Freedom High School is proud to announce that we have been designated a 2026 Florida Power-Library School (FPLS) by the Florida Association of Supervisors of Media (FASM). This prestigious recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate excellence in their library media programs and their commitment to student achievement, innovation, literacy, and equitable access to high-quality learning resources.

This honor places Freedom High School among an elite group of schools across the state. Only 32 high schools in Florida have ever earned this distinction, and only 19 high schools currently hold the designation, making this achievement a remarkable milestone for our school community.

According to FASM, the Florida Power-Library School Award recognizes the collaborative leadership of the principal, library media specialist, teachers, staff, students, and community partners who work together to support a thriving instructional library program. The award highlights schools whose library programs play a vital role in advancing school, district, and state goals while empowering students and staff to achieve at the highest levels.

This recognition reflects Freedom High School's commitment to Honor, Excellence, Tradition, and Innovation while creating meaningful opportunities for learning and literacy for all students.

We would like to extend a special thank you and congratulations to our outstanding Media Specialist, BrittMarie Schmidt, whose passion, leadership, and dedication were instrumental in earning this prestigious recognition. Through her tireless efforts to create an engaging, student-centered media program, promote literacy, support instructional initiatives, and foster a welcoming learning environment, Ms. Schmidt has helped position Freedom High School as a model of excellence in school library services. This achievement is a direct reflection of her hard work and commitment to our students, staff, and school community.

Freedom High School will be officially recognized at the Florida Power-Library School Award Ceremony during the Florida Association for Media in Education (FAME) Conference, taking place October 28-30, 2026, in Orlando.

Students in Mrs. McClish's AICE Marine Science classes are diving into hands-on learning as they begin setting up their very own classroom aquariums. This exciting project provides students with the opportunity to apply marine science concepts in a real-world setting while developing valuable scientific skills.

As part of the project, students will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing water chemistry, including factors that impact the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems. Through regular observation, data collection, and problem-solving, students will gain a deeper understanding of the environmental conditions necessary to support marine life.

The excitement is only beginning. Once the aquariums are fully established and water conditions are stable, students will have the opportunity to add and care for live aquatic animals throughout the school year. This hands-on experience will allow them to observe marine organisms up close while learning about responsibility, ecosystem balance, and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Students in Mrs. McClish's Honors Marine Science class recently took on the role of marine researchers as they investigated variations in ocean salinity through an engaging hands-on lab activity.

During the lesson, students were presented with several samples of mystery colored waters, each representing different salinity levels found in marine environments around the world. Using their knowledge of salinity, density, and ocean chemistry, students analyzed the samples and worked collaboratively to determine the salinity of each mystery solution.

This inquiry-based activity challenged students to think critically, make scientific observations, and apply real-world oceanographic concepts to solve a problem. Through experimentation and analysis, students gained a deeper understanding of how salinity varies across different bodies of water and how these variations can impact marine ecosystems.

Students in Ms. Angel's classroom recently had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of key ELA standards through a variety of engaging, standards-based learning activities. Recognizing that students learn in different ways, Ms. Angel provided meaningful choices that allowed students to demonstrate their understanding while connecting with the content in a creative and personalized manner.

Students could choose to interview a character from a previously read text, create original artwork representing themes and ideas from the reading, or complete a traditional written assignment. These hands-on and choice-driven activities encouraged students to think critically, make meaningful connections, and showcase their learning in ways that best reflected their strengths and interests.

By incorporating student voice and choice into instruction, Ms. Angel created an engaging learning environment where students were actively applying their knowledge while enhancing their understanding of two important ELA standards.

Students in Ms. Singleton's HOPE class are learning the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity and hands-on application of classroom concepts. Throughout the course, students have opportunities to practice what they have learned by participating in activities that reinforce the principles of fitness, wellness, and healthy decision-making.

By combining classroom instruction with physical activity, students are able to make meaningful connections between health concepts and real-life habits. These engaging experiences help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to take ownership of their health while understanding the long-term benefits of an active lifestyle.

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!

Patriots, don't miss out on important news and updates from Freedom High School! We strongly encourage all students to download the StudentSquare app and activate their accounts to stay connected with everything happening on campus.

StudentSquare is the primary platform for school communications, providing students with quick access to:

By using StudentSquare, you can stay informed, organized, and engaged in all that Freedom High School has to offer. Whether it's an upcoming event, a deadline reminder, or a message from your teacher, StudentSquare helps ensure you never miss important information.

A special recognition goes to Sakshi for the countless hours she has dedicated to developing an innovative tutoring platform designed to help Freedom students prepare for the SAT and PSAT. Through her hard work and commitment, she has created a valuable resource that provides students with instructional videos, test-taking strategies, and practical tips to build confidence and improve performance on these important assessments.

Recently, Sakshi presented her project to our department chairs, highlighting the many benefits of the platform and how it can be used to support student achievement. Her presentation showcased the thoughtful planning, research, and dedication that went into creating resources tailored to meet the needs of our students as they prepare for upcoming testing opportunities.

We are incredibly proud of Sakshi's initiative, leadership, and passion for helping others succeed. Her efforts exemplify the spirit of innovation, service, and excellence that we strive to foster at Freedom High School. Thank you, Sakshi, for making a positive impact on our Patriot community and helping our students prepare for future 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!

Our Freedom High School Swim Team had an impressive week in the pool, competing against Apopka and Innovation High School. The Lady Patriots continued their dominant season, remaining undefeated with victories over both teams, while the boys team earned a strong win against Innovation and battled hard against Apopka, bringing their season record to 2-1.

These early-season successes are a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork displayed by our student-athletes both in and out of the water. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our swim coaches for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to developing our athletes. Their countless hours of preparation, encouragement, and support continue to help our swimmers achieve success and represent Freedom with pride.

Congratulations to our swimmers and coaches on a great start to the season. Keep up the outstanding work, Patriots! 🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️

Our Freedom High School Bowling Team had an exciting week of competition against Boone and Horizon High Schools, showcasing their hard work, determination, and continued growth throughout the season. A special congratulations goes to our boys team for their victory over Horizon!

One of the most impressive highlights from the match was that every bowler competed at or above their current season average, demonstrating the team's commitment to improvement and consistency. Even more exciting, our returning athletes are all performing above their averages from last season, reflecting the dedication they have put into developing their skills.

We are also incredibly proud of our first-year bowlers, many of whom are already posting impressive scores and making significant contributions to the team's success. Their rapid growth and enthusiasm have added tremendous energy to the program.

Freedom Cross Country delivered an outstanding performance at this year's Freedom Invitational, demonstrating the hard work, dedication, and determination that continue to drive the program forward.

Competing against 18 teams, the Freedom Boys Varsity Team earned an impressive 5th-place finish, led by Junior Team Captain Jackson Butler, who placed 9th overall while setting a new personal record. The Freedom Girls Varsity Team also had a strong showing, finishing 6th overall against tough competition.

Adding to the excitement, the Boys JV Team turned in an exceptional performance, capturing 2nd place overall and showcasing the depth and future potential of the program.

Congratulations to all of our cross-country runners and coaches for their dedication and commitment to excellence. WE are FREEDOM!

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!

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.

One of the highlights of the week has been seeing Scooter the Sheep warmly welcome visits from our staff and students throughout the day. Scooter has quickly become a favorite around campus, bringing smiles, laughter, and a little extra joy to everyone who stops by to say hello.

From curious students to excited staff members, Scooter has enjoyed meeting new friends and creating memorable moments for our Patriot family. These special interactions help foster a positive school environment and remind us of the importance of connection, community, and taking a moment to enjoy the little things.

Our Freedom High School faculty and staff proudly participated in College Colors Day, representing a wide variety of colleges and universities through their favorite school colors, shirts, and team spirit. From alma maters to future college dreams, our staff enjoyed celebrating the importance of higher education while sharing their college pride with students throughout the day.

College Colors Day serves as a great reminder of the many pathways available after high school and encourages students to begin thinking about their own college and career goals. Thank you to all of our staff members who joined in the celebration and helped inspire our students to envision their future success.

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!

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.

A special thank you to Dunkin' Donuts Southchase for brightening the day of our Freedom High School staff by stopping by campus and greeting everyone with a delicious donut and coffee. Their thoughtful gesture was a wonderful way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff.

We are also grateful for their continued support of our educators. Dunkin' Southchase is honoring all Freedom High School staff members with a free coffee through December 2026! This generous offer is yet another example of the strong community partnerships that help make Freedom High School such a special place.

Thank you, Dunkin' Southchase, for supporting our Patriot Family and helping fuel excellence every day! ☕🍩

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!