New Dates for Board Meetings

Board meetings will now be held on Tuesdays starting in January 2017 with the first meeting taking place on Jan. 10.

Positive Behavior Program Grant

Freedom’s new program “School-wide positive behavior support plan,” which is focused on awarding students for positive behavior, has recently been approved a grant of $10,000 that will be used for training to better the program. Freedom was the only school in Beaver County to receive this grant.

Literature Circles

Fourth grade teacher Amanda Whitworth’s request to complete her dissertation studies with literature circles to better children’s comprehension of nonfiction literature was approved by the school board on Dec. 8, however, Whitworth is still awaiting final approval from the institution. The study, in which parents will have the option to opt their child out of, will last five to seven weeks based on its effectiveness.
“I think that there is a fine line between literature circles and guided reading and I am interested to see the outcome of the data I collect, ” Whitworth said.

Girls’ Soccer Recognition

At the board meeting on Dec. 8, the 2016 Freedom High School’s girls’ soccer team was recognized for their Section Champ title and 20-0 record during the regular season. Coach Colin Williams was also recognized for being awarded WPIAL coach of the year.
“The support we received from the student body, school staff, families and friends was absolutely incredible and lifted us to become the first WPIAL girls’ soccer champs in our school district” Captain Alexsia Barlamas said.
She also recognized the fire and police departments, as well as local businesses, for their “undying support.” Next year, Barlamas said she expects to go to states and go “above and beyond and continue to accomplish great things.”