By Jennifer Osborn

Welcome back, Scotties!

The 2017-18 school year started on Aug. 9 for Helix students. There is a great energy on campus, with lots of activities and students and families eager to become involved.

The new administration building is in use, essentially moving the front of campus to the south side of the facility. Students and families can access reception, attendance, nurse, records, grade level teams, and the executive director’s office in this new facility, located at 4200 Lowell St.

 

Helix EDGE Maker Lab

The Helix library underwent a transformation over the summer. While there is still traditional library space on one side, the other side has been converted to a Maker Lab, where students can learn 3-D printing, vinyl cutting, Arduino, T-shirt production, coding, robotics, sewing, and other “making” skills. Students can also take workshops, participate in design and maker challenges, and earn digital badges to demonstrate mastery.

As part of the Helix EDGE career and technical education program, the goal of the lab is to provide an “extended classroom” where students can get exposure to 21st-century technology, develop high-demand job skills, explore personal interests, and produce professional-looking materials.

In addition to being a drop-in spot where students can explore and tinker, the space will also serve as a resource for classes, clubs, and students completing their senior projects.

 

Teachers present at Comic-Con

While Hollywood stars and comic fans cavorted through Downtown San Diego this summer, a few Helix teachers participated in a panel discussion regarding the use of graphic novels and comics in the classroom. Social studies teachers Ben Stone and Julie Damschen, and math teacher Chris Mosteller, participated in the discussion, which was organized by Ashley Golden.

The advantage to using these materials is especially effective with students reading below grade level, as well as with English learners. The illustrations accompanying the text help to provide context, helping the students to strengthen their reading and language skills.

 

New athletics website

Helix’s athletics department launched a new website for this school year. Access helixscotties.com for the latest schedules and scores for our fall sports teams!

 

Event Calendar

Helix Alumni Picnic – Sunday, Oct. 8
Homecoming – Friday, Oct. 20
Vocal Music Concert “Haunted Helix” – Tuesday, Oct. 24 and Wednesday, Oct. 25

 

Excellence in Education Tour

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 September are Sept. 8 at 8:10 a.m. and Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Reserve your spot using our website, helixcharter.net.

As always, we welcome your input. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net.

—Jennifer Osborn writes on behalf of Helix Charter High School. Reach her at josborn@helixcharter.net.