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The Legal Communique
January 11, 2021 | Issue #5 | ---------------------------------"Back to Business" Edition
Upcoming Events

See what's happening this month.
About Us

Link to About Us.
Legal Spotlight

U.S. Vice President-Elect
Kamala Devi Harris

Link to Legal Spotlight.
Helix Legal Academy offers unique pathways to opportunity that do not exist elsewhere in the city. The instructional vision of the legal academy is built around the five essential legal competencies: advocacy, argumentation, critical thinking, research, and negotiation. These competencies are reinforced throughout the school year in all subjects. This emphasis on legal competencies are in addition to, rather than in place of, the legal academy’s focus on STEAM education. While students develop key legal competencies, engage with legal professionals, and immerse themselves in all three branches of government prominent in downtown Baton Rouge, they will also have a chance to develop STEAM-related skills through an elective that follows the Project Lead The Way curriculum. 
Helix Legal Academy will open with a 6th grade class in the 2021-22 school year in downtown Baton Rouge. The following year, the legal academy will add a 7th grade and will complete its expansion as a middle school in the 2023-24 school year. 
Principal's Message
Greetings Gladiators!

It is my sincere hope that this newsletter finds you well, both mentally and physically. The beginning of the year is always a good time to reflect on where we are in all aspects of our lives and determine areas we need to continue to be persistent and where we should grow. Every day is a new opportunity to fully embrace and engage in our unique purpose, what we bring to this world with our individual interests, talents, and strengths. 
This month, we will celebrate the life and the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who even in a short time span, truly lived in his purpose. Oftentimes, we see quotes and footage from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, but I have always been drawn to the speeches he gave closer to his untimely death.
In a 1967 speech to a group of middle school students in Philadelphia, King said,
“Be a bush if you can't be a tree.
If you can't be a highway, just be a trail.
If you can't be a sun, be a star.

For it isn't by size that you win or fail.
Be the best of whatever you are.” 

We should all look to be the best in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in at the start of this unprecedented year. We must remain dedicated to improving ourselves and those around us. Being in the classroom for over a decade, I have seen brilliant children enter my doors, all masters in areas unique to their skillset. As I reflect on how Helix Legal will Set the Bar, I know part of that will be in uncovering and cultivating each student’s individual strengths, all while teaching them to be great orators, problem solvers, champions for good. We have an opportunity to help our children be the best of whatever they are as Dr. King mentioned, and we are so elated for the chance to be on the frontlines for our children and families.

In service,
Chastity J. George
Our Vision and Mission
We want to share our Vision and Mission in every issue because they define our approach to education as well as describe our desired future outcome for our students.
Vision: Helix Legal Academy strives to develop resilient, self-motivated, civic-minded individuals, committed to excellence, and diligently engaged in their communities.
Mission:  The mission of Helix Legal Academy is to empower students through advocacy, extensive analysis of the legal system, and a deep exploration of a society driven by liberating and inclusive teaching practices.
President’s Message
Dear Gladiator Family and Friends,

On behalf of the entire Helix family, I once again wish you a Happy New Year. I am so excited about 2021. This year, Helix will bring to Baton Rouge two innovative new schools: Helix Legal Academy and Helix Aviation Academy. Over the last 25 years, I have been a lawyer, a judge, a law professor, and a business owner. My legal education and training have opened up a world of possibilities that I could have never imagined as a poor kid growing up in our state. I am so proud to share with our community that Helix Legal Academy will offer children an education that focuses on the legal profession and the development of strong skills in the literary arts.  

When I think about the fact that President-Elect Joe Biden, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, and Governor John Bel Edwards are all lawyers, I am reminded of the power of a legal education. While many law school graduates practice law, they also do so much more. Lawyers run businesses and non-profits; they are public servants and community leaders, and they engage in just about every aspect of our society.

At Helix Legal Academy, we look forward to teaching our students strong reading, writing, comprehension, and communication skills that are not only important if they choose to pursue a legal career, but frankly will be necessary for any career they choose. What a great opportunity for the children of East Baton Rouge Parish!   

Founding Principal Chastity George is doing an amazing job preparing for our new 6th graders this Fall. We are happy to have you as a member of the Gladiator family as “We Set the Bar” for children in our community.

Sincerely,

Preston J. Castille, Jr.
President, Helix Community Schools
At Helix Legal Academy,
We Set the BAR!!
Curriculum Spotlight:
Wit & Wisdom
Wit and Wisdom is an English curriculum by Great Minds created for teachers and by teachers. They focus on creating a love for reading, rigorously aligned to Common Core standards, and exposure to interesting and grade-level appropriate texts. Read More
LEGAL SPOTLIGHT
U. S. Vice President-Elect
Kamala Harris
An American politician and the new Vice President-Elect of the United States. Her political career has included her time as the junior United States Senator from California and prior to her election to the Senate, she served as the attorney general of California.
Let's Have Fun!!!
Adjournment

A dismissal of legal proceedings, either permanently or for the day.
Legal Eats
Chicken Parm Stuffed
Bell Peppers
It’s a brand new year, and so many people are making the conscious decision to eat healthier and exercise. Check this healthy and easy recipe from Delish.com for Chicken Parm Stuffed Bell Peppers.
"Evident"-ly Funny
(Legal Cartoons and Quotes)
Legal Briefs
(A new game, mini activity, or mini lesson in Law each newsletter)
Do you like running things?
Do something that no one else can: control all three branches of the U.S. government.

The new Branches of Power gives you the ability to introduce presidential agendas, write legislation, sign or veto bills, and even judge passed laws. That’s a lot to juggle, so don’t let all the power go to your head!

In Branches of Power you:
  • Pick leaders for each branch of government
  • Create a presidential agenda
  • Introduce bills and pass laws out of Congress
  • Apply judicial review to passed laws

Play and Enjoy! See you in the Fall!
Enrollment is OPEN!
Phase II opens on enrollbr.org
February 12, 2020
We have limited seating for our first 6th grade class. They will be special because they will be our first graduating class in May of 2028 as we reach our full range of being the first 6 - 12 Legal Academy in the state. 

You can now enroll on our website.
Just Click Below . . .
Tips from the CDC
The new COVID-19 vaccines have become available to some frontline workers and older citizens. 

The CDC lists some benefits of receiving the vaccine:
It prevents you from getting COVID-19.
It is a safer way to build protection.
It can help bring a stop to the pandemic.

Are you planning on taking the vaccine? It is definitely a difficult decision to make as we make sure we are being good neighbors to each other. In the meantime (and even if you do decide to take the vaccine), continue to mask up and social distance.
Upcoming Events
STEAM Saturdays
at
Helix Community Schools
Located at

4400 Airpark Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70807

January 30, 2021
Time TBA

Come On Out and See Us!
We will have hands-on activities and stations for students of all ages.
We can also answer any questions you may have about our school and programs.
Helix Legal Academy Upcoming Events
January 18, 2021 - MLK Holiday
January 30, 2021 - STEAM Saturday at Helix Community Schools
Thank You
for subscribing to the
Helix Legal Academy Newsletter!
We hope you enjoyed this issue and look forward to seeing you with our next newsletter on January 25th.

As always, you will receive updates straight to your inbox, but you can also check out our previous issues below.
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We look forward to hearing from you!
Feel Free learn more about our school by visiting any of these sites. If necessary, you can also reach out to us at anytime with questions or concerns.
See You Soon!
(225) 346-5180