Freedom Families, As we return from our four-day weekend, I hope your family had time to relax and enjoy the time off. Now, we turn our focus back to school as we work together to finish the third quarter strong.
Please join me in welcoming Mr. David Danowit, our new math teacher, to the Freedom High School family. We are excited to have him join our team and support our students in their learning.
As we move into the final weeks of the quarter, attendance and punctuality are critical. We need all students at school every day, in class on time, and focused on learning. Each instructional day matters, and consistent attendance makes a real difference in student success. Thank you for partnering with us to reinforce the importance of being present and ready to learn.
We are also incredibly proud to celebrate a group of our students who were invited to Tallahassee to see their bill introduced at the State Legislature (more info below). This is an outstanding accomplishment and a powerful example of student voice and civic engagement in action. We are hopeful to see the bill approved and sent to the Governor for signature in the coming weeks, and we will continue to share updates as this exciting process moves forward.
Thank you for your continued support of Freedom High School. Together, we can ensure a strong finish to the quarter and continued success for our students. |
Kevin Stephenson, Principal |
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This week, we are proud to spotlight Mr. James Barlow, a dedicated educator who has been making a difference in students’ lives for nearly three decades. Mr. Barlow began his teaching career in 1997 and brought his passion for education to Hillsborough County in 2009.
Mr. Barlow’s favorite part of teaching is interacting with students and witnessing those “lightbulb moments”—when concepts click and students begin making meaningful connections. He especially values the diversity of the student population at Freedom High School, noting that our students come from all over the world. He also appreciates working in a strong department with amazing, collaborative colleagues.
Mr. Barlow attributes the growth in U.S. History scores over the past few years to the team’s intentional planning and continued focus on the standards, highlighting the importance of teamwork and purposeful instruction.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Barlow has been a high school baseball umpire for the past 12 years and has also dabbled in officiating basketball. He is also celebrating an exciting milestone at home—his twins are graduating high school this year and will be attending the University of South Florida.
We are grateful for Mr. Barlow’s dedication to students, his commitment to excellence, and the positive impact he continues to have on the Freedom High School community. |
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Freedom Celebrates Remarkable Academic Achievement |
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This week we are celebrating two academic achievements for Freedom High School:
Last week, College Board announced that Freedom was one of sixteen high schools in Hillsborough County name to their Advance Placement School Honor Roll. Read more by clicking this link. https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/article/2689840
According to the most recent FLDOE data, our district achieved a 70.9% College and Career Acceleration (CCA) rate. This is a measure of the number of students who earned an industry certification, passing AP or AICE score, or passed a Dual Enrollment course. Freedom High School achieved 80.2% CCA (4 point growth)!
For comparison, here are our neighboring schools Acceleration and Graduation Rates Freedom High School: Grad - 93.1 Acceleration - 80.2 Wharton High School: Grad - 86.9 Acceleration - 64.5
Gaither High School: Grad - 93.9 Acceleration - 71.5 Chamberlain High School: Grad - 81.5 Acceleration - 56.6 King High School: Grad - 90.9 Acceleration - 74.7 Steinbrenner High School: Grad - 97.2 Acceleration - 80.5
ALL HC: Grad - 90.9 Acceleration - 70.9 We are so proud of our students for their achievements. This would not be possible without the hard work, dedication and support from the faculty and staff at Freedom. |
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Patriots Making a Difference in Tallahassee!
Wednesday afternoon, a group of our very own Freedom High School students traveled to Tallahassee to speak directly before the House Government Affairs Subcommittee. They passionately presented their bill proposal to make helmets mandatory for children under 18 when riding e-bikes and e-scooters—a change that could save lives across Florida.
This all started when these dedicated Patriots first pitched their idea at the HCPS “Ought to Be a Law” event. Their hard work and vision caught the attention of Rep. Susan Valdes, who proudly sponsored their bill (HB 667) and helped bring it to the state level. The next step? The proposal heads to the House State Affairs Committee for further consideration.
We are incredibly proud of these students for stepping up, using their voices, and turning a heartbreaking experience into meaningful action for safety. A huge thank you also goes to their teachers for guiding and supporting them every step of the way. Way to go, Patriots—your courage and commitment are inspiring us all! Keep shining, and we’ll keep cheering you on. 💙❤️ Congratulations to our amazing student advocates!
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Virtual Enterprise Competition & Exhibition |
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Students attended the Virtual Enterprise International Southern Region Competition & Exhibition where they competed against other student businesses in the southern united states.
Their SmartCycle business won first in Trade Show booth design. It was at Nova Southeastern University. We look forward to attending the Youth Business Summit in New York where they will compete in Best Booth and Sales Pitch. |
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Patriots Exploring the World at EPCOT! |
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Our French and Spanish Honor Society students had an amazing day at EPCOT, immersing themselves in cultures from around the globe. They brought classroom learning to life through real-world language practice and international experiences. A big thank you to our talented Honor Society members and their dedicated teachers for making this global adventure possible! Patriots—keep shining and exploring! 💙❤️ Congratulations to our French and Spanish Honor Society adventurers! |
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Seniors from Hillsborough County Student Government Associations enjoy a day of bonding time at Disney |
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FFA students who worked hard on their milk products are headed to States! |
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FBLA students are working hard at their community service project for District 8. Students seek to reduce food waste and alleviate food insecurity in our school. They collect unopened food items and redistribute them to others. |
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Did you miss out Accelerated Program opportunities presentation? Click below for a copy! |
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Parents gathered in the Media Center on conference night as Accelerated Programs Lead Teacher Lisa Reale and Dual Enrollment Coordinator/Media Specialist Jen Simard shared information on the many academic opportunities available to current and future Freedom students. |
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Freedom National Honor Society students offer babysitting while you meet with your students' teachers or attend one of our presentations during conference night? Freedom Food and Supply Pantry was also open for families during conference night. Quarter 4 Conference night will be on April 16th from 4-6:30. |
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Wrestling celebrated Senior Night against Wharton on February 11th! Go Pats! |
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Every Day Counts, Every Mind Matters |
Challenges are opportunities to grow, and effort is just as important as outcomes.
Teachers are reinforcing expectations and encouraging active participation. Please remind your student to come prepared and ready to contribute. Consistent attendance is key to success. If your child will be absent, notify the school promptly so we can support them in staying on track. Counselors and teachers are available for academic or social-emotional needs. Encourage your student to reach out if they need help.
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Campus wide roof replacement is underway and on track. Estimated completion date is late 2027.
- Dress Code—please follow the dress code outlined by the district
- Student Code of Conduct
- Attendance—Each Day Matters!
- New Tardy Policy for 2nd semester
- Seniors – be sure you are checking Canvas for important information regarding Senior activities and graduation announcements.
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President's Day/Non-Student Day 2/16
- Black History Celebration rescheduled to 2/25
- Freedom Fest - 2/26
- Strawberry Festival/Non-Student Day 3/2
- Senior Grad Bash Final Payment Due 3/13
- Spring Break 3/16-3/20
- Non-Student Day 3/23
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100 Years of Black History Commemorations |
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Focus Portal: View students class schedule, attendance, report card, course history, graduation status, test history results Focus Portal
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Canvas: View students current course grade, assignment directions, grades and comments, emailing a student's teachers, viewing a student’s schedule, stay connected with clubs & school announcements Canvas
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Tutoring: available after school. Contact Mrs. Grimm
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Student Services: School Counselors, School Social Worker, psychological services, academic guidance and tutoring, mental health and emotional support, attendance and family resources, health needs, college & career planning, college fairs, academic resources, dual enrollment, scholarships Freedom Student Services
- Grief and Loss Peer Support Group (click here for flyer) email Mrs. Foley for support.
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Support for Families: If your family has been displaced or is experiencing housing challenges, support is available. Please contact our School Social Worker, Mrs. Enzor for confidential assistance, food, resources and referrals. We are here to help support our school community. Contact Ms. Enzor for assistance.
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Our school Food & Resource Pantry is here to support students and families. Whether you need food, hygiene items, or help connecting to resources, you’re not alone. Everyone needs support sometimes. Reach out to Ms. Enzor, School Social Worker for help.
- Struggling with a child who is chronically exhibiting truant, runaway, or unruly behavior? Help is available: Case Staffing/Hillsborough County, FL
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Contact Ms. Enzor to be added to our Patriot Care Connection Canvas Page where every connection is rooted in respect, dignity and care.
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Dontate to our Food & Supply Pantry |
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Freedom High School welcomes donations for our food and supply pantry, with a special need for weekday pickup support. |
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Freedom School Counselors |
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Support our Patriots - Join PTSA |
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PTSA membership strengthens Freedom High School by supporting students, enhancing programs, and uniting our school community. Join today and show your Patriot pride. |
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Leave your student’s legacy with an inscribed Brick, permanently set at the front of the school |
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Celebrate your Senior with a Yard Sign (with or without the post-grad school logo) |
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Principal: Kevin Stephenson
Assistant Principal of Curriculum: Matthew Smith
Assistant Principal of Administration: Jenna Lamour Assistant Principal of Student Affairs
(Last Names A-L): Eva Chen Assistant Principal of Student Affairs (Last names M-Z): Danielle Smith 17410 Commerce Park Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647 813-558-1185 – Office Hours: 7:30-4:15
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