By Jennifer Osborn

Students from Helix’s junior class recently returned from a six-day college visitation trip. During spring break, 150 students participated in Helix’s College 4 Me (C4Me) program, which provides students the opportunity to visit 10 to 15 colleges and universities in California. Three buses, carrying 50 students each, traveled the state and were greeted at each campus by Helix alumni attending that school, who provided tours to the students.

This program is an integral part of meeting Helix’s mission to provide students with the opportunity to attend college, should they so choose. Being that approximately 90 percent of Helix graduates choose to continue their education, it is important that they are aware of the options available to them. Students are able to find out about each campus, and seeing the campus in person helps them to better decide which one may be a fit for them.

Helix also provided a field trip for the entire freshman class to visit the campuses of San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego. In a “mini-C4Me” setting, each group of students was met by Helix alumni attending each school. They were introduced to the campus and the tour guides provided them with valuable information regarding their own experiences and how Helix prepared them for college.

It is because of the generous support of community donors that this program is able to continue. If you are interested in finding out more about C4Me, or in supporting the program, please contact me at [email protected].

Community volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed to judge Senior Boards for the class of 2016. Senior Boards will take place on Monday, May 23, and Tuesday, May 24, from noon – 4 p.m. Senior Boards are the culminating step of Helix’s Senior Project. Students must present to a panel of staff and community members. During this formal presentation, they discuss their Senior Project and reflect on their high school experience. We greatly appreciate any time you can give to this valuable activity. Judges can participate in either or both dates.

Alumni activities

The Helix Alumni Association recently launched a new website. Visit helixalumni.org to find out about upcoming activities, opportunities to support Helix, and reconnect with classmates.

Important upcoming dates (check website for details):

Friday, May 6 – Helix Alumni Night at Off Broadway Live Theater.

Saturday, May 21 – Highlander Open Golf Tournament

Sunday, Oct. 9 – All-Class Picnic

Helix staff vs. students basketball game

Helix staff recently took on students in a basketball game as a fundraiser for the Class of 2016. After a rousing battle, and a buzzer beater by the student team, the game ended in a 40-40 tie. Both teams look forward to a rematch next year to claim bragging rights on campus!

Excellence in Education Tour

We invite the community to the Excellence in Education Tour, a one-hour tour and program during which we will share our vision of excellence in education. Tours are offered throughout the school year. The last tour for this school year will take place on Thursday, May 19, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., starting in the Helix library.

As always, we welcome your questions and comments. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

—Jennifer Osborn writes on behalf of Helix Charter High School. Reach her at [email protected].