It’s January, and while many may be looking ahead to the challenges of the new year, we must also not forget the major events that closed out the year for Freedom HS.

From Nov. 18 to 20, the theater company performed their fall musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live,” with concessions and a basket raffle held outside of the auditorium as the theater company brought characters such as Tom, George, Schulie, and more to life.

School was closed Nov. 23 to 29 for Thanksgiving break.

Course selection for grades 9 through 11 took place Dec. 1 to 13, with juniors choosing their senior year classes Dec. 1, 2 and 5. Sophomores chose their junior year classes Dec. 8, 9, 12 and 13 while freshmen selected their sophomore year courses Dec. 13 and 14.

The FHS chorus, directed by Ms. Volpato, performed its holiday concert Dec. 9. The orchestra also presented its concert Dec. 16.

The National Honor Society (NHS) held its annual blood drive with the Miller Blood Bank Dec. 14 in the aerobics room. A number of shifts were available for current NHS members to volunteer for during the school day. Members had to receive permission from their teachers beforehand in order to miss class and work their shifts. Forty-eight appointments were available for anyone 17 years or older and weighing over 110 pounds to donate blood upon presenting a valid student ID or driver’s license. Anyone 16 years old as also able to donate upon receiving parental permission.

An art show also took place Dec. 16, with art pieces made by several students on display.

School was dismissed early Dec. 22 due to a teacher in-service and school was closed from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2 for winter break.

Keystone testing took place Jan. 9, 10 and 11 for students who had to take either a biology, algebra or literature Keystone exam. Students who were not required to take the tests performed asynchronous work at home.

On Jan. 11, parents of incoming ninth grade students were invited to attend an orientation meeting in the auditorium, where they were informed of what the next generation of freshmen will be able to do while at Freedom, the requirements to graduate, and more.