May 2025 Newsletter

May 5 - 16 - AP Testing, click here for more information

May 7 - Athletic Eligibility Determined

May 15 - Minimum Day, Students Dismissed at 1:20

May 21 & 22 - Minimum Days, Students Dismissed at 1:20

May 21 & 22 - Minimum Days for Senior Boards, 9th - 11th Grade Students Dismissed at 1:20

May 17 - Prom

May 26 - Memorial Day, No School

June 3 & 4 - Finals, Students Dismissed at 2:00pm

June 4 - Last Day of School & Class of 2025 Graduation

June 9 - July 1 - Summer Conferencing

June 10 - July 1 - Summer School

Next Year's School Calendar Can Be Found Here

Senior Boards is a graduation requirement for all Helix seniors, and we’re looking for volunteers to serve as judges alongside our teachers and staff. As a judge, you'll listen to seniors share their high school experiences and talk about their plans for the future. It’s a meaningful way to connect with our students and engage with the Helix community. We’re hoping to involve as many parents and community members as possible to bring diverse perspectives to the judging panels. You’re welcome to join us for one or both days—from 12:15 PM to 3:30 PM. Judges will meet in the library for a catered lunch, followed by a brief orientation explaining the project and the judging rubric. Then, we’ll head to classrooms around campus to watch the presentations. If you’re interested in volunteering, PLEASE RSVP HERE.

Wednesday, May 21 & Thursday, May 22 will be minimum days to accommodate Senior Boards. 9th - 11th graders will be dismissed at 1:20.

One of the special things about Helix is that we meet with every family in person each summer. We are gearing up for these summer registration appointments and will be emailing everyone shortly with more information and a link to schedule your appointment. Summer registration is mandatory every year for enrollment at Helix. During registration, enrollment is verified, student academic standing is reviewed with families, provisional class schedules are added, ID card/school pictures are taken and PE clothes and/or spirit gear is available for purchase. Appointments are approximately 90 minutes and will be available to be scheduled from 7:10am - 2:40pm. Grade Level Teams are looking forward to meeting with all students and families to reflect on the school year and review what is coming next year!

As part of their graduation requirements, all rising 11th graders will be preparing a Mid-High School Reflection, which they will deliver on September 3rd and 4th.

To help students prepare, time has been set aside during their Advisory class every Friday from April 4 through May 30. We are also encouraging students to use any additional free or quiet time in their other classes to work on their presentations.

If your student has questions or needs help, they can access several helpful resources under the Mid High School Reflection section or under the 2027 Grade Level Team section of the Helix website

Summer School will run from Tuesday, June 10th to Tuesday, July 1st. We will offer students the opportunity to earn 10 credits this Summer by running a Morning Session from 8:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and an Afternoon Session from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

If your student has failed a class this school year, please plan on having them attend summer school.

Grade-level teams have identified students who will need to attend summer school in June. Families will receive a phone call and/or email with details about the Summer School Information Nights, which will be held via Google Meet with the Summer School Principal, Mr. Watkins.

A work permit is a legal document required by the state of California that allows a person under 18 years of age to hold a job.

There are four steps in obtaining a work permit:

1. Obtain a work permit application from Work Permit Supervisor. Email Coach Jones- Djones@helixcharter.net to get an application.

2. Fill out the personal information at the top of the application, get your prospective employer to fill out the information required in the middle portion, and have a parent or guardian sign the bottom portion of the application.

3. Scan or take a picture of completed Application and email to Coach Jones Djones@helixcharter.net . Your work permit will be processed and sent to you electronically.

4. Bring the work permit back to the prospective employer.

Work Permit Supervisor:

Mr. Damaja Jones

(619) 644-1940 ext. 130

Djones@helixcharter.net

To learn more about work permits, visit the site below.

If you are taking any AP Tests this year, here are a few reminders:

• Check-in early at testing location before exam:

• 7:15am for 8:00am exams

• 11:30am for 12:00pm exams

• Students need to bring a photo ID (Helix ID okay)

• Students should bring 2 pens (blue or black ink) and 2 pencils with a good eraser

• Students are welcome to bring water into the testing room
  

• All smart devices (watches, cell phones, etc.) will be collected upon arrival and returned once the exams are complete

• Students must stay once they complete their exams - everyone will be released at the same time

Here is a complete list of AP terms and conditions: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org

Click here for more information.

This event will be held virtually via Google Meet. 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? 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.). To join the video meeting, click this link. Otherwise, to join by phone, dial +1 361-248-9282 and enter this PIN: 119 171 064#.

We have to cancel this event, but will record an informational video for this event and email it to all parents. Find out more about this amazing college tour trip experience from C4Me Coordinator Gillian Morgan. Class of 2027 & 2028 students are invited to attend. We will explain the requirements your student must fulfill in order to attend and upcoming steps. This event will be held via virtually via Google Meet. Registration not required. Click here to join or dial-in: (US) +1 615-952-0593, PIN: 980 457 148#.

This event is open to new and existing students to learn about our English Learner program. We will greet our incoming students and celebrate our students who have been reclassified in an RFEP Ceremony! Dinner will be provided, registration is required here. This event will be held in ExL, room 1600. Students and siblings are encouraged to attend!

Join us for an evening of learning, discussion, and action at Helix Charter High School! We'll share exciting updates on our Sustainability Pathway program and the progress we've made on our Sustainability Action Plan. You'll also hear the results of our recent Commuter Survey and learn about new options for getting to campus more sustainably, featuring our partners at SANDAG.

Whether you're a student, parent, staff member, or community member, this is your chance to learn and help shape a greener future at Helix and beyond. Free dinner will be provided for all attendees! Registration is required here.

This event will be held in room 1600 (ExL). Siblings and students are welcome to attend also. Students will earn 1 community service hour for attending.

Be part of the movement toward a healthier, more sustainable Helix!

Helix is now using Anonymous Alerts, a confidential system that allows students to report bullying, behavioral concerns, or campus safety issues 24/7, either through a mobile app or a web-based platform. This system replaces the previous Student Safety Form and offers enhanced features, including the ability for staff to communicate anonymously with the person reporting. This two-way communication allows us to gather additional details, provide follow-up, and respond more effectively to concerns.

To get started:

• We recommend all students download the Anonymous Alerts app on their phones if possible. They can also use this link to the web-based platform - https://tips.anonymousalerts.com/helixcharterhs/

• Enter activation code: helixcharterhs

We appreciate your continued support in keeping our campus safe and welcoming for everyone.

Helix Dance presents their Spring Dance Concert, "And The Beat Goes On". This will feature student-choreographed and faculty-choreographed works. Please join us and support the Helix Dance Program. Buy tickets here. All ticket sales will be online only, no physical day-of box office sales. Pre-sale price for all tickets is $14/person, all ages general admission. Pre-sale ticketing price will be available until 12 hours before each performance​. Your ticket sales will be on a master list on the day of the performance in case you forget your confirmation. Email Katie Pipes with questions at pipes@helixcharter.net

Celebrate the end of the 2025 school year with the award winning Helix Choirs! Spring Cabaret features all 5 Helix choirs, specialty acts and a tribute to the class of 2025. Click here for tickets.

Join us for our upcoming production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, a powerful and imaginative play based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon. The story follows 15-year-old Christopher Boone, a brilliant young man who sees the world differently. When he discovers a neighbor’s dog has been mysteriously killed, Christopher sets out to solve the mystery—uncovering unexpected truths about his own family along the way. Told through Christopher’s unique perspective, this play uses multimedia, movement, and creative staging to bring his inner world to life. Please note: the production contains some mature themes and language, and is best suited for middle school-aged students and older. We hope you’ll join us for this moving and visually stunning performance! All performances in the Black Box Theater. Tickets will be available through the Highland Players website.

The Helix PTSA is in need of additional chaperones to assist with Class of 2025 Grad Night. Parents with children attending Grad Night interested in attending free of charge as a group chaperone can contact Katie Smith at katiem_smith@yahoo.com. Chaperones will be asked to attend the entire event, including riding the buses to and from the event, beginning afternoon Friday, June 6 overnight to the morning of Saturday, June 7.

This event includes Keynote Speakers, a live DJ, Swag Bags, a Glam Zone, STEAM activities, a free T shirt, catered meal, all female instructors, speakers, staff, volunteers and VIPs, along with an expanded art zone, ice skating, a zen zone and a resource fair! Registration is only $5/girl (scholarships available) and we especially encourage foster, adoptive, low income and any at risk youth and their sisters 11-18 to attend. You can find more information, FAQs, the Brave Podcast, and the Brave Global website here: https://sd.kroccenter.org/kroc-san-diego/brave

Auditions for the award-winning Helix Show Choirs, HD (intermediate treble) and HLX (advanced mixed) will be SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025 in the choir room (room 925) in the Performing Arts Center at Helix Charter HS. See application for specific times.

A list of community service opportunities can be found at helixcharter.net/community.

Don't miss this opportunity with the City of La Mesa. This leadership program has a fee associated with it because of the field trips you'll be attending. You would also get community service hours. To sign up, email: CConnors@cityoflamesa.us and LDrew@cityoflamesa.us. The deadline is June 2nd.

What’s it like to work in law enforcement? Here’s your chance to find out! The San Diego Sheriff’s Office invites you to attend the Junior Women’s Academy, a four-day camp like no other. Meet our staff and learn about life behind the badge. Prepare for an adventure and learn about patrol tactics, defensive tactics, dispatch, crime-scene investigations, detention services, and more. Enjoy demonstrations from our Sheriff’s K-9, SWAT, and CSI. Plus, level up your awareness on internet safety, human trafficking, and self-defense tactics. Eligible participants must be between 14-18 years old and are currently (or plan to be) enrolled in a high school program. Join us to experience this one-of-a-kind event! We can’t wait to meet you!

Join us for 2025 Pops and celebrate the magic of Broadway with TWO nights of music with TWO different shows! Night 1 features Bagpipes, Colorguard, and Orchestra on Wednesday 4/30 at 7:00pm.Night 2 features our Band ensembles: Concert Band, Wind Symphony, and Jazz Band on Thursday 5/1 at 7:00pm. Purchase tickets here.

Ms. Flores and Ms. Bojorquez would like to recognize Aiya for her outstanding dedication and hard work in the attendance office. Aiya is always willing to lend a hand and consistently goes above and beyond to support the staff and her fellow students. Her helpful attitude and strong work ethic make her a true asset to Helix. Congratulations Aiya!!