March 2025 Newsletter

The second half of the school year always seems to fly by especially as we inch closer and closer to senior year. This time in junior year is critical for our students as these last two semesters present the final opportunity for students to polish their transcripts before sending them off to colleges in the fall. The Grade Level Team spent all of February having big conversations about post-secondary goal plans of action as they discussed course requests for senior year. We encourage all families to review their student's course requests in your ParentVUE account and ask them what pathway their course selections are helping them move towards.

With only two weeks remaining in the semester we are encouraging students to work hard and take advantage of resources to ensure their grades represent their full potential. We also encourage students to take advantage of Spring Break to spend quality time with family, work on community service hours or tour a local college/university. When we return the Junior class will be in testing mode! Please review the information below.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Grade Level Team or your student's 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.

Students were shown how to view a copy of their official course request via StudentVue in Advisory on Friday, 2/28/25. Please review the request with your student. All parents/guardians were also emailed a copy on Monday, 3/3/25. The most up-to-date version can also be found on ParentVue. Students have until Friday, 3/7/24 to make any changes to their request. Once we go on Spring Break, changes cannot be made to the request.

We look forward to meeting with every family at your students' Mandatory Registration Appointment in June 2025. More information about scheduling your registration appointment will be available after Spring Break.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we were out in classrooms meeting individually with your students to finalize their 12th Grade Course Requests.

The Helix Black Student Union organized a trip for many students to attend the Black College Expo in Los Angeles, where they had the opportunity to meet representatives from Historical Black Colleges and Universities, as well as various California Colleges and Universities. The atmosphere was electric, and our students were brimming with excitement and enthusiasm throughout the day.

Our juniors took full advantage of the opportunity to explore their options, taking the time to familiarize themselves with various colleges and universities. They eagerly shared their transcripts and engaged in discussions to find the best fit for their future endeavors.

Beyond the college fair, the expo also offered valuable seminars covering topics such as financial literacy and student-athlete development. These sessions provided our students with essential information and tools to succeed both academically and personally.

The Speech and Debate won first place in the grand sweepstakes division in February. Our 11th graders: Lucinda Anderson, Kaia Mayland. Emma Browne, Sydney Player, and Mariana Dumlao performed exceptionally well!

In their first competition of the season, the Winter Drumline earned 4th place with their performance of "Can you hear me..."

Our theatre program had another successful production with Hadestown. Under the guidance of guest director Marc Caro Wilcox—an alum of Highland Players and Helix Dance—along with Producer Paul Reams and Musical Director Michelle Tolvo-Chan, our students delivered a powerful performance that deeply resonated while addressing important social, political, and community issues.

We want to give a special shoutout to our 11th grade students who participated in the production. See their names and roles below:

Crew List

Stage Manager: Aine Riley

Assistant Stage Management: Alexander Zertuche

Lighting Design: Aine Riley

Set Construction & Scenic Painting: Tech Theatre Students (Lily Flanery, Quinn Pavnoz, Alexander Zertuche)

Spotlight Operator: Rhianna Johnson

Cast

Euridyce: Kaia Mayland

Persephone: Emma Browne

The Fates: Sofia Ramos

Ensemble

Ethan Shultz, Genna Montano, Nathania Novian, Sam Comiskey, Sam George*, Sam Hom*

*in addition to performing in the ensemble, these students also understudied a principal role

We highly encourage you to check out our future productions!

On February 5th, we recognized the achievements of female athletes, the positive influence of sports, and the need to improve equality and access for women in sports. Helix is proud to celebrate our amazing female athletes and coaches!

Our winter sports teams had such successful seasons! Congrats to all of our athletes but especially, to our 11th graders!

Boys Soccer- Advanced to CIF D11 Championship

Boys Basketball- Played in the CIF D2 Quarterfinals

Girls Soccer- Reached the CIF Quarterfinals

Girls Basketball- Played in the 1st round in the CIF D1 playoffs

Girls Water Polo- Reached the State Playoff Qualifier game.

The wrestling team competed in the CIF D1 championships.

• Saturday, March 1st - Deadline to Submit Helix Application for New Students
• March 12th & 13th - Finals, Revised Bell Schedule - Spring Semester I
• Friday, March 14th - No School, Staff Workday
• March 14th - 28th - Spring Break - No School
• Tuesday, March 18th - Athletic Eligibility Deteremined
• Monday, March 31st - First Day of Spring Semester II

The deadline for new students (including siblings) to apply to Helix for next school year is Friday, March 1. Any applications submitted after March 1 will be placed on a waitlist in the order it was recieved. We will notify all families of lottery results on Friday, March 14. You will need to log in to SchoolMint to accpet placement if offered. Instructions on how to do that will be included in your email. The application and all information about enrollment can be found here - helixcharter.net/Enroll. No action is required for students already enrolled at Helix.

Spring Semester 1 Finals are Wednesday, 3/12/25 and Thursday, 3/13/25

Finals can be a stressful time for students and in your household. To support your student we encourage:

• Plenty of rest: aiming for 8-10 hours per night
• Healthy breakfast and lunch
• Regularly studying: not just completing homework but reviewing notes each evening for understanding, creating notecards where appropriate, brushing up on skills through programs like Achieve or Khan Academy
• Practice breathing to help calm anxiety

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the Military or learning more about potential career opportunities? Helix will be hosting the ASVAB on March 14th, 2025 at 8:00 am.

"The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized test that reveals areas of strength and ability in science, math, and language. Taking the test is not only one of the first steps before enlisting in the military but it can also help to match people with a job where their strengths will be best suited."

If your student is interested in taking the exam, students can sign up in the College Center (Room 180) or contact the 2026 GLT.

Spring Semester I Finals will be held on Wednesday, March 12th & Thursday, March 13th. Friday, March 14th is a teacher work day (no school for students). Spring Break will start on Friday, March 14th and students will return on Monday, March 31st for the first day of Spring Semester II.

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

Every Thursday at 6pm, Helix Staff or special guests present on different topics applicable to high school parents. These events are held in the Helix Library 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.

Join us for a catered dinner and Family First night, where our school social work interns Angela Drewien and Teneal Trent will discuss the importance of self-care for parents and provide valuable resources to support mental well-being. This event will feature practical strategies, interactive discussions, and helpful tools to help parents prioritize their health while balancing family life. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and invest in your well-being! This event will be held in ExL (1600). Students and siblings are welcome to join you. Dinner will be provided from Wei Wei! Please RSVP here for food ordering purposes.

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. This info session will be held on Zoom, click here to join. Registration not required. For translation services, click here.

Yearbooks are currently for sale at the Dawg House and through the student store. Yearbooks SELL OUT, so buy one TODAY if you are interested!

See graphic for dance auditions for next year.

TWO nights music featuring Lemon Grove Science Academy, Parkway Sports & Health Science Academy, La Mesa Arts Academy, and Helix Instrumental. Night 1 features the BANDS from each school and night 2 features the Orchestras. Buy tickets at helixinstrumental.org or scan the QR code.

HIMA's 31st Annual Gala will be held at the Thursday Club on March 13th. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Early Academic Outreach Program and TRIO Outreach Programs at UC San Diego are excited to return IN-PERSON, ON-CAMPUS, and at a NEW VENUE (Liontree Arena) on Saturday March 15, 2025! Comienza con un Sueño / It Begins with A Dream ( comienza.ucsd.edu) is a FREE, accessible, and informational event for 6th-11th grade students and their families. The event will run from 8am to 3pm and include workshops in English and Spanish on a variety of topics including academic preparation, insights into university life, UC San Diego admissions and financial aid. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. We anticipate 800 attendees this year.

Registration is open! Be sure to register each attendee individually!

Event Registration

We look forward to seeing you on March 15, 2025. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @ucsandiego_eaop If you have any questions, feel free to email comienza@ucsd.edu.

You are invited to attend the 5th Annual Young Women’s Conference. The conference is for high school students only.

The objective of the conference is to bring young women together to inspire and empower them with knowledge and growth to become better versions of themselves.

Participants receive: Continental breakfast, lunch, certificate with 5 civic engagement hours and a goodie bag (for the first 50 registrants).

Refer to the flyer for more information.

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 partipants and sponsors. Visit helixhighschoolfoundation.com/golf for more information and to register!

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