Freedom Academy

A team of four school representatives are heading to Arizona this week to tour several outstanding charter high schools and to research their successful programs.  They’ll learn as much as possible concerning what produces top level achievement and what draws students and retains them.  With their information, we’ll be able to better hone and focus the direction our new expansion will follow as we continue to prepare for the state submission.

This year’s Inspirations winners have been announced.
Congratulations to all who participated and to these students
going on to Regionals.  The winners will be showcased at
Reagan Academy on February 19th from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Literature

Grade 6-8:
Soren Peterson  – Honorable

Musical Composition

Grade K-2:
Kyler Zarate 1^st place

Grade 3-5:
Keanna Zarate 2^nd place

Grade 6-8:
Soren Peterson 2^nd place
Caroline Burke  Honorable

2d Visual Arts

Grade 6-8:
Janiris Sanchez  2^nd place

Photography

Grade 3-5:
Bethany Yorgason  1^st place

Grade 6-8:
Ward Yorgason  1^st place

In a few years parents may have a satellite high school in which they can continue their children’s unique Freedom Academy education.  The process began with a group of parents researching and developing a plan for grades 9-12.  They submitted the plan to the school’s Governing Board, and on February 3rd the Board approved moving forward with the project.  The next steps will be to submit a more detailed outline to the state by April 1st.  If approved by the state this spring, there will be a two year wait until the satellite school would open.  The new school would begin with a 9th grade program, taking the graduating 8th graders from the existing school as well as from other local K-8 charter schools, then build grade by grade until full through 12th.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Jennifer Young at jennifer.young@broadweave.net

For the second year Freedom Academy 8th Graders have an opportunity to take an educational field trip to Washington D.C.  Individual students are responsible for the majority of the cost.  One grant has been awarded but much of the funds are hoped to come from the Lu’au fundraiser this Friday.

Students will spend 5 days visiting and learning about the most historic sites of the United States, from Jamestown Settlement to the White House.  They will work closely with an education leader and keep learning journals through out the trip.   They also have the opportunity to get high school credit for their work.  Mr. Ivie, who has taken a group before, reports, “Academically speaking this trip is life changing for students.”  If you’re interested in supporting one of these students please contact Mr. Ivie at bivie@pfa.cc.

BRING YOUR APPETITES! Dinner will be served buffet style.

Kalua Pork—Seasoned shredded pork
Teriyaki Chicken
Tahitian Poe—Tahitian banana pudding
Lupulu– Corned beef/spinach with coconut milk
Tahitian Ia Ota—Fish Salad
Green Salad
Rice
Saladruss—Tahitian potato salad
Coconut Bread
Li Hing Mui Pineapple
Coconut and Chocolate Cakes
Hawaiian Fruit Punch

Freedom Academy is hosting their First Annual Lu’au fundraiser to benefit the 8th Grade Washington D.C. trip. There will be a delicious meal as well as authentic dancers and live musicians.

When:   Friday, February 5th
What:   Dinner 6:00-7:30pm, Entertainment 7:30-8:30
Where:   Freedom Academy:  1190 W. 900 N., Provo, Utah

To purchase tickets see the front desk or call the school at 801-437-3100.
Ticket Prices:
Family………$25
12-adult…….$15
Ages 8-11…..$8
Ages 5-7……$5
4 & under…..FREE

Why: Dinner for the family, a professional show, a GOOD CAUSE!

It was a treat to have author David Farland visit the school.  Here are some pictures from his assembly:

The 7th and 8th grade art students have completed some beautiful work, reflecting the style of Georgia O’Keefe, in connection with their study of modern art.  They are on display at the school, or you can view some of them here:

Freedom Academy was asked to be one of four representative charter schools to testify at the state capitol this past week before the Appropriations subcommittee.  Director Lynn Herring, along with Ken Parkinson (CAO), Cary McConnell (CFO) and Chris Helvey, spoke concerning past and future budget cuts to our monies and how they impact the school.  Mrs. Herring reported, “This is an ongoing issue and one for which we will voice constant and continual concern.  It was a treat to meet the legislators and senators.  I know the state recognizes the amazing job charter schools are doing for Utah’s children.  We now have 6% of all state students enrolled in our 72 schools and long lists of students waiting to get in.  This is evidence that choice is alive and well.”