August 5, 2026 | Freeport, IL
Presented by Ethan Cross
Next Generation | F4F NEWS
Investigative Reporting, Editing & Publication
Joshua T. Atkinson
Chairman | Fighting4Freeport
Summer break is winding down, and before we know it, school buses will be rolling through neighborhoods once again. For students across Freeport School District 145, a new school year means new teachers, new classmates, new opportunities, and a fresh start.
The first day of school for PreK through 12th grade is Thursday, August 20, and the next two weeks are filled with important events designed to help students and families begin the year prepared and confident.
Whether your child is walking into kindergarten for the first time, starting middle school, entering high school, or beginning their senior year, here's what you need to know.
Freeport High School
Schedule Pickup
August 5-6
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Students should enter through the Moseley Street entrance.
Families can:
Pick up student schedules
Pay school fees
Submit sports physicals
Turn in 9th grade physicals
Submit 12th grade immunization forms
Complete enrollment paperwork
Receive assistance with schedule changes
Apply for fee waivers
Freshman & New Student Open House
August 18
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Incoming freshmen and new students will have the opportunity to:
Walk their class schedule
Visit the Activity Fair in the Library
Attend the Freshman Parent Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Attend the Athletics Code of Conduct Meeting at 7:00 p.m. (Required for any student participating in an FHS sport for the first time.)
Meet the Teacher Night
September 2
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Freeport Alternative High School
New Student Orientation
August 12
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
or
August 13
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Freeport Middle School
6th Grade & New Student Parent Meeting
August 18
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Families will have the opportunity to:
Walk student schedules
Meet staff
Attend the Parent Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria
Open House
September 2
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Jones-Farrar School (Grades K-8)
Meet the Teacher Night
August 19
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Elementary Schools
Blackhawk School
Meet the Teacher Night
August 19
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Center School
Meet the Teacher Night
August 18
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Empire School
Meet the Teacher Night
August 18
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Lincoln-Douglas School
Meet the Teacher Night
August 17
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Early Childhood Center
Meet the Teacher Night
August 17
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
More Than Just Another School Year
Every school year is a new beginning.
For some students, it's exciting. For others, it's a little intimidating. New schools, tougher classes, unfamiliar hallways, or simply wondering if this year will be different are feelings almost every student experiences at some point.
The good news is that no one has to face it alone.
These open houses, orientations, and meet-the-teacher nights are more than dates on a calendar. They're opportunities for students to become comfortable in their new environment, meet the people who will be helping them succeed, and begin building confidence before that first morning bell rings.
A little preparation today can make a big difference on August 20.
Throughout the school year, Next Generation will be highlighting student achievements, classroom innovations, athletics, fine arts, scholarships, clubs, career opportunities, and the young people making a positive impact throughout our community.
Because today's students aren't just preparing for tomorrow.
They're already helping shape it.
📚 Ethan's Homework
This week's homework isn't for a teacher.
It's for you.
Before the first day of school, find one place in your home that will become your study space for the entire school year. It doesn't have to be fancy. It could be a desk, the kitchen table after dinner, or simply a quiet corner of your room.
Make it your place.
Keep your backpack there. Keep your books organized. Make it a habit to spend a little time there every evening reading, studying, or completing homework.
Too many students try doing homework while lying in bed, sitting in front of the television, or moving from room to room. That makes it easier to get distracted, easier to procrastinate, and sometimes easier to fall asleep before the work is finished.
Then the next morning becomes a frantic search for the math book that somehow ended up under the couch or the homework folder left in yesterday's pile of clothes.
Success doesn't usually come from one big moment.
It comes from small habits repeated every day.
While you're getting your study space ready, think about what you want to accomplish this school year.
Not what your teachers expect.
Not what your parents expect.
What do you want?
Maybe it's making the honor roll.
Reading more books.
Joining a club.
Making the basketball team.
Improving your attendance.
Becoming more confident.
Write those goals down somewhere you'll see them often.
When you know your destination, it's much easier to stay on the path that leads there.
👨👩👧 Parent Pro Tip
The beginning of a school year is a lot like a birthday or New Year's Day.
For children, it's a fresh start.
A chance to reinvent themselves.
To grow.
To make new friends.
To overcome challenges.
Yes, it can also be scary. There may be anxiety about a new school, harder classes, or simply wondering where they'll fit in.
That's why your attitude matters more than you may realize.
This week, show your excitement.
Celebrate the new school year. Talk about the opportunities ahead instead of only focusing on homework, rules, or responsibilities.
Then ask one simple question:
"What do you want to accomplish this year?"
Notice the question isn't about your goals.
It's about theirs.
Let them dream a little.
Maybe they want to improve their grades, make a sports team, learn an instrument, become a better reader, make new friends, or simply feel more confident walking into school each morning.
Once they define the destination, your role becomes much easier.
You don't have to choose the path for them.
You simply help keep them on it.
Parenting isn't always easy, and the school year can be hectic for every family. But the conversations you have before that first day often shape the attitude your child carries into the classroom for months to come.
A little encouragement today can build confidence that lasts all year.