Dear Freedom High School Families,
As we complete our third week of school, I continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication, and school spirit our students display each day. Whether they are trying out for athletic teams, joining clubs and extracurricular activities, participating in advanced academic programs, or exploring new interests, our Patriots are embracing the many opportunities available at Freedom High School.
It has been exciting to see students challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom. From research presentations and hands-on learning experiences to athletic competitions, fine arts performances, and leadership opportunities, our students are demonstrating a commitment to growth and excellence. Every day, they are developing the skills, knowledge, and character that will help them succeed in high school and beyond.
I am especially proud of the way our students have connected with their school community. Their willingness to get involved, support one another, and participate in activities that make Freedom such a vibrant place reflects the values that define us: Honor, Excellence, Tradition, and Innovation.
Thank you to our families, staff, coaches, sponsors, and community members who continue to encourage and support our students along the way. Together, we are creating an environment where every Patriot has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.
Let's keep the momentum going as we continue to make this an outstanding school year. I encourage every student to stay engaged, attend school daily, explore new opportunities, and take pride in being a Freedom Patriot.
With Patriot Pride,
Charles M. France
Principal, Freedom High School
Mission Freedom: Beyond Expectations
💙❤️🤍
|
Student Patriots in the Spotlight
|
Students in Mr. Mendoza's Capstone class are building valuable research and presentation skills through engaging, collaborative projects. Their first assignment challenged student groups to investigate and present on the topic "Focus Lenses: Education."
Working together, students conducted research, analyzed information from multiple sources, and developed presentations that explored different perspectives on education. Throughout the project, they practiced essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and public speaking.
By presenting their findings to classmates, students gained confidence in sharing ideas while learning how research can be used to better understand real-world topics. We are proud of the hard work, creativity, and teamwork demonstrated by Mr. Mendoza's students as they continue developing the skills needed for success in high school, college, and beyond!
|
Mr. Lang's AP Environmental Science students recently investigated an important ecological concept: the loss of energy as organisms move up trophic levels in a food chain. Through hands-on learning and class discussions, students explored how only a small portion of energy is transferred from one level to the next, helping them understand why ecosystems can support fewer organisms at higher trophic levels.
By analyzing food chains and energy pyramids, students examined the relationships between producers, consumers, and predators while discovering how energy flow impacts biodiversity and ecosystem stability. This engaging lesson encouraged students to think critically about real-world environmental challenges and the interconnectedness of living systems through an outdoor, hands-on lab.
|
Freedom High School's clubs recently took center stage during A and B lunches, giving students an exciting opportunity to explore the many ways they can get involved on campus. Representatives from several of our amazing clubs welcomed interested students, shared information about upcoming activities, and highlighted the benefits of joining their organizations.
From leadership and service opportunities to academic, cultural, artistic, and special interest groups, there truly is something for everyone at Freedom. Students learned how club involvement can help them build friendships, develop new skills, discover passions, strengthen college and career readiness, and create lasting high school memories.
Thank you to all of our club sponsors and student leaders who took the time to showcase their organizations and encourage their fellow Patriots to get involved. We look forward to seeing even more students connected, engaged, and thriving through club participation this year! More updated information about each club will be found on the school website soon.
Get involved. Stay connected. Find your place at Freedom!
|
Picture Day at Freedom High School was a tremendous success thanks to the hard work, organization, and leadership of Coach Pennington and our dedicated Yearbook students.
Throughout the day, this outstanding team coordinated the movement of 74 classes and more than 1,500 students, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to take their school picture efficiently and on schedule. From directing classes and managing lines to assisting students and communicating with staff, our Yearbook team worked tirelessly from start to finish to keep the process running smoothly.
A special thank you to Coach Pennington and the Yearbook staff for their commitment, dedication, and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work. Your efforts helped make Picture Day a success for the entire Freedom family!
Picture Retakes are coming up on September 24th.
Patriots helping Patriots, one picture at a time!
|
A huge congratulations to all of our Find Your Reading Joy Summer Reading Challenge winners! Thank you to everyone who participated and spent time reading over the summer. Your dedication to reading and learning is something to celebrate!
Remember, the fun doesn't stop here. Keep participating in our reading challenges throughout the year. Every student who completes a reading challenge earns a prize, so there are plenty of opportunities to be recognized and rewarded for their reading accomplishments.
Keep reading, keep exploring, and keep finding your reading joy! 📚✨
|
Keep the reading momentum going and join our next reading challenge. Explore new books, discover new favorites, and earn rewards along the way.
🎉 Everyone who completes the challenge wins a prize! 🎉
Whether you're a longtime reader or just getting started, this is your chance to fall into a great book and be rewarded for reading.
Mark your calendar for September 1st and get ready to Fall into Reading 2026! 📖🍁
|
Freedom High School kicked off the school year with an incredible display of Patriot Pride during our first morning pep rally of the year! Students and staff came together to celebrate the energy, tradition, and enthusiasm that make Freedom such a special place.
The rally featured outstanding performances from our Patriot Band and Cheerleaders, who energized the crowd and showcased their talent and school spirit. We also recognized and cheered on our Football Team as they continue their strong start to the season and represent Freedom with pride on the field.
From the music and cheers to the excitement shared by students and staff, the event was a fantastic way to unite our school community and build momentum for the year ahead.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the pep rally a success and to all the Patriots who participated with enthusiasm and school spirit.
📅 Mark your calendars! Our next Morning Pep Rally will take place on September 18. We look forward to seeing even more Patriot Pride as we continue celebrating our students, programs, and traditions.
Together, we honor our tradition, celebrate excellence, and show what it means to be a Freedom Patriot!
|
Freedom High School is excited to welcome Scooter the Sheep, the newest member of our Patriot Farm family!
Scooter has already captured the hearts of students and staff, especially our beloved "Chicken Ladies," who are thrilled to have a new farm friend joining the crew. His arrival has brought excitement to campus and added another unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on agricultural learning.
As part of our Agricultural Science and Horticulture programs, Scooter will help provide authentic learning experiences that allow students to explore animal care, agriculture, responsibility, and teamwork in a real-world setting. These experiences help bring classroom lessons to life while fostering a deeper appreciation for agriculture and animal science.
Be sure to stop by the Patriot Farm and give a warm Patriot welcome to our newest friend!
From our chickens to our sheep, the Patriot Farm continues to grow, providing meaningful hands-on experiences for our students every day. Welcome to Freedom, Scooter! 🐑🌱💙❤️
|
As we begin the school year, Freedom High School students should use their OCPS-issued laptop at school to ensure secure and reliable access to Canvas, Skyward, testing platforms, and other district resources.
Important Reminders:
-
All students must reset their OCPS password each school year to maintain access to Canvas, Skyward, and other OCPS systems.
- Password resets can be completed while connected to OCPS Wi-Fi before school, during lunch, after school, or during approved class time. Families may also visit any OCPS campus to access OCPS Wi-Fi and complete the process.
- Students will have an opportunity to reset their passwords during the Infrastructure Trial Tuesday, September 1st; however, we strongly encourage them to update their passwords beforehand, as many technology issues are caused by outdated passwords.
- For student technical support, visit the Media Center during 2nd, 3rd, or 6th periods or submit a support ticket at help.ocps.net.
Thank you for your partnership in helping our Patriots stay connected and prepared for a successful school year!
|
Need help in math, science, or computer science? We've got you covered!
Beginning September 8, Freedom High School's outstanding Mu Alpha Theta members will once again offer tutoring and academic support to fellow Patriots. These talented students do an amazing job helping their peers strengthen their understanding of challenging concepts, build confidence, and improve academic performance.
Whether you're looking for extra support in a class, preparing for an upcoming assessment, or getting ready for college entrance exams, our Mu Alpha Theta tutors are ready to help! Also, online help is coming soon.
✅ Math Support
✅ Science Assistance
✅ Computer Science Help
✅ PSAT & SAT Preparation
We encourage all students to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn from some of Freedom's brightest student leaders.
Patriots helping Patriots succeed. Join us starting September 8 and take your learning to the next level!
|
Need extra help with homework, test preparation, or studying for upcoming assessments? Take advantage of the FREE online tutoring resources available through the Orange County Library System for all OCPS students.
Students can access live tutoring, homework assistance, and test-prep tools by signing up using their student ID number and activating their virtual library card. These valuable resources are available after school and can help students build confidence and academic success.
Don't wait until the night before a test. Start using your FREE tutoring resources today and make the most of the support available to every Patriot!
|
Get ready for our first Connectivity Day (Freedom Fest) of the school year! Freedom Fest is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Patriots who share your interests while participating in fun, engaging activities hosted by our teachers.
Student sign-ups are happening NOW, so start thinking about which activities you'd like to join! Our first Freedom Fest will take place on October 2, giving students the chance to build new friendships, explore interests, and strengthen our Patriot community.
We can't wait to see you at Freedom Fest!
|
|
|
Get ready, Patriots!
Homecoming Week 2026 is coming October 13-17, and this year's theme is Mamma Mia! Join us for a week filled with school spirit, exciting activities, and unforgettable memories as we celebrate Patriot Pride together.
🎟️ Homecoming Ticket Sales Begin Monday!
Tickets will be available for purchase through teachtix.com beginning Monday, August 31.
📋 Important Homecoming Information
Parent Permission Slips and Guest Applications are now available outside Rooms 608, 611, and 612.
If your student number does not appear in TeachTix when attempting to purchase a ticket, one or more of the following requirements may need to be completed:
✅ Parent Permission Form must be submitted to Rooms 608, 611, or 612
✅ 2.0 GPA Requirement must be met, or receive Guidance Counselor clearance
✅ Graduation Testing Requirement must be met, or receive Guidance Counselor clearance for missing concordant scores
✅ Media Center Obligations must be cleared after any outstanding fees have been paid
Don't wait until the last minute! Be sure to complete all requirements early, so you're ready to purchase your ticket and join us for an unforgettable Mamma Mia! Homecoming Week celebration.
🎶 Take a Chance on Homecoming 2026... It's going to be a night to remember!
|
To allow students to participate in school-day events and activities such as pep rallies, college and career fairs, showcases, and other school-sponsored programs during the 2026-2027 school year, parents/guardians must complete the required Parent Consent Form.
The form can be found in ParentSquare under Forms or Notifications. Students cannot participate in these activities until the form has been completed and signed.
Thank you for taking a few moments to complete this important form and support your student's involvement in Freedom High School activities and events.
The deadline to fill out the form is Sept. 1.
|
Seniors who signed up for the September 3 Roadshow Photo Session at Freedom High School should continue to monitor their email for important details regarding their appointment time and photo session instructions.
✅ Report to the PAC Front Lobby at least 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
✅ Arrive prepared and on time to ensure a smooth experience.
Haven't scheduled your senior photos yet? Don't worry!
📅 Sign up for our next Roadshow session at Freedom High School October 29th
📷 Schedule a session directly with Cady Studios by visiting: cady.com/schedule where you can also sign up for sessions at CADY's studios
|
|
Patriot Innovation: Leading the Future with AI
|
Freedom High School is proud to recognize Arnav for his exceptional accomplishments in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through his work with Lockheed Martin.
This summer, Arnav earned a highly competitive position in Lockheed Martin's AI/ML Internship Program after advancing through a rigorous multi-stage selection process. Following the company's AI Quest competition, approximately 80 students applied for the internship, with only six students selected for interviews and just three ultimately chosen nationwide. Arnav was one of only two students selected from Florida and the only rising 10th grader accepted into the program.
During the internship, Arnav worked on Lockheed Martin's Generative AI Team, where he developed automated data pipelines and web scrapers to collect and process data at scale. He also created AI-powered tools to improve engineering efficiency and contributed to developing AI training platforms that teach engineers to leverage advanced coding technologies. One of these platforms included 33 learning exercises written by Arnav himself.
In addition to his internship work, Arnav competed against approximately 130 participants, including students from top universities such as Columbia University, in an AI Intern Competition and earned a place among the Top 10 finalists.
Arnav's contributions and technical expertise impressed Lockheed Martin's leadership, leading to an invitation to continue working with the organization through a permanent internship. His success reflects not only his dedication and talent but also the outstanding opportunities and preparation available to students at Freedom High School.
Congratulations, Arnav, on this remarkable achievement! Your innovation, perseverance, and passion for technology exemplify what it means to go Beyond Expectations.
|
Patriot Fine Arts & Stage
|
Our chorus recently gathered for our 4th Annual Chorus Retreat, a dedicated day focused on building a strong, unified community across all grade levels and ensembles. The event gave student musicians the opportunity to connect with peers, build lasting friendships, and set a collaborative tone for the year ahead.
The day featured valuable instruction from outstanding guest clinicians. Mrs. Sandra Shafer, Choral Director at Apopka High School, led an insightful vocal masterclass that helped our student musicians refine their technique and tone. Mrs. Sarah Wauford, Choral Director at Hunter’s Creek Middle School, directed an energetic group rehearsal, guiding the ensemble through new repertoire and dynamic group singing.
In addition to the musical sessions, our chorus student leadership team led interactive team-building games and activities throughout the day, ensuring everyone felt welcome and included.
Thank you to our guest directors, student leaders, student musicians and Mr. Desmond for making this year's retreat such a meaningful success!
|
Join us for A Night of Jazz on October 3rd, a special fundraising event supporting the talented students of the Freedom High School Band as they prepare for their upcoming trip to the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago this December.
Guests will enjoy an evening of outstanding jazz performances while helping our student musicians achieve an incredible educational and performance opportunity. Funds raised during this event will help offset travel expenses and ensure more students can participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🎶 Live Jazz Performances
🎺 Support Student Musicians
✈️ Help Send Our Patriots to Chicago
Come enjoy a memorable evening of music, community, and Patriot pride while investing in the future of our talented band students. Thank you for supporting Freedom High School and helping our musicians reach new heights!
|
Patriot Athletics Spotlight
|
Congratulations to our Freedom High School Swim & Dive Team on a fantastic start to the season with a victory over Ocoee High School on Thursday night!
Our Patriot student-athletes demonstrated incredible dedication, perseverance, and teamwork as they competed in their first meet of the year. The team's hard work during preseason training was on full display, resulting in strong performances in both swimming and diving events.
This early-season win reflects the commitment of our athletes and coaches, who continue to strive for excellence in and out of the pool. We are proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and Patriot Pride shown by every member of the team.
We look forward to cheering you on as you continue to make waves throughout the year!
|
Congratulations to our Freedom High School Volleyball program on an outstanding night of competition against Harmony High School! The Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams all earned victories, completing an impressive three-match sweep.
Our Patriot athletes showcased determination, teamwork, and school pride as they competed with energy and enthusiasm from the first serve to the final point. These victories are a testament to the hard work of our players and coaches, who continue to represent Freedom with excellence both on and off the court.
Go Patriots!
|
Congratulations to our Freedom High School Football Patriots on their 6-0 victory over Oak Ridge High School Friday night!
Our Patriots demonstrated determination, resilience, and teamwork as they battled for a hard-earned shutout win to begin the season. The dedication and effort our student-athletes have displayed throughout the offseason and in practices continue to shine on the field.
As the season gets underway, we are excited to watch this talented group continue to grow and compete. Thank you to our players, coaches, families, and fans for supporting Patriot Football every step of the way.
We look forward to cheering on our Patriots at their next game as they take on Nova Lakes High School. Let's pack the stands and show our Patriot Pride!
|
Interested in participating in a sport this school year? Make sure your paper is ready by completing your sports physical and all required athletic paperwork before attending practice or tryouts.
Completing these requirements now will help ensure a smooth start to your athletic season and prevent delays in participation.
📋 More information and required forms are available in the link below.
Don't wait until the last minute. Get cleared today and be ready to represent Freedom High School during the 2026-2027 school year!
For additional information or assistance, please contact James.Nassar@ocps.net.
|
Make plans now to participate in the 2027 School Spirit Run and help bring Patriot Pride to the finish line! Freedom High School has earned special recognition as the Best School Mascot, and our student runners have been recognized for outstanding performances over the past two years.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to support your school, this is a great opportunity to represent Freedom and join an exciting community event. Let's make this year's School Spirit Run our biggest and best yet!
Take advantage of the special early registration price available through August 31 and secure your spot today. Together, let's help Patrick cross the finish line and show why the Patriots lead the way!
|
To ensure all Freedom High School students are prepared for upcoming assessments, they will participate in an Infrastructure Trial on Tuesday, September 1. During this activity, students will test their GPO access (District and State) and verify that their devices are fully prepared for testing.
Students who have not yet completed their annual password reset will also be required to do so during this time. As a reminder, all OCPS passwords must be reset annually, and current passwords will expire soon.
✅ Follow the modified bell schedule below.
✅ Bring your OCPS laptop only and ensure it is fully charged.
✅ Be prepared to log in using your updated OCPS credentials.
A test-ready Patriot is a successful Patriot. Thank you for helping us ensure every student is always prepared!
|
On Tuesday, September 8, all 9th and 10th-grade students will participate in PMA 1 ELA (Progress Monitoring Assessment 1). This important assessment measures student performance across all English Language Arts standards and provides valuable data to monitor academic progress throughout the school year.
In addition, 11th and 12th-grade students who still need to earn the required ELA score for graduation will also be testing on this date.
To ensure a smooth testing experience, students should:
✅ Bring their fully charged OCPS laptop
✅ Arrive on time and ready to test
✅ Review Ms. Tarantino's email for testing locations, schedules, and important testing procedures
We encourage all Patriots to give their very best effort. This assessment is an opportunity to demonstrate growth, showcase learning, and take an important step toward future success.
Patriots, be prepared, be on time, and do your best. We believe in you!
|
The Patriot Faculty Floor
|
Freedom High School was filled with smiles, laughter, and school spirit as students and staff came together to celebrate Minion Day during our latest Freedom Friday Spirit Day!
From yellow shirts and overalls to creative Minion-inspired accessories, Patriots across campus embraced the fun and showcased their school spirit. Our teachers joined in the excitement alongside students, helping create a positive and engaging atmosphere that reinforced the strong sense of community we share at Freedom High School.
Events like Freedom Fridays remind us that learning and school spirit go hand in hand. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make Minion Day a success. We can't wait to see what our Patriots bring to the next Spirit Friday celebration!
Together, we're building a culture of Patriot Pride, one spirit day at a time!
|
Show your Patriot Pride and your college spirit by participating in College Colors Day on Friday, September 4! Students and staff are encouraged to wear apparel representing their favorite college, university, technical school, military academy, or future alma mater.
College Colors Day is a fun way to celebrate postsecondary opportunities while promoting a college-going culture across our campus. Whether you're representing your dream school, your alma mater, or a future career pathway, we invite everyone to join in the fun!
📚 Wear your college colors
🎓 Share your college pride
⭐ Inspire future Patriots
Let's fill Freedom High School with college colors as we celebrate our commitment to preparing every Patriot for success after graduation! 💙❤️💛
|
Consistent attendance is the key to academic success, strong relationships, and making the most of every opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve. |
As we begin the 2026-2027 school year, we encourage all Patriots to commit to Honor, Excellence, and Tradition by following Freedom High School's expectations each day. Success starts with being present, on time, prepared, and ready to learn. Every class, every lesson, and every opportunity matters.
Regular attendance and arriving on time help students build strong habits, stay connected to learning, and achieve their academic and personal goals. By showing respect for themselves, others, and our school community, Patriots can help create a positive environment where everyone can thrive.
Let's make this a year filled with growth, achievement, and Patriot Pride. Together, we can make 2026-2027 our best year yet!
|
Patriot College & Career Connection |
Parents and students are encouraged to take advantage of the valuable College & Career information shared each week through Canvas by Ms. Dotson. These updates include information about college visits, scholarships, career opportunities, important deadlines, and events designed to help students prepare for their future.
Be sure to check Canvas regularly so you don't miss opportunities to explore colleges, connect with admissions representatives, and stay informed about resources that can support your post-secondary goals.
Your future starts now, Patriots. Stay informed and take advantage of every opportunity!
|
Students and families are invited to attend our College 101 Session on Wednesday, September 2, in the PAC. This informative event will provide valuable information about college planning, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and steps students can take now to prepare for life after high school.
Whether you are just beginning to explore college options or actively preparing applications, this session offers helpful guidance and resources for every stage of the journey.
📍 Location: PAC
📅 Date: September 2
👨👩👧👦 All students and parents are welcome to attend!
Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the path to college and future success. We look forward to seeing our Patriot families there!
|
Parents and guardians, be sure to download the ParentSquare app and set up your account preferences to stay connected with Freedom High School. By visiting Settings, you can select your preferred communication method, including email, text message, or app notifications.
ParentSquare is the primary way to receive important school and teacher updates, event information, reminders, and announcements. It also provides an easy way to communicate directly with school staff throughout the year.
Don't miss out on important information. Download the app today and stay connected to all things Freedom!
|
Freedom High School invites parents, staff, business partners, and community members to attend our School Advisory Council (SAC) meetings during the 2026-2027 school year. Our next meeting will be held Monday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center.
SAC provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share ideas, support student success, and help shape the future of our school. We encourage all members of the Freedom community to get involved and make their voices heard as we work together to support every Patriot.
Looking for another way to support Freedom High School? Join our PTSA! Membership is open to parents, students, staff, and community members. Sign up today at freedomhsptsa.givebacks.com and help make a positive impact on our school community.
We look forward to seeing you at SAC and welcoming you as a PTSA member!
|
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!
|
|
|
