April 2025 Newsletter

Welcome back from Spring Break! We are excited to have students back on campus, rested and ready for a strong Spring Semester 2. This week marks the start of state testing. This testing is important for a number of reasons, including earning a platinum cap at graduation. For more information please keep reading further down in this month's newsletter.

This semester of the school year will surely fly by as the Class of 2026 participates in testing...SBAC testing, AP testing and possibly ACT/SAT testing for those gearing up for college applications. In the coming weeks we will also be sending out information about our Online Registration process for the 2025-2026 school year aka Senior Year, and scheduling of summer conferencing appointments (our favorite time of year). Additionally, we will be hosting a "What to Expect and How to Help your Rising Senior Prepare for Senior Year" on April 10th in the Helix Performing Arts Center.

While the days may be full, the year is certainly flying by. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Grade Level Team or your students teachers with any questions, concerns or good news you would like to share with us. As always, continue to check in with your teenager on a regular basis.

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, is the state's academic testing program. CAASPP is intended to provide information to monitor student progress in an effort to ensure that all students leave high school ready for college and careers.

In April, Juniors will be taking the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment (SBAC) test. The SBAC assessments include computer adaptive tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. They will also be taking the California Science Test (CAST), which is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

***NOTE: In order to earn the Platinum Cap for graduation, students must earn a score of “Standard Exceeded” in all three tests mentioned above: the SBAC ELA, SBAC MATH, and CAST tests.

The CAASPP and/or CAST testing are used for Valedictorian and Biliteracy Seal qualification. Additionally, CAASSP results are used by colleges to determine placement into college level Math/English courses.

For more information regarding the SBAC/CAST and Grad Regalia, please review this presentation.

Congratulations to the Helix Show Choirs for winning 2nd place in both divisions in March's tournament in La Palma! Also congrats to the following 11th grade choir students for earning medals for outstanding soloists and performers at our first 2 competitions: Maricela Pumariega, & Chris Hilliman

The Helix Speech and Debate team wrapped up 3 weekends of State Qualifying Tournaments in March and were recognized as League Champions! In addition, we received the award for Top Speech School. Helix was competing with about 30 other schools across the county to qualify students for the State Championship for the 1st weekend in May in Culver City. We are very proud of the efforts of all of our students (qualifier or not). Listed below are 11th grade individual standouts and those students that will be representing us in May:

Joe Lagnese Award (top student over the 3 qualifying weekends) - Kaia Mayland

State Qualifiers (and alternates) - Lucinda Anderson, Emma Browne, Faith Jennings, Kaia Mayland, Jude Miller, Sydney Player-Barillas, and Maya Aguilar Smith (1st alt).

State Quals Tournament Placings

• 1st place - Declamation – Kaia Mayland
• 1st place (6-0 record) - Lincoln Douglas Debate - Faith Jennings
• 2nd place - Duo Interpretation – Emma Browne/Kaia Mayland
• 2nd place (6-1 record) - Lincoln Douglas Debate - Lucinda Anderson
• 2nd place - Original Prose Poetry – Sydney Player-Barillas
• 4th place - Dramatic Interpretation – Emma Browne
• 5th place (5-1 record) - Public Forum Debate - Lucinda Anderson/Kaia Mayland
• 5th place - Informative Speaking – Emma Browne
• 5th place - Program Oral Interpretation – Sydney Player-Barillas
• 6th place - Informative Speaking – Kaia Mayland
• Semifinalist - Declamation – Maya Aguilar Smith
• Semifinalist - Humorous Interpretation – Emma Browne
• Semifinalist - Original Oratory – Sydney Player-Barillas
• 3-2 record -Public Forum Debate - Faith Jennings

Our grade-level team had the honor of nominating two outstanding students for the opportunity to attend Boys and Girls State at California State University, Sacramento this June.

The American Legion Boys and Girls State is one of the most prestigious and selective educational programs in government instruction for U.S. high school students. This immersive experience teaches participants about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of engaged citizenship. Through hands-on training, students gain a deeper understanding of city, county, and state government structures. The program is student-led, with elected participants running legislative sessions, court proceedings, and law enforcement exercises, along with engaging in assemblies, music ensembles, and recreational activities.

We are thrilled to announce that both of our nominees successfully earned spots in this esteemed program! Out of the six delegates traveling to CSU Sacramento, two will proudly represent Helix High School. Congratulations to Christian Okafor and Janee Anderson—we can't wait to see them shine at the State Capitol this June!

Back in December, we invited our 11th-grade students to apply for the opportunity to be our nominee for the prestigious Carson Scholars Program. The Carson Scholars Fund is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and community service through two key initiatives: The Carson Scholars Program and The Ben Carson Reading Project. This scholarship awards outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to serving their communities with a $1,000 college scholarship. While a nomination does not guarantee selection, we were fortunate to receive applications from many highly qualified students.

After a rigorous selection process, we proudly nominated Lucinda Anderson—and we are thrilled to share that she was officially chosen as a Carson Scholar! Congratulations, Lucinda!

Congrats to Vivian Chapman a Helix 11th grader who recently completed the Mission Trails Regional Park Eco Ambassadors teen program.

Vivian, along with 2 Helix Seniors, were selected from over 100 applicants and successfully completed the eight-week program that utilizes Mission Trails as an outdoor classroom to learn about the park’s habitats, the San Diego River, geology, and more. Participants heard from a range of subject matter experts and had the opportunity to explore careers in environmental fields. As part of the program, they participated in a major restoration project, helping to create habitat to benefit the Mission Trails’ ecosystems and wildlife. We commend the cohort on their dedication and commitment to becoming environmental stewards.

Mission Trails Regional Park Eco Ambassadors Program is now recruiting for their Summer 2025 Eco Ambassadors cohort. Applications are open through April 13 and the program dates are from June 16 through June 20.

For more information, please visit: https://mtrp.org/ecoambassadors/

Congrats to 11th grader Emilio Robledo, one of the library's top readers! To celebrate Read Across America week, Emilio received Barnes & Noble gift cards and snacks! Happy reading!

Helix's color guard team has officially been reclassified! After a successful competition earlier in the month of March, they were moved to a higher class. Keep working hard, team! Special shout out to our 11th grade color guard students: Genna Montano, Scarlett Gessel, Sandy Ruiz, & Daphne Chaidez!

April 9: Trade's Day

April 24: Minimum Day, 1:20 Dismissal

April 24: Spring Fling Freshmen Welcome BBQ

May 7: Athletic Eligibility Determined

June 4: Graduation

June 9 - July 1: Summer Conferencing

We are honored to invite you to our Career Mixer & Speed Mentoring on Thursday, April 3rd from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The event will be held at Helix Charter High, and we would be honored to have your participation and/or support.

We have organized this event for Black and Brown students to highlight excellence within their communities. Students have expressed a desire to connect with professionals who have practical experience, local leaders, and individuals who are actively engaged in their respective fields, as they consider future career options and educational paths. This event will serve as a valuable opportunity for community members and leaders to share their stories, foster meaningful connections, and help cultivate lasting memories for our future leaders.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

• Time: 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

• Venue: Helix Charter High School Room: Gymnasium

Please RSVP if you will take the time to join us. You may reach us at 619.992.6349 or joe.smith@linebackerdad.com.

Helix's Trades Day is a career expo that exposes our students to unique career paths that don't require a college degree like construction trades, law enforcement, cosmetology, real estate and more. We will have over 25 career vendors available to talk to students, explain how to get into the industry and even sign up for training programs on the spot. All interested students are invited to participate. Certain classes will be coming out or students can come out during break, lunch or free periods.

Helix's annual Spring Fling Showcase for incoming freshmen is coming up! Helix academics, arts, activities and athletic programs will be showcased throughout the event allowing families to get acquainted with the many curricular and extracurricular programs offered at Helix. Incoming 9th Graders will receive a complimentary meal ($5 ea. for additional family members). Students will be able to sign-up for school athletic teams, clubs, and service organizations. Teachers will be available to provide information and answer questions regarding Helix academics and students from the Helix Performing Arts Programs will perform.

Notifications about Helix's annual online enrollment and summer conferencing scheduling process will be coming soon, keep a look out for more information on our annual required process.

Grade Level Teams are looking forward to meeting with all students and families to reflect on the school year and review what is coming in the upcoming school year.

For your planning purposes, the 2025 AP exams are listed below.

Monday, May 5th: AP Biology

Tuesday, May 6th: AP Human Geography

Thursday, May 8th: AP Statistics

Friday, May 9th: AP US History

Monday May 12th: AP Calculus AB & BC

Tuesday, May 13th: AP Environmental Science

Thursday, May 15th: AP Spanish Language & Culture, AP Computer Science Principles

Friday, May 16th: AP Psychology

This one-hour interactive session with theSan Diego County Office of Education is designed to help parents and caregivers establish effective summer routines that balance structure, learning, and fun. Discover practical strategies to keep children engaged and create meaningful learning experiences that support their growth. Let’s work together to make this summer both enriching and enjoyable for the whole family! LINK TO RSVP: https://sdcoe.k12oms.org/903-262176

Every Thursday at 6pm, Helix staff or special guests present on different topics applicable to high school parents. These events are usually held in ExL (room 1600) and are open to the public! See below for our upcoming schedule. Visit helixcharter.net/FamilyFirst for more information and for links to previous recordings.

Our Student Support team will explain about the requirements to get a Platinum Cap, Golden State Seal, Biliteracy Seal, Honors Cord, and Valedictorian recognitions. Families from all grade levels are invited. The meeting will take place on Zoom. Click here to join. Click here for translation services.

Does your student have an IEP or 504 plan? Does your student receive accommodations in their high school classes and plan to take a dual or concurrent enrollment college class? Please come to our Family First Zoom webinar on "How to Access Accommodations for College Classes" happening April 18th starting at 6pm. We will discuss the required steps students must complete in order for Grossmont/Cuyamaca College to potentially honor some accommodations from their IEP or 504 plan. Families and students will learn how they can submit a copy of their IEP or 504 to Grossmont College's Accessibility Resource Center (A.R.C.). This event will be held via zoom. Please click here to join the webinar. For translation services, click here.

See below for dance & choir auditions for next year.

The Helix Foundation facilitates fundraising that promotes the growth and improvement of the programs, facilities, and activities at Helix Charter High School as well as funding many scholarships for post secondary education to graduating seniors. Their annual golf tournament is coming up and they are looking for both participants and sponsors. Visit helixhighschoolfoundation.com/golf for more information and to register!

We will host a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank on Tuesday, April 29th from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm. All blood types are greatly needed! With less than a one-day supply of most types, we are asking you to SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT HERE. Students, families and community members are welcome to donate. Helix seniors can get a red cord for graduation if they donate or if someone dedicates their donation to them. Parking is available at 4200 Lowell St. and the Blood Mobiles will be parked by our gym.

All donors will receive a Bill Walton t-shirt and a "Save the Humans" t-shirt!

Use promocode: HelixCharter when purchasing Farm Fresh to You products and they will give 10% back to Helix.

A list of community service opportunities can be found at helixcharter.net/community. We keep it very updated and some interesting new opportunities have just been added!

Remember that the SAT is still required for some in-state private universities and out of state colleges. We encourage students to sign up for the Spring Test Dates.

Remember that the ACT is still required for some in-state private universities and out of state colleges. We encourage students to sign up for the Spring Test Dates.

Mrs. Paula Ann Trevino (trevino@helixcharter.net) - Grade Level Principal

Mr. Hugo Gonzalez (gonzalez@helixcharter.net)- School Counselor

Ms. Rebekah Smith (rsmith@helixcharter.net) - School Social Worker

Ms. Lopez-Barajas (lopez-barajas@helixcharter.net)- Academic Advisor

Ms. Cabral-Grajeda (cabral-grajeda@helixcharter.net) - Administrative Assistant

Ms. Brenda Flores (bflores@helixcharter.net) - Attendance Tech