News

Dear Helix Community,

As 2023 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on all we’ve accomplished since August and are looking to 2024 with more optimism in our mission than ever. Our school continues to expand and change the way we think about autism education. We’re grateful to each and every one of you for the time, talent, resources, and support you provide. Read on below for some exciting updates and ways to stay connected.

MAJOR EVENTS
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
In November, Helix hosted its first ever Grandparents and Special Friends Day. This was a beautiful morning that allowed extended family and friends to learn more about the work we do and the teachers and staff that make it possible. Guests were treated to breakfast and lunch, campus tours, Q&As with staff, and a presentation about our future goals and plans.


Speakers Series
Our Speakers Series program spotlights leaders in every area of autism education. We recently hosted pediatric occupational therapist Lindsey Bier and author and advocate Tiffany Hammond. In 2024, we’ll hear from experts in the areas of law, finance and conservatorship, and health and well-being.


Winter Festival
The Helix community recently came together at our Winter Festival and fundraiser! This was an opportunity to not only enjoy quality time with family and good friends, but also purchase the beautiful arts and crafts on display. We were able to raise over $3,000 which will be put toward our student activities – including our overnight trip this spring!


ANNUAL FUND MOMENTUM
In October, we launched the 2023-24 Helix School Annual Fund Campaign to great success. We are overwhelmed by the support from our Helix families, philanthropists, education advocates, and clinicians. Our focus this year is on three distinct areas: recruiting and retaining top educators, investing in leading-edge educational tools, and expanding our student services and activities.

After raising almost $40,000 on Giving Tuesday, we’re heading into 2024 with a lot of momentum. We still have work to do to reach our goal of $350,000. Click here to support our mission, and reach out to mattingly@thehelixschool.org if you’d like to learn more about philanthropy at Helix.

SPOTLIGHT: EARLY ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
This year, Helix launched an Early Elementary program to serve students ages 4 to 6. We recognized a glaring need for early elementary classrooms in the Bay Area. Our program is designed to focus on providing a supportive and nurturing environment where each child’s strengths and abilities are recognized. We emphasize sensory-friendly activities, visual learning strategies, and structured routines.

The class is taught by both a special education teacher and a speech-language pathologist in order to focus on developing the communication skills of such a young population. Together, they create a play-based curriculum focused on routines and movement, habit-building, and intrinsic positive reinforcement and motivation.

We’ve seen great success with this new program and believe it’s a vital part of increasing early intervention efforts in autism education. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about Early Elementary or any of our other unique educational programs.

HELIX IN THE COMMUNITY
Helix was proud to be represented at the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival! One of our students, Geffen, was recently profiled on his love for art and had one of his pieces featured in the festival.
Happy Holidays, The Helix School