Dear Freedom High School Families,
As I reflect on another great week at Freedom High School, I remain incredibly proud of our Patriots and the many ways they are learning, leading, serving, and representing our school community.
In our classrooms, students are engaging in meaningful learning through collaboration, critical thinking, reflection, and leadership. Beyond the classroom, those same skills are coming to life as our students volunteer throughout the community, support school events, participate in clubs and organizations, and give their time in service to others.
Our Patriot Pride is also on full display through athletics, performances, competitions, and special events. Whether our students are competing on the court or field, performing on a stage, volunteering early on a Saturday morning, or representing Freedom in the community, they continue to make us proud.
As we celebrate all that is happening, we also have several important weeks ahead. Please help your student stay organized and prepared as we approach Resiliency Day, Picture Retakes, PMA assessments, and PSAT/SAT testing. Encourage students to check schedules, arrive ready to learn, bring their charged OCPS device when required, and continue giving their very best each day.
Thank you to our teachers, staff, families, and community partners for continuing to support our students. Most importantly, thank you to our Patriots for demonstrating that being part of Freedom means more than academic success. It means working together, leading with purpose, serving others, and representing our school with pride.
Let’s continue making it a great year at Freedom!
With Patriot Pride,
Charles M. France
Principal
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Student Patriots in the Spotlight
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At Freedom High School, our AVID program is helping Patriots develop the academic, organizational, and leadership skills they need to succeed in high school and beyond.
A special shout-out to Ms. Brown, Ms. Read, and Ms. Martinez for the amazing work they do supporting, challenging, and encouraging our AVID students. Through AVID, students learn valuable skills in organization, collaboration, communication, goal setting, critical thinking, and self-reflection.
As part of our National AVID Day celebration on Friday, students put many of these skills into practice through collaboration activities and took time to reflect on how AVID has impacted them. Students shared that AVID has helped them:
- Stay organized and manage deadlines and time
- Take effective notes and confidently ask questions
- Set goals and recognize opportunities for growth
- Build confidence speaking in front of large groups
- Develop leadership and collaboration skills
- Become more connected to school and its activities
- Become more reflective and responsible learners
- Recognize their true potential
- Become more courageous, confident, and determined
What makes AVID special is not simply what students learn, but how they put those skills into practice every day. We are incredibly proud of our AVID Patriots as they continue developing the confidence, responsibility, and determination to become successful students and future leaders.
❤️💙 Thank you to our AVID teachers for helping our Patriots recognize their potential and giving them the tools to achieve it.
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At Freedom High School, leadership is about more than what happens in the classroom. Our Sea Cadets in Freedom’s FROTC program consistently demonstrate service, responsibility, teamwork, and Patriot pride throughout our campus and community.
Under the leadership of Commander Johnson, our students are developing skills that prepare them not only for military opportunities but also for success in college, careers, and life. Through the program, students learn discipline, leadership, communication, teamwork, accountability, and the importance of serving others.
You can see our Sea Cadets putting those lessons into action all across Freedom. They assist with gates and parking during football games, support major school events such as summer device distribution, and volunteer at athletic events.
Their commitment was especially evident during Freedom’s Cross Country Invitational in early September, when at least 15 cadets arrived on campus at 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday to help welcome approximately 400 runners. From setup and cleanup to directing runners along the course, assisting spectators, and cheering on competitors, our cadets helped create an organized, welcoming, and positive experience for everyone. Their professionalism and service do not go unnoticed, with runners, coaches, and parents taking the time to personally recognize and thank them.
❤️💙⚓ A huge Patriot shout-out to Commander Johnson and our Sea Cadets! Thank you for showing that leadership is not just something you learn. It is something you practice through service, responsibility, and commitment to others. You continue to represent Freedom High School with pride and demonstrate what it truly means to be a Patriot!
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The Science National Honor Society will host a Biology PMA Tutoring Session Wednesday, September 23, after school in the Media Center.
Biology students, take advantage of this opportunity to review key concepts, ask questions, and prepare for the upcoming Biology PMA. 📚🔬
❤️💙 Come ready to learn, collaborate, and feel confident going into your assessment!
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Congratulations to Emily Vogt for completing our Back to School Reading Challenge in Beanstack! 🎉📖 Way to go, Emily!
Students: If you completed the challenge but haven’t claimed your prize, stop by the Library Media Center to pick it up. Haven’t started this month’s challenge yet? There’s still time! Log into Beanstack, start reading, and you could be our next featured Patriot reader!
And remember, the Library Media Center is your space! Stop by before school, after school, or during lunch to enjoy a quiet place to read, work on homework, study, or check out your next great book. 📚❤️💙
Come in, get comfortable, and make the Media Center part of your Patriot routine!
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Our Leaders in Action and National Hispanic Honor Society students have started the year strong by putting leadership into action through service to our school and community!
Already this year, students have volunteered at a variety of events, including Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld, community cleanups, the Track Shack Run Nona, a volleyball exhibition tournament with Special Olympics, parent events, and more.
With the guidance and support of Ms. King and Ms. Febles, students are learning that great leadership goes beyond the classroom. Through these experiences, they are developing responsibility, teamwork, compassion, and a commitment to giving back while making meaningful connections within their community.
We are incredibly proud of these Patriots for showing us what it means to lead through service.
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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, 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 on September 24th.
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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A huge Patriot thank-you to Charities of Hunter’s Creek for their generous $2,500 donation to support Freedom High School’s Jazz Band and their upcoming trip to Chicago!
We are especially proud of Ayman Douidy, who represented the Jazz Band in receiving the donation. Prior to the gift, Ayman attended a Charities of Hunter’s Creek Board meeting and delivered a full presentation explaining the Jazz Ensemble’s opportunity and need for support.
What an impressive accomplishment for one of our scholars! Ayman demonstrated confidence, leadership, communication, and advocacy, showing exactly what can happen when students use their voices to create opportunities for themselves and others.
Thank you to Charities of Hunter’s Creek for investing in our students!
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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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What a way to celebrate Senior Night! Our Girls Volleyball team earned an amazing win over Oak Ridge and is now ready to take on the Metro Tournament!
We are proud of our Lady Patriots and can’t wait to cheer them on as they continue their season.
Let’s go, Freedom! Bring that Patriot Pride to Metros! 🏐
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What an AWESOME week for Freedom Boys Bowling! Our Patriots delivered two huge victories, defeating both Olympia and Edgewater by more than 400 points!
Cooper DeRosa rolled an impressive individual high game of 243, while Landon Grassett came through with an outstanding 209 in Game 3.
Together, Cooper DeRosa, Landon Grassett, Jackson Grassett, Ayman Doudiy, and James Joiner combined for an incredible 2,224 points off the lanes across three games! Keep rolling, Patriots! 🎳
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Freedom Cross Country traveled to Lake Buena Vista High School on Saturday morning, ready to compete!
Freedom was led by Team Co-Captain Jackson Butler, who crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 17:57!
The Patriots walked away with 15 NEW PRs! A huge shoutout to Zoe Velasquez, who absolutely crushed it by improving her PR by an incredible 7 MINUTES!
This team continues to work, improve, and push each other every week. With the postseason getting closer, Freedom is definitely a team to look out for!
Keep working, Patriots! The best is still ahead! 🏃♀️🏃♂️
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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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PMA 1 Week is coming! All students enrolled in Algebra 1, Geometry, U.S. History, or Biology will participate in PMA 1.
Students, please remember to:
- 📅 Follow the adjusted testing schedule
- 💻 Bring your fully charged OCPS-issued device on your testing day
- ⚠️ Plan ahead! Extra devices will not be available to borrow if you forget yours
While PMA testing is taking place, learning continues! Students will continue instruction in their other classes, including AP mock exams and other important learning activities.
Come prepared, do your best, and show what you know, Patriots!
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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 |
Have questions about college, careers, scholarships, applications, or planning for life after high school? Stop by Room 802 during a College & Career Open Lab! ❤️💙
Mrs. Dotson is available to help students with their College & Career Planning.
- 📍 Location: Room 802
- ✅ No appointment needed
- 📝 A teacher pass is required, except during your assigned lunch
- 📅 View available Open Lab dates and times: https://tinyurl.com/OpenLab802
Patriots, your future starts now! Take advantage of the resources and support available right here at Freedom. 🎓🌟
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Juniors and Seniors: Get ready to explore your future! Freedom High School will host a College Fair on October 1, giving students an opportunity to connect with colleges and learn more about post-graduation options.
⚠️ Important: Students may attend only if a parent/guardian has signed and acknowledged the Activity Parental Consent Form in Parent Square
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your options and start planning your next steps. Patriots, your future is waiting! ❤️💙🎓
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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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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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