Military Families

We are pleased to announce that Freeport High School is a designated Purple Star School of Distinction, according to the Florida Department of Education. This designation recognizes FHS's commitment to supporting military-connected students and families.

Celebrating Our Military Families

At Freeport High School, we are dedicated to honoring and supporting the unique needs of our military-connected students and their families. We strive to create an inclusive and nurturing environment that promotes academic success, emotional well-being, and smooth transitions for students who face the challenges of frequent relocations and family deployments.

Through dedicated resources, staff training, and community partnerships, we ensure that our military students feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally. We are committed to fostering resilience, building a strong sense of belonging, and providing the tools necessary for lifelong success.

Each April Freeport High School celebrates Month of the Military Child by honoring and recognizing students throughout the month. Various activities and announcements are made throughout the month to highlight this sacrifices that are made by these students and their families.

Freeport High School is proud to serve almost 100 students whose parents are active duty, retired, or who have served in the military. FHS is also proud that five staff members have served in the military, four are military spouses, seven have children serving or who have served, and 26 staff members are military children.

FHS Reference Guide

Military Point of Contact

Our primary point of contact for our military families on campus is Mr. Russell Phillips. He is available to assist you and answer any questions you might have as you navigate this process.

Russell Phillips, TSA/Assistant Principal

Russell.Phillips@walton.k12.fl.us

850-892-1200 ext. 4111

Military Student Registrar

Assists military families with student enrollment, records transfer, accessing services for students with disabilities, and accessing school and community-based resources that are available in the district for military students and their families.

Celeste Goodwin, Guidance Registrar

GoodwinC@walton.k12.fl.us

850-892-1200 ext. 4113

Student-Led Transition Program

As part of our Student Government Association, the Freeport High School Student-Led Transition Program is comprised of five military-connected students who will tour military students and families around the school and connect military students with peer and staff mentors. The FHS SGA is sponsored by Jaime Wassman, also a military child whose father retired from the United States Navy.

Jaime Wassman, Student Government Association Sponsor

Jaime.Wassman@walton.k12.fl.us

850-892-1200 ext. 4138

Team Eglin School Liaison

The mission, vision, and goals of Team Eglin School Liaison Program aims to connect schools, families, and communities, in order to meet the educational needs of the military connected child.

Margaret Rivera, Team Eglin School Liaison

Margaret.Rivera.3@us.af.mil

850-883-3545

Enrollment Capacity

FHS reserves at least 5% of controlled open enrollment seats, as defined in Section 1002.31, F.S., for military students. For any questions regarding enrollment, please contact our Data Control Specialist.

Stephanie Bates, Data Control Specialist

BatesSt@walton.k12.fl.us

850-892-1200 ext. 4102

Resources

Individual Education Plan (IEP) teams carefully assess and determine the most appropriate Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program placement based on each student's unique needs. School administrators use these insights to assign students to the most suitable classrooms and teachers. Specially designed instruction will be delivered by an ESE teacher or other qualified service provider in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), as outlined by the IEP team. Typically, this instruction will occur within the regular education classroom alongside non-disabled peers. However, some students may require a separate learning environment for part of the day. Any changes to a student's placement will involve a review by the IEP team. Our district offers a broad continuum of services to support all students effectively.

For specific questions related to ESE and FHS, please contact our staffing specialist, Mrs. Vonda -Kay Bensley at 850-892-1200 ext. 4127 or via email at vondakay.bensley@walton.k12.fl.us

Students struggling with mental health issues may visit the Guidance Department at FHS at any time. Students in grades 9-10 should request to see Ms. Mara Morse, while students in grades 11-12 should request to see Ms. Jessica Obert. With parent permission students may be referred to our school LMHT, Mrs. Sarah Lamp who in addition to being our Licensed Mental Health Therapist, is also a military wife.

Information compiled on this site was collected from reputable resources linked in each section.

What is mental health and wellness?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
Family history of mental health problems

Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.

Early Warning Signs

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:

Eating or sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people and usual activities
Having low or no energy
Feeling numb or like nothing matters
Having unexplained aches and pains
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
Yelling or fighting with family and friends
Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head
Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
Thinking of harming yourself or others
Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school