August 17-22, 2026

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This week we will have an altered bell schedule on Tuesday 8/18/26 due to the student late start/early morning work session and a scheduled lock down drill. Bus routes being approximately 80 minutes later than regularly scheduled.

Fremd High School will conduct its first lockdown drill of the school year on Tuesday, August 18th. The drill will be conducted in partnership with the Palatine Police Department so that we can evaluate our procedures and preparedness. Families may notice an increased police presence on campus that day; officers will be present as part of the planned drill, and their presence will not indicate an actual emergency.

Students learned about our lockdown procedures as part of a broader school safety lesson on Tuesday, August 11. This instruction will include our RUN–HIDE–SURVIVE protocol. In an actual emergency, students and staff must evaluate the circumstances and determine whether it is safest to evacuate the building or shelter in a secure location.

On the morning of the drill, an announcement will remind students and staff that the drill will occur that day. Although the exact starting time will not be shared in advance, the exercise will be clearly identified as a drill when it begins. It will not include simulated gunfire, actors portraying an assailant, or other elements intended to mimic an actual attack. Students who determine that evacuation would be the safest response will simulate that action by moving to a vestibule area rather than fully exiting the building until the drill is complete.

Once the drill begins, messaging will also be posted on the FHS website and outdoor marquee informing the community that a lockdown drill is underway. We recognize that even the word “lockdown” can cause concern. Our goal is to conduct the drill in a calm and supportive manner while giving students and staff an opportunity to practice procedures that could help protect them during an emergency.

Parents and guardians may exempt their student from participating in the walk-through lockdown drill for any reason. Students who do not participate will receive alternative school safety instruction in a less sensory format. To request an exemption, or if you have questions, concerns, or information that may help us better support your student, please contact Assistant Principal Kevin Farrell at 847-755-2616 or kfarrell@d211.org.

Please see the attached messaging from D211's Director of Safety & Security, Matt Hildebrand.

We successfully welcomed over 2600 Vikings back into the halls of Fremd High School last week. Students were encouraged to live up to the pillars of being Mighty, Brave and Bold. Mr. Langer highlighted that when we all ROW TOGETHER we can achieve so much! The week finished with an extra curricular fair aiming to get all students involved as well as a welcome back assembly in the main gym.

Mark your calendars for the following school events:

• Tuesday 8/18 - Late Start
• School begins at 8:50
• Bus routes begin approximately 80 minutes later
• Tuesday 8/25 - NHS Induction
• Ceremony begins @ 7:00PM in the auditorium
• Thursday 8/27 - Open House
• Student dismissal 11:50
• 7:00-9:00pm
• Monday 9/7 - Labor Day
• No School
• LOOKING AHEAD: Homecoming Week
  
• Spirit Week 9/21-9/25
• Football Game 9/25
• Dance 9/26

We would like to SHOUT OUT the following students, groups, activities, athletics, etc. on a job well done!

• This summer, a group of Fremd students had the incredible opportunity to travel to Peru for a cultural, linguistic, and educational experience they will never forget. Students explored historic sites, hiked through beautiful landscapes, visited Machu Picchu, experienced Peruvian culture firsthand, practiced their Spanish in authentic real world settings, and built meaningful connections throughout the trip.
• The group had an amazing time, and our students represented Fremd beautifully with their curiosity, kindness, and positive attitudes. It was a truly unforgettable experience for everyone involved!

• Congratulations to senior Caylin S. and junior Chaya N. on being selected to perform with the IL All-State Musical - Something Rotten! Hundreds audition every year, so this is a huge honor for these theatre students!

• Congratulations to the Fremd Coding Team for their outstanding performance in the ACSL (American Computer Science League) international competition this past year. Fremd's Senior division team captured 1st place out of more than 200 teams globally, with a cumulative season score of 240 points. The following individuals were recognized for their significant contributions to the Coding Team:
• Avirag H.: Head Captain and Founder

• Anna D.: Outstanding Award (Senior Division Team)

• Shristi H.: Outstanding Award (Intermediate Division Team)

• Additionally, the following individuals were recognized for their accomplishments in the individual ACSL Finals competition:

• Arnav S.: Bronze Medal (Senior Division)

• Ayaan K.: Silver Medal (Senior Division)

• Bryden L.: Bronze Medal (Senior Division)

• Krishna P.: Silver Medal (Senior Division)

The safety of our students and staff are our highest priority before school. If your child is driven to school please keep the following safety tips/reminders in mind:

• If you are dropping students off in the neighborhoods around Fremd they should be utilizing the designated crosswalks to cross Illinois Avenue and/or Quentin Road.
• If you are dropping students off on eastbound Illinois (along the school building) please make sure you have a heightened awareness of pedestrians in the area.
• If you are dropping students off in the parking lots, please allow them to exit your vehicle and then proceed along the traffic route - do not stop traffic to watch your student enter the building.

Freshman/Sophomore Portraits - during wellness classes on Wednesday August 19.

Junior/Senior Portraits - during wellness classes on Thursday August 20.

All photos will be posted online for you to view and order. After picture day, look for an email sent to you by “Visual Image Photography” or go to vipis.com. A student ID number may be required. All orders are delivered directly home. For assistance email support@vipis.com

Please make sure to mark your calendar for our annual parent open house on Thursday 8/27/26.

More information will be coming out closer to the date. Classes end at 11:50 that day. The event begins promptly at 7:00pm.

District 211, in partnership with Harper College and Districts 214 and 220, invites you to learn more about College Now. This program provides eligible students with the opportunity to earn both a District 211 high school diploma and a Harper College Associate in Arts degree by the end of Grade 12.

Webinar Info

Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Online Webinar - College Now

Register here: College Now Family Information Night Registration

Please see THIS EMAIL that was sent to all sophomore students & parents/guardians of sophomore students. Please reach out to Michele Napier, Director of College and Career Readiness, with any additional questions

Please see THIS LETTER for more information or if you are interested in becoming a mentor. You are also able to click on the image above to apply.

Congratulations to our students who are being inducted into the National Honors Society on Tuesday August 25, 2026. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.

On the morning of open house (Thursday, August 27), all Juniors will be taking the practice ACT test during school hours. Please see Mr. Newmark in the Intervention Office with any questions.

Please join the principal for a Parent Principal Network meeting prior to the Fremd Viking Boosters meeting on Tuesday, September 8th, from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Library. Discussion will center on events for the start of the school year with an emphasis on school safety. Plan on staying for the Booster meeting as well!

Wondering what this code means on your child's attendance? This is the code that designates a student has scanned into either the cafeteria, study hall or media center and that they are "present" for the period.

Please consider joining the Fremd Viking Boosters this upcoming school year to help support the students and staff of Fremd High School. JOIN HERE!

Please see the FHS Website for Activity/Academic/Athletic calendars OR CLICK HERE!

Remember to take a moment to log your community service hours in Maia Learning! See the attachment below for details on how to put them into your account.

Fremd High School

• Instagram: @fremd_vikings
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/FremdHighSchool

Fremd Activities

• Instagram: @fremd_actvities
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/FremdActivities

• Instagram: @fremdathletics
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/FremdAthletics

Mark Langer, Principal

Website: https://adc.d211.org/Domain/9
Location: 1000 South Quentin Road, Palatine, IL, USA
Phone: 847-755-2600