Class of 2028

April 9: Trade's Day

April 16 & 17: 9th Grade College Field Trip to SDSU & UCSD

April 24: Minimum Day, 1:20 pm Dismissal

April 24: Spring Fling Freshmen Welcome BBQ

May 7: Athletic Eligibility Determined

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

Helix's Trades Day is a career expo that exposes our students to unique career paths that don't require a college degree like construction trades, law enforcement, cosmetology, real estate and more. We will have over 25 career representatives available to talk to students, explain how to get into the industry and even sign up for training programs on the spot. All interested students are invited to participate. Certain classes will be coming out or students can come out during break, lunch or free periods.

Our annual college field trip is coming up on April 16 & 17, giving freshmen the opportunity to explore San Diego State University (SDSU) and UC San Diego (UCSD). Students will experience a day on two college campuses, learning about academic programs, student life, and what it takes to get to college. Permission slips will be sent home after spring break—please keep an eye out! Transportation & lunch will be provided. This is a great chance for students to start thinking about their future. We encourage all freshmen to participate!

Helix's annual Spring Fling Showcase for incoming freshmen is coming up! Helix academics, arts, activities and athletic programs will be showcased throughout the event allowing families to get acquainted with the many curricular and extracurricular programs offered at Helix. Incoming 9th Graders will receive a complimentary meal ($5 ea. for additional family members). 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 the Helix Performing Arts Programs will perform.

Notifications about Helix's annual online enrollment and summer conferencing scheduling process will be coming soon. At the end of April, keep a look out for more information on our annual required process. Dates, times and links will be shared at that time. Grade Level Teams are looking forward to meeting with all students and families to reflect on the school year and review what is coming in the upcoming 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!

Helix now uses Anonymous Alerts, a confidential reporting system for students to report bullying, behavioral concerns, or safety issues 24/7. This new system replaces the previous Student Safety Form and allows staff to communicate anonymously with those who report concerns.

How to Report:

• Download the Anonymous Alerts app or use the web-based platform.

• Activation Code: helixcharterhs

Your voice matters! Thank you for helping keep our campus safe and welcoming for all.

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.

Attention Helix dancers! Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Helix Dance Program has updated the dates for the 2025/2026 Placement Auditions. Please review the new schedule carefully:

• Choreography Videos – Released April 1st on www.helixdancers.com (Audition tab). Dancers must learn contemporary, hip hop, and jazz choreography. Pom/Sideline candidates must also learn pom choreography.

• Mandatory Workshops – April 21st & 22nd, 4:00–7:00 PM. Dancers must come with choreography memorized. Workshops will focus on refining movement and answering questions.

• Audition Day – April 23rd, starting at 3:45 PM. Auditions may run past 8:30 PM, so plan accordingly.

Be prepared, stay hydrated, and bring healthy snacks! Thank you for supporting the Helix Dance Program!

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

We will host a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank on Tuesday, April 29 from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm. All blood types are greatly needed! With less than a one-day supply of most types, we are asking you to SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT HERE. Students, families and community members are welcome to donate. Helix seniors can get a red cord for graduation if they donate or if someone dedicates their donation to them. Parking is available at 4200 Lowell St. and the Blood Mobiles will be parked by our gym.

All donors will receive a Bill Walton t-shirt and a "Save the Humans" t-shirt!

Thanks to a partnership between the English Department and Library, all Helix students and staff now have a campus-wide subscription to The New York Times!

How to Access:

1. Visit nytimes.com/passes and create an account using your Helix email.

2. Check your inbox (or Spam folder) for a confirmation email and click the link to verify your account.

3. Select student or staff (students must enter their graduation year).

4. Once you see the “Start Your Access” screen, you're all set! You can now log in anytime via the NYT website or app.

Detailed instructions are available on the library’s Research page under "Passwords." If you have any issues, feel free to reach out for help!

Inviting parents to our Career Mixer & Speed Mentoring on Thursday, April 3rd from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The event will be held at Helix Charter High, and we would be honored to have your participation and/or support. This event has been organized for students to highlight excellence within their communities. Students have expressed a desire to connect with professionals who have practical experience, local leaders, and individuals who are actively engaged in their respective fields, as they consider future career options and educational paths. This event will serve as a valuable opportunity for community members and leaders to share their stories, foster meaningful connections, and help cultivate lasting memories for our future leaders.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

• Time: 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

• Venue: Helix Charter High School Room: Gymnasium

Please RSVP if you will take the time to join us, please RSVP by March 13th. For questions: 619.992.6349 or joe.smith@linebackerdad.com.

This one-hour interactive session with the San Diego County Office of Education is designed to help parents and caregivers establish effective summer routines that balance structure, learning, and fun. Discover practical strategies to keep children engaged and create meaningful learning experiences that support their growth. Let’s work together to make this summer both enriching and enjoyable for the whole family! LINK TO RSVP: https://sdcoe.k12oms.org/903-262176

APPLY FOR MISSION TRAILS’ FREE ECO AMBASSADORS PROGRAM

The Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation invites teens to apply for the Summer 2025 Eco Ambassadors cohort. The free program was created for high school students interested in nature, the outdoors, and environmental studies. The Summer 2025 session will take place for one week from June 16-20. Apply by April 13!

Eco Ambassadors Program Application Form

Want to hear from past participants? Check out this article: Inside Eco Ambassadors: Mission Trails’ Teen Program

he City of La Mesa is launching a pilot E-Bike Incentive Program to encourage biking as a primary mode of transportation and reduce air pollution. Funded by a grant from San Diego Community Power, the program offers vouchers to eligible applicants:

• $800 standard voucher or $1,200 income-qualified voucher

• Applicants must be 18+ years old

• Vouchers are valid only at Stay True Cycleworks for approved e-bikes

Application Window: March 26 (12:00 PM) – April 14 (11:59 PM)

For full details and to apply, visit www.cityoflamesa.us/e-bikeprogram.

Calling all student artists and creators! This month’s Hope & Justice Art Contest invites you to explore Mental Health Thrival (Survival) Tips. Managing stress and healing from trauma can be challenging, but we all have techniques that help us cope. What works for you?

Express your ideas through art, videos, or TikToks showcasing breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or other stress-busting activities that make it easy for others to try.

🌟 Special Art Challenge! 🌟
Create a Mental Health Thrival Story for Instagram, including a link to the Soluna App and hashtags #ASpacetoBeYou and #Solunapp for a chance to win a $100 grand prize! All qualifying entries receive a $20 gift card.

• Deadline: April 30, 2025
• Learn more & submit: https://hopeandjustice.art/contest/submit-entry/

This contest is sponsored by CalHOPE Schools, providing free resources to support student well-being. Visit CalHOPESchools.org for more info.

Support the community and earn community service hours! Donate essential women's products and drop them off at the Helix Library (please label donations).

See the flyer for details!

The Brave Empowerment Conference or Girls will be held on Saturday May 3rd from 4-8pm at the Kroc Center. The 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

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

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.

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. The meeting will take place on Zoom. Click here to join. Click here for translation services.

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? Please come to our Family First Zoom webinar on "How to Access Accommodations for College Classes" happening April 18th starting at 6pm. 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.). This event will be held via zoom. Please click here to join the webinar. For translation services, click here.

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.

• 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.

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