Before the start of the 2013-2014 school year, the school board predicted that a total of 1,840 students would join Freedom High School in the new year. Therefore, Freedom was forced to let go many teachers and staff. Their prediction proved to be incorrect. As the new year began, a total of 2,200 kids were welcomed to the school for an exciting year of learning.  However, this created overly populated classrooms and over-extended staff.

“Just between September 23^rd and October 3^rd, there were about 300 schedule requests,” data processor Marie Mirabal said.

Almost every student is experiencing crowded classrooms and are stating that the amount of people in a room is extreme.

“Some people have to stand,” junior Kylie Centeio said.

This results in a hazardous environment that could possibly slow people down in case of an emergency.

“Most of my classes are cramped and non-spacious,” sophomore Lisandra Vazquez said.

Not only are students struggling to adjust to these uncomfortable conditions, teachers and staff are finding it difficult to make room for incoming kids. Also, staff is finding that the immense amount of schedule requests is stressful.

“I don’t think kids should get angry if we can’t change it. Without schedule changes, they have an opportunity to meet new teachers,” teacher Ambareeb Ameenuddin said.

Overall, Freedom is currently in the process of creating safe and comfortable learning environments. Some solutions include opening more periods of classes and requiring for students to join at least one virtual class in order to graduate. This way we can have another successful year of education.