide first graders with interactive listening centers to create multimodal reading experiences.

Melissa Parker, Eastside High School - “Art Beyond the Canvas: Airbrush Art & Design”: Funds will provide Visual Arts students with resources to explore contemporary artistic practices.

Rodrick Baker, Eastside High School - “Prompting Excellence: Classroom to Camera”: Students will use production equipment to create multimedia projects, including the Eastside Morning News.

Verda Watson, Newton College and Career Academy - “From Classroom to Sky: Aerial Cinematography”: Students will integrate drone technology into Audio, Video, Television, and Film projects.