Welcome to Helix

Welcome Helix Class of 2029 Families!

We look forward to serving our students and families! Please reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Helix Class of 2029 Grade Level Team (GLT)

**You will complete the electronic Class of 2029 Course Request Form at the Orientation Meeting in April 2025. Below is information on how to complete the Class of 2029 Course Request Form.**

Choosing courses for your freshman year of high school is an exciting opportunity to shape your education, explore new interests, and work toward your future goals. This is your chance to challenge yourself, discover new passions, and build a schedule that supports both your academic growth and personal well-being.

As you make your selections, think carefully about the balance between rigorous coursework and a manageable workload. Consider your strengths, ambitions, and commitments outside of school - whether it is sports, clubs, or time for yourself. A well-rounded schedule will set you up for success, keeping you engaged and motivated throughout the year.

Take your time, plan wisely, and embrace the possibilities ahead. Your future starts with the choices you make today!

Please use the worksheet below to plan out the courses you want to take in the 9th grade. We encourage you to print out the worksheet, complete it and bring it with you to your Orientation Meeting in April 2025. You will use this worksheet to submit the electronic Class of 2029 Course Request Form at your Orientation Meeting. To view the courses and descriptions of the courses offered in 9th grade, please click the link below.

*** Really take the time to review each course and make sure it is a class you actually want to take. Courses you select now are the courses you will take in the 9th grade. When you come to your Summer Conference Appointment in June 2025, we will build your schedule based on the courses you selected and the results of the Benchmark Assessments.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE HELIX 2025-2026 COURSE CATALOG 9TH GRADE

(courses and descriptions of the courses offered in the 9th grade can be found in the link above)

If your student is considering an AP or Honors course, we ask that you please review our course offerings chart below. We are excited about their interest in these challenging course! As you are planning and making decisions about course selections, please take time to review the workload expectations to ensure your student is selecting a manageable course load, while also considering other extracurricular time commitments.

Not sure how to complete your Class of 2029 Course Request? Have questions regarding the courses you are selecting for 9th grade?

View the Course Request Help Session presented by Mrs. Street, Class of 2029 Counselor and Ms. Villegas, Class of 2029 Grade Level Principal (GLP) by clicking the link below.

Applicants who accepted placement in SchoolMint have been emailed a link to complete Online Enrollment (OEN). Once OEN was completed, you should have clicked the link above to schedule an orientation meeting on one of the following dates:

• Tuesday, 4/1/25
• Thursday, 4/3/25
• Wednesday, 4/9/25
• Saturday, 4/12/25

Attending an Orientation Meeting is a MANDATORY step to complete enrollment. Parents/Guardians are required to attend, and we encourage students to attend, if their schedule allows. At this meeting you will see a presentation from the Class of 2029 Grade Level Team (GLT), complete your Course Request Form, verify Online Enrollment (OEN) and schedule your students Summer Conference Appointment.

All incoming freshmen and their families are invited to attend Helix's Spring Fling on Thursday, 4/24/25. You do not want to miss it! Incoming 9th Graders will receive a complimentary meal ($5 each for additional family members).

Helix Academics, Arts, Activities and Athletic programs will be showcased throughout the event allowing families to get acquainted with the many curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular programs offered at Helix. 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 Helix Performing Arts will perform.

We will also have information sessions on the following topics:

• Freshmen Support Classes
• Athletics
• The Math Department
• AP/Dual Enrollment

There will also be a Course Request Help Desk in room 330.

All students who are diploma bound must take the Benchmark Assessment. Both parts of this exam (Math and Reading & Writing) are taken on the same day on a Helix-issued Chromebook. A built-in calculator will be available when needed.

• MATH: NWEA Math MAP exam. An adaptive, 47-53 question exam that typically takes students 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.

• READING & WRITING: NWEA Screening Reading MAP exam. This exam has 19-20 questions and typically takes students 1 hour or less to complete.

Two sessions will be available each day: 8:30am and 12:30pm, on the following Saturdays:

• April 26, 2025
• May 3, 2025
• May 10, 2025
• May 17, 2025

Students choose ONE session to attend.

The exam will be on the Helix campus. Each classroom is limited to 30 students per room. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in at the 200 building. We recommend dropping students off in the "back" of school at 7323 University Avenue - near Yale and University Avenue. Drive up the ramp behind the Taco Shop.

HOW CAN YOUR STUDENT PREPARE FOR THE EXAM?

1. Get a good night's sleep the night before the exam.
2. Eat a healthy breakfast before the exam. Students can bring a water bottle with them.
3. Review the example exams to become familiar with the exam format.

For more information about the Benchmark Assessments, click here.

QUESTIONS?

Please email your questions to testing@helixcharter.net and they will respond within one business day.

Summer Conferences are REQUIRED every year for enrollment at Helix.

What to expect during Summer Conferences:

• In-person meeting with the Grade Level Team (GLT) to discuss class schedule and the upcoming school year
• 90 minute experience to prepare for the upcoming school year
• Student must attend conference with one parent/guardian

• School photo for ID Cards and Yearbook
  
• Finance Office for Class of 2029 Spirit Gear, PE Clothes, Helix Spirit Items, Yearbook, Chromebook Warranty, etc.
• Completion of Dual Enrollment Steps (if applicable)

Appointments for this conference are available to be scheduled from 7:00am - 2:30pm. You will schedule this conference at your Orientation Meeting in April 2025.

The goal of Scotties Summer Academy is for students to build strong connections with peers and Helix Staff, get a sneak peek into high school life, and gain essential skills in math, literacy and technology to be successful in high school.

Scotties Summer Academy is invite-only based on the students' Benchmark Assessment taken in May. Two sessions will be available from Monday, 6/23/25 - Tuesday, 7/1/25:

• Session 1: 8:00am - 11:15am
• Session 2: 11:45am - 3:00pm

Students - do not miss out on your chance to boost your readiness, ease your transition into Helix and set yourself up for success!

We hope all of our Freshmen will join us on Thursday, 7/31/25 from 8:00am - 12:30pm in the Helix Gym, for this fun and informative orientation! We will cover important information about the first day of school and explain where things are located on campus. Students will get a chance to meet their classmates and participate in fun team-building activities. FREE pizza lunch will be served.

*** This event is for students only - NO parents or siblings please. Students can be dropped off at the front of school in the large solar parking lot and will meet in the gym.

Join us on Saturday, 8/2/25 to receive your Helix Chromebook. We will be passing out Chromebooks in the Helix Library and taking time to get students set up on the campus wireless network and logged into their Helix Google accounts.

Please refer to the schedule below and come a the time associated with your last name.

Students not able to attend on 8/2/25 will be able to pick up their Chromebooks after school on Thursday, 8/7/25 or Friday, 8/8/25.

For the 2025-26 school year, Helix Charter High School is offering a Chromebook Warranty to cover repair costs in case of accidental damage. Families who qualify based on economic status will receive this warranty at no cost, with no further action required. Families who do not qualify can purchase the warranty for $25 from the Helix Web Store, starting Monday, 8/18/25.

To ensure coverage, students must keep the protective cover on their Chromebook, as damage occurring without it will not be covered. The deadline to purchase the warranty is Friday, 10/24/25. For questions, contact the IT Team at itstaff@helixcharter.net.

The first day of school is Thursday, 8/7/25. We are excited to have students on campus and wish them a fabulous Freshman Year! Please bring school supplies on the first day. This includes: backpack, Chromebook, pens, pencils, paper and notebooks.

🎒💻📝📚🚌

Classes begin at 8:30am. Students can view their schedules online in StudentVue (instructions to follow). We will also be set up near the Performing Arts Center (PAC) handing schedules out starting at 7:30am.

As our new year gets underway, we invite parents/guardians to visit the Fall Term classes of your student on Thursday, 8/21/25 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. This is your opportunity to meet your student’s new teachers and to acquaint yourselves with the instructional programs.

Come early and join us in the Library at 5pm for the PTSA welcome reception to find out how you can get involved!

Students who did not get their picture taken during Summer Conferences or would like to retake their picture, should visit the Performing Arts Center (PAC) Foyer on Monday, 8/25/25 or Monday, 9/29/25.

Freshmen can take their picture during Helix First or ExL.

We invite you to attend Parent/Guardian Shadow Day on Wednesday, 9/3/25 from 8:30am - 1:00pm. This is a great opportunity to get on campus during the school day to observe your student’s classrooms and school environment. This is not a day for teacher conferences, those can be scheduled individually.

If you are interested in joining the Helix Cheer Team, please attend the Mandatory Info Meeting on Monday, 3/31/25 via Zoom. Zoom information can be found in the interest form linked below.

You must have an active Athletic Clearance for tryouts on Saturday, 4/19/25. For more information about the Online Clearance Process, click the link.

CLICK HERE for the 2025-2026 Sideline Cheer Team Interest Form.

For more information, follow their Instagram Page @scotties.cheer.

• Saturday, 6/21/25: FROSH Champs Football Camp Registration
• Monday, 6/23/25: FROSH 1st Day of Football Camp
• Monday, 6/30/25-Sunday, 7/13/25: DEAD PERIOD
• Monday, 7/14/25: Practice Resumes

Students do not need to have an active Athletic Clearance to participate in the Freshman Champs Football Camp. They must have an active Athletic Clearance by Thursday, 7/31/25 to be ready for the fist day of the Fall Football Season on Friday, 8/1/25. For more information about the Online Clearance Process, click the link.

If you have any questions about Helix Freshman Football, please contact Coach Daniel Veal at: Helixfroshfb@gmail.com.

Auditions are REQUIRED for Drama Production Workshop, a class where students with theater experience rehearse and develop a single play for production in the community.

If you would like to audition for Drama Production Workshop you will have to prepare a video containing each of the following:

• 1-2 minute Comedic Monologue

• 1-2 minute Dramatic Monologue

Auditions need to be emailed to Mr. Paul Reams at reams@helixcharter.net by Tuesday, 5/13/25. Please reach out to Mr. Reams with any questions.

Click here for more information about the The Highland Players at Helix.

*** Photo Below: Students from the Drama Production Workshop class in a 2023 production of Metamorphoses.

9th Grade Auditions for the award-winning Helix Show Choirs will take place on Saturday, 5/10/25 from 1pm-2pm in Room 925, Choir Room, in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Helix.

THESE AUDITIONS ARE FOR CLASS PLACEMENT.

• SHOW CHOIRS
• Intermediate: HD (treble)
• Advanced: HLX (mixed)

AUDITION PROCESS

• Step One
• Prepare no more than 1 minute of a song to show off your voice and stage presence.
• Tracks (Karaoke version) may be on a phone, electronic device or live accompaniment if you play an instrument. NO A CAPPELLA.
• Step Two
• Bring completed Helix Vocal Music Department Show Choir Audition Application with you to the audition.
• Must complete both pages of the application.
• Step Three
• Attend Audition on Saturday, 5/10/25 from 1pm-2pm.
• Be prepared to match pitch to both piano and voice.
• Step Four
• If called back for dancing, must return to Helix at 5:45pm to the backstage door of the Helix PAC Mainstage in appropriate dance attire.
• Dance callbacks are from 6pm-8pm on the PAC Mainstage.

Dance Placement Auditions for the 2025/2026 school year are on Wednesday, 4/23/25 at 3:45pm.

THESE AUDITIONS ARE FOR CLASS PLACEMENT & COMPETITION TEAMS.

• COMPETITION TEAMS
• Contemporary Dance Team
• Hip Hop Team
• Jazz/Pom Dance Team
• DANCE COMPANY AUDITIONS
• Unleashed Dance Company (Advanced Dance)
• Junior Dance Company (Intermediate Dance)
• Beginning Dance Classes (Performing Classes and Dance Fitness)
• NO AUDITION REQUIRED

If you are on the waitlist for the Helix Lottery, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION in order to be considered for Intermediate or Advanced Dance Classes for the 2025/2026 school year. You WILL NOT be able to audition at a later date if/when you become accepted for enrollment at Helix.

AUDITION PROCESS

• Step One
• Watch Informational Screencast posted on the Helix Dance Audition Page
• www.helixdancers.com/auditions.html
• Create a Solo before Auditions on Wednesday, 4/23/25 and gather Audition Materials
• Step Two
• Start learning Choreography
• Choreography Videos will be released on Tuesday, 4/1/25.
• Dancers are responsible for learning ALL of the Choreography in the Audition Choreography Folder.
• Across the Floor Combos (3)
• Contemporary Choreography
• Hip Hop Choreography
• Jazz Choreography
• Pom Choreography (IF trying our for Pom/Sideline)
• All videos and materials are available on the Helix Dance Website
• www.helixdancers.com/auditions.html

• Step Three
• Attend ALL MANDATORY Workshops in Room 915, Dance Room
• These workshops are not for learning choreography - students are expected to arrive with the choreography already memorized. The workshops will used to polish movement, clarify details, and answer questions under the guidance of our dance coaches.
• Monday, 4/21/25 from 4pm-7pm
• Tuesday, 4/22/25 from 4pm-7pm
• Step Four
• Attend In-Person Audition on Wednesday, 4/23/25 beginning at 3:45pm.
• Auditions should conclude by 8:30pm, but please be aware that auditions may run slightly over. The goal is to remain efficient and respectful of your time.
• it is recommended that dancers come well-prepared, with water, and healthy snacks to stay energized and focused throughout the process.
• Complete and submit Audition Materials by 3pm on Wednesday, 4/23/25

• Step Five
• Attend a In-Person MANDATORY Company Meeting on Tuesday, 4/29/25 at 6pm in Room 915, Dance Room
• Dancer and Adult should Attend

***AUDITION RESULTS WILL BE POSTED BY FRIDAY, 4/25/25***

Still have questions? Email Dance Program Director, Katie Pipes at pipes@helixcharter.net.

Welcome to the Helix Instrumental Music Program! If you are planning on joining any of the music programs during the 2025-2026 school year, please complete the Helix Instrumental Music Program Form.

New Student/Parent Information Meeting: (Wednesday, 5/7/25 at 7pm in room 930)

All new students planning on joining any of the following classes (percussion, color guard, band, orchestra, or bagpipes) must attend this meeting. Information regarding the 2025-26 school year will be provided. There are also opportunities to ask questions of the directors, in person! If you are unable to attend the meeting, please email Mr. Benge (benge@helixcharter.net), Mrs. Casey (casey@helixcharter.net) and Mr. Neal (neal@helixcharter.net) as soon as possible.

Color Guard Workshops (Tuesday, 4/29/25 and Tuesday, 5/6/25 from 4:30pm-6:30pm in room 600)

Are you a dancer or enjoy moving? Do you want to be a part of the Helix Instrumental Music Program but do not play any instrument? Color Guard might be the perfect fit for you! You do not need to have any prior experience other than a want to do this and the time to learn. Come to these Spring Workshops to see if this is the right fit for you next year.

Percussion Workshops (Saturday, 5/3/25, 5/10/25 & 5/17/25 from 9am-12pm in room 930)

Are you playing in your percussion ensemble in middle school or are you interested in being a part of our percussion program (marching percussion or front ensemble)? We will be hosting percussion workshops for ALL students who plan on being in the Fall 2025 percussion section/marching band. Please attend all, if you are able. Otherwise, attend as many workshops as possible!! The first two will be used as workshops with mini auditions taking place on Saturday, 5/17/25. For planning purposes, the first of the summer workshops will take place on Saturday, 5/31/25.

Band Camp Paperwork Day (Saturday, 7/19/25 from 9am-11am in front of room 930)

All Students who plan on participating in one of the many programs and performance groups offered by the Helix Instrumental Music Department must attend this meeting with their parent(s)/guardian(s) to complete their registration in the ensemble(s) of their choice. Please complete the paperwork ahead of time by going to www.helixinstrumental.org.

Band Camp (Monday, 7/21/25 - Friday, 8/1/25)

All Marching Band and Bagpipe Students are expected to attend Band Camp. Attendance is MANDATORY to guarantee participation in the 2025/2026 Instrumental Music Season. (Orchestra students need not attend.)

All Music Camp Showcase Concert and BBQ (Saturday, 8/2/25 at 5pm in the stadium)

For ALL students who participated in Band Camp.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact:

• Band Directors
• Mrs. Rachel Casey at casey@helixcharter.net
• Mr. Mike Benge at benge@helixcharter.net
• Bagpipes Director
• Mr. Travis Neal at neal@helixcharter.net
• Visit the Helix Instrumental website at www.helixinstrumental.org

Ms. Arica Villegas - Grade Level Principal

Mrs. Yolanda Street - School Counselor

Ms. Danika Markey - Academic Advisor

Ms. Sara Brown - Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Brenda Flores - Attendance Technician

Mrs. Danielle Yee - School Social Worker

Ms. Cynthia Jones - Assistant Manager, Academic Support Program

Back Row Left to Right: Ms. Brown, Mrs. Street, Mrs. Yee, Ms. Villegas, Ms. Markey, Ms. Jones and Mrs. Flores

Front Row: Duchess, Helix Facility Dog

CLICK HERE for a reference guide for the terminology and acronyms that are used at Helix Charter High School.

This newsletter will be the primary place for all upcoming Freshmen dates and events, but we will also be posting information in the following places, so be sure to follow us here:

Instagram: @helix.2029

Website: www.helixcharter.net