Congratulations to the Computer Technology and Student Support Departments in helping to serve more female students in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Our school has earned the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for attaining female student representation in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) for 2019. Out of 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, 818 have earned the award. Ours is one of only 639 to be recognized for achieving this important result in AP CSP.

Schools Awarded in 2019

We will continue to work toward increasing the diversity of student representation in Computer Sciences and Technology, Math, Engineering, and Science.

Applications are out for our two High School summer programs offered at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. The first is our 3rd annual Inspire Program, which is targeted at 9-11th grade students with a diverse background. The second is new. Our Aspire Program is open to all Juniors who have a passion specifically for Nursing. Applications are due March 15th.

CONGRATULATIONS SPORTS MEDICINE TEAM!

Helix Sports Medicine students competed against 12 other schools. Making it all the way to the semi finals and putting up an amazing score.

They were quizzed on anything and everything pertaining to sports medicine -legal, medical terminology, anatomy, injury prevention and rehabilitation, diagnosis, everything.

They then competed for time in a skill relay that included taping, spine boarding, evaluation skills and splinting.

They did great and made it to the semi-final round.

If you have these students please extend yours congratulations.

They represented Helix so well. We should be proud of their efforts.

Scot Bots 2 Electric Boogaloo Does it Again!

On January 25th, our Vex Robotics team; Scot Bots 2 Electric Boogaloo competed in the Tower Takeover Tournament at Montgomery High School in San Ysidro. After a years worth of hard work it becomes obvious how much time and effort was put into our work. The team was able to get 23rd out of 40th and be nominated to select an alliance for quarterfinals of the competition. At first glance it might not sound like much, but it was a very long journey getting to that point. A well deserved end to Tower Takeover!

Students in Helix's Business/Entrepreneurship pathway attended a networking event where they got to mingle with industry professionals, shake hands, ask of business cards and get to to know the community they will working with in the future. Industry events are a great opportunity to network and teach students the soft-skills they need to be successful in a professional environment.

Advanced Architecture and Engineering students took a field trip to a Helix parent/student's house to help measure and think of design options. We thought this would be a great opportunity to expose our students to the client/designer relationship. The class arrived at the house and a local La Mesa Architect, Brianna Coston from Coston Architects to help measure and get a layout of the house. Afterwards Bri helped the students by looking at previous as-builds that she has worked on and showed the students the design and construction documents. In class a team was put together to continue the project and provide the family with design ideas.

The requirements for the remodel are:

Open floor plan on the first floor.

Turn the garage back to a functioning garage instead of living room.

Add a second story and place 4 bedrooms and 2 baths upstairs.

Right now the group is working on what walls they will take down and which are load bearing. They are also deciding on where to locate the stairs.

Matt came into class to speak with our Engineering students about structural engineering. They discussed gravity and lateral loads and how BIM (Building Information Modeling) helps all involved understand where the stress will be on the building and what materials to use. He also discussed college life and certifications that are needed to be responsible for the heavy load that is structural engineering.

We had a great turn out at Aspire kickoff. Several times throughout the year Helix showcases all the clubs that are available to our students. Out CTE pathways have several to choose from Some of the clubs represented included, MESA, Robotics, and ACE (Architecture Construction & Engineering)

This year ACE students are designing a community center in El Cajon. They are working hard to create a campus like feel for the center. Students break up into their disciplines of choice; architecture, construction and engineering and have deliverables related to the project. Construction and Engineering is waiting on the Architects currently. Once we know the dimensions and placements of buildings, construction and engienering can move forward.

Thank you to our mentors from Turner Construction, H&W Engineering, Coston Architects, Ferguson, Pape, Baldwin Architects.

Students in our Future Educators class learned the basics of lesson planning and taught elementary level lessons using Visual, Kinesthetic and Auditory strategies.

About the 2019 Cover Contest

The Conference Committee thanks you for encouraging and supporting your students for this year’s conference cover competition. What a great way to teach through authentic assessment!

A BIG thank you to those who have participated in prior competitions and a special welcome to our new competitors. This year brought a record number of instructors, schools and districts submitting high quality entries.

Each year we see the quality of the submissions increase exponentially. This year we were again impressed with the high quality of student design. As a result, judging day was very challenging and very exciting and I’m pleased to announce the winners. Additionally the conference committee is extending an additional monetary award of $50 for each honorable mention selection.

The Conference Committee looks forward to your participation in next year’s 2020 competition. Look for an announcement, perhaps as early as September, 2019. In addition to an email announcement you may also periodically check this page.

Dr. Pieratt is a 1999 Graduate of Helix Charter High School. She was gracious enough to sit down and answer a few questions for us.

During her time at Helix she participated in Cheer, ASB, and was a Class Officer.

She graduated from SDSU and Claremont Colleges

Major: Political Science, Sociology, Education

I am an educator and business owner (you can learn more about my work here: http://thelifevoyager.com/news/new-book-assists-teachers-with-project-based-learning-lessons/0195553 or here: http://sdvoyager.com/interview/meet-jennifer-pieratt-crafted-curriculum-north-county-cardiff/)

Helping Educators, which ultimately helps students.

My PhD, my recent publishing of 2 books, and parenthood

The ways in which I was involved at Helix (ASB and cheer) taught be how to be a leader and innovator, those skill sets have allowed me to be very successful in my career, while also giving me a sense of service to community which is evidenced in my service to schools.

Education really is a calling and it requires passion and dedication; be sure you are doing it for the right reasons!

Nothing! it's all been a great learning experience ;)

Build your network early-connect with people your age that may be outside your comfort zone and always seek out mentors to help you learn and grow.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer questions. Your advice brings value added to our students day.