Time seems to be ticking away even faster as the Junior class reaches the halfway point of their 11th grade year. Now more than ever it is important that students are checking their grades and taking the steps necessary to ensure they are ready to wrap up each of their classes as Fall Semester 2 finishes up with finals on December 19th and 20th.
While grades are important, we want to ensure that each of our Helix Scotties are doing well and feeling supported while on campus. As we inch towards Senior year, graduation which once seemed far off, is now rapidly approaching (college, work, military, decisions at every turn!). In January, our Grade Level Team will begin meeting with students to discuss Senior year plans and post-secondary goals. The reality of adulthood begins to feel "real" and with that we at times see students experiencing premature "senioritis". We encourage you to take advantage of family time in the coming weeks and months to have conversations with your student about how they are feeling, what they are looking forward to and what they may be nervous about. It is an exciting time in their High School journey!
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.
December 2, 2024
Dear 11th Grade Parent/Guardian,
This is an exciting stage in your student’s educational career as senior year is fast approaching and countless opportunities exist after completing high school. This may include pursuing post-secondary education at a college, university, vocational or technical school. Our dedicated teachers, counselors, and administrators will provide guidance and support with selecting and applying to the various institutions next fall.
To assist with covering the cost of post-secondary education, we strongly encourage all 12th grade students to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completion of the FAFSA is necessary in order to qualify for federal student aid such as grants, work study, and loans. Students who were brought to the United States under the age of 16 without proper visas/immigration documentation may apply for financial aid by completing the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The window for 12th grade students to begin completing the FAFSA and CADAA opens every Fall Term. California students who complete the FAFSA or CADAA may receive the Cal Grant based on their financial and academic eligibility. Cal Grants are monies for post-secondary education that does not have to be repaid.
The state of California realizes that some students may not apply for financial aid. As a result, high schools must notify 11th grade students and parents (per California Ed Code 69432.9) that they have the opportunity to “opt-out” of being automatically considered as a Cal Grant applicant. Eleventh grade students who do not “opt-out” will have their verified GPA submitted to the California Student Aid Commission during their senior year to be considered for a Cal Grant award (per Assembly Bill 2160).
We discourage students and parents from opting out of the process as millions of Cal Grant dollars are awarded every year to those who assumed they didn’t qualify. However, if a student or parent chooses to “opt-out,” a Cal Grant Opt Out form must be submitted. If the student is a minor, the form must be completed by the parent or guardian. The deadline for 11th grade students or parents to submit the “opt-out” form is the last day of the school year (June 4, 2025).
The following documents and resources may also assist with determining how to proceed with the financial aid application process:
Cal Grant Awards FAQs about the FAFSA and CADAA How to Apply: FAFSA or CaDAA
Please contact the 2026 Grade Level Team if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this important part of your student's 11th grade year.
Sincerely,
2026 Grade Level Team
IT'S HAPPENING-- Senior year will be here before we know it! Course Requests for next year's classes will begin in January 2025. We will have a Family First presentation in January to review the course requests process with families.
During the month of January, Mr. Gonzalez, Ms. Lopez-Barajas, and Ms. Smith will be in classrooms presenting on the various courses that will be available during the 2025-2026 school year as well as graduation requirements.
After learning about the different courses and requirements, our 11th graders will have an opportunity to submit a course request form indicating what classes they would like to take. Come end of January, the GLT will be back in classrooms but this time having individual meetings with students about their requests. Course requests will be solidified prior to the start of Spring Break.
More specific dates and details will be given in our next newsletter so make sure to check it out!
As we welcome the fall and winter seasons with their festive cheer and traditions, it is also the time of year when colds, flu, and missed school days become more common. To support student wellness and learning, please keep your student home if they show signs of illness, such as a fever or vomiting. If your student is experiencing anxiety or stress please be sure to contact the Grade Level Team for support options. We also encourage families to avoid scheduling trips or vacations during school days, as missing school can create added stress for students.
Please mark these important dates on your calendar:
- Monday, 11/25/24 - Friday, 11/29/24: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
- Thursday, 12/19/24 & Friday, 12/20/24: Helix Fall Semester 1 Finals
- Monday, 12/23/24 - Tuesday, 1/7/25: Winter Break
- Wednesday, 1/8/25: Start of Spring Semester 1
The Helix Attendance Office would also like to share a few reminders:
- Students arriving late to school must go directly to the Attendance Office. Even if they arrive between class periods or at lunch.
- If a student needs to leave campus for any reason before their school day is over, they must first obtain an Off-Campus Pass.
- If a student becomes ill while at school, the student must report to the School Nurse’s Office with a pass from their teacher. The nurse will then notify the parent/guardian to determine if an early release from school is necessary.
- Students who leave campus early without authorization before leaving are considered truant and will be assigned a consequence.
- Parents/Guardians must notify the school of the reason for their student’s absence, as soon as it is known a student will be absent. Absences that are not cleared within three (3) school days will change to a truancy.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy and engaged!
Perfectionism & Healthy Expectations - Trying to Be Perfect in an Imperfect World - Tuesday, Dec. 3rd from 6-7pm
Come join other students and parents as we learn how to navigate perfectionism and balancing healthy expectations. With finals coming up, this is an important topic and we are offering students one community service hour for attending this presentation. This will be presented by Amy Chavez with San Diego Youth Services. This event will be held in ExL, the 1600 building, 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 off of Unviersity & Yale. Snacks will be provided. For translation services, click here.
BIMS (Black in Marine Sciences) Youth Night at Birch Aquarium - December 4 from 6pm - 8pm
Discover the wonders of the ocean and expand your knowledge through exciting presentations and hands-on activities. There will be free food for all attendees, ensuring you’re fueled up for a night of learning and fun! Wear your neon colors to light up the event and show your enthusiasm! This event is FREE and open to the public, so bring your family and friends for a night of connection, creativity, and ocean love. We can’t wait to see you there! Want to learn more about Black in Marine Science and BIMS Week? Visit www.BIMS.org.
Duchess' 4th Birthday Party!
We are going to celebrate Duchess' 4th Birthday on Friday, December 6th during lunch in the grass area by the 1300 bldg. All students are welcome to join us to sign happy birthday and show Duchess some love.
Students can earn up to 6 hours of community service by bringing pet toys or supplies to donate to the San Diego Humane Society. 1 item = 2 hours of service. Please drop off items between Monday, Dec 2nd - Friday, Dec 6th to the Wellness Center, Admin Building, Library or Old Admin BLdg (next to IT service window).
Yearbook Cost Increase
Yearbooks are currently for sale for $75 at the Dawg House and through the student store. The cost will increase to $85 in January and yearbooks SELL OUT, so buy one now if you're interested!
REMINDER: 2025 USC Bovard Scholars application is open!
Do you or someone you know fit these requirements?
- Junior in high school (11th grader) at time of application
- Currently hold a 4.0 GPA or above
- Enrolled in Algebra II, Trigonometry or above
- Demonstrate financial need
If so, they are eligible to apply.
If selected, each Bovard Scholar will have one full year of support through the admissions cycle and spend two weeks on the USC campus, where they will receive:
- Personalized career exploration
- Expert admission and financial aid support
- Comprehensive test preparation
- Leadership development
This year, the summer intensive runs from July 14, 2025, through August 2, 2025.
We offer the program at no cost to students or families. USC will pay for transportation to and from campus for students outside of Southern California.
Applications are due January 17, 2025, at 5:00 pm PST.
Contact Information
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 Technician