Class of 2029 Newsletter

Class of 2029 Families,

Welcome to 2026! We hope the Class of 2029 is feeling rested and recharged for a successful Spring Semester 1. Our freshmen are quickly becoming seasoned high school students.

As we begin the new semester, we encourage you to take a moment to sit down with your student and reflect together using the Rose, Thorn, and Rosebud conversation starter:

• Thorn: What struggles or challenges did you experience during your first term of high school?

• Rose: What are you most proud of from the first term of the school year?

• Rosebud: What goals or areas of growth are you looking forward to in the upcoming term?

Engaging in intentional conversations like these promotes reflection, supports student growth, and helps build meaningful connections throughout the high school years.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Grade Level Team with any questions, concerns or good news you would like to share with us your student works towards achieving their goals.

Mark your Calendar:

January 5: New Student Enrollment Opens for 2026-2027 School Year (no action needed for existing students)

January 7: First Day of Spring Semester 1

January 8: Class of 2029 Course Request Info Night

January 19: Martin Luther King Day - No School

January 20: Blood Drive

January 21: Back to School Night (VIRTUAL event)

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

January 31: Winter Formal

February 9: Progress Reports Due - Spring Semester 1

February 11: Athletic Eligibility Determined

February 13: Lincoln's Day - No School

February 16: President's Day - No School

February 25: Staff Development Day - Minimum Day

March 11-12: Spring Semester 1 Finals

March 13-29: Spring Break - No School

March 18: Athletic Eligibility Determined

March 30: First Day of Spring Semester 2

Bianca won the Queen of the Beach Novice Wrestling Tournament with 1st period pins in all 3 of her matches. Bianca has consistently worked to get better since joining.

Way to go Bianca!

Mia is a leader on and off the basketball court. She is defined by her hard work, dedication, and great personality. As a freshman, we are excited to see her growth over the next four years.

Way to go Mia!

Congratulations to the 375 - 9th graders who received Honor Roll for Fall Semester 2!

Students on this list earned a 3.5 GPA or better for the Fall Semester 2 marking period.

Congratulations to the 86 - 9th graders who had Perfect Attendance for Fall Semester 2!

Students on this list were at school everyday, on time, with no marks throughout the day for the Fall Semester 2 marking period.

Do you have a student who will be entering the 9th grade for the 2026-2027 school year? If so, you must submit an application between Monday, 1/5/26 and Sunday, 3/1/26.

Helix is a Charter School, so no one is automatically enrolled and you must apply by Sunday 3/1/26 to secure a spot for your incoming student.

**No action needed for currently enrolled 9th-11th grade Helix students. Online Enrollment will be completed after Spring Break for current students.

The application and all information about enrollment can be found at: www.helixcharter.net/Enroll.

Please join the Class of 2029 Grade Level Team on Thursday, 1/8/26 at 6:00pm in ExL (room 1600), as we discuss what to expect for the upcoming school year. We will review graduation requirements, course options, four-year plans and everything you need to know about selecting classes for the 2026-2027 School Year. Student presentations will take place in Helix First classes on January 12-15.

The Helix Art Gallery is an opportunity for any of Helix's artists to come showcase their work. This is your chance to get your name out there as an aspiring artist or to just showcase the type of work you and/or your club do. We do not discriminate between arts and allow subjects from sculpting to cooking and everything in between. Granted, your art must be at an appropriate level to be shown in a school environment. Spots are first come, first serve. Please sign up today by clicking this link.

The Helix Art Gallery will take place during Spring Fling, on Thursday, 4/23/26.

Yearbooks are currently for sale for $85 at the Dawg House and through the student store.

Yearbooks SELL OUT, so buy one now if you are interested!

Winter Formal will take place on Saturday, 1/31/26 at Julep. Tickets will go on sale at the Dawg House on Wednesday, 1/14/26. All students must be cleared prior to purchasing tickets.

Here are a few reminders if you want to get cleared to attend the dance.

Learning to Relax Through Mindfulness is a four-part series designed to deepen understanding of stress management, relaxation, and emotional resilience. These sessions explore how living from an open and kind heart can lead to a happier, healthier life. Parents and guardians will gain practical tools and techniques to nurture qualities such as kindness, compassion, and empathy—skills that can be shared with the whole family.

📆 Class Schedule: Thursdays in January, 6pm - 7pm

• January 8: What Tenderness Can Teach Us
• January 15: Developing Harmony
• January 22: Our Dependence on Others
• January 29: Developing Good Values

Register at: http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/918-274472

Click below to check out the before and after school ASPIRE programs that are being offered during the Spring 2026 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.

Spring Semester 1 begins on Wednesday, 1/7/26. Do not be late! Class starts at 8:30am and it is an "A" Day.

To ensure a smooth start to the semester, please take a moment to check your student’s schedule before school begins, as there may have been changes. You can view class schedules online through StudentVUE. If you are unsure how to access your schedule, follow these easy steps:

1. Log in to StudentVUE. If you are unsure of how to do that, click here for an instructional video.

2. Check for any changes to your class schedule.

3. If you need help accessing your schedule, or if you have questions, please reach out to your Grade Level Team via email.

Helix will host a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank on Tuesday, 1/20/26 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. Donors must be at least 17 years old. Click here for donor requirements.

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. and the Blood Mobiles will be parked by the Helix gym.

As our Spring Semester 1 gets underway, we invite you to join our Virtual Back to School Night on Wednesday, 1/21/26. This is your opportunity to hear from your student’s new teachers and to acquaint yourselves with the instructional programs. We are offering the second Back to School Night of the year virtually in hopes it will be more convenient and accessible.

On Wednesday, 1/21/26 starting at 3:30pm, you will be able to login to view videos from each of your student's teachers. You can access Canvas courses by using your student's Chromebook with Canvas open in Browser or via your Parent Observer Account. If you are not sure if you have a Parent Observer Account set up, please watch the instructional video here - How to set up a Parent Observer Account. These videos will not expire, so you can view them on demand.

These meetings are open to the public and held in the library starting at 4:45pm.

All families are invited to join the monthly PTSO meetings, to get informed about what is going on at the school, volunteer opportunities, ways to get involved, etc. We hope all families will consider joining the Helix PTSO, click here to join.

There is no commitment involved, it is just an annual, one-time donation of $13. The funds raised through PTSO memberships go directly back to the school and students, for scholarships, teacher supplies and needs, special programs and anything the students may need!

The Highland Players invite you to their Winter Musical - Mean Girls: The Musical. The show opens Wednesday, 1/28/26 with performances until Friday, 2/6/26. All shows start at 7pm in the Mainstage Theater.

Mean Girls: The Musical is a high-energy, funny, and heartfelt Broadway adaptation of the hit movie written by Tina Fey. It follows Cady Heron, a new student navigating the social jungle of high school for the first time. As she becomes entangled with the popular (and intimidating) Plastics. Cady learns powerful lessons about kindness, authenticity, and the impact of our choices. Packed with catchy songs, sharp humor, and relatable moments, the show explores friendship, empathy, and finding your voice. Our students bring this contemporary story to life with talent, creativity, and heart.

Tickets available for purchase here.

We are excited to invite you to our Parent Shadow Day on Thursday, 1/29/26! The purpose of this event is to observe your student’s classrooms and school environment. We will be on a minimum day bell schedule this day, see below for details. We will share more information about this event via email as we get closer.

Winter Formal will take place on Saturday, 1/31/26 at Julep at 7pm.

The theme is Masquerade Ball. Tickets will be on sale starting Wednesday, 1/14/26 at the Dawg House.

All students must be cleared prior to purchasing tickets.

Interested in participating in a Spring sport? Online clearance opens Sunday, 12/1/26. Visit THE HELIX ATHLETICS WEBSITE for instructions. On-campus physicals will be held on Thursday, 2/5/26 at 3pm in the Sports Medicine classroom - Room 1160. Cost is $35 - CASH ONLY. All paperwork must be filled out prior to seeing the Doctor.

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.

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