Dear Patriot Family,
Freedom High School continues to shine with daily examples of excellence, and I am incredibly proud of the work happening across our campus. From the dedication of our teachers to the leadership and kindness shown by our students, the sense of connection within our school community grows stronger each week. These relationships, student to student, staff to student, and staff to staff are what make Freedom such a special place to learn and grow.
As we enter the final week of Quarter 3, I want to encourage every student to stay focused, stay engaged, and finish strong. Attendance remains one of the most important factors in academic success. Being present in class each day ensures students stay on track with their learning, maintain strong grades, and are prepared for the final quarter of the school year.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we will keep pushing forward and make the remainder of the year our best yet.
Sincerely,
Charles M. France
Principal, Freedom High School
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The National Spanish Honor Society represented our school with exceptional talent and heart at the Florida State Spanish Conference, earning recognition across academic, artistic, and cultural categories. Senior Laura Pacheco was awarded a distinguished scholarship from the University of Santiago de Compostela and also earned second place in the Best Album category. Santiago Carreño captured first place with his moving performance on the Cuatro Venezolano, and Yothzibel Guillen earned first place for her creative and beautifully crafted shirt design. Our students also celebrated third‑place honors in the Afiche category, and Thaiany Bermudez proudly represented Miranda, Venezuela with a third‑place award in traditional folkloric dress.
Beyond individual awards, our delegation achieved the highest scores in poetry, impromptu speaking, and theatre with their compelling performance of El Corazón de Voltaire. These accomplishments reflect not only their dedication to language and culture, but also the strong sense of community and pride they bring to every event. We are equally proud to share that our teachers, Ms. King and Ms. Febles, were recognized for their leadership and commitment, underscoring the supportive foundation behind our students’ success.
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Novel Adaptation competition "El Corazon de Voltaire" |
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Third‑place award in traditional folkloric dress |
First place musical performance -Â Cuatro Venezolano
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The counseling team has now completed individual academic planning meetings with every 9th‑, 10th‑, and 11th‑grade student as part of the scheduling process for the 2026–2027 school year. These meetings help ensure that each student is on track with graduation requirements, course progression, and future academic goals.
What students should do next
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Check school email — Students who missed their scheduled meeting have been contacted directly with instructions on how to reschedule or complete their course selections.
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Review Xello — All students are encouraged to log into their Xello account to confirm their course plans, explore academic pathways, and make sure their selections align with their goals.
- Â Click HERE for the presentation
Why this matters?
These planning meetings shape next year’s schedule and help students make informed decisions about advanced coursework, electives, and long‑term academic pathways. Staying up to date with counselor communication ensures no one misses important deadlines or opportunities.
FULL Presentation for College & Career Planning:
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Students are reminded to log their reading minutes in Beanstack, as every reading session and every minute truly counts toward building strong literacy habits and supporting our schoolwide goals. Regularly updating reading logs ensures students receive credit for their efforts and helps track progress throughout the year. Please follow the instructions below to access your Beanstack account and record your minutes. |
Freedom Fine Arts Showcase
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Our Performing Arts Department continues to shine this month, earning outstanding results at every Music Performance Assessment (MPA) opportunity. Each ensemble has demonstrated remarkable dedication, artistry, and growth, making this one of our strongest seasons yet. Our Freedom High School Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band all delivered exceptional performances, showcasing impressive musicality and teamwork that resonated with adjudicators and audiences alike.
These achievements reflect countless hours of rehearsal, strong leadership from our directors, Dr. Antmann, Ms. Davis, Mr. Hellhake, and the passion our students bring to their craft. As the month continues, the momentum and pride within our performing arts community remain stronger than ever.
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Congratulations to our four incredible ensembles—Patriot Singers, Patriot Ensemble, Mirabei, and Bella Voce—for their outstanding performances at this year’s Music Performance Assessments (MPA).
MPA is the annual assessment for music programs, where choirs are evaluated by board approved adjudicators on vocal technique, musicality, and literacy. Our students represented us with incredible professionalism and talent.
The Sight-Reading Sweep
A special shout-out is due for our program-wide "Superior" in Sight-Reading. This is the most rigorous part of the day, where students must perform a piece of music they have never seen before with only a few minutes of preparation. For every single one of our choirs to earn the highest possible rating in this category is a massive testament to their hard work, musical intelligence and literacy.
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Don’t miss our upcoming encore production of Squirrel Girl Goes to College! This award-winning show earned top honors at the District Thespian Festival and will move on to represent Freedom High School at the State Thespian Festival in Tampa this March, making this your last chance to see this FHS production before it advances.
Tickets are available now at TeachTix.com/FHS. As an added bonus, audiences will enjoy an exclusive preview of the first 10 minutes of our upcoming spring musical, Disney’s Descendants, which will run April 9–11. Join us for an exciting night celebrating our talented theatre students!
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United as Patriots: Celebrating Spirit, Building Connections!
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Last week was full of energy and friendly competition as each grade level hosted a fun lunchtime fundraising event to support their SGA class activities. Students showed up all week long to participate, cheer each other on, and help raise money for schoolwide events.
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Monday – Freshmen: Yard games took over the courtyard with giant Jenga and Connect 4, giving students a chance to relax and play between classes.
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Tuesday – Sophomores: March Madness spirit hit campus as students tried their best to sink mini basketballs into mini hoops.
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Wednesday – Juniors: Laughter echoed across campus during the “Pie a Teacher” event, where brave (and very appreciated!) teacher volunteers took a pie for a good cause.
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Thursday – Seniors: Senior SGA volunteers geared up for “Soak a Senior,” bringing lots of splash-filled excitement to lunchtime.
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Friday – All Classes: The week wrapped up with a four‑class showdown in a spirited chicken race, bringing everyone together for a final day of fun.
Thank you to all students, staff, and volunteers who made this week a huge success!
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This month’s Freedom Friday showcased the incredible initiative of our student leaders, who designed and hosted engaging activities for their peers during Lunch A and B. Their efforts helped create a welcoming space where students could relax, have fun, and build stronger connections across campus. |
Our final Connectivity Day of the year—now officially transformed into FREEDOM FEST—will take place on Thursday, March 12th!
Monitor your OCPS email for chosen activity location and assigned teacher.
🌤 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.
Follow adjusted bell schedule.
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Dr. Boujaber recently hosted a special celebration for our group of Freedom High School exchange students, all of whom had just completed the SAT as juniors. To honor their hard work and to help them connect with peers they hadn’t yet met, she organized a relaxed get‑together filled with conversation, community building, and plenty of treats and pizza. The gathering gave students a chance to unwind, share their experiences, and strengthen relationships within the exchange student community. It was a warm reminder of the support and encouragement that make Freedom feel like home for every student. |
Patriot Athletics Spotlight
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Freedom Middle School closed out CTE Month with an energizing CTE Awareness Kickoff that brought future Patriots together in a big way. The excitement was unmistakable as students explored the wide range of Career & Technical Education opportunities awaiting them next year at Freedom High School. Many were already buzzing about which classes sparked their interest most.
The enthusiasm of our Freedom High School student ambassadors set the tone for the day—their energy, leadership, and passion for their programs created an atmosphere that pulled every middle schooler in. Under the coordination of our CTE leader, Ms. Dye, students rotated through hands‑on activities representing each of our CTE pathways: Biomedical, Digital Video, Engineering, Culinary, Artificial Intelligence, Agricultural Science, Early Childhood, and Business Entrepreneurship.
From experimenting with biomedical tools to filming video clips, designing engineering challenges, exploring AI, and more, students got a true taste of what CTE looks like in action. The event not only celebrated the end of CTE Month but also sparked curiosity, confidence, and excitement for the opportunities ahead.
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Preparing with Patriot Pride
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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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Freedom High School proudly celebrates Social Work Month by recognizing the dedication, compassion, and unwavering support our social workers provide every single day. Their commitment to the well‑being of our Patriots strengthens our school community and ensures every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. We are grateful for the countless ways they advocate, guide, and uplift our students and families.
Thank you, Ms. Lainey, Ms. Stall, Ms. Mendoza and Ms. Oskam, for all you do! You make Freedom stronger.
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At Freedom High School, our Emerging Bilingual students thrive with the support of a dedicated ESOL team led by Ms. Lopez Nieves, the ESOL Compliance Specialist and ESOL Paraprofessionals Ms. Deoto, Ms. DeLeon, and Ms. Ortiz.
The ESOL paraprofessionals collaborate with teachers and students by providing translation assistance, small‑group academic support, and helping ensure that classroom content is accessible and understandable.
Ms. Lopez Nieves partners closely with students and families to navigate the U.S. education system, understand graduation requirements, and stay on track for earning a high school diploma. Throughout the year, the team also hosts the Emerging Bilingual Family Academy, offering parent workshops on graduation pathways, post‑secondary options, assessments, and academic monitoring.
At Freedom, we value our Emerging Bilingual students and remain committed to ensuring they have equitable access to academic success and a wide range of postsecondary opportunities.
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Freedom High School extends a heartfelt thank‑you to Ms. Stitt for her ongoing dedication to supporting teachers across our campus. She consistently goes above and beyond—guiding staff through grant applications and DonorsChoose projects to help bring new resources and opportunities to our students. Most recently, she partnered with our SAFE department to launch a DonorsChoose request, ensuring their needs are met with creativity and care. Her commitment strengthens our school community in meaningful ways, and we are truly grateful for all she does. |
Stay Strong, Stay Present, Finish Proud
We’re approaching the end of Quarter 3 on March 12, and every day counts. Strong attendance and consistent effort now help students finish the quarter with confidence and set the tone for a successful final stretch of the school year.
Why Attendance Matters
- Daily attendance supports stronger grades
- Students stay connected to learning and routines
- Missing class this late in the year makes it harder to catch up
Keep the Momentum Going
- Encourage your student to be in school, on time, every day
- Check grades and assignments together on Skyward and Canvas
- Reach out to teachers if your student needs support
Let’s work together to finish Quarter 3 strong and enter the final quarter ready to shine!
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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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May 1 |Â 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
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May 1 |Â 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.
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May 9 |Â Cap and Gown distribution/pick-up
       9:00 am – 1:00 pm in the FHS Gymnasium.
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May 9 |Â Prom "Once upon a Time"
        Prom questions should be directed to Ms. Flores. Jamie.Schroeder@ocps.net
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May 14 |Â SENIORS' LAST DAY/Senior Walkout
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May 15 |Â Senior Closeout in Media Center
      Device/Textbook return, clear obligations & graduation ticket pick-up (10 tickets).
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May 15 |Â Senior Awards Night
       7:00 pm in the PAC. Seniors receiving recognition will receive an invitation.
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May 29 |Â 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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Class of 2027, it is time to start thinking about your senior portrait. This is the first step to ensure your senior information is correct and that you receive important updates from CADY, our official school photographer. Complete Senior Registration today.
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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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