Helix's School Safety and Security Team is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment for students, families, staff, and visitors. 

 

Primary functions of the School Safety and Security Office

1. Provide security coverage in school and around campus.

2. Monitor entrances/exits and visitor check-in.

3. Assist students and staff with conflict resolution.

4. Provide security at various school events.

5. Coordinate school safety drills.

6. Oversee the school's safety plan and safety committee.

7. Respond to crisis incidents, alarms or disturbances on campus.

8. Collaborate with law enforcement agencies and first responders.

9. Arrange traffic safety services during the school day and at various school events.

10. Oversee a comprehensive emergency management plan.

 
What to Do if a Student Does Not Feel Safe

During school hours:

Students can contact their Grade Level Team, contact a Campus Supervisor or submit a concern on the Student Safety Hotline.

• Campus Non-Emergency Safety Line: 619-644-1940

• Manager of School Safety, Jonathan Simon: 619-644-1940, Extension 361 

 

During non-school hours:

It is critical for students to feel safe in their community at all times. If something has happened in the La Mesa community that threatens student safety, make a report as soon as possible, including weekends. 

• Students and guardians can make a report to the La Mesa Police Department, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• LMPD Non-Emergency phone number is 619-667-1400 

• Emergency, Dial 911

Acknowledge, Care, Tell

As part of Helix Charter High School’s commitment to wellbeing, we have adopted ACT® which means “Acknowledge, Care, Tell”.  We believe that each of us plays a role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students and encourage every member of our school community to follow the three steps of ACT to help maintain a safe, positive learning environment:

1. Acknowledge warning signs and anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, worried or frightened.  Recognize something is wrong and take it seriously.

2. Care for students/your friends; listen and tell them how much you care about them.

3. Tell a trusted adult if you are worried or have concerns about your wellbeing or the wellbeing of others. HCHS students who need support may go to the Grade Level Team Office, Wellness Center or report the infomration on the Student Safety Hotline.

How to Report Claims of Bullying & Harassment at HCHS

If a student has experienced discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, dating violence, or any other prohibited conduct, they should report their claim to their Grade Level Principal. Students may also seek support for this process through their Grade Level Counselor or Social Worker. A student may choose to report their claim to a person of the same gender identity. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined.

 

If a student or parent is ever concerned about an issue or situation related to their experience at HCHS, we want to hear about that, too. Anyone can submit comments and suggestions, and report any concerns by contacting their Grade Level Team or on the Student Safety Hotline. The submissions can be anonymous or with your name, email or phone number. If you report concerns on this tool anonymously, school officials may be able to conduct a limited investigation or provide some assistance if you share enough details.

Secure Campus

Implemented when a potential threat or police activity in the surrounding community requires precautionary action to ensure the safety of students and staff. Students are directed to return/report to their class. Campus Supervision will quickly assist with clearing students from hallways and outdoor areas. Because there is no imminent danger, please allow a couple of minutes for students to return to class or report to their next class (during passing period/lunch). Doors remain locked, blinds remain closed, and instruction may continue with lights on. 

 

No entry/exit protocol remains in place, including not opening doors at the request of administrators and/or law enforcement. Administrators and law enforcement will have keys to open rooms. Incident command will keep staff updated. Students and staff are to remain in the classroom until further instruction by Incident Command or Law Enforcement.  

Secure Campus status DOES NOT indicate imminent danger, but will only be initiated as a precaution in the case of law enforcement activity in the surrounding community.

 

Lockdown

A lockdown is implemented for an immediate threat of danger on campus.  During a lockdown, we divert as many students into classrooms as quickly as possible. All staff and students will seek shelter in the nearest available classroom/buildings. Lock doors, close blinds and turn off lights. The room should remain dark and quiet. Students and staff are to seek cover against walls and out of view as much as possible. 

 

No entry/exit protocol remains in place, including not opening doors at the request of administrators and/or law enforcement. Administrators and law enforcement will have keys to open rooms. Incident command will keep staff updated. Remain in the classroom until further instruction by Incident Command or Law Enforcement.  

 

Communication to Parents:

Helix’s communication plan during these situations is to post a banner at the top of our homepage (www.helixcharter.net) with an update as soon as possible. Please know that it takes time to get correct information about an event, and it is very important not to post misinformation. We will update the banner as soon as we can when an event is happening and then again when the event is over, so you are aware. We will follow up with a post-event email after the fact explaining what happened.