As we move deeper into the spring semester, I want to take a moment to share how incredibly proud I am of the connections I continue to witness every day across our campus. From classrooms to hallways, clubs to competitions, the genuine sense of belonging and community among our students and staff truly exemplifies what it means to be a Patriot.
This week was a strong reminder of the excellence, honor, and tradition that our hard‑working staff bring into our classrooms and programs. Whether supporting academic growth, guiding student leadership, or mentoring through extracurriculars, our teachers, counselors, coaches, and support staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure our students feel supported and challenged to reach their full potential.
We celebrated many highlights this week—from student leadership during SGA elections, to powerful moments of connection at Multicultural Night, to outstanding achievements in Track & Field, the Performing Arts, and recognition of excellence within our ESOL program. Our Patriots showcased the commitment our students and staff share toward growth and success. These moments reflect the proud culture we continue to build together.
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I encourage our students to stay focused, stay engaged, and continue working hard. Finish strong—every effort you make now matters. Together, we will continue to strengthen the community that makes this campus such a special place.
Thank you to our families for your ongoing support, and to our staff for the dedication you show our students each and every day.
With Patriot Pride,
Charles M. France
Principal, Freedom High School
Academic Excellence at Freedom
Highlighting classroom success and collaboration
Celebrating ESOL Student Achievement
We are proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of our ESOL students during the 2nd and 3rd quarters. A total of 61 ESOL students were honored for their academic achievement, demonstrating perseverance, growth, and a strong commitment to learning. Their accomplishments reflect the importance of resilience and effort, and we commend these students for their continued success.
Why Attendance Matters!
Coming to school every day makes a big difference! First, being in class daily helps you stay on track with learning—missing school means missing important lessons and connections with teachers and classmates. Second, strong attendance builds habits that lead to success now and in the future.
In April, we kicked off our Perfect Attendance Challenge, where five students from each grade level with perfect attendance were selected in a special drawing. Great work to everyone who participated!
The challenge continues in May, and the prizes are even bigger! Students with perfect attendance will earn a special lunch and be entered for a chance to win a FREE parking pass for the 2026–2027 school year. Show up, stay engaged, and finish strong!
Library Month Celebrations Continue in April!
Our Library Month celebrations are still going strong! Students are invited to stop by the Media Center during lunch, before school, and after school to enjoy a variety of activities, including a special author presentation. There’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
We’re also encouraging students to continue logging their reading minutes in Beanstack. Every minute counts, and students can earn exciting prizes while building strong reading habits.
In addition, students are invited to sign up for our Bracelet Making activity on April 27, hosted in partnership with the Public Library. Space is limited, supplies are provided, and sign-up is required—don’t miss this fun, creative opportunity!
Looking ahead, we invite our readers and families to participate together in our Read-A-Thon fundraiser in May. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together and support the FHS Library Media Center. Our goal is to raise $5,000, and every dollar donated helps enrich our library program and expand learning opportunities for all students.
Freedom Fine Arts Showcase
Honoring the dedication and excellence of our Patriot artists
🎤 THE FINAL BOW: BACK TO THE ‘80s! 🎶
Get Ready to Turn Back Time, Patriots!
Grab your hairspray and your brightest neon because we’re taking a totally rad trip straight to the 1980s! 📼✨ Our amazing students are hitting the stage for The Final Bow: Back to the ‘80s!—a night packed with iconic hits, bold pop‑culture throwbacks, and all the high‑energy fun of the ultimate ‘80s concert experience.
This show is going to be fresh, fierce, and full of electric nostalgia. So pull out your best ‘80s gear (if you’ve got it!), grab your crew, and get ready to rock with us. Be there or be square! 🟧
📍 WHERE
Freedom High School Performing Arts Center (PAC)
🗓️ WHEN
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
⏰ TIME
7:00 PM
🎟️ TICKETS
Tickets will be selling faster than a New Wave mixtape!
We can’t wait to rock out with you—Patriot style! 🤘🌴🕶️
Support Our Musical Theatre Patriots! 🎭
The WILD ensemble is thrilled to take the stage at Top Talent! Thank you for the incredible support from our community. We invite you to continue showing your support by voting for “Wild, Wild Party” as the Fan Favorite. To vote, text FFSTAGE to 41444.
We can’t wait to see you live on April 25—come cheer us on!
Patriot Athletics Spotlight
Fueling the Fire, Flying the Flag, Competing with Heart!
Track & Field Shines at Metro Championships 🏃♂️🏃♀️
The Freedom High School Patriots Track & Field team had an outstanding showing at the Metro Championships, competing with heart, strength, and determination across sprints, distance, and field events. This success would not be possible without the dedication and leadership of our amazing coaching staff—Ms. Angel, Mr. Bell, Ms. Hughes, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Stall, and Ms. Kemp—who continue to push our athletes to achieve their personal bests.
Leading the Patriots was Tony Angel, who earned an impressive 2nd-place finish in pole vault. Strong field performances followed with Ethan Ron‑Tobert placing 6th in shot put and Jaydon Thompson taking 6th in triple jump. Thompson also contributed on the track as a member of the 4x100 relay team alongside Andre Lang, Jonathan Lorenzo, and Reshawn Guevara, finishing 8th overall.
In distance and sprint events, Jackson Butler battled through the 3200m to place 8th, while Reshawn Guevara delivered a strong performance in the 400m and ran a new personal best of 50.39, putting him very close to the school record.
The meet was full of personal bests, proving the impact of our coaches’ hard work and commitment:
New PRs in throws by Sydney Reynolds, Jonathan Lorenzo, Owen Bretz, Adrian Torrech, and Luke Ludington
Strong relay performances from the boys' 4x800 and 4x400 teams
Big improvements in the 100m, 200m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m, and hurdles, with multiple athletes setting new best times
This meet was a true reflection of the Patriots’ competitive spirit, teamwork, and growth. A huge thank‑you to our Track & Field coaches for motivating, mentoring, and believing in our athletes every step of the way. Keep pushing, Patriots. We’re proud of you!
Leading the Patriots was Tony Angel, who earned an impressive 2nd place finish in pole vault. Strong field performances
Our Multicultural Night was a beautiful example of the meaningful connections our students and teachers build through clubs and programs. With a strong turnout, clubs shared food staples representing countries from around the world, creating an evening filled with smiles, laughter, and a true sense of community among our diverse students. A special shout‑out to our SGA leaders, Ms. Brown and Ms. Beovich, along with our dedicated club teacher sponsors, whose encouragement and support motivated students to participate and helped make this event another wonderful success.
Student Voice in Action: SGA Elections
Last week, our campus was energized with SGA election campaigning, as candidates shared their ideas and connected with classmates across campus. Students had the opportunity to make their voices heard by voting for their favorite candidates during their social studies and elective classes. We are proud to share that more than 1,600 students participated in voting throughout the day! Congratulations to the election winners, and kudos to all students who participated in the campaign—your involvement truly reflects the spirit of leadership and school pride.
Patriot Standards
Promoting Respect, Responsibility & Readiness
Patriots—Stay Strong, Stay Present, Finish Proud
As we enter the final quarter of the 2025–2026 school year, this is your moment to stay focused and finish strong. Every day matters, and your commitment now will shape your success for the year.
📅 AICE Testing Begins Next Week – Important Information for Students & Families
AICE testing will begin next week, and it is important that students arrive prepared and on time. Students must bring their school ID each day of testing and report promptly to their assigned testing location. Testing locations will be communicated via Ms. Tarantino’s email, so please be sure students review this information carefully.
Students are not permitted to bring any materials into the testing room other than their ID. A designated room in the testing hallway will be available for students to store backpacks and personal items. Students will retrieve their belongings after testing and continue with their scheduled classes, where preparation for other major assessments will continue.
Please note that all students enrolled in AICE courses are required to attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of each exam in order to receive a complete AICE score. Families are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan accordingly. Additional details, including specific dates and times, will be shared as we approach the testing window.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students succeed.
Upcoming Testing
As we begin Semester 2, we want to ensure all students and families are well‑prepared for upcoming exams. Please monitor your email regularly for important testing updates from Ms. Tarantino, including specific test dates, times, and testing locations.
To help testing run smoothly, please remember:
Students should use their OCPS device every day.
Daily use ensures the device receives necessary updates and minimizes technical issues on testing days.
Arrive to school and testing locations on time.
Prompt arrival supports a calm, smooth testing environment for all students.
Bring your school ID.
IDs are required for verification and entry into testing rooms.
Thank you for partnering with us to support a successful and well‑organized testing season for all of our Patriots!
Senior Final Exams Schedule
ELA BEST, Algebra 1, & Geometry Assessment
9th to 11th grade Final Exams Schedule
Mark Your Calendars for AP Testing
AP testing is approaching, and we encourage all students and families to mark their calendars now. It is extremely important that students carefully follow all instructions provided by their AP teachers and regularly check their emails for updates from Ms. Tarantino, who will share important details about test dates, times, and locations.
Staying informed will help ensure a smooth and successful testing experience for everyone.
9:00 am in the FHS Performing Arts Center (PAC). Seniors and Parents will be invited to Senior Signing Day only if the Senior completes this form by April 22nd: Link to Senior Signing Day sign-up
May 1 | Grad Nite 2026 @ Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL
Attendees (FHS seniors only) will meet in the cafeteria at 4:00 pm to board buses (you must ride the bus; no student driving), then return to FHS by 2:30 am. Attendees must ride the bus to and from Busch Gardens. No exceptions.
May 9 | Cap and Gown distribution/pick-up
9:00 am – 1:00 pm in the FHS Gymnasium.
May 9 | Prom "Once upon a Time"
Prom questions should be directed to Ms. Flores. Jamie.Schroeder@ocps.net
Class of 2027! Preparing Our Juniors for Senior Year Success
Class of 2027, it is time to start thinking about your senior portrait. This is the first step to ensure your senior information is correct and that you receive important updates from CADY, our official school photographer. Complete Senior Registration today.
We are proud to celebrate two outstanding Patriot staff members who were recently honored at the Orange County School Counselor Association Ceremony. Ms. Kaila Porter was named High School Counselor of the Year, and Ms. Dwana Dye received the Support Person of the Year award. These well‑deserved recognitions reflect their dedication, compassion, and continued commitment to supporting our students and school community. Congratulations to both Ms. Porter and Ms. Dye on this incredible achievement—we are grateful to have you as part of the Patriot family!
Upcoming Events
April 19th to May 2nd, 2026
🎉 Welcome, Future Patriots! Join Us for Patriot Preview on April 27th!
We’re excited to invite all of our rising freshmen and their families to Patriot Preview, a special event designed to give you a closer look at what makes Freedom High School such an incredible place to learn, grow, and belong.
At Patriot Preview, you’ll get to explore our wide range of extracurricular programs, meet the staff and students who make our campus shine, and discover the many ways you can get connected from day one. Building relationships and finding your place in our Patriot community is what we’re all about.
📍 Where: Freedom High School Gym
🗓️ When: April 27th
⏰ Time: 5:30–7:00 PM
We can’t wait to welcome you, show you what Freedom is all about, and help you start your Patriot journey with confidence and excitement. See you here! 💙❤️
Freedom Family Resources
Helping our Freedom community stay informed, engaged, and prepared for excellence.
Patriot Voices Wanted: Join PTSA and SAC!
Join Our 2026–2027 SAC & PTSA Teams!
As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we invite our Patriot families to take an active role in shaping the future of Freedom High School. Elections for next year’s School Advisory Council (SAC) and Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) are coming soon, and we would love to see more parents involved.
SAC and PTSA are essential partners in supporting our academic programs, planning meaningful events, and ensuring that family voices help guide school decisions. Whether you are new to Freedom or a longtime member of our community, your perspective and participation truly matter.
There are only two more SAC and one PTSA meetings left this school year, making this the perfect time to join in, learn more, and see how you can contribute.
Come be part of the conversation.
Come be part of the Patriot community.
Together, we can make Freedom High School even stronger for every student.
The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a team of parents, teachers, students, and community members who work together to support school improvement and ensure that family voices help guide key decisions at Freedom High School. We will be holding elections for the new 2026–2027 SAC board at our May 18th meeting, and we encourage parents to get involved and make a meaningful impact on our school community.
Patriot Connections: Stay in the Know
🔔 Ways to Stay Updated with Freedom High
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!
