Family

Week of 2/2/2026

Principal's Message

Freedom Families,

As we approach the halfway point of the third quarter, I want to thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s education. This is a great time to check in on your student’s progress and celebrate their achievements so far this year.

We look forward to seeing many of you at Conference Night this Thursday. These conferences are a wonderful opportunity for you to connect directly with your child’s teachers, discuss academic goals, and work together to ensure your student’s success.

This week, we celebrate Groundhog Day—, we’re reminded that spring is just around the corner, bringing new opportunities for growth and learning.

Thank you for your ongoing support. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you and your family a great week,

Kevin Stephenson, Principal

Parents, please complete this survey so we can better serve you!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Melissa Johnston-Enzor

Freedom High School Social Worker

Freedom High School proudly features Melissa Enzor, our dedicated Social Worker, in the Employee Spotlight. Melissa began her journey in social work at the University of Maryland and has devoted her career to supporting students and families since joining Hillsborough County Public Schools in 1997.

Melissa has worked at all grade levels, giving her a unique perspective on students’ needs from elementary through high school. She played a key role in launching the district’s first community school, establishing vital partnerships to provide wraparound support. Thanks to her efforts, Freedom now has a food and clothing pantries to ensure no student goes without essentials.

Her work extends to teaching parenting classes, empowering families, and focusing on mental health and holistic counseling for high schoolers as they prepare for life after graduation. Melissa has been recognized as a Top 3 finalist for the Ida S. Baker Diversity Award, reflecting her commitment to equity and inclusion.

Beyond Freedom High, Melissa serves as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice, further supporting the community’s mental health needs. We are grateful for her compassion and leadership, which create opportunities for every student to succeed.

STUDENT LIFE

Freedom Business Academy Hosts Virtual Enterprise Night

Freedom High School was excited to host entrepreneurship programs from several area schools in our community. Students showcased their ideas by setting up trade show booths and tables, where they pitched their products and concepts to a real-world audience.

Freedom Hosts Battle of the Belts

Freedom High School hosted The Battle of the Belts on January 29th

Attendees: Hillsborough County Public School Leadership, School Board Members, HSCO Sheriff Department any many other local guests.

Freedom NJROTC, Freedom Chorus, Freedom SGA, Principal Stephenson

Freedom Student Government

FHS Student Government Association hosted the HCPS District’s quarterly SGA meeting, providing students with an opportunity to connect with peers from other schools and strengthen the districtwide student government community.

Say Hello to Alfie and Clover our Agriculture Land Lab Animals

Even with Florida’s rare chilly weather, Alfie and Clover are staying warm, cozy, and happy—especially with extra love from our students!

District Poetry Jam

On January 29th, Julieta Garcia and Grant Ross proudly represented Freedom at the District Poetry Jam. They were the only performers to present a group piece, which earned special congratulations from the event's guest poet.

ATHLETICS

Congrats to both Girls and Boys Soccer for clenching district runner up title this week.
Good luck to Boys Soccer, they will be playing for the regional title on Friday February 6th in Cape Coral against Mariner High School. Good luck Patriots!
Congratulations to the Girls Wrestling Team on their 5th place finish out of 26 teams at the Boca Ciega Invitational Tuesday night! Joya Hodge and Ky'Mari Riley each finished first in their weight class for the second week in a row, along with Jamilla Baghdadi who placed third! The girls wrestling team will compete again next week at the Hillsborough County Championships, where Joya and KyMari will both aim to win their second consecutive Hillsborough County Championship title.
Girls and Boys Basketball move into district match ups next week, wish them good luck.

Every Day Counts, Every Mind Matters

Academic Learning Focus

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.

FL State Fair Family Day- Friday, February 13, 2026, is Family Day at the Florida State Fair and a non-student day. The Florida State Fair Authority has communicated the following policy: Persons 17 years of age or younger will receive free admission to the Florida State Fair on February 13, 2026, until 5:00 p.m. with an admission paying parent or guardian, 21 years of age or older with a valid ID
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.
Students be sure to turn in your course selection sheet for the 2026-27 school year

Senior Class News

Click here for important information for seniors and senior parents!

Senior Class of 2026 Weekly Newsletter

Senior Class Sponsor: William Tillman

Follow Senior Class of 2026

Quarter 3 Conference Night 2/5
Conference Night make up day is 2/6
School Counselors will be presenting in conjunction with our Accelerated Lead teacher and Dual Enrollment Coordinator information on AICE diploma/Bright Futures, AP Capstone Diploma/Bright Futures and Dual Enrollment HC/USF/UF on conference night (2/5) at 5:30 in the Media Center
FL State Fair Family Day 2/13
Senior rank freeze is Feb 20. All online courses must have a final grade posted on or before Jan 9. Please have all credits earned outside of FHS and HVS to your counselor by Feb 6 to be included in rank. Courses will still count toward GPA and credit after rank freeze.
Freedom Fest - 2/26

ACT-SO

100 Years of Black History Commemorations

Freedom PTSA Winter BOGO SALE!

Stay warm and show your Patriot pride! Join us February 5–6 during both lunches at the Patriot Shop (next to the yearbook room) for our Winter BOGO Sale.

Buy one new item—Navy Long‑Sleeve ($20) or White Crewneck ($25)—and get one previous‑style shirt FREE! Choose from older tees, crewnecks, or hoodies while supplies last.

⭐ All proceeds support the PTSA Senior Scholarship Program.

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
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.