Dear Patriot Family,
As we move forward into the final stretch of the school year, I am reminded once again of the honor, excellence, tradition, and community spirit that define Freedom High School. This week’s newsletter highlights so many of the celebrations, opportunities, and events that make our campus a special place for our students to learn and grow.
In addition to our celebrations, we also prepare for the beginning of our spring assessment season in March. These assessments play an important role in guiding student progress and ensuring every Patriot remains on track for success. Thank you in advance for supporting your students as they maintain strong attendance, stay focused academically, and take advantage of the tutoring and resources available.
As we look ahead to events like Freedom Fest, our special recognitions for Partners in Education, and so many moments that bring our school community together, I am grateful for the continued partnership of our families, staff, and students. Together, we uphold the traditions that make Freedom High School a place where excellence thrives.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our Patriots.
Let’s continue moving forward, together with purpose and pride.
Sincerely,
Charles M. France
Principal, Freedom High School
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Academic Excellence: Where Patriots Achieve |
As students finalize their course selections for next year, we’re excited to highlight the engaging and hands-on learning happening in our Physics classes. Physics offers students the opportunity to explore the world around them through motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, and the fundamental laws that govern how everything works. It’s a course that builds critical thinking, problem‑solving, and real‑world application, all essential skills for future STEM pathways.
This year, Mr. Correa has taken learning to the next level with an innovative, standards‑based project that has quickly become a student favorite. Working in teams, students designed and built their own roller coasters, applying concepts such as kinetic and potential energy, momentum, friction, velocity, and engineering design principles. From drafting blueprints to testing and refining their coaster models, students gained a deeper understanding of physics through creativity, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation.
The results? Impressive engineering, thoughtful design, and plenty of excitement as students watched their coaster creations come to life!
Encourage your student to consider Physics as they plan their schedules; it’s not just a class; it’s an experience that inspires curiosity and prepares them for future success.
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As students prepare their schedules for the upcoming school year, we are proud to highlight our vibrant Horticulture Science program, an exciting pathway that offers real-world agricultural experience and industry-recognized credentials. Through these courses, students have the opportunity to work toward an Agriculture Associate certification and become Certified Horticulture Professionals, giving them a strong foundation for future careers in agriculture, environmental science, plant science, and beyond.
Under the guidance of Ms. Dodge and Ms. Westgate, our students gain hands‑on experience in all aspects of agriculture and horticulture, from caring for plants and maintaining gardens to learning about animal science, meat and egg production, and sustainable agricultural practices. Their classrooms and labs operate like real working environments, helping students build confidence, responsibility, and technical expertise.
This year, our Freedom FFA students took their learning into the community through an exciting partnership with the Central Florida Fair’s “Tales From the Farm” initiative and local Orange County Library branches. Librarians selected a series of farm‑themed books to share with elementary students, while Freedom FFA officers and members brought their fair animal projects to enhance the experience. Our students introduced children to their animals, answered questions, and provided opportunities for the young learners to pet and interact with the animals.
This partnership not only supported early literacy and agricultural education but also helped raise awareness of youth livestock projects and the important role they play in our county fair system. It was a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved—and a powerful example of how agricultural education connects students to their community.
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Our 2nd‑period Reading class had a wonderful time partnering with their ESE peers during our weekly Friday with Friends! Each week, students come together to collaborate, play games, and simply enjoy one another’s company.
It’s always heartwarming to see the teamwork, laughter, and meaningful connections that grow from these moments. These interactions not only build friendships but also strengthen our school community in the best way.
We are proud of our students for embracing inclusion, kindness, and learning beyond the classroom. 💙
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On February 12, Freedom High School had the honor of welcoming Laura Rounds, Eastern Division Representative from the AVID Center, as part of our upcoming National Demonstration School re‑validation process. During her visit, we toured classrooms across campus, representing a wide range of academic disciplines, to observe AVID strategies in action and celebrate the intentional, schoolwide commitment to rigor, student agency, and college readiness.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the teachers who graciously opened their classrooms for these visitations: Ms. Warr, Ms. Read, Mr. Mendoza, Ms. Ayala, Mr. Copeland, Ms. Muñoz, Mr. Correa, and Ms. Abicht. Each demonstrated thoughtful planning, strong relationships, and meaningful AVID implementation that clearly reflected the high standards of our AVID program.
Their professionalism, dedication, and passion for student success contributed greatly to the success of this important visit. We are proud of the work happening in our classrooms every day and grateful for our teachers’ ongoing commitment to excellence.
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This weekend, members of Freedom’s Student Government Association traveled to Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School in West Palm Beach to participate in the FASC State Leadership Conference. Over the course of three days, our students immersed themselves in collaboration, leadership development, and school‑spirit building alongside student leaders from across the state.
Throughout the conference, they exchanged innovative ideas to strengthen school culture, engaged in meaningful workshops, heard from inspiring guest speakers, and partnered on a statewide service project. Our SGA representatives showcased professionalism, pride, and purpose, representing Freedom with excellence every step of the way.
They return to campus energized, motivated, and ready to bring fresh leadership strategies and new initiatives to our school community.
We’re proud of our SGA Patriots! 💙
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We continue finalizing schedules through the use of Xello and our visits to see our counselors:
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Continue to explore Xello. Xello helps you explore careers, colleges, and plan for your future. Click HERE for the presentation
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You will meet with your counselor individually:
9th grade: through World History.
- (completed- Mr. Jamison, Mr. Saragusa, Mr. Durgin, Mr. Ingram, Mr. Kennedy)
- February 24 - Mr. Gordon and Ms. Ayala
10th & 11th grade: through English
- (completed-Mr. Mendoza, Mr. Pennington, Ms. Munoz, Ms. Hjelm, Ms. Caminos, Mr. Daniels)
- February 23 & March 9 - Ms. Stitt
- February 26 & March 6 - Ms. Jahan
- February 27 & March 2 - Mr. Hazel
- March 5 - Ms. Christian
No English or World History class? Your counselor will email you.
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These meetings are where you’ll fix errors and talk through course requests.
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Our district-wide reading challenge is going strong!
📖 Need Something to Read?
You don’t have to visit the media center to find great books!
Students can access eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines anytime on the Sora app, available 24/7 on LaunchPad. 💻✨
⏱️ Log Your Reading Minutes on Beanstack!
Make every minute count—literally!
Students should log minutes read in Beanstack to support both the district challenge and our school’s reading goals.
➡️ Please note: Only minutes count for this contest—books and pages do not count.
🏆 Monthly Prizes!
Each month, district and school winners will be selected.
For February, we will recognize the Top 3 students and Top 3 teachers for minutes read!
Let’s keep reading, Patriots! 📚💙
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United as Patriots: Celebrating Spirit, Building Connections!
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Our final Connectivity Day of the year—now officially transformed into FREEDOM FEST—will take place on Thursday, March 12th! Students can select their activities NOW!
Sign‑ups must be completed using the student’s OCPS email account, and each student may select one activity to celebrate the fest.
🌤 Indoor and outdoor Fest Activities
Planning to enjoy soccer, pickleball, basketball, or kickball? Be sure to come dressed for FEST fun with appropriate athletic clothing and proper footwear.
🗓 Don’t Miss the Deadline!
The sign‑up window will remain open until Wednesday, February 25th.
We can’t wait to celebrate another AMAZING Freedom Fest with our students—bringing energy, connection, and Patriot spirit to our campus!
Don’t wait—spots fill up fast!
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Next week is packed with exciting activities on campus as we continue celebrating Black History Month and National FFA Week!
Our Black Student Union (BSU) has prepared special activities every day to honor, celebrate, and uplift Black history, culture, and excellence. Students are invited to join in meaningful, engaging, and fun opportunities during both lunches throughout the week.
At the same time, our Agricultural Science and Horticulture programs are celebrating FFA Week with hands‑on activities, educational displays, and a plant sale hosted by our talented Ag and Hort students. It’s a great chance to learn more about agriculture, support student‑grown plants, and join in the FFA spirit!
🎊 Join the fun during both lunches every day this week!
Don’t miss out on the celebrations, learning, and community spirit happening across campus.
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Patriot Athletics Spotlight
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Our Spring athletic season has officially begun, and our student‑athletes are hard at work representing Freedom with pride and dedication. This season includes Track & Field, Baseball, Tennis, Girls Flag Football, Boys Lacrosse, Beach Volleyball, Boys Volleyball, and Softball.
Stay connected with schedules, scores, and updates by following Freedom Athletics at:
👉 https://www.freedomhighathletics.com/
Come out and support our Patriots all season long—GO Patriots! 💙
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Patriot Pathways: Building Careers Through CTE |
Preparing with Patriot Pride: Your Guide to Upcoming Testing |
All 11th‑grade students will be taking the SAT on Tuesday, March 3rd, and we strongly encourage every Junior to take advantage of this FREE SAT Virtual Bootcamp to prepare.
🎓 Free SAT Bootcamp by Schoolhouse.world
Schoolhouse.world—created by Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy—is a nonprofit offering free peer tutoring over Zoom. Their 4‑week SAT Bootcamp pairs students with a trained peer tutor who has a verified SAT score in the 95th percentile, making it a powerful resource to build skills and confidence before test day.
👉 Juniors can sign up at: schoolhouse.world/sat-bootcamp
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As we begin Semester 2, we want to ensure all students and families are well‑prepared for upcoming exams. Please monitor your email regularly for important testing updates from Ms. Tarantino, including specific test dates, times, and testing locations.
To help testing run smoothly, please remember:
- Students should use their OCPS device every day.
- Daily use ensures the device receives necessary updates and minimizes technical issues on testing days.
- Arrive to school and testing locations on time.
- Prompt arrival supports a calm, smooth testing environment for all students.
- Bring your school ID.
- IDs are required for verification and entry into testing rooms.
Thank you for partnering with us to support a successful and well‑organized testing season for all of our Patriots!
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All students enrolled in AICE courses will be required to attend Part 1 and Part 2 of their exams to receive a complete AICE score. Families, please mark your calendars and plan accordingly. More details, including specific dates and times, will be shared as we get closer to the testing window. Thank you for supporting your student’s success! |
AP testing is approaching, and we encourage all students and families to mark their calendars now. It is extremely important that students carefully follow all instructions provided by their AP teachers and regularly check their emails for updates from Ms. Tarantino, who will share important details about test dates, times, and locations.
Staying informed will help ensure a smooth and successful testing experience for everyone.
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This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate our incredible School Resource Officers, whose dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment help make Freedom High School a safe and supportive place for all students and staff.
Our SROs play a vital role on our campus each day, building positive relationships with students, fostering trust, promoting safety, and serving as mentors and role models. Whether they are greeting students in the morning, supporting campus events, responding to needs, or simply offering a friendly conversation, their presence makes a meaningful difference in our school community.
We are grateful for their service, their leadership, and the care they show our Patriots.
Thank you to our SROs for all you do to keep Freedom safe, connected, and thriving! 💙
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This week, we are proud to highlight three exceptional educators who were recently honored by former students for the meaningful and lasting impact they made during their time at Freedom. These alumni took a moment to reach out and share messages of gratitude, proof that the work our teachers do each day truly matters.
A heartfelt thank‑you to Ms. Kraemer, Mr. Hellhake, and Ms. Probst for the passion, dedication, and care you bring to our classrooms. Your commitment to supporting, challenging, and uplifting our students continues to make a difference long after they leave our halls.
Thank you for everything you do each and every day for our Freedom family.
You inspire. You empower. You transform lives. 💙
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We are proud to recognize Ms. Martinez for the incredible work she does each week with our Freedom families. Every Tuesday night, she dedicates her time to teaching English to a group of parents from our school community, parents who are eager to learn alongside their children so they can better support them academically and at home.
Through her passion, patience, and commitment, Ms. Martinez creates a welcoming and empowering learning environment where families feel seen, supported, and valued. Her efforts not only strengthen language skills but also build deeper connections between school and home, helping our community grow stronger together.
Ms. Martinez's work makes a meaningful difference for our students and their families every single week. 💙
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Patriot Standards: Promoting Respect, Responsibility & Readiness |
To help us maintain a safe and secure campus, all students are required to carry their school ID at all times while on campus. IDs are also essential for major testing days, so please make sure you have yours with you every day.
If you do not have your school ID:
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Ask your English teacher to receive it.
- Or stop by Room 522 during Lunch A or Lunch B (or in the courtyard if we are stationed there).
If you missed picture day, you can stop by the Media Center to pick up your ID.
If you need a replacement ID, it can be issued in the Media Center for $5, payable through SchoolCash by logging into your SchoolCash Online account. https://www.ocps.net/schoolcash
Thank you for helping us keep Freedom High safe, organized, and ready for every learning opportunity!
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Consistent, on-time attendance is the single most important factor in your student's academic achievement. Every day at school offers crucial learning and social opportunities that cannot be fully replicated, and missing even a few days can significantly impact progress. We ask all families to prioritize regular attendance to ensure your student is present and engaged. Please familiarize yourself with our Attendance Policy for guidelines regarding excused absences and tardiness. Your partnership in making every school day count is key to a successful year! |
Patriots, let’s keep our learning environment strong! Please remember:
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Be inside your classroom by the bell—every minute counts!
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Follow Freedom High School’s dress code policy to represent our school with pride.
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No electronic devices during the school day—this includes phones, earbuds, tablets, or personal laptops.
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Focus on learning and make the most of every opportunity to grow!
Together, we can create a positive and distraction-free environment for success!
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Feb 16–27 | Grad Nite Ticket Sales (online only)
Online ticket sales on SchoolCash for Grad Nite.
Tickets are $130 each, FHS seniors only, no guests allowed, and must not have any obligations.
Online ticket sales will end on February 27th.
Click on the link below for the SchoolCash payment link for Grad Nite 2026 :
March 2, 4, 6 | Grad Nite Ticket Sales (cash sales only)
Cash ticket sales for Grad Nite. (After school in the media center)
Tickets are $130 each; FHS seniors only; no guests allowed; and must not have any obligations.
May 1 | Senior Signing Day
9:00 am in the FHS Performing Arts Center (PAC). Seniors and Parents will be invited to Senior Signing Day only if the Senior completes this form by April 22nd: Link to Senior Signing Day sign-up
May 1 | Grad Nite 2026 @ Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL
Attendees (FHS seniors only) will meet in the cafeteria at 4:00 pm to board buses (you must ride the bus; no student driving), then return to FHS by 2:30 am. Attendees must ride the bus to and from Busch Gardens. No exceptions.
May 9 | Cap and Gown distribution/pick-up
9:00 am – 1:00 pm in the FHS Gymnasium.
May 9 | Prom "Once upon a Time"
Prom questions should be directed to Ms. Flores. Jamie.Schroeder@ocps.net
May 14 | SENIORS' LAST DAY/Senior Walkout
May 15 | Senior Closeout in Media Center
Device/Textbook return, clear obligations & graduation ticket pick-up (10 tickets).
May 15 | Senior Awards Night
7:00 pm in the PAC. Seniors receiving recognition will receive an invitation.
May 29 | CLASS OF 2026 COMMENCEMENT
7:30 pm at Addition Financial (UCF) Arena
Questions Contact our SENIOR Sponsor at Charles.Youtz@ocps.net
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The ESOL Department at Freedom High School invites all ESOL families to attend an important parent information session designed to help you prepare for the upcoming testing season beginning in March. During this session, we will review key assessments your ESOL student may be required to take, many of which can impact graduation requirements or final course grades. Understanding which tests your student needs to focus on is essential for their success.
We will also discuss the importance of finishing the school year strong by monitoring grades, GPA, and attendance, as well as ways families can support students at home. Parents will learn about available tutoring opportunities and how to schedule parent‑teacher conferences to stay connected and informed.
📅 Wednesday, February 25th
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Freedom High School Media Center
We hope you and your student will join us for this valuable and informative session. Together, we can ensure every student is on track for success!
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Partnering With Our Community |
We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated support of our Partners in Education, whose commitment strengthens our programs, enriches student experiences, and enhances the Freedom community as a whole. Their generosity and collaboration make a remarkable difference on our campus every day.
This year, all of our Partners in Ed will be honored at the upcoming Crystal Awards, a celebration recognizing the meaningful impact local businesses and organizations have on our schools.
We are excited to share that two of our partners will receive special recognition for their exceptional contributions:
⭐ Rosaura Trejo – Fathom Realty
⭐ Chef Philippe Cuenin – Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Their continued support, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond for our students embody what true partnership looks like.
To all of our Partners in Ed—thank you for standing with Freedom High School and for investing in the success of our students. We are proud to celebrate you! 💙
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Patriot Connections: Stay in the Know |
Thank you for staying connected with us through our weekly newsletter. At Freedom High School, we are committed to creating a vibrant, supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed—academically, socially, and personally. From classroom achievements to extracurricular milestones, there’s always something exciting happening on campus. We encourage our families and community members to stay engaged, celebrate our students’ growth, and continue partnering with us to ensure every Patriot thrives.
To stay updated with all our events, please connect with us through Skyward, Parent Square, Canvas, and our School Website. These platforms provide timely information and keep you informed about everything happening at Freedom High School. Let’s keep the momentum going!
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At Freedom High School, we believe that strong schools are built through strong partnerships. Parents and families, your voice matters! We invite you to join our School Advisory Council (SAC) and Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) to help shape the future of our school.
These groups play a vital role in supporting academic programs, planning events, and ensuring that student and family perspectives are heard. Whether you’re new to Freedom or a longtime Patriot, your involvement makes a difference.
Come be part of the conversation and the community.
Together, we can make Freedom High School the best it can be for every Patriot!
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