Class of 2028
September Newsletter
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Labor Day - Monday, September 2
School will be closed.
Student Support Classroom Presentations - September 10 & 11
On September 10th and 11th, Helix Student Support will visit your student's Helix First classroom to present on Transitioning to High School and Bullying Prevention.
Minimum Day - Thursday, September 12
There will be one minimum day each month to allow for staff professional development and collaboration. School will end at 1:20, click here for the minimum day bell schedule (hover your cursor over the bell schedule document and scroll to the second page). We understand that minimum days can cause scheduling challenges for parents. Rest assured, students can stay on campus if they cannot be picked up immediately after school. Our campus is supervised from 7:00am-5:15pm Monday through Friday. Academic support will be available from 1:30-2:30pm in room 1340 on minimum days. Also, our career fair will be happening on September 12, so that is a perfect activity for students to do after dismissal!
Helix Career Fair - Thursday, September 12
Helix's second annual Career Fair will be held in the gym on Thursday, September 12 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. We will have exhibitors from a variety of industries, including the medical field, IT, programming, construction trades, engineering, army, culinary, law enforcement and much more! This is a minimum day, so students are encouraged to go check out the career fair after 4th period!
Athletic Eligibility Determined - Thursday, September 12
Find more info on helixathletics.net
Homecoming Game & Dance
Friday, September 13th & Saturday, September 14th
The Homecoming football game with King and Queen crowning ceremony at halftime will be held on Friday, September 13th at 7pm. The Homecoming dance will be held on the Helix campus on Saturday, September 14th from 7-10pm.
Homecoming dance tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Dawg House. Ticket prices: $20 with ASB card, $40 without ASB card (ASB card included with the purchase of a $40 ticket), guest ticket $40.
Dance Clearance Information
Please note that each student must be cleared before purchasing their dance ticket. Make sure to check the information below about what is required to be cleared. Students should start at the Dawg House to begin the dance clearance process.
Helix Football Game Reminders
We kicked off football season at the end of August!
Please note the following reminders:
General Reminders:
The home side gate is located on the southern side of the stadium. From the parking lot, you can access this side from the top of the solar parking lot. Follow the fire lane entrance near the Orien Ave. exit.
The visitor side gate is located on the north side of the stadium, next to the sand volleyball court. From the parking lot, walk onto campus, past the gym toward the west side of campus.
Helix football games are well-attended and the parking lot gets busy. Please walk or carpool if possible. If driving, please use caution in the parking lot and arrive early if possible.
Backpacks are not allowed into the stadium.
Bathrooms are located inside the stadium on both the home and visitor sides. Other bathrooms on campus will not be open.
Spectators are not allowed on the field before, during, or directly after the game.
No re-entry into the stadium.
If you see something, say something. Find a Helix staff member, security guard or use this anonymous tip form.
Student Seating:
Students must have a valid (current year) Helix student ID card to enter the home side gate and sit in the home bleachers.
Non-Helix students are welcome to watch the game from the visitor side bleachers.
The student spirit section is located at the far end of the bleachers on the west end of the stadium.
Students must find a seat in the bleachers during games. Students may not congregate or loiter behind the bleachers.
Student Section Etiquette:
Backpacks are not allowed into the stadium. Please take backpacks home after school, arrange for them to be picked up, or store them in your locker.
“Spraying” powder is not allowed.
If you are seen throwing anything (e.g. powder, water, water bottles, etc.), you will be escorted out of the stadium immediately.
Family First Info Nights
Every Thursday at 6pm, Helix staff or special guests present on different topics applicable to high school parents. These events are held in the ExL building (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.
Algebra 1C Info Night- Thursday, September 5 at 6pm
In this Algebra 1C Info Night, we will explain the class, how we keep students on track, helpful resources, how to stay up to date with your student's progress and more. Megan Crim, Math Department Chair, Algebra 1C Teachers and a member of our 9th grade team will present and be available to answer questions. This event will be held in the ExL building (room 1600) and is open to all parents and guardians. Registration not required. Students and siblings are welcome to attend with you. You can park in the staff lot located at 7323 University, above the big H. This is the entrance from University & Yale. Snacks will be provided. For translation services, click here.
Mental Health Reminders for Teenagers from the Wellness Center - Thursday, September 12 at 6pm
In honor of Check Your Mood week, we are collaborating with San Diego Youth Services to present to parents, guardians and students about general mental health reminders as well as suicide prevention. This will be presented by licensed social workers from our Wellness Center and Marriage & Family Therapists from SD Youth Services. This event will be held in the ExL building (room 1600) and is open to all parents and guardians. Students and siblings are welcome to attend with you. Dinner will be provided! RSVP is required for food ordering purposes. You can park in the staff lot located at 7323 University, above the big H. This is the entrance from University & Yale. For translation services, click here.
Algebra 2 / Financial Algebra Info Night - Thursday, September 26 at 6pm
In this Algebra 2 / Financial Algebra Info Night, we will explain the class, how we keep students on track, helpful resources, how to stay up to date with your student's progress and more. Megan Crim, Math Department Chair and Algebra 2 / Financial Algebra teachers will present and be available to answer questions. This event will be held in the ExL building (room 1600) and is open to all parents and guardians. Registration not required. Students and siblings are welcome to attend with you. You can park in the staff lot located at 7323 University, above the big H. This is the entrance from University & Yale. Snacks will be provided. For translation services, click here.
Performing Arts & ASPIRE Programs - Thursday, October 3 at 6pm
Come learn about ASPIRE offerings and Performing Arts programs. Katie Pipes, Department Chair, will present about the programs, how to get involved, audition dates and more. This event will be held in our Performing Arts Center. Students and siblings are welcome to attend with parents/guardians. Registration not required, just show up! Doors open at 5:45. For translation services, CLICK HERE.
Student & Community News
Join the Helix PTSA!
We hope all families will consider joining the Helix PTSA, click here to join. There is no commitment involved. It is just an annual, one-time donation of $13. The funds raised through PTSA memberships go directly back to the school and students for scholarships, special programs and anything the students may need! The more members we have, the greater access we have to grants and programs that will support Helix students. Any students interested in applying for PTSA scholarships (we give out $5,000 each year) must be PTSA members.
If you want to make more of a commitment, consider joining the PTSA board. This means attending one meeting per month (if you're available) and being on an email distribution that shares information about upcoming volunteer opportunities. The meetings are typically held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the school or via Zoom. If you're interested, please email PTSA President Dave Hardenburger at helixptsapresident@gmail.com.
And if you just want to be informed about upcoming events and school news, follow us on social media at Facebook and Instagram.
WANTED! Singers & performers for the Helix Award-Winning Show Choirs
Auditions were last May, but there is still room in our treble show choir for soprano/alto voices! If you sing in a lower range just let your counselor know to sign you up for our tenor/bass show choir, no audition required! Please email tolvo-chan@helixcharter.net for more information, and get ready for a fun and exciting year in CHOIR!
Fundraiser
Farm Fresh To You gives 10% back to Helix for both new and existing customers! Use promo code HELIX.
Suicide Awareness Month
September is Suicide Awareness Month
This year's theme is Connect to Protect.
Staying connected to others creates feelings of belonging and being loved, cared for and valued. So, remember to make connections!! Wear purple or yellow to raise awareness during the month of September. Mrs. Fernandez, the Class of 2028 social worker, will be handing out treats to students she sees on campus wearing purple or yellow this month!
Need To Contact Your Student During the School Day?
Helix Personal Electronic Device Policy Reminder
At Helix, students are not permitted to use their personal electronic devices, including cell phones, during class time unless a teacher has specifically approved them for educational purposes. Additionally, phones should not be used while students are on hall passes or in restrooms. Students are allowed to use their devices before and after school, during scheduled breaks, and at lunch.
If you need to get in touch with your student during class hours, please contact Ms. Carroll at the from receptionist desk or Ms. Bojorquez in the attendance office. They will be able to relay your message.
Bridgette Bojorquez, Attendance Technician
619-644-1940 ext. 231
Arielle Carroll, Receptionist
619-644-1940 ext. 101
How To Set Up A Parent Observer Account in Canvas
Please see the video below with instructions on how to set up a Parent Observer Account in Canvas.
Parent Observers can link their Canvas account to their student's account so they can see assignment due dates, announcements, their student's grades, and other course content.
Student ID Cards
ASB Cards and Reprinting
If students purchased an ASB card but did not receive a student ID with the gold "ASB" label, they can have it reprinted for free at the library. In the event of a lost or stolen ID, or if a student wishes to retake their photo, a new ID can be obtained in the library for a $3 fee. Please note that student IDs are required for entry to all school sports events and dances. For any reprint needs, please see Ms. Portnaya in the library.
UCSD College of Extended Studies Revit Courses
Opportunity for Helix students to earn UCSD College of Extended Studies credit!
These online courses are for students who are interested in architecture, engineering, and other professional careers.
Students can work on their own, but will be required to attend one day after school to work in groups. Students completing modules will earn UCSD College of Extended Studies credit. There is no cost to be in this course. The first course will be starting in the beginning of September. Upon completion of courses, students may be eligible to participate in the opportunity to apply for internships for the Summer of 2025.
If you are interested in learning more - please fill out this form.
Before & After School Tutoring/Academic Support
Tutorials on Fridays
Each week, Helix parents/guardians will receive an automated phone call and email notification if your student is currently failing one or more classes. The purpose of this call is to ensure that you are aware of your student's academic standing and to encourage timely intervention.
Students who receive this notification should attend tutorial sessions on Friday morning, starting at 8:30 AM, with their teacher(s). This will provide them with the necessary support to improve their grades and understanding of the subject matter.
Please review the tutorial schedule below.
The Den - Academic Support Space
In addition to tutorial hours on Friday morning, The Den is a place to get academic support before and after school. It will be open Monday through Thursday in ExL (room 1600). Students can drop in before and/or after school to receive help in all subjects from academic coaches and credentialed teachers. They will provide tutoring, remediation, test prep, test proctoring, timed writings and study groups. Any students missing mid-week tutorials should definitely drop in to the Den! See below for the daily schedule.
Community Service Opportunities
Community Service Graduation Requirement
Helix students are required to complete at least 40 hours of community service to graduate.
It’s never too early to start! We recommend that 9th graders aim to complete at least 10 hours of community service during their freshman year.
After completing your community service hours, please fill out THIS FORM and submit it to your Academic Advisor, Mrs. Naranjo.
How To View Your Logged Community Service Hours Via StudentVue
- Go to "Student Info"
- Scroll to the bottom of the page to where it says "service learning hours".
- You will see the number of hours you have logged.
Community Service Opportunities
To help students find opportunities, we regularly update the Student Opportunities sheet with information on community service, jobs, internships, college visits, and more! Explore community service opportunities here: helixcharter.net/community
Attendance Policy
School attendance is the first step to student success!
Did you know that missing as few as 1-2 days of school in a month can have a significant negative impact on your student's academic performance? Be sure to look at the Helix School School Year Calendar when scheduling appointments or other family events.
Students are encouraged to arrive to school early!
The DEN in room 1600 (ExL) opens at 7:15 am Monday - Thursday. Friday tutorials start at 8:30 am.
The "When" and "How" of Helix Attendance
When to contact the Helix Attendance Office. Helix is a closed campus which means students must always check in and out of the Attendance Office:
- When your student is late to school
- When your student is absent from school
- When you need to pick up your student early from school
- When your student is returning to school from an appointment
How to contact the Helix Attendance Office:
- Email attendance@helixcharter.net
- Phone 619-644-1940 ext. 231
- Send a note with the student name, ID number, reason for the absence, tardy or early release and a parent/guardian signature
- Report absences through the Helix ParentVUE Portal
Questions about your student's attendance?
- Check your student's attendance record through the Helix ParentVUE Portal
Perfect Attendance Challenge
The Office of Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. has invited the students of Helix to participate in their 2024-2025 Academic Year Perfect Attendance Challenge.
The challenge will begin September 2, 2025 and run through May 2, 2025.
To be eligible to receive the Perfect Attendance Award, students must have no full day absences on their record for the 2024-2025 academic year during our attendance challenge time frame. With the support of SeaWorld San Diego and our sponsors, all students with Perfect Attendance will be honored at an event at the end of the academic year, and provided complimentary SeaWorld San Diego tickets. Students with Perfect Attendance will receive a perfect attendance award certificate and a medallion. The date for the Perfect Attendance Celebration and SeaWorld passes is tentatively set for June 20, 2025 at SeaWorld San Diego.
Helix Resource Centers & Extra Curriculars
Let's Stay Connected
Class of 2028 Grade Level Team
Grade Level Principal: Mr. Damon Chase chase@helixcharter.net x127
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Vicky Rodriguez rodriguez@helixcharter.net x145
Counselor: Mrs. Olivari olivari@helixcharter.net x147
Academic Advisor: Mrs. Deborah Naranjo naranjo@helixcharter.net x136
School Social Worker: Mrs. Lorena Fernandez fernandez@helixcharter.net x395
Attendance Technician: Ms. Bridgette Bojorquez bojorquez@helixcharter.net x231
2028 Grade Level Team Email: glt2028@helixcharter.net
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Contact Information
Email: glt2028@helixcharter.net
Website: www.helixcharter.net
Location: 4200 Lowell Street, La Mesa, CA, USA
Phone: 619-644-1940