Mr. Schleicher announced via Gmail that freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will be required to watch videos hosted by John Baylor in preparation for the PreACT and the ACT on Jan. 20.
In the past, sophomores and juniors would meet every Wednesday to watch a video and complete a packet of questions. Freshmen were required to take the PreACT without any preparation.
This schedule change is new for FHS, as the TST schedules have changed drastically for sophomores and freshmen.
Previously, TST had no move days on Wednesdays. Since the change, Wednesdays are now the only move day, as Tuesday and Thursday classes are limited to ACT preparation.
“We have been offering the OnToCollege ACT prep for several years now to help our juniors prepare for our statewide testing date each spring, but also for national test administrations on Saturday mornings,” assistant activity director Michael Schleicher said. “The schedule created for them requires two days a week, since the program is not as robust as the ACT program. We simply chose Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
ACT preparation has also affected clubs that take place during TST.
Clubs meet in TST but have had to adjust due to preparations. Teachers have found their way around and keep the clubs going.
“I rescheduled all of my clubs to take place on Wednesdays, which has resulted in attendance dropping sharply,” English teacher Blake Hughes said. “I hope we’re able to get back to our regular attendance in the latter part of the spring semester once we’re finished with ACT prep.”
Some teachers are teaching ACT preparation for the first time during TST.
“I think it comes down to the individual. I could generalize and say yes or no, but those who want to focus and be successful will apply themselves when it comes to preparation for any tasks, and that includes students focusing on ACT prep as well,” band director Christophor Weddel said.
For sophomore Reed Goebel, ACT prep hasn’t rubbed him the right way.
“I think if you want to do PreACT prep, then the school should provide a separate TST window for that, but if you don’t want to, I don’t think you should have to. I don’t think it should be mandatory for everyone,” sophomore Reed Goebel said.
No changes have been made regarding preparation since Jan. 20.
Ernesto Pulido • May 13, 2026 at 8:49 am
This article does a good job explaining how the ACT prep has changed TST schedule and affected students and clubs at Fremont High School. The story includes multiple perspectives from teachers, admin, and students which help them article feel more balanced and informative. Overall, this article is well organized and easy to follow.