SUPERINTENDENT NEWSLETTER

Hello Freeport School District Families & Staff:

There is something special happening across Freeport School District 145. Our students are reminding us daily why we are so proud to call this community home. From the wrestling mat to the stage, our students continue to demonstrate excellence, creativity, and the Pretzel pride that makes FSD 145 special.

Congratulations to Freeport High School wrestler Treyden Diduch on his incredible achievement of becoming a Wrestling State Champion! Treyden's dedication, discipline, and hard work have earned him one of the highest honors a student-athlete can achieve. This milestone is a testament not only to Treyden's commitment to his sport, but also to the coaches, family members, and teammates who supported him along the way. Treyden, you have made Pretzel Nation proud!

"Just keep swimming" — because the talented students of Freeport Middle School and Jones Farrar brought the beloved story of Finding Nemo Jr. to life in a full musical production! This exciting collaboration between two of our schools was a showcase of our students' artistic and musical talents. From singing and dancing to costumes and set design, our young performers have worked incredibly hard to bring this production to the stage.

Congratulations to these young performers for a job well done. Special acknowledgement goes to the directorial staff; Cherie Crawford (director), Sarah Buchmann (assistant director), Kaitlin Heiman (music director) and Robert Winter (technical director).

Get ready to travel the world without leaving Freeport! The FSD 145 World Arts Festival is coming on Thursday, March 5th, and it is going to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, creativity, and community. This annual celebration of student talent is a vibrant event that will showcase the rich diversity of our student body through art, music, performance, and cultural displays that reflect the many traditions and backgrounds that make our district so unique.

Whether you are a family member, community member, or friend of FSD 145, we invite you to join us for an evening that embodies our pride in the arts in FSD. Thank you in advance to our music and art teachers across the district for helping prepare our students to deliver an outstanding performance.

Over the past several weeks, our Pretzels have been competing — and advancing — at the highest levels. From our dedicated athletes to our outstanding Speech Team members, Freeport High & Middle School students have proudly represented us on the state stage with talent, determination, and heart. And, we’re not finished yet! This weekend, we cheer on our state-bound swimmers and celebrate a trailblazing young woman who will represent us in girls wrestling. The momentum continues, and our Pretzels are proving that excellence is not an exception — it’s becoming a tradition.

Boys Wrestling:

• Treyden Diduch

• Thomas Olson

• Kareem Odeh (Alternate)

Coaches: Nathan Arendt (head coach), Randy Redington, Adam Breedlove, Desmond Canada

Girls Wrestling:

• NaJeyah Wallace

Coaches: Brad Parsons (head coach), Jessie Diduch

Speech Team

• Lucas Viveros

• Madaline Seal

• Naomi Sdao

Coaches: Tim Connors (head coach), Justin Pasch, (assistant head coach), Becky Connors, Kelly Everding, Paul Everding, Jenna Kleindl and Adam Moderow

Boys Swimming & Diving

• Dean Hartman

• Tristan Peterson

Coaches: Swimming - Deb Wichman (head coach), Mike Regan; Diving - Scott Piehn (head coach), Garry Cacciapalgia

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our 2026 Those Who Excel award recipients, who have been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. This prestigious honor recognizes educators who exemplify excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to students.

This year’s honorees embody our district theme: We Belong Here. They create classrooms and school communities where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through their dedication and compassion, they ensure students know they matter and that their voices are heard.

Award of Special Recognition

• Vache Fleming – Empire School

• Carmen Madigan – Empire School

Award of Meritorious Service

• Jon Adams – Empire School

• Jennifer Viveros – Blackhawk School

Award of Excellence

• Desiree Keyes – Empire School

• Christine Withington – Blackhawk School

Each of these exceptional educators demonstrates professional excellence and genuine care for children. They build strong relationships, foster confidence, and help cultivate a culture where students and colleagues alike know they belong.

We congratulate our 2026 Those Who Excel winners and thank them for living out our mission each day.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey is now open, and we invite all parents and guardians to share their voice. Our district belief — We Belong Here — means every family is valued, and every perspective matters. This confidential survey gives families an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and help us strengthen our schools in areas that matter most to student success—strong leadership, supportive learning environments, collaborative teachers, ambitious instruction, and meaningful family involvement.

When parents participate, it helps ensure our schools continue to be welcoming, supportive places where all students and families truly belong. Survey results are only generated when participation goals are met, so each response makes a meaningful difference. The Parent Survey is open through March 13, and we hope you will take a few moments to partner with us by completing it.

TAKE THE 5ESSENTIALS PARENT SURVEY TODAY!

https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/

Upcoming Events - New Events

Notable Dates

Reminders