Summer 2026 Newsletter

• June - Summer Conference Appointments
• June 22 - June 30 - Scottie Summer Academy (invite only - invites were sent via email)
• July 30 - Scottie Pride Day
• August 1 - Chromebook Distribution Day
• August 6 - First Day of School
• August 20 - Back to School Night
• September 2 - Parent Shadow Day

Plan Ahead: Click here for the 2026-2027 school calendar

We are looking forward to meeting with you during Summer Conference appointment--an important step in setting your student up for success in the upcoming school year. Here’s what you can expect:

📍 Arrival & Check-In

• Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.

• Park in the large student parking lot at 4200 Lowell St.

• Walk straight to the Administration Building, then proceed to your Grade Level Team (GLT).

✅ Step 1: Check-In with Your Grade Level Team Administrative Assistant

• Here you will verify your information in our system.

📚 Step 2: Schedule Planning

• Meet with a GLT member to finalize your student’s class schedule.

🛍️ Step 3: ASB Store

• Stop by the Dawg House to purchase yearbooks and Helix spirit packs, which include exclusive gear like t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, socks, and more. Each pack comes with an ASB card at a discounted rate.

📸 Step 4: Student ID & Yearbook Photo

• Head to Room 1310 for your student’s yearbook and ID photo—come picture-ready!

We hope all of our Freshmen will join us on Thursday, July 30 from 8:00am - 12:30pm in the Helix Gym, for this fun and informative orientation! We will cover important information about the first day of school and explain where things are located on campus. Students will get a chance to meet their classmates and participate in fun team-building activities. FREE pizza lunch will be served.

This event is for students only - no parents or siblings please. Students can be dropped off at the front of school in the large solar parking lot and will meet in the gym.

Join us on Saturday, August 1 to receive your Helix Chromebook. We will be passing out Chromebooks in the Helix Library and taking time to get students set up on the campus wireless network and logged into their Helix Google accounts.

Please refer to the schedule below and come a the time associated with your last name. Students not able to attend on this day will be able to pick up their Chromebooks after school on the first two days of school (Thursday, 8/6 or Friday, 8/7).

The first day of school is Thursday, Aug, 6. We are excited to have students on campus and wish them a fabulous Freshman Year! Classes begin at 8:30am. Students can view their schedules online in StudentVue (instructions to follow).

We have some exciting activities planned for the first two days. These "Welcome Back Days" will have a shortened bell schedule, with the last two hours of each day dedicated to fun activities for everyone. Our focus will be on connecting students with staff and peers, building a strong community and culture, reigniting school spirit, and ensuring all students feel welcome and safe.

Students may leave anytime after 4th period if they choose, but we encourage them to stay and join in the fun! Once they leave, they may not return. We will detail the activities in the August newsletter you will recieve before school starts.

Invites have been sent for the Scotties Summer Academy. Students were invited based upon their scores in the math portion of the benchmark assessment. Please make sure to check your inbox for this opportunity.

The Scotties Summer Academy prepares incoming 9th graders to step into high school with confidence! This engaging program helps students build strong connections with peers and Helix staff, gain essential skills in math and literacy and get a sneak peek into high school life.

Incoming Scotties: don’t miss out on your chance to boost your readiness, ease your transition into Helix and set yourself up for success!

Interested in attending, but didn’t receive an invite? Visit this link to add your student’s name to our waitlist.

Questions? Contact us at summerscotties@helixcharter.net

Sign up here

Be sure to check the Community Service Opportunities spreadsheet if you're looking to find events over the summer. We keep it updated!

• Summer Reading is back! Between June 1-August 15 readers of all ages can earn prizes simply by logging any combination of 10 activities, reading hours and/or books.
• Free Summer Lunch at the Library also returns June 8–July 31, Monday–Friday from 12–1 pm. Youth ages 0–18 are welcome to enjoy a free lunch along with fun daily enrichment activities including crafts, a live animal show, music, and more.
• The fun continues after lunch with Do Your Homework at the Library, where programs include STEAM activities, crafts, and special four-day camps throughout the summer.
• We’re also excited to partner with Youth Kitchen San Diego for healthy eating and cooking workshops every Saturday at 10 a.m. from June 13–August 1.
• Visit the library website to learn more.

Interested in nature and the environment? Applications are open for the Fall 2026 Eco Ambassadors program at Mission Trails Regional Park. Explore the trails, gain hands-on environmental experience, hear from industry experts, and connect with fellow nature lovers.

The program is free and open to high school students in San Diego County. Applications due Aug. 7 and sessions are Sunday afternoons from Sept. 13 – Nov. 8. Applications at mtrp.org/ecoambassadors/

Click here to register for the free summer pass

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