Family

Week of 1/26/2026

Principal's Message

Freedom Families,

As we move into the fourth week of the second semester, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. This time of year, is important as students settle into routines, build momentum in their learning, and begin working toward their academic and personal goals.

We encourage families to continue checking in with students about their classes, attendance, and upcoming assignments. Consistent attendance, strong study habits, and open communication between home and school play a key role in student success.

Our teachers and staff remain focused on providing high-quality instruction, support, and opportunities for students to grow academically and socially. Together, by we are working to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and prepared for what’s ahead.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers or student services team if you have questions or need assistance.

Wishing you and your family a great week,

Kevin Stephenson, Principal

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

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Dayesi Garcia

Cafeteria Manager, Freedom High School & Liberty Middle School

Meet Dayesi Garcia: Serving with Heart and Dedication

We are delighted to shine this month’s Employee Spotlight on Dayesi Garcia, the dedicated Cafeteria Manager for both Freedom High School and Liberty Middle School. For the past four years, Dayesi has been an invaluable member of our district's School Nutrition Services team, bringing expertise, compassion, and a vibrant spirit to our schools.

Before joining our district, Dayesi honed her leadership and culinary skills as a kitchen manager for Sweet Tomatoes restaurants in the Tampa area. Even though those restaurants have since closed, her commitment to quality, teamwork, and service continues to shape the way she manages our cafeterias today.

Dayesi supervises a team of 18 hardworking SNS workers, and together, they serve over 2,600 meals each day to our students and staff. Her ability to coordinate such a large operation with efficiency and kindness ensures that every meal is served with care and every student is welcomed with a smile.

When asked about her experience at Freedom, Dayesi wanted everyone to know, “I love being at Freedom, and I truly appreciate all the support everyone gives me.” Her gratitude for the supportive school community shines just as brightly as her dedication to her work.

Thank you, Dayesi, for all that you do to keep our schools running smoothly and our students nourished every day!

ACADEMIC CHAMPIONS

Girls Volleyball, lead by Coach Thompson were recognized Wednesday morning by the Superintendent, his cabinet, and the School Board for having the highest unweighted GPA in HCPS during their season, with a 3.8!

FREEDOM CELEBRATES AWARD WINNERS

Freedom High School was proudly represented by three exceptional honorees:

Virginia Diaz, Ida S. Baker Award Recipient

Aileen Bringas, Support Person of the Year

Megan Lewandowski, Teacher of the Year

These distinguished winners enjoyed the evening alongside Principal Kevin Stephenson and Assistant Principal of Curriculum Matthew Smith.

Freedom High School congratulates all of our honorees for their dedication, excellence, and the positive impact they make each day.

ATHLETICS

Boys Soccer Won their District Quarter Final Game vs. East Bay 5-0 and move on to District Semi-Finals Friday vs. Braden River
Girls Soccer Won their District Quarter Final Game vs. Hillsborough 8-0 and move on to District Semi-Finals Thursday @ East Bay

STUDENT LIFE

Veterinary Science Program (left) at the blendVET Conference

Freedom Winter Guard debut at Premiere (right)

FHS Theatre program (left) - debuting the production of 9 to 5

AICE Travel & Tourism (right) - field trip to create a portfolio for Cambridge

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

Campus Clean Up 1/24 - 9am -11am
Battle of the Belts – 1/29
Multi-Cultural Festival- 1/30
Senior Panoramic and Club photos – 1/27
Business Academy will host an Entrepreneurship Fair on Jan 27. Over 200 students from around the county will meet at FHS to pitch their products.
Quarter 3 Conference Night 2/5
Conference Night make up day is 2/6
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

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.