Class of 2025 Newsletter
March 2024
A Message From Your 2025 Team
The second half of the school year always seems to fly by especially as we inch closer and closer to senior year. This time in junior year is critical for our students as these last two semesters present the final opportunity for students to polish their transcripts before sending them off to colleges in the fall. The Grade Level Team spent all of February having big conversations about post-secondary goal plans of action as they discussed course requests for senior year. We encourage all families to review their student's course requests in your ParentVUE account and ask them what pathway their course selections are helping them move towards.
With only two weeks remaining in the semester we are encouraging students to work hard and take advantage of resources to ensure their grades represent their full potential. We also encourage students to take advantage of Spring Break to spend quality time with family, work on community service hours or tour a local college/university. When we return the Junior class will be in testing mode! Please review the information below.
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:
March 13-14: Spring Semester 1 Finals
March 15-31: No School - Spring Break
March 19: Athletic Eligibility Determined
April 1: First Day of Spring Semester 2
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
Helix Girls Basketball: Co-League Champions
Congrats to the Girls Basketball team for earing a share of the Grossmont League Championship!
Helix Boys Soccer: League Champions
Congrats to the Boys Soccer team on an undefeated league championship season!
Black College Expo
The Helix Black Student Union organized a trip for 55 students to attend the Black College Expo, where they had the opportunity to meet representatives from Historical Black Colleges and Universities, as well as various California Colleges and Universities. The atmosphere was electric, and our students were brimming with excitement and enthusiasm throughout the day.
Our juniors took full advantage of the opportunity to explore their options, taking the time to familiarize themselves with various colleges and universities. They eagerly shared their transcripts and engaged in discussions to find the best fit for their future endeavors.
Beyond the college fair, the expo also offered valuable seminars covering topics such as financial literacy and student-athlete development. These sessions provided our students with essential information and tools to succeed both academically and personally.
Winter Athletic Team GPA's
This year's Winter Season has been incredibly successful. Our coaches and teams have worked extremely hard to represent Helix in the best way possible. In addition to their on court success our teams have had incredible success in the classroom.
In calculating the GPA for ALL of our student athletes, grades 9-12, and all competition levels, our teams have accomplished the following average team GPA's listed in the picture below.
Our academic expectations are high. These student-athlete's spend hours practicing and competing, and they are still proving to be academically dedicated.
Thank you for your support of our teams and students!
Helix Vocal Music
Congratulations to all the Helix Choirs for their outstanding performances at the "San Diego Sings" festival hosted by Bonita Vista!
In their respective show choir divisions the teams received the following awards:
- HD Choir - 3rd place
- TBH - 2nd place
- HLX - 1st place and the top music award
Enrollment for 2024-25 School Year Deadline: Friday, 3/1/24
The deadline for new students (including siblings) to apply for the 2024-25 school year at Helix is Friday, 3/1/24.
Any applications submitted after 3/1/24 will be placed on a waitlist in the order it was received. Helix will notify all families of lottery results on Friday, 3/8/24.
You will need to log in to SchoolMint to accept placement if offered. Instructions on how to do that will be included in your email. The application and all information about enrollment can be found here - Helix Enrollment Information.
**** No action is required for students already enrolled at Helix.
SBAC and CAST Testing: April 2024
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, is the state's academic testing program. CAASPP is intended to provide information to monitor student progress in an effort to ensure that all students leave high school ready for college and careers.
In April, Juniors will be taking the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment (SBAC) test. The SBAC assessments include computer adaptive tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. They will also be taking the California Science Test (CAST), which is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
***NOTE: In order to earn the Platinum Cap for graduation, students must earn a score of
“Standard Met” or higher for all three tests mentioned above: the SBAC ELA, SBAC MATH, and
CAST tests. For more information see the Golden Seal/Platinum Cap Requirements.
For more information regarding the SBAC and CAST please view the Testing Letter to Parents/Guardians below.
12th Grade Course Request Update
Students will be shown how to view a copy of their official course request via StudentVue in Advisory on Friday, 3/1/24. Please review the request with your student. You can also find your students' official course request in your ParentVue portal. Students have until Friday, 3/8/24 to make any changes to their request. Once we go on Spring Break, changes cannot be made to the request.
We look forward to meeting with every family at your students' Mandatory Registration Appointment in June 2024. More information about scheduling your registration appointment will be available after Spring Break.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we were out in classrooms meeting individually with your students to finalize their 12th Grade Course Requests.
Spring Semester 1 Finals: Wednesday, 3/13/24 - Thursday, 3/14/24
Spring Semester 1 Finals are Wednesday, 3/13/24 and Thursday, 3/14/24.
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
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.
BigFuture $500 and $40,000 Scholarships Every Month
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.
Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation
Eric Paredes was a healthy Steele Canyon High School sophomore athlete who died suddenly and unexpectedly from Sudden Cardiac Arrest/Death (SCA/D) in 2009. His parents, Hector and Rhina Paredes, established EP Save A Life Foundation to honor him through their commitment to prevent this tragedy from happening to other families. Saving lives is paramount to their mission and prevention is their goal.
They provide FREE youth heart screenings, place AEDs in youth communities, and provide advance awareness and education about the critical need to realize the true incidence of SCA in youth.
To learn more about the foundation and find out when the next FREE youth heart screening events will be, please visit epsavealife.org.
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.
Branch Out Academy: Wednesday, 3/6/24
Helix is excited to collaborate with the City of La Mesa and Tree San Diego on an event open to both the Helix and La Mesa Communities. This will be an interactive class covering tree planting best practices and eco-benefits of trees, followed by a short tree identification walk on campus. They will discuss the City of La Mesa's urban forestry initiatives and upcoming Arbor Day events provided throughout San Diego County.
This event will be held in the Helix Library at 5:30pm and is open to Helix families and community members. RSVP HERE and secure your chance to win a free 5 gallon tree! Snacks will be provided. Students can attend this event for community service hours.
For translation services, click here bit.ly/46c6iT2.
Financial Literacy for Parents and Students: Thursday, 3/7/24
Join us on Thursday, 3/7/24 at 6pm in the Helix Library to elevate your financial prowess with an evening designed to empower parents of high school students!
Helix Parent and Wealth Advisor, Alan Grismore, WMCP, Founder and Chief Architect of Alta Private Wealth will present an interactive session exploring the nuances of budgeting, saving for college, and cultivating savvy money habits in your teens. Parents will also reap the benefits of this presentation! Led by a seasoned financial professional, this event is all about unraveling the mysteries of finance, offering practical tips and strategies to confidently navigate the financial terrain. Whether you are charting the course for your child's higher education or fortifying your family's financial resilience, this gathering guarantees valuable insights and a chance to connect with like-minded parents. Seize this opportunity to invest in your family's financial future—because financial savvy knows no age limit!
A free catered dinner will be provided. Please RSVP here for food ordering purposes. Doors will open at 5:45pm.
For translation services, click here bit.ly/46c6iT2.
Tough Talks with Teens: Thursday, 3/14/24
We all know the challenges when it comes to communicating with our teenagers'. Join the Helix Wellness Center's licensed social workers and team on Thursday, 3/14/24 in the Helix Library from 6pm - 7pm. They will present on healthy communication strategies for approaching difficult conversations with students.
Students from the Helix NAMI Club (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will also present on how parents can support their students by seeing things through a student perspective. They will explain helpful hints and share resources.
Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP here for food ordering purposes. Students are welcome to attend with parents/guardians. Doors will open at 5:45pm.
For translation services, click here bit.ly/46c6iT2.
Helix Graduation Regalia Info Night: Thursday, 4/4/24
Join the Helix Student Support Department on Thursday, 4/4/24 at 6pm via Zoom as they review the requirements to receive the following regalia at Graduation:
- Golden State Seal
- Biliteracy Seal
- Platinum Cap
- Honors Cord
- Valedictorian Recognition
Powder Puff Informational Meeting: Monday, 3/4/24
Are you interested in playing powder puff football this year? There will be a MANDATORY informational meeting for all juniors interested in playing on Monday, 3/4/24 at lunch in Room 1300. Please attend the meeting if you want to play!
Middle School Music Showcase: 3/6/24 - 3/7/24
Please join the Helix Instrumental Music Department as they perform with the band's and orchestra's from Lemon Grove Academy, La Mesa Arts Academy and Parkway Academy. All performances will start at 7pm in the Helix Performing Arts Center. Wednesday, 3/6/24 will be Orchestra Night and Thursday, 3/7/24 will be Band Night.
Seating is limited, please purchase your tickets in advance at www.helixinstrumental.org.
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.
30th Annual Helix Instrumental Giving Gala: Thursday, 3/14/24
On Thursday, 3/14/24 at 5pm, the Helix Instrumental Music Association (HIMA) will celebrate 30 years of giving in support of music education with their annual fundraising gala. This event includes both love and silent auctions and serves as their largest fundraiser of the year.
Enjoy an incredible evening at the Thursday Club in Point Loma for dinner, drinks, live music, live and silent auctions in support of the instrumental music program at Helix Charter High School.
ASVAB: Friday, 3/15/24
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized test that reveals areas of strength and ability in science, math, and language. Taking the test is one of the first steps before enlisting in the military. It helps to match people with a job where their strengths will be best suited.
Even if a student does not plan on entering the military, this is a great career exploration tool!
ASVAB PREP
If a student is strongly interested in the military, it is highly suggested that they prepare for the ASVAB test as their scores determine the different career fields/bonuses they may be eligible for. You may do your own practice exams by clicking the following link: ASVAB
If a student is interested in taking the exam, or if you have any questions, please email the Class of 2025 GLT at glt2025@helixcharter.net.
FREE Webinar - Teens and Cyberbulling: Friday, 3/15/24
In today's digital landscape, cyberbullying remains a significant burden for our youth. Join Valera Health and Care Solace for a FREE webinar to equip you with the knowledge and tools to address cyberbullying and build resilience in teens.
They will discuss:
- Identifying the signs and impact of cyberbullying on teens
- Developing effective strategies for intervention and support
- Exploring valuable resources and fostering emotional resilience
- Creating a collaborative approach between school counselors and parents
Join Valera Health and Care Solace on Friday, 3/15/24 at 10am PT / 1pm ET as they explore evidence-based practices and practical solutions to empower both school professionals and parents in addressing cyberbullying and fostering resilience in our teens.
Register today to secure your spot!
Spring Break: Friday, 3/15/24 - Sunday, 3/31/24
Helix Foundation Golf Tournament: Friday, 3/29/24
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 on Friday, 3/29/24 and they are looking for both participants and sponsors.
Visit helixhighschoolfoundation.com/golf for more information and to register!
First Day of Spring Semester 2: Monday, 4/1/24
Performing Arts Auditions: April 2024 & May 2024
See graphic below for dance and choir auditions for the 2024-25 school year.
Pancho Sancez Concert: Friday, 4/12/24
Join us on Friday, 4/12/24 at 7pm in the Helix Performing Arts Center, as the Helix Jazz Ensemble performs with Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winning Artist, Pancho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band. Hope to see you at this exciting event!
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