Class of 2025 Newsletter
May 2024
A Message From Your 2025 Team
April has felt like a sprint to the end of the year with so much activity going on. Juniors wrap up SBAC testing in the next week and we must acknowledge they had an impressive showing. Thank you for supporting your students as they tackled testing over the last month. We are now transitioning to AP testing in May for students enrolled in AP courses. As always please help your student get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast and arrive to school with plenty of time to settle in and calm any testing nerves.
In May the Grade Level Team will be excitedly preparing for Summer Conferencing. If you have not completed the online enrollment process and scheduled you summer conference appointment, please take a look at the information below to get that done as soon as possible.
We are looking for a strong finish to Junior year. More than ever, students need those nudges and reminders to stay focused on a strong finish to the year (and keep Senioritis at bay)!
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.
Mark your Calendar:
May 1: Spring Fling
May 6: Progress Reports Due - Spring Semester 2
May 8: Athletic Eligibility Determined
May 27: No School - Memorial Day
May 28-29: Minimum Days - Senior Boards
June 5-6: Spring Semester 2 Finals
June 11-July 3: Summer Conference Appointments
June 12- July 3: Helix Summer School
August 1: University of California Applications Opens
August 8: First Day of Senior Year
August 22: Back to School Night
August 28: Parent Shadow Day
Helix Speech and Debate
Congratulations to the Helix Speech and Debate Team for their 9th place finish at the California State Championship Tournament in Team Sweepstakes.
Special shout out to the following 11th graders who participated in the California State Championship Tournament.
- Paola Aguilar - Participant, Dramatic Interpretation
- Firdous Ali - Semifinalist, Declamation
- Diego Ayala - Semifinalist, Humorous Interpretation
- Colin Contreras - 7th place, Original Prose Poetry
- Zaida Donnelly - State Champion, Original Advocacy
- Peyton Kertson - Participant, Informative Speaking
- Christian Soza - Participant, Original Prose Poetry
Paola Aguilar
Firdous Ali
Diego Ayala
Colin Contreras
Zaida Donnelly
Peyton Kertson
Christian Soza
Zaida, Colin and Tori
Kamilah Jones: Committed!
Congrats to Kamilah Jones #0 on her commitment to play D1 Soccer at UC Irvine! We are so proud of you and we know you are going to do great. Once a Scottie, Always a Scottie!
Athlete of the Week: Lauren Farace
Lauren went 4-4, with two singles, one double, one triple and 4 runs scored! Keep up the great work Lauren!
Athlete of the Week: Shani Ford
Shani along with her shot put teammates Tesa Liufau, Haley Lauifi, and Leila Lauifi took 1, 2, 3, & 4 at the Rancho Bernardo Bronco Invitational! Additionally, they #1, #2, #3 and #4 in San Diego County for shot put. Amazing work Shani & teammates!!!!
Athlete of the Week: Daniel Ho
Daniel is averaging 0.52 strokes over par in Grossmont Hills League play. He is the leading candidate for League Player of the Year honors. He is the Golf Team Captain and his leadership is contributing to the teams success.
Daniel recently also committed to play D1 Golf at the Naval Academy! Congrats Daniel!
Athlete of the Week: Tarran Thomas
Tarran provided wins in both singles and doubles in two matches. Way to go Tarran!
Athlete of the Week: Ta'Tiannah Wright
Tati went 2-3, with one single one double and 5 RBIs. Keep it up Tati!
Helix Vocal Music
Congratulations to all of the 11th graders who participate in one of the Helix Choirs. Special shout out to best performer and best soloist award winner Valeria Ortega.
Representing our show choirs in the second photo below, 12th grader, Kiara Robinson is holding HD's 2nd place trophy and 11th grader, Landon Walkenhorst is holding TBH's exhibition trophy. In addition, our extremely talented student director, 12th grader, Riley Faiai, is holding HLX's trophy in which they earned 3rd place in music against highly advanced groups from out of state...way to go Helix!!!
Ruff Ruff News: Volume 10
Ruff Ruff News: Volume 11
Ruff Ruff News: Volume 12
2024-2025 Online Enrollment and Summer Conferences (In-Person)
Online Enrollment and Summer Conferences are REQUIRED steps in securing your student's enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. Verification of your student's online data in ParentVUE must be completed by Monday, 5/20/24.
Click on the photo below to view the steps for completing online enrollment and scheduling summer conferences online.
*If your student will not be returning to Helix next year, please notify your Grade Level Team ASAP.*
What to expect during Summer Conferences:
- In-person meeting with GLT to discuss class schedule and the upcoming school year
- 90 minute experience to prepare for the upcoming school year
- Student should attend conference with one parent/guardian
- School photo for ID cards (Senior Portrait information coming soon)
- Finance Office for Class Spirit Pack, pay fines, purchase spirit items, yearbook, etc.
- Completion of Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Steps (if applicable)
AP Testing: Monday, 5/6/24 - Friday, 5/17/24
If you are taking any AP Tests this year, here are a few reminders:
Check-in early at testing location before exam:
7:15am for 8:00am exams
11:30am for 12:00pm exams
Students need to bring a photo ID (Helix ID okay)
Students should bring 2 pens (blue or black ink) and 2 pencils with a good eraser
Students are welcome to bring water into the testing room
All smart devices (watches, cell phones, etc.) will be collected upon arrival and returned once the exams are complete
Students must stay once they complete their exams - everyone will be released at the same time
Here is a complete list of AP terms and conditions: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org
Future U Workshop Series: June 2024
Grad Night Chaperones Needed
The Helix PTSA is in need of additional chaperones to assist with Class of 2024 Grad Night. Parents with children attending Grad Night interested in attending free of charge as a group chaperone can contact Katie Smith at katiem_smith@yahoo.com.
Chaperones will be asked to attend the entire event, including riding the buses to and from the event, beginning the afternoon of Sunday, 6/9/24 overnight to the morning of Monday, 6/10/24.
Preparing for Senior Year Info Night
Thank you to all the families who joined us on April 11th for the Preparing for Senior Year and What To Expect Info Night.
If you were not able to attend, please check out the presentation and informational flier below.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Grade Level Team at glt2025@helixcharter.net
Academic Support Opportunities
Student Opportunities 2023/2024
Find out more information about Community Service Opportunities; Internship Opportunities; Scholarship Opportunities; College Visits/Tours/Fly-Ins by clicking the box below.
Summer Opportunities for Students at the Kroc Center
Here are some summer job/community service opportunities at the Kroc Center down the street.
Below are fliers and applications for the teen volunteer program as well the youth development leader (YDL) position. Students must be 15-17 to volunteer and at least 18 by June 10th to work here as a YDL.
BigFuture $500 and $40,000 Scholarships
10th graders can now qualify for $500 and $40,000 scholarships from BigFuture®! The scholarships are open to all students, with no GPA, test score, essay, income, or citizenship requirements. Every month, they award $500 and $40,000 to students who take steps toward their career and the education they need to reach it.
How to Get Started
To qualify for monthly drawings, you just need to sign in to your BigFuture dashboard and complete steps, beginning with starting a career list and building a college list. Here is a how-to video and another video to see past winners.
Support Helix Through Farm Fresh To You
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. 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.
NCAA Eligibility Workshop: Thursday, 5/2/24
Interested in participating in college athletics? Come get the latest information on the NCAA eligibility process from Damon Chase, Athletic Director and Kathryn Welch, Assistant Athletic Director on Thursday, 5/2/24 at 6pm via ZOOM.
Click here to join this ZOOM meeting. Registration is not required.
Helix's Sustainability Work: Thursday, 5/9/24
Kevin Myron, Science Teacher and Sustainability Coordinator, will present on all of the exciting work Helix is doing to improve our sustainability on Thursday, 5/9/24 at 6pm in the Helix Library.
He will discuss the new recycling program, Green Schools Conference attendance, research on sustainability in schools, and more. He will cover our new Student Office of Sustainability and students from that office will share. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and share ideas about this work. We are also interested in hearing from Helix parents and community members who may be interested in being on a new Sustainability Advisory Board to oversee the implementation of a sustainability action plan.
Dinner will be provided, please RSVP here for food ordering purposes. Students and siblings are welcome to attend with parents/guardians. For translation services, click here.
Patient Care Pathway Info Night: Wednesday, 5/16/24
Come learn about the Patient Care Pathway classes (Beginning Sports Medicine & Advanced Sports Medicine) from teacher and CTE pathway leader, Kathryn Welch on Wednesday, 5/16/24 at 6pm in the Helix Library.
Topics that will be covered include: the expectations, workload and requirements to be successful in these classes.
Registration not required. Students & siblings are welcome to join you. Refreshments will be provided. For translation services, click here.
English Learner Info Night (ELAC) and Celebration: Thursday, 5/23/24
This event is open to new and existing students to learn about our English Learner program. They will greet their incoming students and hear from past students. They will also celebrate their students who have been reclassified in an RFEP Ceremony!
Join us in the Helix Library on Thursday, 5/23/24 at 6pm. Dinner will be provided and catered by one of our Helix families! Doors will open at 5:45pm.
Registration is required for food ordering purposes. Please indicate if translation is needed on the registration form.
Bike Safety Classes for Teens Riding in La Mesa
The San Diego Bike Coalition & the City of La Mesa are offering FREE bike safety classes for teenagers riding in La Mesa.
Visit www.sdbikecoalition.ord/events to register for one of their free upcoming events.
Chess The Musical: Tuesday, 4/30/24 - Saturday, 5/4/24
The Highland Players production of Chess The Musical will be shown in the Helix Performing Arts Building Mainstage Theater at 7pm on the following dates:
- Tuesday, 4/30/24
- Thursday, 5/2/24 - Saturday, 5/4/24
There will be an Understudy Matinee on Saturday, 5/4/24 at 2pm.
In this musical, Chess becomes a metaphor for romantic rivalries, competitive gamesmanship, super-power politics, and international intrigue. From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians and spies manipulate and are manipulated to the pulse of a score that includes "One Night in Bangkok" and "Heaven Help My Heart".
Spring Fling: Wednesday, 5/1/24
Helix's annual Spring Fling Showcase for incoming freshmen will be on Wednesday, 5/1/24! 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 be perform. For more information on upcoming events for next year's freshmen, check out this newsletter.
Brave Empowerment Event: Saturday, 5/4/24
This fun & free event at the Kroc Center on Saturday, 5/4/24 from 4pm - 8pm, will educate and connect girls with community resources!
There will be Powerful speakers and testimonies, DJ, dinner provided by In and Out, inflatables, yoga, glam zone featuring hair and nails, resource fair, and a raffle. Participants will receive a swag bag stuffed with a journal, pen, free guest passes for the Kroc Center, other goodies and more!
PTSA Fundraiser: May 2024
Mention you are a Helix supporter at the new La Mesa Pizzaworks across the street from Helix (next door to Subway) and they will give 20% back to the Helix PTSA on the dates listed below.
Athletic Eligibility: Wednesday, 5/8/24
Progress reports are due on Monday, 5/6/24. 📉🤯📈
Please take advantage of Academic Support opportunities this week to make sure you are passing all of your classes! 📚📝
Remember…these grades will be used to determine Athletic Eligibility on Wednesday, 5/8/24. If you are playing a spring sport, you must earn at least a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible.
YOU GOT THIS!!⭐️💚🐾
Dancing Through the Decades: Thursday, 5/9/24 and Friday, 5/10/24
Helix Dance presents their Spring Dance Concert - Dancing Through the Decades on Thursday, 5/9/24 and Friday, 5/10/24 at 7pm. All performances will take place on the Main Stage Theater in the Helix Performing Arts Center. This performance will feature student-choreographed and faculty-choreographed works.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
- All ticket sales will be sold online only. No physical day-of box office sales.
- Pre-sale price for all tickets is $12/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 performance in case you forget your confirmation.
- Email Katie Pipes with questions: pipes@helixcharter.net
Performing Arts Auditions: May 2024
See graphic below for dance and choir auditions for the 2024-25 school year.
City of La Mesa Career Expo: Thursday, 5/16/24
Everyone from the Helix community is invited to attend the City of La Mesa's Career Fair on Thursday, 5/16/24 from 2pm-6pm.
There will be information about local jobs and training programs.
Spring Cabaret: Thursday, 5/16/24 and Friday, 5/17/24
Celebrate the end of the 2023-2024 school year with the award winning Helix Choirs for the Spring Cabaret on Thursday, 5/16/24 and Friday, 5/17/24 at 7pm. All performances will take place on the Main Stage Theater in the Helix Performing Arts Center.
The performances will feature all 5 Helix choirs, specialty acts and a tribute to the class of 2024. See you there!
Memorial Day: Monday, 5/27/24
Spring Semester 2 Finals: Wednesday, 6/5/24 - Thursday, 6/6/24
Spring Semester 2 Finals are Wednesday, 6/5/24 and Thursday, 6/6/24.
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
Aspire Summer Camp: Monday, 6/10/24 - Friday, 6/28/24
2023-2024 ACT Test Dates
Remember that the ACT is still required for some out of state colleges. We encourage students to sign up for the Spring Test Dates.
2023-2024 SAT Test Dates
Remember that the SAT is still required for some out of state colleges. We encourage students to sign up for the Spring Test Dates.
Grade Level Team Members
Mrs. Yolanda Street - School Counselor
Ms. Danika Markey - Academic Advisor
Ms. Sara Brown - Administrative Assistant
Ms. Brenda Flores - Attendance Technician
Mrs. Danielle Yee - School Social Worker
Email: glt2025@helixcharter.net
Location: 4200 Lowell Street, La Mesa, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 644-1940