Freeman landed two mini-grants totaling nearly $10,000, one benefiting an extended-day program and the other to fund a kinesthetic learning initiative. Peer facilitators Peggy Jordan and Maria Rivera secured the Dexter Joyner mini-grant of $4,992 to fund the FOX Academy, an extended-day program that will incorporate fine arts with physical activities and technology. Teacher Billie Ellis landed a grant of $4,950 for the "Learning Carpet," a 100-square grid used to enhance students' understanding of mathematics and language through kinesthetic learning. The grant is sponsored by KBR.

Freeman's Billie Ellis (fourth from the left) receives her "Learning Carpet" mini-grant with husband Bob Ellis of the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation standing right behind; other presenters are Maureen Singleton, representing Thompson & Horton, LLP; Linda Lukaszewski, representing Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union; Doug Whitmarsh and Sheila Davis, representing KBR; Monica Morgan, representing Brooks & Sparks; and Foundation members Herman Williams and Dexter Joyner.

Celebrating twin checks are Billie Ellis; Freeman teachers Narciso Lopez, Jonathan Aigner and Melissa Labello; peer facilitator Peggy Jordon; teachers Elaine Wright and Erica Mata; peer facilitator Maria Rivera; Freeman Principal Kaye Post; and Freeman Assistant Principal Susan Wadlington.