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Student Services

Freedom High School's Student Services

Freedom High School’s Student Services Department supports every Patriot’s academic success, personal growth, and preparation for life after graduation. Our team provides academic guidance, college and career planning, social-emotional support, graduation assistance, and connections to valuable school and community resources.

We encourage students and families to explore the information below based on their needs. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact us. Our staff members’ contact information is available in the tabs below.

Valerie Pichardo

Alpha: A - Con Valerie.Pichardo@ocps.net Extension: 6085661

Keila Porter

Alpha: Coo - GT Keila.Porter@ocps.net Extension: 6085698

Trisha Henderson

Alpha: Gu - Mok Trisha.Henderson@ocps.net Extension: 6085604

Tim Harkins

Alpha: Mol - Roc Tim.Harkins@ocps.net Extension: 6085659

Tina Bulled

Alpha: Rol - Z Tina.Bulled@ocps.net Extension: 6085666

Jill Dotson

College & Career Specialist Jill.Dotson@ocps.net Extension: 6085607

Janell Gargano

Graduation Coach Janell.Gargano@ocps.net Extension: 6085647

Dwana Dye

CTE Career Specialist Dwana.Dye@ocps.net Extension: 6085694

Arthur Johnson

504 Counselor and Student Services Arthur.JohnsonII@ocps.net Extension: 6085667

Lainey Dorris

Mental Health Social Worker Lainey.Dorris@ocps.net Extension: 6085649

Terri Pope Hellmund

ESE Staffing Specialist (A-L) Gifted Coordinator 66329@ocps.net Extension: 6085668

Kimberly Mercilus

ESE Staffing Specialist (M-Z) Kimberly.Mercilus@ocps.net Extension: 6082424

Sandra Cadiz

Reception & Parent/Teacher Conferences Sandra.Cadiz@ocps.net Extension: 6085656

Manika Nelson

Reception, Transcripts, & Records Manika.Nelson@ocps.net Extension: 6085603

Michelle Flynn

Registrar Michelle.Flynn@ocps.net Extension: 6085813

Maria Caliari

Assistant Principal of Instruction Maria.Aguado@ocps.net Extension: 6085606
  • Students must complete a diploma request form found at the link below:

    FHS Diploma Request Form

     

    The cost for a duplicate diploma is $7.50. If you also want a diploma cover, there is an additional charge of $2.50.

     
    Use the following link to access SchoolCash:
    SchoolCash link for Diploma Requests

     

    We will notify you when your diploma copy is ready to be picked up. If you are requesting it be mailed to you (domestic US addresses only), please do not order a cover. We will only mail the diploma.

     

    If you have further questions or wish to follow up on your order, please call Student Services at 407-816-5603.

  • College and Career Resource Center

    As your College and Career Specialist at Freedom High School, I would like to assist all students with post-secondary plans. While most details are finalized during the senior year, planning begins in 9th grade. I am available to assist students on the topics below: 

     

    Seniors

    • College Applications
    • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
    • Bright Futures Scholarship
    • Other Scholarships

     
    All Grade Levels

    • Career Exploration
    • Post-Secondary Plans
    • College or University
    • Two-Year College
    • Technical
    • Military
    • Apprenticeship
    • Accelerated Skills Training Program
    • Speciality Program
    • Tools for college searches and career planning
    • ...and more!

     

    CollegeBoard recommends the following guidelines for College Planning: 

     

    Best Colleges and Schools in the US as ranked by University Headquarters:

     

    All students have access to the Student Services Canvas page for College & Career related resources as well as important announcements.
     

    I look forward to working with you soon!


    Sincerely,

    Mrs. Dotson
    College and Career Specialist
    Email: Jill.Dotson@ocps.net
    Phone: 407-816-5607

     

    School Counselors

    School Counselors guide students through graduation. School Counselors can assist students with the following:

    • Graduation Requirements
    • Schedules
    • Community Service
    • State Testing Requirements
    • Communication with teachers
    • Edgenuity (Credit Recovery)    
    • OCVS (Online Credit)
    • Dual Enrollment (Orange Tech and Valencia)
    •  ...and more!

     

    Contact information for School Counselors

  • How to Enroll

    Welcome to Freedom High School!

    We are happy to have you join our Patriot family. Below is the list of documents required to enroll in Orange County Public Schools. Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, click the “How To Enroll” link below and follow the four steps to complete the registration process. 

    HOW TO ENROLL

    • Student’s birth certificate
    • Proof of residency
    • Parent/guardian photo ID
    • Immunization records (Form 680 or 681)
    • Academic records or last report card if transferring
    • IEP or 504 (if applicable). 

     

    Can't upload? Bring copies to Freedom High School for scanning. No family is turned away. 

     

    Please pay special attention to the requirements for Verification of Residence and Verification of Guardianship. For some families, it may be necessary to visit the Office of Student Enrollment to obtain the required documentation BEFORE registering at the school. 

  • Transcript Requests
    Students must complete a transcript request form found at the link below:
    FHS Transcript Request Form

    Students will email the Transcript Request Form with a copy of the SchoolPay transaction (if necessary) to Manika.Nelson@ocps.net

       - There will be no charge to current students who order an electronic copy of their official/unofficial transcript.

       - Current students who request a paper copy, official or unofficial, will be charged $2.08 per copy. This does not include unofficial transcripts schools provide for students, parents, and guardians to audit.

       - All OCPS alums will be charged $2.08 for electronic or paper copies of transcripts, official or unofficial. (i.e., A 2024 graduate is considered an alumna as of August 12, 2024) 

    Use the link below to access SchoolCash Online:
    SchoolCash link for Transcript Requests

    If you have further questions or wish to follow up on your order, please call Student Services at 407-816-5603.

  • Although it is not a requirement to graduate, community service hours are required for the Bright Futures Scholarship and are a positive addition to college applications. Updated state and district guidelines and criteria for students to complete community service hours are posted below. Students must complete a comprehensive community service plan which addresses a social problem or concern, and submit the plan to their guidance counselor for approval prior to implementation. Please see the link below for additional information, forms, and suggested projects.
     

    Community Service Log and  Reflection Form

    Guidelines for students:

    1. Obtain the required forms from the school website or in Student Services office
    2. Develop a written community service plan which addresses a social problem or concern.
    3. Submit the plan to your counselor for approval before you begin your community service (unless you are completing community service at an automatic approved location).
    4. All community service will begin the summer prior to entering high school. Community service prior to grade 9 will not be counted.
    5. Submit community service documentation to your counselor upon completion of the approved activity.
     

    Florida Statutes 1009.534, 1009.535, 1009.536

    The student may identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that interests him or her, and develop a plan for his or her personal involvement in addressing the issue or learning about the area. The student must through papers or other presentations, evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid work experience. Such volunteer service or paid work may include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization, or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office. The hours of volunteer service or paid work must be documented in writing, and the document must be signed by the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the student performed the volunteer service or paid work.

  • FHS Programs Info (Students will find contact information for program classes as well as applications for certain programs)

    Incoming 9th Grade Presentation Link

    Freshman Course Request Worksheet (Use for course codes when entering classes on Xello)

    Curriculum Guide

    Xello Directions

    For any questions or concerns, please contact the Student Services Department (407)-816-5600.