A special thank you goes to our counseling intern, Ally, donors, and the Mu Kappa Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International) at Central Michigan University for generously matching a $200 donation. Because of their support and efforts, we are now able to provide food assistance to families when needed.
If your family is in need of a food basket before summer break, or at any point during the school year, please reach out to your building principal or school counselor.
If you need food support during the summer months, please contact Renee Wulff at wulffr@freelandschools.net.
At Freeland Community Schools, we are committed to supporting the whole child, and that means supporting our families, too. 💚
#FalconPride #TogetherWeThrive #FalconFamily

Meet Scott Miller, a proud Freeland alum who is a graduate of Michigan Technological University and now serves as Director of R&D at Dow. He lives in Freeland with his wife, Tracy, and is a proud dad to two seniors at Freeland High School.
Scott’s favorite memories from his time at Freeland include spending time with friends, playing basketball, and going to school dances, simple moments that made a lasting impact.
Since graduating, he is most proud of earning his degree from MTU, building a successful career at Dow, and most importantly, raising a great family.
After spending time away, Scott and his family chose to return to Freeland to raise their children, recognizing the strength and support of the community.
His advice for current Falcons:
💬 “Don’t let books get in the way of a good education.”
Scott believes being a Falcon means being part of a strong community with opportunities to grow, and he hopes that tradition of success and support continues for future generations.
#FalconPride #FalconFamily #ForeverAFalcon #GoFalcons #FalconsFlyFar

💚An Adaptable and Productive Leader is prepared to lead and work well with others.
Freeland graduates are adaptable and productive leaders, able to adjust to new conditions, work effectively with others, prioritize and manage time effectively, lead by example, and maintain flexibility.
#ImagineInnovateThrive #FalconPride #TogetherWeThrive

Do you want to share your academic journey with past, present and future Falcons? Fill out this form to be featured as we celebrate the incredible stories of Freeland graduates and the many ways they’re making a difference in the world. If you or someone you know is a proud Freeland alum, we’d love to feature you!
📋 Fill out the short form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSficxBfdsonHuGIJBeTM3x1gdnX6obIMN8n9a8xH4D3Y16oaQ/viewform?usp=preview
Tag a Freeland alum in the comments who you think should be featured! Once a Falcon, always a Falcon! 🦅
#FalconPride #ForeverAFalcon #FalconsFlyFar #BuiltToSoar #GoFreeland

💚A Digital Learner is prepared to embrace a changing world.
Freeland graduates are effective communicators who actively collaborate, value diverse perspectives, empathize with others, and proficiently engage in digital, face-to-face, and media-based communication.
#ImagineInnovateThrive #FalconPride #TogetherWeThrive

💚An Empowered Individual is prepared to thrive.
Freeland graduates develop a strong sense of identity, confidently embrace their individuality, values, and beliefs, paving the path for personal growth and authentic contributions to society.
#ImagineInnovateThrive #FalconPride #TogetherWeThrive

Today we’re celebrating our district Instructional Coaches and our Specials Teachers at Freeland Learning Center and Freeland Elementary!
From art, music, and PE to the behind-the-scenes support of instructional coaching, these educators bring creativity, energy, and expertise into every student’s day. They enrich learning experiences, support our classroom teachers, and help students discover new interests, talents, and ways to grow.
Thank you for the passion, collaboration, and care you bring to our schools.
You make a lasting impact on both students and staff every single day! 💚🤍
#FalconPride #GoFalcons #FreelandFamily


At Freeland High School, teachers prepare students for what’s next—whether that’s college, careers, or life beyond the classroom. They challenge, mentor, and inspire students to think bigger and reach higher.
Thank you for investing in our students’ futures and helping them soar beyond Freeland! 💚🤍
#FalconPride #GoFalcons #FreelandFamily







At Freeland Middle School, teachers show up every day to support, guide, and challenge students during such an important time in their growth. They help students build confidence, navigate challenges, and discover who they are.
Thank you for your dedication, patience, and impact. 💚🤍
#FalconPride #GoFalcons #FreelandFamily


💚A Self-Directed Learner is prepared to learn and grow.
Freeland graduates are empowered by self-direction. Students embrace the freedom to choose their learning pathway, enabling personal growth, self-discovery, and a deep understanding of the world around them, while unlocking a multitude of options and possibilities for their future.
#ImagineInnovateThrive #FalconPride #TogetherWeThrive

At Freeland Elementary School, teachers go above and beyond to make learning engaging, meaningful, and fun. They inspire growth, encourage creativity, and help every student feel seen and supported.
Thank you for the energy and care you bring to your classrooms each day. 💚🤍
#FalconPride #GoFalcons #FreelandFamily







At Freeland Learning Center, our youngest learners are guided by teachers who lead with patience, kindness, and heart. Every day, they help students build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Thank you for creating such a strong and joyful start for our Falcons. 💚🤍
#FalconPride #GoFalcons #FreelandFamily




Meet Madison Zavala (Oberle), a proud Freeland alum who is currently raising her one year old daughter while working in childcare at Good Shepherd Early Childhood Center and taking online classes through Southern New Hampshire University to earn her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Psychology.
Some of Madison’s favorite memories from Freeland include eating lunch in Mrs. Klida’s classroom and spending time in Mrs. Williamson’s choir class, where she built many of the friendships that meant the most to her during high school.
Since graduating, Madison is most proud of balancing the responsibilities of raising her daughter on a single income while continuing to work and pursue her college education at the same time.
Her advice for current Falcons:
💬 “Be yourself. The staff always has your back, even if you feel like an outcast. One day, when everyone graduates, the cliques you and your peers were in won’t matter or define the person you become. Sometimes classmates can be mean and make you feel small, but at the end of the day, you’re you and that’s all that matters. Be you, loudly and proudly.”
#FalconPride #FalconFamily #ForeverAFalcon #GoFalcons #FalconsFlyFar

Bridget East, Substitute Teacher serving Freeland Elementary students, has been part of Freeland Schools for 11 years. What began as a temporary position after being laid off from a pharmaceutical sales role quickly turned into a calling she couldn’t walk away from.
“I fell in love with being in the classroom and with Freeland Schools,” Bridget shared. “After working here, I didn’t want to go back to the sales field.”
Bridget is quick to praise the people she works alongside every day. “We have the best teachers and staff at Freeland,” she said. “Everyone looks out for their students and their peers, and they work collaboratively to create success for kids.” She also loves watching Freeland students grow and eventually graduate, a journey she’s been fortunate to witness firsthand.
Her message to students is simple and heartfelt: “I hope each and every student knows that they are valued. Every student has the potential to be something great.” Building relationships with students and watching them grow over time is the most rewarding part of her work.
Something many people may not know about Bridget is that she once worked on Chevrolet print ads and television commercials, including the iconic “Like a Rock” truck ads, an experience that even put her in the same room as John F. Kennedy Jr.
Outside of school, Bridget enjoys watching classic shows like SVU, The Closer, and Rizzoli & Isles, and her favorite movie is the Sundance film The Way Way Back, a story about a young person finding his way. She also loves trying TikTok recipes, camping annually at Ranch Rudolf, and spending time with family. A memorable camping trip there even helped her family decide to move to Freeland after meeting the Helmreich family.
Bridget describes herself as dedicated and quick-witted, loves anything that pairs well with cheesy potatoes, and enjoys traveling, especially to Florida during the Christmas season. She says the small-town feel of Freeland and the way everyone supports one another is what makes the community so special.
Thank you, Mrs. East, for your dedication, heart, and the positive relationships you build with Freeland students every day. We’re grateful you found your place here! 💚🤍
#FreelandFalcons #FreelandMI #GoFalcons

💚A Confident Thinker is prepared to think and engage.
Freeland graduates are confident thinkers and innovative problem solvers, adept at utilizing a wide range of strategies to tackle challenges with critical and creative thinking.
#ImagineInnovateThrive #FalconPride #TogetherWeThrive

Mrs. Bowen and Mrs. Quast have been using the POW + TIDE framework to support student writing this year. Through this approach, they’ve seen great growth in students’ confidence and ability to organize and express their ideas.
Recently, they began a collaboration to take their students' writing one step further! Mrs. Bowen introduced a new idea inspired by a text in our Magnetic Reading program about Little Free Libraries. This has sparked the beginning of a passion project that connects reading, writing, and real-world impact in a meaningful way for students.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project begins to take shape!
#FalconPride #GoFalcons #ImagineInnovateThrive

💚🤍 Falcon Alumni Spotlight: Grace Clark, Class of 2017
Meet Grace Clark, a proud Freeland alum who is currently working as a psychiatric Registered Nurse while attending Chamberlain University to earn her Master’s degree in Nursing and become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Since graduating from Freeland, Grace is especially proud of earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing and being nominated for a DAISY Award at her job, a recognition that honors nurses who provide exceptional patient care.
One lesson that has shaped Grace’s journey is learning that growth often happens outside of your comfort zone. Trying new things, even when they feel uncertain, has helped her gain confidence and embrace new opportunities along the way.
Her advice for current Falcons:
💬 “Take advantage of the opportunities around you. Get involved in activities, try new things, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. High school goes by quickly, so make the most of your time and build relationships with people who support you.”
Grace hopes the future of Freeland Schools continues to focus on growth, opportunity, and strong school pride, helping every student feel supported and inspired to reach their full potential.
#FalconPride #FalconFamily #ForeverAFalcon #GoFalcons #FalconsFlyFar

💚Communication builds trust and connection.
We are committed to telling our story clearly and consistently so our message aligns with our mission and reflects the incredible work happening across our district.
Strong communication builds strong partnerships, and we want to reach everyone we serve.
Want to dive deeper? You can now explore our brand guidelines and access logos right on our website! https://www.freelandschools.net/page/brand
#ImagineInnovateThrive #FalconPride #TogetherWeThrive


Meet Peggy Searles (Grohman), a proud Freeland alum who currently serves as a Director of Human Resources at Three Rivers Corporation and lives in Merrill, Michigan.
Peggy’s favorite memories from Freeland include the simple moments that made high school special, especially the dances after Friday night football games that brought everyone together. She also fondly remembers her home economics class with Mrs. Kolbe, which always added a fun and different experience to the school day.
Since graduating, Peggy is especially proud of earning both of her college degrees and graduating at the top of her class. That accomplishment showed her what she was capable of when she stayed focused and committed to her goals.
Today, being a Falcon holds even deeper meaning as she watches her son walk the same halls at Freeland and prepare to graduate next year. For Peggy, being a Falcon isn’t just something you are for four years of high school, it’s something you carry with you for a lifetime.
Her advice for current Falcons:
💬 “Take advantage of every opportunity while you’re in school. Join activities, sports, and clubs. These experiences help you learn how to work with people, build confidence, and discover what you truly enjoy.”
Peggy hopes the future of Freeland schools continues to build on the strong sense of community, pride, and tradition that has always brought Falcons together.
#FalconPride #FalconFamily #ForeverAFalcon #GoFalcons #FalconsFlyFar

Kristi Miller, 1st Grade Teacher at the Freeland Learning Center, is in her 11th year with Freeland. Her love for working with children and the strong connections she built during her student teaching experience led her to begin and continue her teaching career right here in the Freeland community.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with children,” Kristi shared. “I completed my student teaching in Freeland and thoroughly enjoyed the staff, students, and families I got to meet and work with.”
Kristi loves welcoming a new group of students each year and creating a classroom environment built on trust and care. “I always tell my students that our class is like a family,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow, learn new things, gain confidence, and learn how to work together and care for each other.”
Her hope for her students extends far beyond first grade. “I hope my students always know they hold a special place in my heart and that they will always have someone who believes in them and is rooting for them,” Kristi shared. “No matter how old they get or where life takes them, I will always be cheering them on.”
The most rewarding part of her work is seeing students’ character develop over time. Kristi especially loves witnessing acts of kindness and empathy and finds it even more meaningful when former students return, graduate, and carry those values with them into the world.
Outside the classroom, Kristi enjoys traveling, attending concerts, reading, and spending time watching her daughters do what they love, including horseback riding and dancing.
Kristi values Freeland for its strong sense of community. “There is always someone willing to step up and help out, offering support, encouragement, or a helping hand whenever it’s needed,” she said.
Thank you, Mrs. Miller, for creating a classroom that feels like family and for helping Freeland’s youngest learners grow into kind, confident, and caring individuals! 💚🤍
#FreelandFalcons #FreelandMI #GoFalcons

