Class of 2028

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: Senior Boards

May 17: Prom

May 26: Memorial Day, No School

June 3 - 4: Final Exams, Students Dismissed at 2:00pm

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

June 9 - June 30: Summer Conferencing

June 10 - July 1: Summer School

August 7: First day of school for the 2025-2026 school year

If a student did not pass a math or English class this year, they may have the opportunity to recover credits through our on-campus summer school program. Summer school will run from June 10 to July 1. More information will be sent out soon to students who are identified as needing summer school. Stay tuned for details!

For your planning purposes, the 2025/2026 school calendar is now available!

You can view it here: School Calendar Link.

First day of school: August 7, 2025

Be sure to check the calendar for important dates throughout the school year!

One of the special things about Helix is that we meet with every family in person each summer. Summer conference appointments are MANDATORY for every returning Helix student. Parents and guardians should have received an email to complete registration for the 2025-2026 school year. Once that is completed and enrollment is verified, you will receive a link to book summer conference appointments via TimeTap. Book your appointment as soon as possible!

During summer conferences, student academic standing is reviewed with families, schedules are discussed, 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 7:30am - 3:05pm. 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!

If your student is not planning to return to Helix next year, it is important to notify the Class of 2028 Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Vicky Rodriguez as soon as possible: rodriguez@helixcharter.net.

Be a part of something historic — join the first-ever Helix Girls Flag Football Team! No experience needed — just bring your energy, drive, and school pride. Make your mark on Helix history and help build a brand-new tradition!

• Open to incoming 9th–12th graders
• Flag Football is a Fall Sport
• Spring Training runs May 6th – May 29th
• Practice Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
• First two weeks of practice:
• Weekdays: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
• Saturdays: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Please note: The schedule may be updated based on field availability. We’ll keep all players informed of any changes.

Questions?:

Coach Dee, Helix Girls Flag Football
helixflag@gmail.com

Ready to join? Sign up today:
https://form.jotform.com/251135997317161

We are excited to work with athletes from all backgrounds and will do our best to coordinate with other sports programs, but please note that full accommodation cannot be guaranteed.

Don't miss your chance to make history — sign up now!

Ready to get a head start on your future? Join our Future U Summer Workshop Series — designed to help you explore your interests, plan ahead for college & career, and discover what drives YOU!

• Class of 2028: June 16–20 (closed June 19 for Juneteenth)
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Hands-on, interactive, and made just for YOU.
• Limited space — RSVP now: bit.ly/future2025rsvp.

We are excited to announce the Spring Semester 1 achievements for the Class of 2028! Congratulations to our Scotties with Perfect Attendance—showing up every day, on time, with no marks throughout the day—and to those who made the Honor Roll with a GPA of 3.5 or higher this past grading period. Keep up the great work! Watch this short clip that celebrates their hard work and dedication!

Helix students Emilie Perez and Sundus Ali (Class of ’28), along with Yusuf Yusuf and Susana Juarez (Class of ’26), delivered a powerful and deeply moving 40-minute presentation about their journeys as Long-Term English Learners to an audience of approximately 150 educators and administrators whose LEAs are receiving Differentiated Assistance through SDCOE. As the event’s opening speakers, they captivated the room—educators were seen taking notes, reflecting deeply, and, in many cases, moved to tears. Their honesty, courage, and wisdom made a lasting impact and set the tone for a day of meaningful learning. These students represented Helix with incredible grace and strength. Special thanks to Emily Burrough, Helix’s English Learner Coordinator, for mentoring and guiding these students and for providing the photos included in this article.

The Helix PTSA needs your help recognizing some outstanding Helix teachers and staff. Please fill out this link to recognize some Helix All-Stars. They will be recognized in the all-staff monthly meetings.

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.

Senior Boards is a graduation requirement for all Helix seniors, and we are looking for volunteers to serve as judges alongside our teachers and staff. As a judge, you will listen to seniors share their high school experiences and talk about their plans for the future. It is a meaningful way to connect with our students and engage with the Helix community. We are hoping to involve as many parents and community members as possible to bring diverse perspectives to the judging panels. You are 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 are 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.

Final concert of the year!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

IGNITE, a national non-partisan nonprofit focused on training young women to become civic leaders, is hosting a free virtual Campus Convention this summer. High school and college students are invited to join for two days of political leadership training, networking, and action planning. Participants can also earn LinkedIn certificates for completing certain workshops.

🗓️ Dates: Monday, June 23 & Tuesday, June 24
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST (with breaks)
📍 Location: Virtual
💲 Cost: Free
🔗 Register here

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!

The Public Safety Communications Academy is offered every Saturday at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa.

Interested in a career in fire service? The Cal-Jac EMT Academy is now accepting applications! This comprehensive course includes the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the Entry-Level Firefighter Written Exam. Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your future.
Application deadline: May 25.
For more information and to apply, visit caljacacademy.org.

Use promocode HelixCharter when purchasing Farm Fresh to You products and they will give 10% back to Helix.

Every Thursday at 6pm, Helix staff or special guests present on different topics applicable to high school parents. See below for our upcoming schedule. Visit helixcharter.net/student-support/family-first for more information and for links to previous recordings.

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#.

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!

C4Me Info Night - Thursday, May 22 from 6-7pm (Virtual Meeting)

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 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!

Helix students are required to complete at least 40 hours of community service to graduate. We recommend that students aim to complete at least 10 hours of community service each school year. Summer break is a great time to earn community service hours! Take advantage of the extra time to volunteer and get ahead on your graduation requirement. After completing your community service hours, please fill out THIS FORM and submit it to your Academic Advisor, Mrs. Naranjo.

• 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.

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: https://www.helixcharter.net/student-support/community-service.

HandsOn San Diego is a nonprofit on a mission to make volunteering easier and our communities stronger. Our projects are hand selected to ensure our volunteers have a great experience and truly make a difference.

Ready to volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about? Projects that fit your schedule and interests are waiting for you! Easily search their volunteer calendar based on your age, location, or impact area.

Teacher Tutorials provide students with a valuable opportunity to make up missed tests, revise papers, and receive extra support from teachers. Some teachers may also offer one-on-one assistance to help clarify concepts and improve understanding.

Tutorials take place every Friday morning—see the schedule below for details. Take advantage of this time to stay on top of your coursework and start the semester strong!

Get Extra Academic Support at The Den! In addition to Friday Morning Teacher Tutorials, The Den offers academic support before and after school, Monday through Thursday in ExL (Room 1600). Students can drop in for help with any subject from academic coaches and credentialed teachers. Services include: tutoring & remediation, test prep & proctoring, timed writings & study groups.

If you need extra support throughout the week, The Den is the place to be! Check out the schedule below and take advantage of this great resource.

This Year's theme is "Turn Awareness into Action".We would like to highlight the importance of Mental Health by having conversations and finding healthy ways to cope with our emotions. So let's raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote understanding of mental health issues. Wear green every Monday in support of Mental Health Awareness.

Here is a great overview of what we need to support our Mental Health. The 5 C's of mental health are: Connection, Compassion, Coping, Community, and Care. These elements provide a framework for fostering mental well-being, resilience, and overall quality of life.

Here's a brief overview of each:

• Connection:
  Humans are social beings, and strong social connections are vital for mental well-being.

• Compassion:
  Extending kindness and understanding to oneself and others can significantly impact mental health.

• Coping:
  Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress and difficult emotions is crucial for resilience.

• Community:
  Being part of a supportive community provides social support and a sense of belonging.

• Care:
  Prioritizing self-care, including physical and mental health practices, is essential for maintaining well-being. (ICAN non Profit)

• Wear GREEN on Mondays this month to show your support AND be entered in a raffle.

• NAMI Club Mental Health Fair on May 7th during lunch in the quad. All students are encouraged to attend.

• Mind Out Loud Watch Party with donut (date and time TBD).

Monthly Topic: Finding My Place

Hello!

Our names are Jalen Davis and Julieta Hernandez; we are the interns of the 11th and 12th grade counselors, Mr. González and Mrs. Street, respectively. We will be creating different presentations during each month to keep you informed about different topics that we hope you will find useful. This month, we have decided to focus on helping students find their place on campus or discover new ways to make friends. Although the end of the school year is coming up, these tips are even applicable to the next school year!

Tema Mensual: Encontrando Mi Lugar

¡Hola!

Nos llamamos Jalen Davis y Julieta Hernández; somos las becarias de los consejeros de 11.º y 12.º grado, el Sr. González y la Sra. Street, respectivamente. Cada mes prepararemos diferentes presentaciones para mantenerlos informados sobre diferentes temas que esperamos les sean útiles. Este mes nos hemos centrado en ayudar a los estudiantes a encontrar su lugar en el campus o a descubrir nuevas maneras de hacer amigos. Aunque se acerca el final del año escolar, ¡estos consejos también son aplicables al próximo año escolar!

Grade Level Principal: Mr. Damon Chase chase@helixcharter.net x127

Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Vicky Rodriguez rodriguez@helixcharter.net x145

Counselor: Mrs. Olivari (on maternity leave)

Substitute Counselor: Ms. Reed reed@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

Click the icons to visit our pages!

Email: glt2028@helixcharter.net
Website: www.helixcharter.net
Location: 4200 Lowell Street, La Mesa, CA, USA
Phone: 619-644-1940