Class of 2024

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

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

Counselor: Mrs. Olivari olivari@helixcharter.net x147

Counselor substitute (while Mrs. Olivari is on maternity leave):
Mrs. Kathy Gunion gunion@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

2024 Grade Level Team Email: GLT2024@helixcharter.net

Class of 2024 students must complete a total of 40 community services hours. All hours must be submitted to your Academic Advisor by April 1, 2024 to fulfill the graduation requirement. For any questions, please contact your Academic Advisor, Mrs. Naranjo at: naranjo@helixcharter.net.

Mrs. Olivari will be on maternity leave starting November 1st. For any questions about college applications or requests for letters of recommendation, please contact your grade level team at: glt2024@helixcharter.net.

November 2: Winter sports physicals on campus at 3:00pm

November 10: No School for Veteran's Day

November 15: Last day to submit college applications for review by a Helix staff member
November 20 - 24: Thanksgiving Break

November 20: 9am-3pm Last Minute College Application Checks in room 240

November 21: 10am-12pm Last Minute College Application Checks over Zoom

November 22: Athletic Eligibility Determined

November 30: UC & CSU College Application Deadline

Every Wednesday after school: Club College in room 240

As we enter the holiday season and winter months of cold and flu the Helix Attendance Office wanted to remind you of a few things:

1. FINALS: December 20-21
   
   

2. November 10: No School - Veterans’ Day
   November 20-24: No School - Thanksgiving Break
   December 22-January 9: No School - Winter Break
   
   

3. Please avoid scheduling early or extended vacations. These absences are unexcused and may cause unnecessary stress for your student(s)
   
   

4. If staying home ill, please be sure to email the Helix Attendance Office at attendance@helixcharter.net or call the Attendance Office at ext. 231 (9th and 12th grade) or ext. 232 (10th and 11th grade) within 24 hours of your student’s return to school.
   
   

5. If your student needs to leave school early, please contact the Attendance Office at least 40 minutes in advance to ensure there is enough time to send the Off Campus Pass to your student.
   
   

6. We encourage students to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water as we enter this busy time of year.

If you have any questions or need support, please contact the Grade Level Team at GLT2024@helixcharter.net.

We had an amazing turnout for our recent Family First Info Night where we covered the topic of College Financial Aid. Thank you to the parents and students who were able to join us. The goal of the presentation was for our Helix families to gain insight into the financial aid process and the upcoming changes to FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CADAA (California Dream Act Application) for the upcoming academic year. We made sure to inform our attendees about the latest changes, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the upcoming academic year. You can conveniently access the presentation slides in both English and Spanish by clicking the buttons below.

The First Step: Creating Your FSA ID. One of the topics covered was creating an FSA ID. An FSA ID, which stands for Federal Student Aid Identification, is a unique username and password that will serve as your digital signature for important financial aid documents. Both students and parents should create an FSA ID to streamline the application process. This step is something you can initiate right now, ensuring a smooth start when the FAFSA/CADAA applications open in December.

Mark your calendar for December! It is important to note that this year, FAFSA/CADAA applications are set to open in December. We encourage all of our Helix Class of 2024 families to mark this month on their calendars, as timely submission of these applications is crucial for securing financial aid for college.

New Graduation Requirement. As we work together to navigate the financial aid process, it is important to note that filing for FAFSA/CADAA is now a Helix graduation requirement. Your Grade Level Team is here to help you every step of the way in meeting this new requirement and making the financial aid process as smooth as possible.

Stay Informed and Reach Out. We are dedicated to keeping our Helix families well-informed throughout the application process and beyond. As new information becomes available, we will promptly share it with you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Grade Level team at GLT2024@helixcharter.net if you have any questions or need guidance. We are here to support you every step of the way!

Cherished Memories is the photographer taking senior portraits for the yearbook. For any seniors who have not yet booked a sitting for their senior portrait and need a yearbook photo ONLY, the photographers will be on campus on Monday, December 4th from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. This will be on a drop-in basis - no appointments necessary. There will be no clothing changes or props in this session; it will be strictly for seniors who would like their photo in the yearbook. There will not be a charge for this sitting.

To book a more in-depth sitting or if you have any questions, please contact Cherished Memories Photography directly for more details at (951) 304-4133. They will be scheduling bookings at their site until January 1, 2024.

Once your senior has had their sitting with the photographer, they will notify you once the portraits are available to view. Please follow the 4 easy steps below to order your portraits. For any questions, please contact Cherished Memories Photography directly at (951) 304-4133.

Purchase a memory that will last a lifetime.

The Helix Yearbook Ads are now on sale.

The deadline to order is January 1, 2024.

For questions, please email helixyearbook@helixcharter.net.

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.

If you've ever struggled to understand your teenager, this Info Night is for you. Julie Damschen, Child Development & Psychology teacher will present the latest information about teenage brain growth and development. With new technology, we better understand why peers have such a big influence on our teens, why substance abuse can be more harmful to teen brains and how parents can best support their teens through this developing brain period.

This event will be held in person, in the Helix library from 6-7pm. Dinner will be provided, please RSVP here for food ordering purposes. Students are welcome to attend with parents/guardians. Doors open at 5:45. For translation services, click here bit.ly/46c6iT2

You are invited to attend our first ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) meeting of the school year. Your involvement is vital in shaping a successful educational journey for all students. We value diversity and inclusivity and want to work together to support our English Learners and create a nurturing academic environment. We will present on ELAC's role in enhancing our students' education, connect with fellow parents and educators, cultivate a strong community focused on students' success and iscuss insights and ideas on improving language programs.

This event will be held in person, in the Helix library from 6-7pm. Dinner will be provided, please RSVP here for food ordering purposes. Students are welcome to attend with parents/guardians. Doors open at 5:45. To ensure that all parents can participate, translation services will be available in various languages. For translation services, click here bit.ly/46c6iT2

The Mid High School Reflection project is an opportunity for students to reflect on their high school experience. Through the reflection process students will examine their growth within Helix's School-wide learner Outcomes (SLO's) and will have the opportunity to research post-secondary options. Most of the work will be done through Advisory activities with support from families. The MHSR will take place in the Spring semester of Junior year. Join us to learn more about the MHSR graduation requirement.

This event will be held in person in the Helix library from 6-7pm. The 2025 GLT will be available to answer questions. Snacks wll be required, registration not required. Students are welcome to attend with parents. Doors open at 5:45. For translation services, click here bit.ly/46c6iT2

The winter dance concert will be held in the PAC on Thursday & Friday, Nov. 16 & 17 at 7pm. Visit www.helixdancers.com for more information.

Helix Vocal Music Department presents Fall Cabaret on November 29 & 30, 2023 at 7pm in the PAC, showcasing all 5 Helix Choirs and featuring specialty acts from our talented Helix singers!

Helix is excited to welcome 2 Sport Social Workers to our campus! Ms. Williams & Ms. Morrill will work with our student athletes and coaches to provide support in social, emotional and athletic performance areas. They'll be available during office hours Monday, Thursday & Friday from 1:30-5:30. They can meet by appointment, referral or walk-in. They'll also be meeting with teams. For more information, please contact your coach.

Click here to check out the lineup and register.

Open to the class of 2024 & 2025. Any interested students can meet at the Wellness Center on Tuesday afternoons. Please contact Mrs. Fernandez with any questions at: fernandez@helixcharter.net.

Speech Trek is open to all actively attending high school students in California. Interested students must submit a "Student Application and Parent/Guardian Permission" notice

to their local AAUW California branch by December 1, 2023. Students are to prepare an original 5:00-6:00 minute speech, with a 30-second grace period on either side. Speaking under 4:30 or over 6:30 will result in disqualification. Please click HERE for more details.

SDNews.com has featured an article showcasing the exciting developments in our Bagpipe Program, highlighting their remarkable accomplishments and upcoming events. To read the full article, please click HERE.

All Helix seniors submitting an application to a four-year university should get their application checked by a member of the student support department. The last day to submit your application for review is November 15th.

Once the Google Form is submitted, we will review your application and give you feedback via email. You will then be able to pick up an "I've Applied" button from your grade level team. This button will be your ticket to the "I've Applied" Party in December!

Starting on November 7th, in addition to being open on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Club College will now be offering morning hours from 7:30 am - 8:30 am on Tuesdays!

Seniors are welcome to drop in to Club College every Tuesday morning from 7:30 am - 8:30 am in room 180 and/or Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm in room 240 for help with college applications, essays, financial aid, scholarships, and resumes!

Please email the College and Career Advisor, Ms. Morgan at morgan@helixcharter.net for more information.

November 1: University of Oregon Visit

November 2: UC Davis Visit

November 8: Cal Poly SLO

Email morgan@helixcharter.net if you have any questions.

A new internship course will be offered starting in Spring 2024! Please click HERE and fill out the form if you are interested.

Helix students will learn to use Building Information Modeling (BIM) using Revit. This is an online course that students can do on their own, but will be required to attend one day after school to work in groups. Students completing modules will earn UCSD College of Extended Studies credit. There is no cost to be in this course. The first course will be starting in the beginning of December. Upon completion of all 3 courses, students will be eligible to participate in the opportunity to apply for internships for the Summer of 2024.

Students may sign up by using this link.

Free program for those wanting to work as a diesel tech!

Are you interested in learning the Diesel Technician trade? You don't have to have a mechanical background to be successful, just a desire to become a diesel technician and a mechanical aptitude. This program is also great for automotive students looking to advance their skills into something bigger with an added emphasis on personal and leadership development.

Explore the 9-week Technician Apprentice Program and be a part of an organization who’s fully geared up to help you achieve your professional goals.

What You'll Do:

• Gain hands-on experience in vehicle maintenance.
• Learn from industry experts in a dynamic environment.
• Contribute to sustainable solutions across a growing industry.
• Spend 9 weeks at our Technical Institute for training.

Perks:

• A tuition-free program to receive an industry-recognized and nationally portable credential.
• Full-time, competitive pay throughout the training program.
• Subsidized housing accommodations and during training for those eligible.
• A company-provided toolbox with job-specific tools.

Curious about life at Republic Services? Check out this short video about our Technical Institute to learn more!

Apply now and kickstart your journey with Republic Services!

Learn more and apply at RepublicServices.com/TechInstitute!

Reach out to Jordanne Ellingboe and Jenn Nguyen with any questions: Jellingboe@RepublicServices.com and Jnguyen@RepublicServices.com.

The award recognizes the recipients for their resiliency, leadership, and achievement during their parents’ service.

Each recipient receives a $10,000 cash award, a laptop computer, and are flown with an adult guardian and guest for a 3-night stay in Washington, D.C.

All applicants must meet each of the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a legal dependent of a service member or military retiree

• Be between the ages of 13-18 at time of nomination

• Be able to travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the MCOY Gala and other events April 9-12

• Provide letters of recommendation (if selected as a semifinalist)

• Be willing to participate in media and donor opportunities

If you are interested in being nominated for this award, please contact your

Grade Level Team by December 1st at: glt2024@helixcharter.net

The Elks National Foundation (ENF) has kicked off the 2024 scholarship year.

Here are the details!

Most Valuable Student (MVS) Contest: The 2024 MVS application is now open. Applications can be found online at enf.elks.org/MVS. The application deadline is November 13, 2023.

The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year. The national awards will announced in April 2024.

MVS scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university next school year. Some important applicant details include:

• Current high school seniors (or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
• Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.
• Male and female students compete separately.
  
  Applicants select from a list of the Lodges closest to their home address zip code. Please have your students choose Elks Lodge #1812 El Cajon as their sponsoring Lodge. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS.
  
  Legacy Awards – The Legacy Awards program begins on September 1, 2023. Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. The ENF offers a total of 350 national awards. The application deadline is February 5, 2024. Please visit enf.elks.org/Leg for more details and the application link.
  
  For any questions, please contact me at scholarships@elcajonelks.com.

Our son, Brian, planned to earn a degree in Marine Biology. He was interested in all marine creatures, from the smallest fry to the enormous whales, and everything in between. It was truly a wonderful feeling to see his curiosity turn to fascination and then to research as he willingly sought to learn as much as possible about the marine environment and how each species relied on it.

Brian was 16 and a junior in High School when he was killed in an automobile collision in December of 1989. We host a fundraiser each year in May. The proceeds of this fundraiser will fund one or more scholarships. In this way, a student or students will be given the opportunity to achieve the dream that Brian was denied.

The scholarship(s) will be awarded to an individual who plans to pursue an education in Marine Biology at a four year college. Applicants must be a senior in High School, or currently attending a College or Junior College.

This scholarship will be paid directly to the “4 YEAR” college you plan to attend.

Typed or neatly printed applications must be postmarked by

APRIL 1, 2024

Please mail to: BRIAN GRAVES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 2331 11 TH STREET OLIVENHAIN, CA 92024

Please include two letters of recommendation, one from your counselor, and one from a teacher in the biology/science field.

High School or College transcripts MUST accompany this application.

Class of 2024 students must complete a total of 40 community services hours by Spring of their senior year. Click on the button below for a list of community service opportunities, as well as paid jobs and internships!

Don't forget to complete your community service form to get credit for volunteer hours. Completed forms can be turned in to your Academic Advisor. Click the button below to access the form.

Great opportunity to earn up to 12 hours of community service!

The items collected will be divided equally among unsheltered and newly housed adults (through PATH San Diego), runaway youth (through StandUp for Kids), and foster youth in YMCA's emergency housing (through Housing Our Youth).

Please drop off any donations at the bin located in the Helix library.

Over the past 3 years, PILT-Helix collaborations have provided essential items for hundreds of vulnerable people, with the Class of 2024 Community Outreach Project during the pandemic providing food, clothing, pillows and hygiene products to 70 of Helix's unhoused neighbors. Before the cafeteria closed for remodeling, through Ms. Jendian's initiative, PILT distributed excess food from the cafeteria to those facing food insecurity in our own (La Mesa/Lemon Grove) neighborhood. The organizations with which PILT collaborates have been very grateful for the support of the Helix community!

The La Mesa Branch Library is offering a student volunteer opportunity for students that have at least a 3.0 GPA. They have launched a new program called “Homework Help” for K-8th graders. Email Denise at lamesalibrary@sdcounty.ca.gov for more information.

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 our volunteer calendar based on your age, location, or impact area.

Email: knuth@helixcharter.net
Website: www.helixcharter.net
Location: 4200 Lowell Street, La Mesa, CA, USA
Phone: 619-644-1940
Facebook: facebook.com/helixcharterhighschool