Freedom Families and Students - We’re heading into the final week of the 3rd nine weeks and the week before Spring Break—home stretch! With the time change this weekend, mornings may feel a little extra early, but we’re counting on everyone to stay focused and finish the week strong. These last few days are important for learning, attendance, and effort. Let’s keep routines tight, give our best each day, and wrap up the quarter on a positive note.
The reward is just around the corner—a well‑deserved Spring Break! We hope everyone enjoys the time to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make it a great final week! |
Kevin Stephenson, Principal |
|
|
Congratulations to Freedom's Top 10 Senior of 2026! |
|
|
This week, we are proud to highlight Ms. Gelzer, one of Freedom’s dedicated English teachers who brings more than three decades of experience, passion, and perspective to the classroom.
Ms. Gelzer is currently completing her 31st year in education. Much of her teaching career was spent in New York City and Baltimore, where she taught in prisons, juvenile facilities, and alternative schools. These experiences allowed her to work with a wide range of students and reinforced her belief that education can open doors and create opportunities for everyone.
Six years ago, Ms. Gelzer relocated to Florida to help care for her mother. She spent three years teaching at the middle school level before joining Freedom High School, where she is now in her third year. Throughout her career, she has always taught English, a subject she deeply loves. Her passion for literature and reading is something she enjoys sharing with her students every day.
For Ms. Gelzer, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching English is introducing students to voices, perspectives, and stories they may not otherwise encounter. Through literature, students are able to connect ideas from books to their own lives and communities. She especially enjoys reading and analyzing her students’ writing, where she learns how they see the world and how they see themselves. As she explains, if you cannot travel the world, the next best thing is books—because through literature, you can meet people, explore new places, and experience countless perspectives.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Gelzer enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She has visited many different countries and loves exploring new cultures. She also enjoys going to the theater, shopping, and trying new restaurants. While she values time with family, she also appreciates quiet moments to relax and enjoy her own company.
When asked about her experience at Freedom High School, Ms. Gelzer shared how much she enjoys the supportive environment. She appreciates the collaboration within the English department and the kindness of the staff throughout the school. Most importantly, she says Freedom truly lives up to its name—because here, she feels the freedom to teach, collaborate, and connect with students.
We are grateful to have Ms. Gelzer as part of the Freedom family and thank her for the passion and experience she brings to our students every day. |
|
|
FHS Band Students Celebrate MPA Success |
|
|
Congratulations to all of our FHS Band students who performed at the FBA District 7 Concert Music Performance Assessment on 3/4. Our Concert Band earned an overall good rating, and our Wind Ensemble earned all Excellent ratings on stage with a Superior in the sight-reading room! |
|
|
Exploring supply chains the colorful way—1,000 ducks at a time. |
|
|
Hard at work in Macroeconomics, students engaged in a hands-on simulation designed to deepen their understanding of modern supply chain dynamics. Using 1,000 brightly colored plastic ducks as stand‑ins for goods moving through an economy, they explored the complex and interdependent decision‑making processes of factories, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. This experiential activity highlighted how inventory management, production timing, and market signals shape outcomes across an entire supply network, illustrating the real‑world challenges of coordination in macroeconomic systems.
|
|
|
March 1–7, 2026 marks National School Social Work Week, an opportunity for schools, districts, communities, and partners to recognize and celebrate the essential role school social workers play in supporting
students, families, and school communities. The 2026 theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” honors the collective strength, dedication, and passion of school social workers nationwide. Please join us in recognizing and thanking our school social workers for the incredible support they provide to our HCPS community through their dedication, care, and lasting impact. Thank you Ms. Johnston-Enzor for all of you dedication and hard work. |
|
|
"Hold on to the Moments That Made Us" |
|
|
Buy now before the prices go up on March 13th!! |
|
|
Congratulations to the girls wrestling team on getting two more state qualifiers this year! Joya Hodge and Kymari Riley each dominated their way through their regional tournament to earn their way into the State Tournament on March 5th! GO PATS!!! |
|
|
The Boys wrestling team competed at their District championships this weekend, congratulations to Mateo Palacios and Owen Ringate, who each qualified for their Regional Championships which will take place later this week! |
|
|
Freedom Baseball is on fire! The Patriots are riding an incredible 8–1 record, shattering the school’s all‑time mark for longest winning streak. The dugout energy is electric, the momentum is real, and this team is pumped for every pitch. Keep the streak alive, PATS! |
|
|
Freedom Softball continues to bring the heat! The Patriots powered past Leto with a commanding victory, 24-9! Then came Thursday night—another dominant performance as Freedom rolled past Brandon with a 19–1 victory. This puts their season record to an impressive 5–1. This marks their strongest season start in four years—and the momentum is only building. Keep swinging big, Patriots! Let’s GO PATS!! |
|
|
FHS Flag Football delivered back‑to‑back dominant performances on their home field this week! Under the Wednesday night lights, the Patriots powered past Brooks DeBartolo with a commanding 19–0 shutout, showcasing relentless hustle and rock‑solid defense. They brought that same energy into Thursday’s matchup, overwhelming Middleton High School with an incredible 53–0 victory. Two games, two shutouts—Patriots on a roll! |
|
|
The girl's tennis team is 4-2 - GO GHS!! |
|
|
Both girls and boys track and field are underway. Come out and watch our athletes shine on the track! Next meet is March 14th Freedom Spring Break Invitational- 8am |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
-
Student sign out policy - any person signing out a student must present identification and be listed on student pick up record.
- We kindly ask visitors in our school office areas to refrain from using electronic devices, as they can cause disruptions, create excessive noise, and may result in personal conversations being overheard. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a calm and professional office environment.
- Mutual respect, professionalism, and common courtesy are essential qualities that all need to demonstrate in promoting an educational environment free from disruptions, harassment, bullying, and aggressive actions. We need all adults in our community to set good examples for our children and to protect the safety of everyone on campus. Open and respectful communications with parents and the safety of our children are our top priorities.
- 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.
|
|
|
The Class of 2026 announces this years Prom details |
|
| -
CHOICE/MAGNET Application Window Opens - 3/9 (evening) and will close 3/27 at midnight.
- CLT test (Grades 11 & 12 who have not met ELA benchmark) - 3/12
- SAT test - (Grade 11) - 3/31
-
FAST ELA test (Grade 9 & 10) - 3/31
- Senior Grad Bash Final Payment Due - 3/13
- Spring Break 3/16 - 3/20
- Non-Student Day - 3/23
- Prom tickets go on sale - April
- ACT test (Grades 11 & 12 who have not met ELA benchmark) - 4/8
- CLT test (Grades 11 & 12 who have not met ELA benchmark) - 4/16
|
|
|
-
Focus Portal: View students class schedule, attendance, report card, course history, graduation status, test history results Focus Portal
-
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
-
Tutoring: available after school. Contact Mrs. Grimm
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
Contact Ms. Enzor to be added to our Patriot Care Connection Canvas Page where every connection is rooted in respect, dignity and care.
|
|
|
Dontate to our Food & Supply Pantry |
|
|
Freedom High School welcomes donations for our food and supply pantry, with a special need for weekday pickup support. |
|
|
Food & Resource Pantry Hours |
|
|
Our Food & Resource Pantry will be open on the following dates and times |
|
|
- Wednesday, March 11, 2026
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
|
We look forward to serving you during these times. Please reach out if you have any questions or need a different time. |
|
|
Freedom School Counselors |
|
|
Support our Patriots - Join PTSA |
|
|
PTSA membership strengthens Freedom High School by supporting students, enhancing programs, and uniting our school community. Join today and show your Patriot pride. |
|
|
Leave your student’s legacy with an inscribed Brick, permanently set at the front of the school |
|
|
Celebrate your Senior with a Yard Sign (with or without the post-grad school logo) |
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
