As Freedom High School (FHS) opens for the 2017-2018 school year, it takes a huge step into today’s society in regards to technology. Everything in the modern world is so digital and high-tech, it is almost too hard to keep up. However, FHS is up to the challenge.

  FHS is staying in the game by adding two new 65 inch flat screen televisions—one to each side of the cafeteria; displaying QR codes for promotional purposes; implementing social media to connect to the school; and installing new seats in the planetarium.

Televisions for All

  The televisions were gifted to FHS from the Class of 2017. On the first day of school, students enjoyed a picnic lunch in the cafeteria and outside. This was the perfect opportunity for the televisions to be displayed for all to finally see.

  “When we first sat down to think about what we wanted to do, we thought about the televisions. They are good for the kids to have at lunch, and Liberty has them so why not,” said Ms. Nora Lorady, 2017 senior class advisor. The televisions are in the cafeteria because it is the most populated place and FHS wants the students to relaxed during lunch.

     In the near future, the televisions will be used to display The Freedom Forum’s newscast, announcements about the school, football game replays, and the news channel.

Snapchat that QR Code

  How many students are always on their phones in the hallways or in class taking and posting Snapchats? The answer is: a whole lot of them are.

  The FHS Varsity Cheerleading Squad incorporated the app Snapchat today into something for publicity purposes by combining it with the use of QR codes.

  “QR codes are so common to see in today’s day and age and I thought we should hop on the bandwagon and give it a shot,” said Lynn Spina, Athletic Secretary and Varsity Cheer Coach.

  The new cheerleader shirts have a QR code on the back of them, which links to a website created to bring the school together. In order to use the code, students scan the back of the shirt with the Snapchat camera and click the link that pops up on the phone.

    Coach Spina instructed the cheerleaders to wear the shirts the first day to get the word out about positivity. Although the squad members have only worn the shirts twice, they have still been able to receive some positive feedback from their fellow peers.

  “When the shirts were first worn by the girls, people were definitely curious. However, we don’t have much feedback yet.... Basically, the jury is still deciding,” said Coach Spina.

Sitting to See the Stars

  The planetarium is used as an astronomy classroom by Mr. John Harvey. Not everyone at Freedom has the opportunity to step inside the planetarium every day. However, thanks to the new additions to the room such as the freshly-painted walls, new carpeting, and reclining seats, students in the astronomy class will find themselves very lucky—and comfortable.

  The new seats are state-of-the-art quality covered with a nice fabric. The seats recline back and are tall enough to support students’ heads. The chairs also contain a desk. Most are on the right side; however, there are left-handed desks in certain spots around the room for the students who are left handed.

  “The old seats have been here ever since the school first opened, and I was expecting maybe a step or two above them. When I first saw the room, it totally blew my expectations out of the water. I could not be happier with how everything looks,” said Mr. Harvey.

  Finally, there have been other technology upgrades at FHS, such as 60 Chromebook carts with 32 new Chromebooks in each cart, document cameras, projectors, and a Padcaster system.

  “The new upgrades have definitely hyped up the school as a whole. I really like all of the new things that the school brought to us this year,” said Sydney Zarzecki, junior.