Dear Freedom High School Families,
As we near the end of the first quarter, I want to encourage all our students to stay focused and continue giving their best effort in every class, every day. Quarter 1 is quickly coming to a close, and now is the time to complete assignments, prepare for assessments, seek assistance when needed, and finish strong.
Each day, I have the privilege of visiting classrooms across our campus, and I am continually impressed by the learning, creativity, collaboration, and hard work our students demonstrate. Whether participating in hands-on activities, engaging in academic discussions, solving complex problems, or preparing for future opportunities, our students make Freedom a place where learning thrives.
I am also incredibly grateful for our outstanding teachers and staff, whose dedication, encouragement, and support help our students grow academically and personally. Their commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences is evident in every classroom and every interaction.
As we work together to conclude the first quarter successfully, I encourage students to remain focused on their goals, take advantage of available support, and continue striving for excellence. I am proud of all that our Patriots have accomplished so far and look forward to celebrating their continued success.
Thank you for being part of the Freedom family and for your ongoing support of our students, teachers, and school community.
Honor. Excellence. Tradition. Innovation.
Warm regards,
Charles M. France
Principal
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Student Patriots in the Spotlight
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High-level discourse in action! Ms. Christian’s 9th graders engaged in a thoughtful turn-and-talk session on poem analysis. Loving the supportive, collaborative classroom culture on display! ✨ |
Responsive teaching at its best! Ms. Drake ran rapid-fire notebook checks while targeting essential math strategies to give her students a quick skills refresher based on recent assignment data. Targeted support for maximum growth! 💡💯 |
Accountability meets motivation! Ms. Westgate demonstrated responsive instruction by providing dedicated in-class catch-up time, while rewarding students who were already on top of their work with hands-on time out on the farm. Great way to encourage success while keeping deadlines firm! |
Beginning with students entering 9th grade in the 2026-27 school year, Florida will implement a Statewide Uniform Weighted Grading System for honors and accelerated courses. This change creates a consistent GPA calculation method across all Florida school districts and applies to honors, industry certification, AP, IB, AICE, Dual Enrollment, and FACT courses. Students currently in the Class of 2029 or earlier will remain subject to their original cohort's GPA policy.
Implementation Timeline
• Applies to students entering grade 9 in 2026–27 and beyond, including middle school students taking high school credit courses in 2026–27.
-Students earning high school credit before 2026–27 will have weighted credit recalculated upon entering grade 9.
• Students in grade 9 in 2025–26 and earlier remain under their original cohort’s GPA policy
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Our Media Center had an outstanding start to the school year! Throughout August, students and staff made great use of this valuable learning space by checking out books, conducting research, collaborating on projects, and exploring new opportunities for learning and creativity.
Check out the August Media Center statistics below and see the impact our students are making through reading and learning! 📖✨
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Patriot Innovation: Leading the Future with AI
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Students in our Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) classes with Mr. Correa recently completed an exciting Catapult Design Challenge, where they experienced the full engineering design process from start to finish. Students conducted research, created concept sketches, evaluated ideas using a decision matrix, and designed, built, and tested their own catapults capable of launching a piece of candy.
Throughout the project, students completed multiple test trials, collected and analyzed performance data, and used their findings to improve their prototypes. The challenge concluded with an optional 15-Meter Catapult Challenge, allowing students to put their engineering, creativity, and problem-solving skills to the test. This hands-on experience highlighted the innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking that are at the heart of our AI Learning & Innovation Academy.
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Building School Spirit, Creating Memories, and Making Connections |
Our LIA and students from SNHS are excited to lead Freedom High School's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! During the week of September 21-25, students and staff will enjoy special lunchtime celebrations highlighting the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
The week will also feature fun daily spirit days:
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Monday: Betty vs. Rebelde Drama Day
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Tuesday: Baseball vs. Soccer Jersey Day
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Wednesday: Campo Day - Celebrate the traditional rural culture of your country
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Thursday: Wear a shirt featuring your favorite appropriate word or phrase from your country
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Friday: Caribbean Day - Wear traditional and appropriate beach-themed attire
We encourage everyone to join the celebration, embrace cultural pride, and help make this a memorable week of learning, appreciation, and community at Freedom High School!
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Thursday, September 24, is the first of two Resiliency Days, and students will follow an adjusted bell schedule that includes an extended 6th period.
During this time, all OCPS students in grades 6-12 will participate in a 30-minute self-paced Canvas lesson and a 30-minute college and career planning activity in Xello. Topics will include overcoming challenges, supporting mental wellness, and identifying on-campus resources. This lesson fulfills one hour of the Florida Department of Education's required resiliency instruction.
Families can access student materials through the Canvas app in the OCPS Parent Portal. We encourage parents and guardians to review these resources and continue important conversations about resilience, well-being, and future planning at home. Additional information is available through the OCPS Mental Health Services Parent Resources website.
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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!
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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 are happening NOW!
Tickets are available for purchase through teachtix.com
📋 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!
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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:
- School announcements and important updates
- Club meetings and event information
- Testing reminders and academic deadlines
- Athletic schedules and activities
- Direct communication with teachers and staff
- Classroom and school-wide notifications
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.
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Attention 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students! If you did not have your school picture taken in August, you will have an opportunity to take your photo during our Picture Day Makeup Day.
Students will be called to the PAC during their English class with a pass. Dual Enrollment students may report to the PAC before or after their assigned classes at Freedom to have their picture taken.
📸 Save on Photo Packages! Families can save $10 on photo packages when they pre-order before Picture Day. Visit cady.com/pictureday to confirm your information, explore package options, and place your order.
Don't miss this opportunity to ensure your school photo is included in this year's records and yearbook!
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Patriot Fine Arts & Stage
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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!
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Patriot Athletics Spotlight
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Congratulations to our Freedom Bowling Team on their victory over Innovation High School on Thursday at Boardwalk Bowl! Our bowlers demonstrated focus, teamwork, and determination as they competed, earning another impressive win for Freedom. We are proud of our student-athletes and coaches for their hard work and dedication both on and off the lanes. Keep rolling, Patriots! 🎳 |
Freedom High School Cross Country traveled to Altamonte Springs Saturday, September 12th, to pay tribute to Firefighter Stephen Siller and all the first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a day that forever changed our country. This event was about more than running. It was about honoring courage, sacrifice, service, and the heroes we will never forget.
It was also great to see some of our former Freedom student-athletes in attendance supporting this meaningful event!
Freedom had an outstanding showing:
🥈 Team Co-Captain Jackson Butler — 2nd Overall & 1st Place in his age group
🥇 Mr. John Kline — 1st Place in his age group
🏅 Slevin Gnanasoundar — 5th Overall & 2nd in his age group
🏅 Abdias Sanchez — 6th Overall & 3rd in his age group
🏅 Arthur Caneiro — 8th Overall & 4th in his age group
Freedom was very well represented in the 15–17 age group, and we are incredibly proud of how our runners represented the Patriot community!
Next up, the Patriots head to Lake Buena Vista High School for our next school meet!
Great job, Patriots! Keep running with purpose! 🏃♀️🏃♂️❤️💙
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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.
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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!
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Progress Reports will be available next week, and Quarter 1 ends on October 12! We encourage all students and families to take time to review current grades, attendance, and assignment completion to ensure a strong finish to the quarter.
Students should continue completing all assignments, preparing for assessments, and communicating with their teachers about any missing work or academic concerns. Families are encouraged to regularly monitor student progress through Skyward and stay informed about important academic deadlines.
Please remember to follow our Amnesty Calendar, which includes:
- Dates when Progress Reports and Report Cards become available in Skyward
- Opportunities to attend Saturday School to complete missing assignments and receive academic support
- Important quarter and grading period deadlines
Now is the perfect time to check in with your student, review their academic progress, and create a plan for success as we approach the end of the first quarter. Together, we can help every Patriot finish strong!
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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!
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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!
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Looking for ways to better support the youth in your life? Don't miss Devereux's September Parent Trainings! Join our expert teams as they share practical strategies and valuable resources for families.
This month's sessions include:
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Gaining Compliance and Understanding Behaviors presented by the Behavior Support Team
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Internet Safety Part 3: Gaming and Exploitation presented by the Delta Team
Delta
BSP
With both daytime and evening sessions available, it's easy to find a time that works for your schedule. Click the links below or scan the QR code to register today and continue building skills that help our students thrive!
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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!
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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 on 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. Meeting in the media center on September 14th before SAC at 5:45 pm.
We look forward to seeing you at SAC and welcoming you as a PTSA member!
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We invite all students, parents, and staff to become members of the Freedom High School PTSA! Your membership helps support programs that make a positive impact on our school community, including student scholarships, teacher appreciation initiatives, classroom support, and special events throughout the year.
By joining PTSA, you are investing in opportunities that help our students succeed while supporting the dedicated staff who make a difference every day. Membership is open to everyone, and every member helps strengthen the partnership between home, school, and community.
Join today and help us continue creating opportunities for our students and supporting our amazing teachers! Together, we can make Freedom even stronger. 💙🖤💛
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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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