Jennifer Osborn

“When am I ever going to use this?” is a common lament of high school students. From geography to performing arts and more, bringing the concepts in the classroom to life is an important part of Helix’s educational program. Helix students are finding out the power of education through real-world experience.

• Students in Helix’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) class are working to help develop small trails in and around the La Mesa area through a partnership with Circulate San Diego. The organization’s goal is to identify issues and problems with walking routes in school areas, then develop safe routes to school while teaching pedestrian laws and create awareness of pedestrian safety. The GIS students will serve as data miners and help geo-reference trail locations that are within walking distance of Helix. They will use GPS units to digitize the locations, then, during class, they will use a computer application to develop maps and help establish safe routes to school.

• After using Lake Tahoe as an example over and over for his AP Environmental Science students, teacher Brennan Cassady is taking a field trip over Spring Break to allow students to see first hand what he has been talking about. The group will visit Mono Lake to discuss the impact of Los Angeles’ water and power project, and the town of Bodie to discuss the impact of mining. At Lake Tahoe, they will meet with the Keep Tahoe Blue organization to learn how humans have impacted the clarity of Lake Tahoe. They will also meet with the U.S. Department of Forestry to discuss land management practices.

• Twenty-two students from Helix’s Instrumental Music Department were selected to participate in the Grossmont Union High School District Honor Band or Orchestra. Students audition for the position and are selected by a panel of the school district’s music directors. Students from all over the GUHSD came together and performed as a group. The Helix students are Noelya Collon, Dean delaResma, Monique Georgatos, Christopher Holmes, Sophia King, Kennan Langsford, Eric Loschen, Emily McDonald, Claire Montgomery, Fletcher Morrow, Kyle Phillips, Alexis Reynolds, Abigail Ramos, Alexander Russell, Elijah Shaw, Shelby Sindelar, Renee Stilwell, Anna Talamantes, Madahlia Taylor, Tristan Walsh, Carly Walsh and Molly Wells.

Upcoming events:

On Friday, March 13 (“Friday the 13th”), the Helix Instrumental Music Department presents “A Concert to Die For” featuring the Helix Highlander Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony, with the San Diego State University Wind Symphony and Conductor Shannon Kittlinger appearing as special guests. Tickets are reserved seating and can be purchased at http://helixinstrumental.ticketleap.com/fridaythe13th.

On Friday, April 10, students will present The Aspire Showgram from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. The student-organized event will feature performances by the Tap, Break Rhythm and Be the Voice programs. Other students will host booths in the foyer to show off the products they created in their programs. Tickets are free and can be requested by emailing Gibson@Helixcharter.net. Helix’s Aspire program provides after school activities for more than 300 students each day. Aspire offers academic support, like math and writing labs, as well as enrichment programs like robotics, yoga, athletics and more.

Helix is enrolling for the 2015-16 school year. The final opportunity to submit an intent-to-enroll form or a lottery card is March 4. Please visit the school website at helixcharter.net and access the “Entrance/Boundary/Lottery Info” page from the left column.

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