News from Helix Charter High School

By Jennifer Osborn | Helix Highlights

Psychology Fair

Students in Helix psychology classes recently put on a Psychology Fair, and students and staff members came in droves to participate in various experiments designed by the psychology students. Students participated in studies to determine what color cookies their peers prefer; discussed attraction and body type; and explored the effect smell has on taste, just to name a few. This is an annual event at Helix, and it is always well-attended.

MESA success

Helix Science students recently participated in San Diego State University’s Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) day competition. Several students qualified to compete at the regional competition, taking on teams from all over Southern California. The students competed in several different categories there, and the results were impressive:

Psychology students Kassie and Alexa created a project to see how smell is linked to emotions for the Psychology Fair. (Photos courtesy Helix Charter High School)

• MESA Tank – second place; Jaime Lau, Elijah Henderson and Katelyn Saxen
• Rube Goldberg – third place; Phillips Nguyen and Reign Galiendes
• Wright Turn Glider – second Place; Xochitl Ramos, Katie Lin and Katie Chen
• Bridge Design – first place; Ben and Nicholas Lam

Speech and Debate Team achieves

The Helix Speech and Debate Team recently competed in the California High School Speech Association State Championships. More than 150 high schools competed, and Helix took 11th place overall. In addition, nine of the 22 Helix students competing advanced to semifinals and/or finals.

• Eva Anderson – second place, Humorous Interpretation
• Luke Babbitt – second place, Thematic Interpretation
• Maddie Denison – fifth place, Impromptu Speaking
• Mahamed Abdulahi – semifinalist, Original Oratory
• Lainie Alfaro – semifinalist, Thematic Interpretation
• John Garcia and Chase Osborn – semifinalist, Duo Interpretation
• Shane Robles – semifinalist, Thematic Interpretation
• Sophia Rogers – semifinalist, Thematic Interpretation

Helix Colorguard state champions

The Helix Colorguard took first place in their division of the Winter Guard Association of Southern California Marching Band Open Series State Championships. Congratulations to these hard-working students.

Helix Charter High School’s MESA competitors

Welcome new Charter Board members

Helix’s Charter Board welcomes three new board members, and says goodbye to three outgoing members. Joining the board are PTSA representative Carolyn Lemler; classified staff representative Linda Brown; and community representative Ellen Nash.

Helix thanks the three outgoing board members for their service. They include PTSA representative Lauren Gillihan; classified staff representative Peggy Crabtree; and community representative Elizabeth Berg.

Judges needed for Senior Boards

Community members are invited to participate as judges for upcoming Senior Boards. All Helix seniors must complete the Senior Project, which entails creating a product, coordinating an event, planning a performance, or providing an actual service that has been designed by them. The final phase of the Senior Project is Senior Boards, which provide an opportunity for our students to shine and to feel a sense of accomplishment as they demonstrate their knowledge and skills to their community.

Senior Boards will take place on Tuesday, May 29, and Wednesday, May 30, noon–4 p.m. Community members are welcome to participate in either or both dates. Please contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net to confirm your participation.

The Senior Project is just one example of Helix’s ongoing efforts to provide graduates with the tools necessary to succeed in their future endeavors, whether it is college, full-time employment, trade school, or the military.

Highlander Open Golf Tournament

The Helix High School Foundation invites you to participate in the Highlander Open Golf Tournament. The tournament will take place at Carlton Oaks Golf Course on Friday, June 8. All funds raised will be used for college scholarships for graduating seniors. Contact Frank Theroux at theroux@helixcharter.net for details.

Excellence in Education

If you are interested in finding out more about Helix Charter High School, please attend one of our Excellence in Education Tours, held twice monthly. The tours for May are May 3 at 5:30 p.m. and May 18 at 8:10 a.m (the final one of the school year). Reserve your spot using our website, helixcharter.net.

— Jennifer Osborn writes on behalf of Helix Charter High School. For questions or input, reach her at josborn@helixcharter.net.

Source: La Mesa Currier