The Freedom Phenom
May 2025
SHANNON HALVERSON
After 26 years of inspiring young minds and shaping futures, Ms. Halverson is retiring from her role as a middle school educator. Throughout her career, Ms. Halverson has been more than just a teacher; she has been a mentor, a guide, and a steadfast presence in the lives of countless students. As she embarks on this well-deserved chapter of her life, we want her to know how much she has influenced not only students but teachers as well. We will miss her dedication and passion that she has brought to Freedom Middle School, and we wish her all the best in this exciting new adventure.
--Janet Dominy
DR. KRISTEN HONKANEN
Dr. Kristen Honkanen will be retiring after 27 years of teaching sixth grade science. In addition to teaching science, she is an advocate for recycling and educates students on ways to care for their planet. She has headed up a Pet Club at FMS that is educational for students and gives back to the Cherokee County Humane Society. Along with her love of science, Dr. Honkanen brought the organization High Touch High Tech. This organization allows students to experience a science field trip without leaving the classroom.
--Sonya Lombard
AMY METCALF
Mrs. Metcalf is a teacher who cares about all of her students. She is highly knowledgeable in her subject area and always finds creative ways to engage her students in learning. Over the years, I have seen her give selflessly to education, never seeking recognition or praise. It has been an honor to work alongside her for the past 25 years.
Thank you, Mrs. Metcalf, for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the students of Cherokee County!
--Amanda Whitmire
LAUREN MOSS
Wishing Mrs. Moss a Happy Retirement!
After 18 years of service to the Freedom Middle School community, our beloved school counselor, Ms. Moss, is retiring at the end of this school year. Her compassion, guidance, and dedication have touched the lives of countless students and families over the years. We will miss her warm presence and thoughtful support. Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Moss and thanking her for two decades of heartfelt service to Freedom Middle School!
--Sarah Bigelow
MAY
- 1st - Principal Appreciation Day
- 2nd - School Lunch Hero Day
- 5th-9th - 8th Grade Milestones
- 5th-9th - Teacher Appreciation Week
- 7th - School Nurse Appreciation Day
- 7th - Menchies @ Lunch
- 8th - Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting
- 9th - School Communicators Appreciation Day
- 12th - 6th Grade Band & Chorus Concert
- 13th - 7th Grade Band & Chorus Concert
- 13th - Chick-fil-A Spirit Night for Band & Chorus
- 14th - 6th Grade Field Day
- 15th - 7th Grade Field Day
- 15th - CCSD Board Meeting @ 7pm
- 16th - 8th Grade Field Day
- 18th - SLP Appreciation Day
- 21st-22nd - Final Exams
- 23rd - 8th Grade Awards @ 10am
- 23rd - Last Day of School - Early Dismissal @ 12:45pm
OUTSIDE FOOD AND DRINKS
Lately we have had a lot of students bringing in breakfast and drinks in the morning. For sanitation purposes, anything other than water must be consumed in the cafeteria. If a student gets dropped off in the morning with a coffee or breakfast food they will be allowed to finish eating in the cafeteria before heading to homeroom. The cafe closes at 8:50am and all food and drink must be disposed of before heading to class.
If you need to drop off food for a student please keep the following things in mind:
- Food purchased from outside restaurants and remaining in the original packaging (i.e.. bags and wrappers) is not permitted in the cafeteria.
- Food brought from home must be prepared at home. Food will not be refrigerated, heated, or prepared by staff.
- Student use of kitchen equipment is not permitted.