Class of 2029 Newsletter

Class of 2029 Families,

How quickly time has gone by! We are almost three-quarters of the way through ninth grade and rapidly approaching our Spring Semester 1 Finals on March 11th & 12th. Please encourage your student to take advantage of tutorial and the DEN over the next week and a half to get their grades to passing.

When students return from Spring Break, students taking College Prep Algebra will be placed in new Math classes, with possibly new Math teachers. Your student will be placed in one of the following four Math courses, depending on their Math needs:

• Honors Math Prep: for students seeking placement in Honors Geometry
• Alg Com Core: for students moving on to College Prep Geometry
• Algebra IC-1: first semester Algebra for students that need to remediate the class
• Algebra IC-2: second semester Algebra for students that need to remediate the class

Please connect with your students Math teacher if you have questions about their Math class placement.

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

Mark your Calendar:

March 1 - Deadline to Submit Helix Application for New Students

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

April 13-15: Online Enrollment & Scheduling Summer Conferences Opens for Families with 2 or More Students

April 16: Online Enrollment & Scheduling Summer Conferences Opens for ALL Helix Families

April 23: Staff Development - Minimum Day

April 23: Spring Fling

April 27: Progress Reports Due - Spring Semester 2

April 29 - Athletic Eligibility Determined

May 13: Staff Development - Minimum Day

May 20-21: Senior Boards - Minimum Days

May 25: Memorial Day - No School

June 3-4: Spring Semester 2 Finals

June 4: Class of 2026 Graduation

June 9-July 1: Summer Conferencing

June 10-July 1: Summer School

June 19: Juneteenth - No School

Congratulations to 9th grader, Mia Nunez, for winning the Students Speak Out for Climate Action contest at the Green Schools Conference.

Selected from submissions across the state, Mia delivered her inspiring speech to 400 attendees from across the country (including school leaders, teachers, and environmental professionals) right here in San Diego.

Way to go Mia! We are so proud of your powerful voice for climate action. 🌎

Congratulations to our Helix Choirs for earning top awards at "San Diego Sings" choral festival and show choir competition!

Helix Voices earned an Excellent rating, Highland Singers earned a Superior rating, HD got 1st PLACE in their division, and HLX got 1st PLACE in their division, as well as the awards for BEST MUSIC and BEST SHOW!

In addition, a stand out medal was awarded to freshman Magali Aguilar Molina for best soloist! Way to start the competition season, Helix Choirs!

Congratulations HD for placing 3rd and HLX for placing 2nd and winning showmanship on Saturday, 2/21/26 in Temecula!

Special congrats to freshman Magali Aguilar Molina for winning the best performer medal!

In February, the Helix Competitive Dance Teams competed at the Sharp International Dance Competition at Monrovia High School in Baldwin Park.

Congrats to all of the hard working dancers!

• "Whaddup Gangsta" Hip Hop Medium Group - 1st Place Overall, Division Win 🏆
• "No Church" Contemporary Group - 1st Place
• "Bad Gyals" Small Jazz Group - 1st Place
• "Read All About It" Lyrical Group - 2nd Place
• "Hollaback" Large Jazz Group - 2nd Place
• "Breezy Bowl" Hip Hop Large Group - 3rd Place

Helix Dance Program - Judges' Award 🏆 🔥

Special shout-out to the following 9th grader for placing again with her solo routine:

• Swell Gallic -- 2nd Place Jazz Solo

  
  

Helix Speech and Debate finished the 3rd weekend of their League #2 Tournament and the students did a great job! The team placed 1st in Grand Sweepstakes. Next up...State Qualifiers, where they should be set up nicely to try to defend their League Title from last year.

Congratulations to the following 9th graders for a job well done!

• Skyla Chheun: 3-1 record - Lincoln Douglas Debate
• Eva Pike/Lucy Reams: 3-1 record - Public Forum Debate
• Lucy Reams: Semifinalist - Impromptu
• Christian Wikoren: 3-1 record - Lincoln Douglas Debate
• Christian Wikoren/Faith Jennings (12th): 2-2 record - Public Forum Debate

If you have siblings you would like to enroll for the 2026-2027 school year, you must submit their application by 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.

Students were shown how to view a copy of their official course request via StudentVue in Advisory on Friday, 2/20/26. Please review the request with your student. You can also find your students' official course request in your ParentVue portal. Students have until Friday, 3/6/26 to make any changes to their request. Once we go on Spring Break, changes cannot be made to the request.

We look forward to meeting with every family at your students' Mandatory Registration Appointment in June 2026. More information about scheduling your registration appointment will be available after Spring Break.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we were out in classrooms meeting individually with your students to finalize their 10th Grade Course Requests.

Join I Love A Clean San Diego in bringing your gently-used clothes, accessories, and shoes for a FREE clothing swap event in partnership with the City of La Mesa and the La Mesa Library. Let’s reduce our textile waste, gather as a community, and score some pre-loved and new-to-you pieces!

Please ensure donations are free of odors, stains, and rips. Donations are appreciated but not required to bring home a new outfit!

Please register for the event so staff can prepare all needed materials; however, walk-ins are welcome. https://www.cleansd.org/events/city-of-la-mesa-clothing-and-accessories-swap/

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 at the Dawg House and through the student store.

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

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.

Are you thinking about applying to the University of California in the future? UC is hosting a FREE virtual webinar on Tuesday, 3/3/26 for students and families who want to learn more about UC admissions and its nine undergraduate campuses.

This event is open to California students in grades 9–11 and is especially helpful for juniors who may be considering applying to UC for fall 2027 or beyond.

During the webinar, you will:

• Learn about UC’s academic programs and opportunities both in and out of the classroom

• Hear directly from a panel of current UC students about their experiences

• Get helpful information from admissions representatives about first-year and transfer pathways, along with tips to help you prepare now

Registration is required and space is limited. Please review the UC for Everyone flyer and be sure to register online as soon as possible if you are interested.

This is a great opportunity to explore whether UC could be the right fit for your future. We encourage you and your family to attend!

Power up your energy knowledge! Join the community at the La Mesa Library on Saturday, 3/7/26 from 10am-2pm for the Home Energy Fair. Talk to energy experts, enjoy fun activities, and learn how to:

• Save energy and money at home
• Sign up for reduced utility rates
• Receive rebates and incentives for energy-saving projects

Homeowners, renters, and all ages are welcome. Attendees will have the chance to be entered into an opportunity drawing to win free smart thermostats, LED lightbulbs, and more! Attendance is free, no registration required.

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.

HIMA's 32nd Annual Gala will be held at the Thursday Club on March 12th. Tickets can be purchased here.

We are excited to invite you to join us for the 19th Annual Highlander Open Golf Tournament, a longtime Helix tradition and this year is extra special as we celebrate 75 Years of Helix High School!

📍 Riverwalk Golf Course

📆 Saturday, 3/14/26
⏰ 6:45 AM Registration | 8:00 AM Shotgun Start

Your registration includes:
- Green fees & golf cart
- Breakfast & lunch
- Swag bag and more
- Access to raffle prizes, on-course contests, a Bloody Mary bar, and plenty of fun throughout the day

All proceeds directly support graduating seniors of Helix Charter High School, making this a great way to enjoy a day on the course while giving back to our students.

Register here: https://forms.gle/219HJDr325wYDvSt6

We hope to see you out on the course celebrating Helix, supporting our seniors, and enjoying a fantastic day together.

We are 8 school days away from Spring Semester 1 Finals, which are on Wednesday, 3/11/26 and Thursday, 3/12/26. 📉🤯📈

Please take advantage of Academic Support opportunities the next 2 weeks to make sure you are passing all of your classes! 📚📝

Remember…these grades will be used to determined Athletic Eligibility on Wednesday, 3/18/26. If you are playing a spring sport, you must earn at least a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible. 🏐🎾🥎⚾⛳👟🏊🥍

YOU GOT THIS!!⭐️💚🐾

Click here for information about dance auditions for next year.

The Youth Queer Leadership Council is a space for youth who identify as LGBTQ2s+ or an ally to the LGBTQ2s+ community to connect, build skills, and create meaningful change together. The next deadline to apply to join the council is Tuesday, 3/31/26.

The link for the application: https://thecentersd.org/yqlc/

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 Student Support Department on Thursday, 3/5/26 at 6pm via Google Meet as they review the requirements to receive the following regalia at Graduation:

• Golden State Seal
• Biliteracy Seal
• Platinum Cap
• Honors Cord
• Valedictorian Recognition

Families from all grade levels are invited. Registration is not required.

For translation services, click here. To join the Google Meet, 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