November 21, 2025

Tampa Catholic will be closed next week for Thanksgiving Break.

Classes will resume on Monday, December 1st.



We wish you and your family a joyful and restful Thanksgiving!

Reminders & Announcements

5 Days of Christmas

When we return from break, students can look forward to celebrating the Five Days of Christmas from December 8–12. The week will be filled with festive dress-down days, activities, and treats made possible through your generosity and support of the Crusader Parents Club. We are excited to celebrate the Christmas season together as a school community before we depart for Christmas Break.

The final day before break will include a special faculty and staff Christmas luncheon, complete with a delicious meal, beautiful decorations, and gift cards generously provided by the Parents Club.

Please contact parents club chairs:

Michelle Custodio P '25 or Ivy Willing P '28 to learn more about support opportunities.

School-Wide Christmas Donation Drive!



On Monday, we kicked off our Christmas donation drive with a goal of 100% student participation! This year, Tampa Catholic is honored to support Tampa Hope, a ministry of Catholic Charities that serves the homeless population in our area with exceptional compassion and effectiveness.

Tampa Hope, led by Maggie Rogers, a proud Tampa Catholic past parent, provides shelter, case management, meals, and essential services that help individuals rebuild their lives. Their impact is remarkable, as 40% of Tampa Hope clients transition from homelessness into permanent housing. In addition, Catholic Charities, which oversees Tampa Hope, operates with the lowest administrative overhead of any non-profit social service entity, ensuring that donations directly support those in need.

To contribute to this mission, each grade level is asked to donate the following winter items:

- Grade 12: Socks

- Grade 11: Gloves

- Grade 10: Hats

- Grade 9: Scarves

As an added incentive, the grade with the most donations will earn dress-down privileges for the week of final exams in December. Donations will be collected in all homeroom classes Monday, November 17 through Friday, December 5.

Annual Toy Drive

Our 6th annual Blanket and Toy Drive is underway to help families of the agricultural communities in Hillsborough and Polk counties.

Please consider donating new toys from ages 1-7 to help spread a little joy this Christmas.

Donations can be dropped off in room 202 from Nov 17-Dec 10.

Another option is to purchase from the amazon wishlist. Be sure to select Tampa Catholic for the delivery address and it will be delivered right to school.

Questions? Contact Mary Ellen Barragan

There is only 1 week left to apply for the Class of 2030!

If you know a future Crusader, don’t let them miss this important deadline to become part of our vibrant tradition of Faith, Excellence, and Family.

Fall Final Exam Information

Please see the document below for the scheduled first-semester exam dates. Attendance at all semester exams is required, so we ask that you keep these dates in mind when making Christmas vacation plans.

Financial Accounts

• All Financial Accounts must be current before semester exams. The cut off date is November 30, 2025. Please see page 33 of the Parent Student Handbook.

For more information, please visit our website here.

Giving Tuesday is December 2nd!

As we are in the midst of the giving season, we invite you to consider making a gift to Tampa Catholic. Your support strengthens our mission and enriches the experience of every Crusader.

Click here to give to the fund of your choice—tuition assistance, academic scholarships, or the school’s most pressing needs.

School Counseling Office Hosts College Visit

 to Saint Leo University

The School Counseling Office had the pleasure of taking 29 students in grades 9–12 on a college exploration trip to Saint Leo University. Our students had a wonderful opportunity to experience campus life firsthand and learn about a variety of academic pathways.

During the visit, students met with the President of the university, members of the Admissions team, and Campus Ministry, who shared valuable insight into the Saint Leo community and its mission. Students also explored several of the university’s signature programs, including the Nursing Program, the Law and Forensic Science Program, and the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics.

It was an inspiring and informative day that helped students expand their understanding of potential college and career paths. We look forward to offering more opportunities like this in the future.

All students in French classes had a fantastic time last week

celebrating La Semaine Française!

On Monday, our Medical Pathfinders Club hosted a life-saving skills event in

partnership with CPR Sarasota.

Crusaders in B.E.S.T. Club gathered at Raymond James Stadium to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the families they serve, bringing hope to those battling blood cancers.

Students in Mrs. Melendez’s Spanish 3 Honors class explored cultural immersion through Salvador Dalí’s surrealistic art and cuisine from a local Latin and modern Mexican restaurant in St. Petersburg.

B.E.S.T. Club has launched a new St. Gertrude committee, led by Savannah Kirbach '27, that meets at historic Woodlawn Cemetery to pray for souls in purgatory—if you’d like to entrust the name of a loved one, please contact Mrs. Masters.

Be sure to keep up with all things Crusader!

Visit the website, follow and share our social media pages.

Leave a lasting legacy of Faith, Excellence, and Family.

Consider remembering Tampa Catholic High School in your estate plans

and help future generations of Crusaders thrive.

For more information contact the Advancement Office.