By Jennifer Osborn
Field Trip fully funded
Two Helix teachers have been funded through the website donorschoose.org almost $17,000 for a field trip for the entire freshman class. Christina Potter and Aleen Jendian requested the funds for the field trip, tentatively set for mid- to late-October, for students to see the movie “He Named Me Malala.”
The movie has a direct tie-in to a program started this year, called “One Book, One Helix.” All of this year’s freshmen were given a summer assignment to read the book “I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education and Changed the World,” the story of a Pakistani girl who fought for her right to an education, and was shot by the Taliban for speaking out. The book was chosen because we want all students to understand the power and importance of education, and also the power that one person can have in making change. Students completed a creative project in response to the book and teachers across subjects have also incorporated “Malala-related” discussions and assignments in their classes.
This project is just one of many that Helix teachers have posted on donorschoose.org. Requests range from Chromebooks, to class sets of “The Great Gatsby,” to jazz pants for the dance team, to programmable robots and more. Donors can donate any amount toward any project. Once the project is funded, the materials are sent to the teacher, who is then responsible for putting together a thank-you package for the donors. For more information, visit the website and search for “Helix Charter.”
Hashtag for the Home Team
Helix could win up to $10,000 in a contest sponsored by car2go, simply by using a hashtag on Twitter and Instagram. The Hashtag for the Home Team contest will run until Nov. 7. During the contest, vote for Helix on Twitter and/or Instagram using the unique hashtag: #car2GoHelix.
The school with the most votes at the end of the contest will win the $10,000 grand prize; second place will win the $5,000 runner-up prize. There is no limit to how many times you can vote. For more information, please visit hashtagforthehometeam.com.
Homecoming 2015
This year’s Homecoming game and festivities will take place on Friday, Nov. 6. (A previous column incorrectly stated that Homecoming would take place in September. We regret the error.)
Save the date
The 9th Annual Highlander Open Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Carlton Oaks Golf Course. This annual event is put on by the Helix High School Foundation and proceeds help to provide financial assistance for graduates of Helix Charter High School. More than $35,000 has been raised for scholarships since the inception of the tournament.
Our goal is to increase the amount of scholarship money that we can provide for students. Through tournament sponsorships, we can continue to assist students with their hopes of obtaining a college education by providing them much needed financial support. Sponsorship opportunities include hole sponsors, contest sponsors, raffle prizes, and more. Please contact Frank Theroux at [email protected] for more information.
Excellence in Education Tour
We are always interested in letting our community know about Helix. The Excellence in Education Tour is offered twice a month, and is open to anyone who wishes to attend. It is a one-hour tour and program that highlights our vision, history, accomplishments, goals, and needs. This month’s tours will take place on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. More information can be found at helixcharter.net. We hope to see you there!
