Class of 2029 Newsletter

Class of 2029 Families,

Mark your Calendar:

October 8 & 9: Finals - Fall Semester 1

October 10: Staff Development Day - No School

October 10: Homecoming Football Game

October 11: Homecoming Dance

October 13: First Day of Fall Semester 2

October 15: Athletic Eligibility Determined

November 6: Staff Development Day - Minimum Day

November 10: No School

November 11: Veteran's Day - No School

November 12: Progress Reports Due - Fall Semester 2

November 14: Athletic Eligibility Determined

November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break - No School

December 10: Staff Development Day - Minimum Day

December 18 & 19: Finals - Fall Semester 2

December 22 - January 6: Winter Break - No School

January 7: First Day of Spring Semester 1

January 19: Martin Luther King Day - No School

January 21: Back to School Night

January 29: Parent Shadow Day/Staff Development Day - Minimum Day

Jenessa demonstrated being a Brave Self-Directed Learner and Focused on Growth when she identified an area of struggle in her math class, decided on a strategy, and advocated for herself with her teacher. She was excited to see improvement in her next test. Every little bit counts. Keep up the good work! - Mrs. Yee, Class of 2029 School Social Worker

Way to go Jenessa!

Danna has been invaluable helping a Spanish speaking student succeed in Math class.

- Mr. Matthews, Algebra 1C Teacher

Great job Danna!

Olivia had the lowest differential through her first 3 matches and has been playing AWESOME golf and she bounces back from the bad shots! We are looking forward to 4 years of Olivia playing golf for Helix!

Way to go Olivia!!!

Isella is currently the fastest Freshman in the Grossmont Conference! She shaved over a minute off her 3 mile time in just 3 weeks!

Way to go Isella!!!

The first 2 weekends of the season have concluded and we are very proud of the students' efforts. The Speech and Debate Team is a good size team this year with a number of new faces and a lot of strong returners.

No sweepstakes awards were given at the League Opener, however...if they had been, Helix would have placed 2nd Overall in the Novice Division and 1st Overall in Varsity!

Congrats to the following 9th graders for their amazing performances in their first tournaments!

• Skyla Chheun/Alana Higuera: 2-2 record - Novice Forum Debate
• Aliyah Lee: 2nd Place - Novice Dramatic Interpretation
• Juliana Lopez: 2nd Place - Novice Original Advocacy
• Mia Nunez/Raye Collinsworth (12th): 2-2 record - Novice Public Forum Debate
• Mateo Pedraza/Kaylee Porter: 2-2 record - Novice Forum Debate
• Eva Pike/Lucy Reams: 3rd Place (4-0) - Novice Public Forum Debate
• Lucy Reams: 6th Place - Novice Original Oratory
• Henry Ried: 3rd Place - Novice Informative Speaking
• Christian Wikoren/Faith Jennings (12th): 3-1 record - Varsity Public Forum Debate

Students are permitted to wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, 10/31/25. We encourage you to be creative, dress up with friends, and have fun with the spirit of the holiday.

Students who do not conform to the Costume Guidelines listed below will be asked to change their clothing or be sent home to acquire an appropriate alternative.

All regular Helix Dress Code Policies apply including:

• MUST Wear Appropriate Shoes
• NO Face-Paint - including costumes related to clowns
• NO Weapons - including pretend props/replicas of weapons
• NO Masks - you must be able to see, breath, and hear. Any mask that prevents Helix Staff from identifying students are not allowed.
• NO Inappropriate Apparel - costumes cannot promote the use of drugs, alcohol or violence of any kind. Costumes may not be offensive, inappropriate in any way or target any groups of people.

Paper Work & Due Dates to be aware of for the 2026 AP Exams in May

1. Students who do not qualify under the Local Control Funding Formula can purchase their exams online through the Web Store as soon as the window opens on 9/1/2025. The last day to purchase an exam without a late fee will be 10/31/2025. The late fee is $40.00

2. A few items to be aware of:

• The Finance Office/Dawg House does not accept personal checks, so all purchases at school should be via credit card or cash during the Dawg House Hours (see Ms. Yeagle in the Dawg House). Student hours are: Monday-Thursday 8am-8:25am, Lunch, and 3:30pm-3:45pm, and Fridays 8am-8:25am, Lunch, and 3:30pm-3:45pm. Parent and Community hours are: Monday-Thursday 8am-12:20pm and 1:20pm-3:45pm, Fridays 8am-11:45am and 12:45pm-3:45pm.

• Please triple-check to make sure you are registering for the correct exam.

3. Students who are eligible for a fee reduction must first be approved through the Helix Alternative Income Local Control Funding Formula Form (LCFF), which was completed during Summer Conferences. If your household situation has changed since you submitted the form this summer, or your family has not completed this form, please print and submit or resubmit to your Grade Level Team (GLT) in order to meet the deadlines (if you need a printed copy, please go to room 530).

• If your household qualifies under the LCFF, you will be eligible for a reduced fee of $5 for each exam. To ensure your application is approved before the ordering deadline, please complete the form as soon as possible. Please submit this form no later than 9/12/2025.

• The office will verify the eligibility and inform the Dawg House, ensuring you are charged the correct fee.

• The Finance Office will receive a list of qualifying students starting 9/15/2025. You are able to purchase your exams, for $5.00 between 9/15/2025 and 10/31/2025. Any exam purchased after 10/31/2025 will risk not being ordered and receive a late fee ($40) administered through the College Board, not Helix.

4. Exam Fees & Other

• If you do not qualify for a Fee Reduction, the first exam will cost you $99.00.

• Additional exams will cost you $67.00 each (Helix helps to subsidize additional exam costs).

• If you qualify for a fee reduction, each exam will cost you $5.00, as long as you are approved on time.

• Note: Fee reduction is NOT possible if you do not fill out the LCFF survey. See instructions above in Step 3 and submit it on time.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Any exam purchased after 10/31/2025 will risk not being ordered and receive a late fee ($40). In addition, any unused or cancelled exams will also be charged a fee of $40 (these fees are administered through the College Board and Helix cannot reverse these charges).

Should you have any questions, contact Ms. Skullerud (skullerud@helixcharter.net) or Mrs. Trevino (trevino@helixcharter.net).

Click below to check out the before and after school ASPIRE programs that are being offered during the Fall 2025 Term.

The DEN is a student-centered space that provides academic support both before school and after school Monday through Thursday in ExL (room 1600).

The DEN is staffed by Academic Coaches and Credentialed Teachers in order to provide student support and facilitate achievement. Students can drop in before school and/or after school to receive help in all subjects. The DEN will provide tutoring, remediation, test prep, test proctoring, timed writings, study groups and student-centered support in any academic capacity. See below for the daily schedule.

Every Thursday, Helix parents/guardians will receive an automated email notification if your student is currently failing one or more classes. The purpose of this call is to ensure that you are aware of your student's academic standing and to encourage timely intervention.

Students who receive this notification should attend tutorial sessions on Friday morning, starting at 8:30am, with their teacher(s). This will provide them with the necessary support to improve their grades and understanding of the subject matter.

Please review the tutorial schedule below.

A list of community service opportunities can be found by clicking the button below.

We encourage all Helix students, parents and guardians to join the PTSO! There is no commitment required, although you are welcome to attend the PTSO meetings (4th Wednesday of each month) and help volunteer at school events if you are interested!

The more members they have, the greater access they have to grants and programs that will support Helix students. Any students interested in applying for PTSO scholarships (they give out $5,000 each year) must be PTSA members. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Dave Hardenburger at helixptso@gmail.com.

The Helix PTSO 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.

If you are interested in purchasing school pictures, visit

cherishedmemoriesphotography.com/order/, type in Helix for the school, select Fall Portraits and then enter your student's email address (studentID@helixcharter.net) to order.

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
• Practice breathing to help calm anxiety

See the Finals Bell Schedule below.

All staff of Helix Charter High School will be participating in a Staff Development Day on Friday, 10/10/25. There will be no school. Students enjoy your 3 day weekend!

Get plenty of rest and come back energized on Monday, 10/13/25 to start Fall Semester 2 strong!

Helix Varsity Cheer is hosting ALUMNI NIGHT! Did you cheer at Helix and would love to get to do it again?

Details and registration info below:

Deadline is Monday, September, 9/15/25 to sign up.

• Practice is Wednesday, 10/8/25 from 5pm-7pm outside on the cheer mats by the weight room
• Cheer with us at the Homecoming Game on Friday, 10/10/25
• Open to any Cheer alumni of Helix OF ANY AGE!
• $30 registration fee and all proceeds go to the cheer program
• All participants will get a custom bow. You will relearn or refresh cheers, stunt, dance and tumble(only if you want)
• Please bring water and wear athletic gear and shoes!
• Please reach out to Heather Meyers, meyers@helixcharter.net, with questions.

https://helixcs.graystep.com/Index.aspx#/1/product/356

Liability link attached to sign up!

Please share with anyone you may think is interested that cheered at Helix! THANK YOU!

The Homecoming Football Game is on Friday, 10/10/25 at 7pm. Tickets prices are as follows:

• Adults = $11
• Helix Students with ASB Card = FREE
  
• Visiting Students without ASB Card = $11

• Visiting Students with ASB Card = $6

• Senior Citizen (60 and older) = $6
• Children (ages 6-13) = $6
  
• Children Under 5 = FREE

Tickets are digital and must be purchased on GoFan.

The 2025 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned during a ceremony at halftime. Stay after for a special fireworks show!

The Homecoming Dance is on Saturday, 10/11/25 in the Helix Gym and surrounding area from7pm-10pm. Attire is Dress to Impress. Tickets can be purchased at the Dawg House and are:

• $20 for students with an ASB Card
• $45 for students without an ASB Card (ASB card included with ticket purchase)
• $45 for Guests (Non Helix Students)

Ticket sales end on Thursday, 10/9/25.

Don't wait, buy your tickets early, you won't want to miss this event!

*All detentions, truancies and fines MUST BE CLEARED before you may purchase a ticket.*

See the graphic below for more information about GETTING CLEARED for the Homecoming Dance.

Dancelab 2025 is a Dance Performance featuring El Capitan High School, Granite Hills High School, Grossmont High School, Patrick Henry High School, Steele Canyon Charter High School, Valhalla High School and Helix Charter High School.

Dancelab 2025 will take place at Helix Charter High School in the Main Stage Theater, Tuesday, 10/14/25 and Wednesday, 10/15/25 at 7pm.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

• All ticket sales will be sold online only. No physical day-of box office sales.
• Prices for all tickets is $12/person. All ages, general admission.
• Tickets will be emailed to your email address with a QR code to scan for entry.
• Your ticket sales will be on a master list on the day of performance in case you forget your confirmation.
• Email Kyndall Foote with questions: foote@helixcharter.net

We are 5 school days away from Fall Semester 1 Finals, which start on Wednesday, 10/8/25. 📉🤯📈

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, 10/15/25. If you are playing a fall sport, you must earn at least a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible.🏈⛳️📣🏃🏻‍♀️🏑🎾🤽🏼‍♂️🏐 YOU GOT THIS!!⭐️💚🐾

The Highland Players presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a hilarious and heartwarming musical that tells the story of six quirky middle schoolers competing in a spelling bee, each bringing their own hopes, fears, and unique personalities to the stage. As the competition unfolds, the students - and even some audience volunteers - learn that winning is not everything, and that growing up comes with both challenges and joy. With witty songs, fast-paced humor, and touching moments, the show celebrates the awkward, wonderful journey of finding your place in the world.

The show runs Thursday, 10/16/25 - Saturday, 10/18/25 and Wednesday, 10/22/25 - Saturday, 10/25/25 with all performances at 7pm. There will also be a 2pm matinee on Saturday, 10/18/25 and Saturday, 10/25/25.

For more info and to purchase tickets, please visit The Highland Players Website.

Helix will host a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank on Tuesday, 10/21/25 from 9:00am - 2:30pm. 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. (the parking lot with the solar panels). The Blood Mobiles will be parked by the Helix Gym.

The Helix Vocal Music Department presents Fall Cabaret on Thursday, 11/6/25 and Friday, 11/7/25 at 7pm in the Helix PAC.

All 5 Helix Choirs will be showcased and will feature specialty acts from our talented Helix singers!

Every Thursday at 6pm, Helix Staff or special guests present on different topics applicable to high school parents. These events are held in ExL (room 1600) and are open to the public. See below for our upcoming schedule. Visit www.helixcharter.net/FamilyFirst for more information and for links to previous recordings.

Join the Helix SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club for an important informational presentation on Thursday, 10/9/25 at 6pm. The event will cover Red Ribbon Week and address the impacts of drug and substance abuse among teens. This special session will highlight student voices and perspectives, making it a meaningful opportunity to learn and engage with this critical issue.

This event will be held in the ExL Building (room 1600) and is open to all parents and guardians. Registration is not required. Students and siblings are welcome to attend. Please park in the staff lot located at 7323 University, above the big H. This is the entrance from University & Yale. ExL is located next to the Cafeteria. Snacks will be provided.

Spanish translation will be provided, click here for additional translation requests.

VIRTUAL EVENT on Thursday, 10/16/25 at 6pm. Learn more about the human labor and sex trafficking epidemic here in San Diego, how it affects our students and how we can spread awareness and response in our Helix community. This presentation will primarily address what we are presenting to students along with some helpful resources.

Presented via Zoom by Rebekah Smith, LCSW. Please click the link to join the webinar: https://meet.google.com/tfk-hmmu-qyd.

For translation services, click here.

All Helix families are invited to join us for our first ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) meeting of the school year on Thursday, 11/6/25 from 6pm-7pm. 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 discuss insights and ideas on improving language programs.

This event will be held in the ExL building (room 1600. Doors will open at 5:45pm. Dinner will be provided, please RSVP here for food ordering purposes. Students are welcome to attend with parents/guardians. To ensure that all parents can participate, translation services will be available in various languages. Please indicate if you need translation on the RSVP form linked above.

Join us to learn about the new Environmental Science & Sustainability Pathway at Helix on Thursday, 11/13/25 from 6pm-7pm. Parents, students, and community members will hear about the pathway’s courses, hands-on learning experiences, and the skills students will gain for college and careers in the growing green economy. Meet the teachers leading the program, explore real-world projects that prepare students to address today’s environmental challenges, and discover the exciting opportunities this pathway offers.

This event will be held in the ExL building (room 1600). Registration is not required. Students aare welcome to attend. Please park in the staff lot located at 7323 University, above the big H. This is the entrance from University & Yale. ExL is located next to the Cafeteria. Snacks will be provided.

For translation services, click here.

The ASPIRE program is a federally funded grant awarded through the San Diego County Office of Education. The county selects schools to include in the After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) grant and Helix has been awarded this grant for over 15 years!

This grant affords before-and-after-school programming for students in the following areas: enrichment, sports, and academics. Our ASPIRE programs are inclusive and comprehensive of so many areas of interest and because of the grant we are given, we are able to purchase special supplies and pay the instructors. Contact us with any questions by email at helixaspire@helixcharter.net.

The Wellness Center is here to support you and your family with any social-emotional needs.

If students need support during school, they can drop by their Grade Level Team in the Admin Building or the Wellness Center, located at the back of the school by the IT service window. If you would like to get in contact with the Wellness Center, you can reach them at HWC@helixcharter.net or by phone at 619-644-1940 x580.

Here are the different types of support offered by the Wellness Center:

• Individual check-ins

• Support groups

• Consultation/collaboration with families, administration, School Psychologists, teachers, coaches, etc.

• Crisis intervention

• Referrals to therapy/community support services

• Home visits

• Parent workshops

• Homeless/foster care/military liaison

• Project Safe (Human & Labor Trafficking) liaison

Parent's Guide to Mental Health & Wellness

Guia Para Padres de Salud y Bienestar Mental

Looking for a mental health provider but not sure where to start?

You are not alone, this can be the biggest barrier to getting help. Helix partners with Care Solace to help solve this problem. Care Solace helps individuals find mental health care providers and substance use treatment centers. Their Care Companion™ team is available any time of day to quickly connect you to carefully verified providers in your community. Students, staff, and families may access Care Solace services in two ways:

• Call (888) 515-0595 at any time. Support is available in 200+ languages. A dedicated Care Companion™ will help you every step of the way to research options, secure appointments, and follow up to make sure it is a good fit.

• For an anonymous search, answer a few questions to get matched with an extensive list of care providers at www.caresolace.com/helixcharter

For more information, visit the Wellness Center's website by clicking the button above.

Ms. Arica Villegas - Grade Level Principal

Mrs. Yolanda Street - School Counselor

Ms. Danika Markey - Academic Advisor

Ms. Sara Brown - Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Brenda Flores - Attendance Technician

Mrs. Danielle Yee - School Social Worker

Ms. Cynthia Jones - Assistant Manager, Academic Support Program