Principals' Update

Dear Freedom Hill Families,

We are filled with gratitude after a truly wonderful week. Though the number of school days remaining is rapidly decreasing, it seems that each day holds another wonderful event. Thursday was one of our favorite traditions of the year as we welcomed returning seniors back to FHES for their Senior Walk. Our students lined the hallways to cheer on the graduates as they returned to the school where so many of them began their educational journey! On Saturday, Eagle student, staff, and family runners took to the streets for our 2026 FHES 5K Run! It was a fabulous few hours of exercise and togetherness. Both of these events were supported by many wonderful staff and family volunteers, and we appreciate Stacy Finkelstein and LeeAnn Turner for serving as POCs for the events. Thank you to all who supported and participated!

Today we are also sharing a bittersweet announcement of our departing staff so that we can acknowledge and celebrate their contributions to our community. Each of them has made a lasting mark on us and the lives of our students. Please join us in celebrating these incredible Eagles:

Nephy Lauture (1st Grade) has moved to Fredericksburg, and she has accepted a role at Widewater ES in Stafford
Ellena Canape (Music) is relocating closer to home, and will be teaching music at Eagle View ES
Minsun Cha (Instructional Assistant) will be contributing to our FHES community as a parent and a substitute
Chris Bateman (Long-Term Sub SBTS) will hopefully be finding a fantastic new role in FCPS with Mrs. Kelly returning to us
Casey Loftus (Part-Time School Counselor) is looking for her next role after her position at FHES was discontinued
Valerie Berg (School Health Aide) is retiring and is excited about reporting for Grandma duty!

We are looking forward to a week of learning celebration and, of course, Field Day 2026 (volunteer signup still open below)! Don't forget that the PTA is providing pizza and popsicles that day, and that our 6th graders have a larger lunch celebration. The cafeteria will be closed on Friday.

We hope to see you soon!

In partnership,

Nicholas Zapadka, Principal

Tim Scesney, Asst. Principal

Holly Sims, Asst. Principal

Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar

2025-26 FCPS School Calendar

Freedom Hill Family Resources

Breakfast/Lunch Menus

June 8 - Marshall HS Graduation
June 9 - EOY Band/Strings Concert, 6:30PM
June 10 - EOY Chorus Concert, 6:30PM
June 11 - SCA Talent Show, 2-4PM
June 12 - Field Day 2026 - Volunteer Signup!
June 17 - Last Day of School, Early Release at 2:05

Kindergarten Playdates on the Playground:

July 18: 3-4 pm
August 8: 3-4 pm
August 22: 3-4 pm

Bookmobile Dates at Los Pueblos + Pimmit Run Streets, 10-11AM:

July 8
July 22
August 5

2026-27 School Year

2026-27 FCPS School Calendar

August 21 - Open House, 10-11AM
August 24 - First Day of School!
September 1 - Back to School Night for Parents, 6-8PM

2025-26 Yearbook Sales

Yearbooks are selling fast, and are only available while our supply lasts. We don't want you to miss out on a copy! This is a wonderful way to commemorate the year. Families can order a yearbook by 1) visiting MySchoolBucks or 2) returning our flyer with cash or check made out to "Freedom Hill" in the amount of $20. Please contact Mrs. Harris in the front office with any questions about sales.

Summer Bookmobile Returns

One of our favorite traditions returns this summer! Join your FHES teachers for free books, cold treats, and summer fun! We meet at the corner of Los Pueblos and Pimmit Run streets from 10-11AM on the following dates:

Wednesday, July 8^th, 10-11
Wednesday, July 22^nd, 10-11
Wednesday, Aug 5^th, 10-11

If you have books to donate for the Bookmobile, please bring them to the office. We’d be grateful for early readers (think: Scholastic levels 1-3 or Step into Reading levels 1-3, etc) or early chapter books like Junie B Jones or the Magic Tree House books or graphic novels.