International Students: How ORCA Is Reshaping Their Lives
By Zavonna Coppernoll and Annalaina Yip
Image via Unsplash
June 2025
The ORCA 2025 Playlist
By Lily Dixon
Image courtesy of Kenna S.
June 2025
FFA Students Harvest Knowledge
By Avery Khoury & Annalaina Yip
Image courtesy of Katey Pedersen
June 2025
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC): ORCA Student Leads Team Through Milestones Amid Regional Loss
By Annalaina Yip
Image via Unsplash
June 2025
A Day in the Woods with 5th Grade Outdoor School
By Tyler Cox
Images courtesy of Casey Comstock, Elizabeth Malain and Dave Yanowitz
May 2025
It was a chilly Friday morning when several dozen ORCA 5th graders began rolling into a location in rural Clackamas County to attend the annual 5th Grade ORCA Outdoor School.
As parents dropped off their kids with a handful of ORCA teachers, admins, and student leaders, the air was filled with anticipation of what the day would bring. The entire group was cold and some wished aloud that they could ignite the fire pit, but the action was about to begin, so keeping warm would not be a problem.
The morning was filled with all sorts of learning as student groups rotated through various stations. Students learned about local wildlife and studied several preserved animal hides. At the first aid station, students learned about providing basic medical care to people who have sustained injuries. And at the survival activity, students learned to follow a compass heading and to orient themselves on different types of maps, such topographical maps that show elevation.
By lunchtime, the cloud cover had burned off, the sun had broken through, and nobody was bundled up or cold anymore. With the sun shining and full tummies, it was time to head out and explore. The forest that was the setting for the day offered beautiful views, trees of all different ages, an old historic cabin, and even a pond.
Students spent the afternoon hiking through the woods, learning about pond science, how trees help the environment at different ages, and got to listen to stories of history all while designing their own totem poles. Students were helped throughout the day by six older students designated as student leaders. The day was full of so many activities and so much learning that no one could believe it when the day was over, and it was time to go home.
Students reported many highlights from the event. Jude M. said, “I liked looking for things to look at underneath the microscope!” Malachi A. also had fun doing the microscope work and Caleb R. relished how he was able to examine a slug under the microscope. Delfino V. liked how he was able to see a “banana snail and it was really cool.”
Not all the big moments were about microscopes. Alder W. noted that “my favorite thing was probably coloring my totem pole while listening to a story.” And Savonya H. thought the most memorable part was taking “loads of pictures with my friend, Andy.”
As everyone began to say their goodbyes, it was clear that outdoor school had been a success again this year. This annual event brought knowledge to many people and some of them even committed to returning to the same site to explore the trails and connect with nature alongside their families. Until next year, stay curious.
Tyler Cox is an ORCA 8th Grader and one of the student leaders from this event.
The History and Importance of Autism Awareness Month
By Zavonnna Coppernoll
Image courtesy of Unsplash
April 2025
The United Nations dedicated April 2 as World Autism Awareness day, and Autism Awareness as a month-long celebration. Throughout the month, people can support the cause by donating resources for individuals with autism. This month is dedicated to increasing awareness, recognizing people’s lives with the condition and supporting individuals as they navigate through struggles and learn more about themselves. It is also a time to celebrate and accept people with differences.
Bernard Rimland, a psychologist and autism researcher, played a crucial role in designating April as Autism Awareness Month. He chose the month because it was his autistic son’s birthday month and the start of spring, which represents new beginnings. To show support for Autism Awareness you can wear blue, the official color of the month. Additionally, the autism symbol is a puzzle ribbon, which was chosen in 1999, or a puzzle heart featuring the colors of yellow, blue, red, and purple.
Now that you know about this month-long event, what exactly is autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability that affects people in many different ways. Some people with ASD might have trouble with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, or verbal and nonverbal communication. Autism is different for everyone and each individual with autism has different challenges and strengths. In the U.S., most people are diagnosed with the disability around the age of five, though signs can be noticed as early as two or three. ASD is broken down into three levels, and each level decides how much help and support an individual might need.
“A great way that ORCA students can help support Autism Awareness is by joining in on local opportunities that may be going on throughout the month,” explains Allie Meyer, a middle school counselor at ORCA. “One example is participating in an Autism Walk. The walks take place April through July. Students can also help support by wearing blue and spreading as much kindness as possible.”
For more information about Autism Awareness, you can visit the Autism Society and Autism Speaks. Both organizations include helpful information about Autism Awareness.
Move More April
By Natasha Lee Anne Hope Starkey
Image courtesy of Natasha Starkey
April 2025
Did you know that April is National Exercise Month? Throughout the month, events like National Walk Day—a day dedicated to going outside and getting fresh air—and National Exercise Day encourage people to stay active.
April is also recognized as Physical Wellness Month and National Sports Month, so how did the month become a catalyst for health advocacy? Well, it all started with The American Heart Association, which campaigned for Move More Month.
National Exercise Month is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle specifically for those who have had heart attacks before or suffer from heart disease. Heart disease is a serious medical condition that can affect your everyday life and your longevity, so it’s important for those diagnosed to be physically active.
Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent and combat heart disease. For those who have experienced a heart attack before, exercise can help with recovery and decrease the chances of having another.
While National Exercise Month focuses on heart health, the benefits of movement apply to everyone. Exercise benefits both mental and physical health and additionally improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the heart, and reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.
That being said, exercise isn’t the only factor that contributes to a healthy lifestyle; a good diet is important too.
“Our bodies are meant to be in motion, even just going for a walk in the sun is a great start and should be an important part of your day,” says ORCA health teacher Robin Bender. “Incorporating a healthy eating style is important as well, read those labels on the items you are eating! If you cannot pronounce an ingredient, you probably should not eat that item.”
You can still enjoy an occasional treat, but in moderation. According to healthline.com, indulging in junk food now and then is perfectly fine, as long as it is balanced with a healthy diet. There are loads of upsides to eating healthily including increased lifespan, resistance to disease, improved digestion, and healthier bones, skin, teeth and eyes.
Participating in Move More Month events not only shows your support for anyone who has struggled with heart disease, but also improves your own well-being. Interested in learning more about National Exercise Month? Visit heart.org to learn about how you can participate.
Earth Day: Why the Planet Matters
By Zavonna Coppernoll
Image via Unsplash
April 2025
Earth Day, first celebrated on April 22, 1970, is an annual holiday that recognizes environmental achievements and raises awareness about the importance of preserving the planet’s natural resources for the future.
Since its inception in the 1970s, Earth Day has become a national holiday that many people celebrate and take part in. The awareness day isn’t just about donating and reducing the use of harmful products – it's also about educating people on the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.
Many human activities, including oil companies drilling on land that is meant to stay untouched, harm the planet and wildlife. Drilling for oil can cause a number of problems such as greenhouse gas emissions, oil spills, water and air pollution, and habitat damage. Not only does oil drilling affect the environment, but it can also affect humans, leading to safety and health concerns for workers. Additionally, landfills produce harmful gases that pollute the air and water, further contributing to environmental damage.
Since 1970, people around the world have celebrated and protested on Earth Day. The theme for 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet, chosen to encourage the use of renewable energy and to inspire future generations to participate in the use of clean energy.
ORCA Student Submits to Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition
By Lily Dixon
Image courtesy of Lily Jacobs
March 2025
Wearing gray and Yale Blue while writing articles for the Yale Daily News has always been Lily Jacobs’ goal. But when given the opportunity to submit an essay to one of the Ivy League newspaper’s competitors, The Harvard Crimson, she couldn’t say no.
The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) was launched in 2021 by university students eager to give high schoolers worldwide the chance to have their work read and reviewed by Harvard attendees and professionals. It now garners thousands of submissions annually from over 90 countries.
Students are invited to submit a 500-word max essay in response to various prompts for a chance to win a scholarship toward higher education. Additionally, the top three winners earn automatic acceptance into The Harvard Crimson’s prestigious summer journalism program.
For competitive and expensive schools like the Ivies, global recognition from one of the most challenging essay competitions – along with a scholarship – significantly strengthens an applicant’s chances of getting in.
Lily Jacobs, a freshman at ORCA, dreams of being a journalist and attending Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. With a background in leadership and a passion for literature, she aspires to be at the top of her class and represent her peers through Student Government and by writing for ORCA’s school newspaper, The Current.
A dedicated journalist, Jacobs also participates in the Youth Voices program at The Oregonian, which focuses on teen news across the state.
Additionally, she’s an avid reader who hopes to finish 100 books in a year and dreams of attending Yale not only to partake in the school’s world-renowned journalism program, but also for their 15 libraries, which house over 14.9 million books.
Submitting an essay to The Harvard Crimson, she hopes, will improve her ability to write with impact. Placing in the top five in her region of North America in the Journalism category is her current goal. “If I don’t place, I’ll know where I need to improve, and if I become a finalist, I’ll know I’m on the right track.”
Through the HCGEC program, she has participated in live webinars on creative, argumentative, and journalistic writing, taught by presenters from around the world, including as far as Hong Kong. “[I want] to gain insights into my own writing abilities and determine where I stand in the global competition.”
When choosing which prompt would help her stand out in the fierce competition, she thought back to a group of women called The BottleDrop Ladies, who strive to address homelessness — one of Oregon’s most pressing issues. She chose the prompt: “Highlight a group or individual in your community who went above and beyond during a recent crisis, such as a natural disaster or social upheaval. Explore their passions and impact.” Her decision to spotlight The BottleDrop Ladies stems from her appreciation for unsung heroes. "I loved the idea of recognizing those who do good without seeking any recognition themselves,” Jacobs explains.
“I’m also excited to explore more writing competitions in the future. I’ll be looking into other opportunities and hope to find some new challenges.”
Women's History Month
By Lux R.
Image via Freepik
March 2025
Did you know that Women’s History Month started as Women’s History Week? It started in Santa Rosa, California, in March of 1978 to correspond with International Women’s Day. In July 1978, historian Gerda Lerner chaired a 15-day conference on women’s history at Sarah Lawrence College, which was co-sponsored by the Women’s Action Alliance and the Smithsonian Institution. After the conference, historians and women’s rights activist groups began working together to lobby for a National Women’s History Week.
It spread across the U.S rapidly and by 1980 it was signed into a national holiday by President Jimmy Carter, from March 2-8. In his message to the nation Carter stated, “From the first settlers who came to our shores…men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung, and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
Change took an act of congress. In 1981, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Representative Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution, known as Public Law, 97-28. The resolution stated: “Whereas American women of every race, class, and ethnic background helped found the Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways as servants, slaves, nurses, nuns, homemakers, industrial workers, teachers, reformers, soldiers, and pioneers;...and Whereas despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the body of American history: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Women’s States of America in Congress assembled, That the week beginning History Week. March 7, 1982, is designated as ‘Women's History Week.'
Congress approved the resolution on August 4, 1981, and requested that President Ronald Reagan issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe “Women’s History Week” with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project (NWHA), a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and preserving women’s history, Congress passed Public Law, 100-9, which proclaimed March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Since 1988, a year after Congress passed an additional resolutions request, every president has issued proclamations making March Women’s History Month. According to the NWHA, “These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.”
This month is an important time to honor the women who empower us to succeed. One of the most well-known historical feminist icons, Susan B. Anthony was a pivotal figure in the movement for women’s rights and suffrage, or the right to vote. She died in 1906, 14 years before women could vote. Today, many people place their “I voted” stickers on her grave to symbolize her impact, even after her passing. They are a living embodiment of Anthony’s quote about how “There will never be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers.”
OMSI Exhibit: The Art Of Nature
By Zavonna Coppernoll
Images courtesy of Grace Choi and Abbi-Dilley Gumm
March 2025
ORCA’s February regional event day featured many field trips around the state, including one to Oregon's Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to explore the museum and its new exhibit, Christopher Marley’s Exquisite Creatures Revealed. Though the day was cloudy and quite cold by Portland standards, ORCA staff set up outside the OMSI building to hand out name tags and greet guests. Many students and parents alike lined up to enter, see the exhibit, and explore the rest of OMSI.
The exhibit started with a short four minute video discussing the background of the exhibit and the artist. After the video, students got the chance to walk around and look at a stunning variety of preserved animals.
Snakes such as King Cobras were among the most striking displays but the exhibit had a variety of different animals including insects, reptiles, tropical birds, marine animals, and even a turtle. There was also a showcase of many different types of beetles with vibrant colors.
Christopher Marley is a nature-focused artist who was raised in Salem, Oregon. Marley started out as a fashion model but later he quit to become an artist, photographer, naturalist and author. He has written 11 books and his artwork has been shown in museums around the country including the Stamford Art Museum and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Marley doesn't use taxidermy to create his pieces; instead, he has come up with a way to freeze-dry his specimens so that they have everything intact inside and outside of the body. Marley does not buy his specimens from hunters; instead he works with zoos, breeders, and aquariums to obtain the animals. Marley also only accepts specimens that have died of natural causes. His work isn’t limited to animals; he includes plants and minerals in his work to create an astonishing display of art.
Many students and teachers expressed that they had a great time exploring the museum and its new exhibit. “It was so great to see so many ORCA students come together at OMSI,” says Ms. Kris, a 7th grade science teacher. “I loved watching them interact with the exhibit and most of all, each other!”
The next ORCA regional event day is March 14. Check out Field Trip Central to RSVP.
Trans Day Of Visibility - March 31
By Lux R.
Image courtesy of Lux R.
March 2025
TDOV, otherwise known as Trans Day of Visibility, has been recognized on the final day of March every year since 2009, bringing increased representation to transgender individuals. There are over 1.6 million trans, non-binary and gender-expansive teenagers and adults across the United States, including many students, who can frequently experience mistreatment. “More than a third, 39%, of transgender students experience bullying, harassment, or assault while in a higher education program,” according to a blog post from the Point Foundation, an LGBTQ scholarship fund.
According to another Point Foundation blog, this can make school harder. “More than half (55%) of transgender students say that their mental health was not good all or most of the time while at school. More than 40% of transgender college students report not fully belonging to school.” Later in the post, they noted how, “Nearly a third (32%) report unfair treatment by teachers, staff, or school administrators.”
TDOV is celebrated all over America with events being held in every state to bring transgender awareness. Many of these events can be found on Eventbrite’s website by searching “Transgender Day of Visibility.” The events include galas, variety shows, art showcases, awards, and much more. One event in New York is a TDOV market featuring loads of handcrafted items sold in support of the transgender community.
The founder of TDOV, Rachel Crandall-Crocker, a psychotherapist and the executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Transgender Michigan, is continually surprised as she watches her holiday grow every year, becoming a nationwide representation day for transgender individuals. “I’m happy I created TDOV; however, if I knew what I knew now, I’m not positive I would. But someone else would have,” she states. “I wasn’t the only one who was thinking about it. In fact, I think the reason it caught on was because thousands of other trans people were thinking about it, too.”
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many people are wondering where to go for the holiday this year. There are many interesting things that students can do for this special day.
Eat at a local restaurant (Suggestions: The Old Spaghetti Factory, Five Guys)
This is a classic for a reason. There is nothing wrong with just going for a simple, yet fun outing, that your parents and grandparents likely did as well. You could do anything from a fancy Italian restaurant, to a little burger joint; the options are endless for this tried-and-true Valentine’s Day activity. The Old Spaghetti Factory is a great idea if you’re looking for a candlelight dinner, while Five Guys would be a wonderful option for a laid-back meal.
Go to a coffee shop (Suggestions: Starbucks, Dutch Bros.)
This affordable event would be a wonderful opportunity to hang out and get to know someone better, while sipping on coffee (or tea/juice if you do not drink coffee). It’s a laid-back way to spend your Valentine’s Day, with no pressure, and it’s very budget-friendly. Starbucks and Dutch Bros. both offer good options for coffee and non-coffee drinks as well. Additionally, they often have themed items available for each holiday.
Go to the movies (Suggestion: McMenamins Movie Theaters)
Yet another example of a timeless Valentine’s Day tradition. You could go and see an action film, a romantic comedy, or anything in between. The cinema offers many different options for you to go, eat candy and popcorn, and drink soda while watching the movie of your choice. For a unique spin, go to a McMenamins that has a built-in theater, and you can get some better quality food as well as the traditional movie theater snacks.
Go for a hike (Suggestions: Smith Rock, King’s Mountain)
Perhaps not the most popular choice on what to do for Valentine’s Day, but if you like to be outside, this would be an opportunity to get some fresh air, exercise, and spend time with whoever you bring with you. If weather permits, Smith Rock is a wonderful hike in the Central Oregon Area–and King’s Mountain is a beautiful hike in the forest by the coast, a little outside of Tillamook.
No matter what you decide to do for Valentine’s Day, there are many different options that are suitable for everyone, and the holiday marks a great opportunity to get out of the house and hang out with someone special.
As every self-respecting baker knows, baking, at its core, is just a chemistry experiment.
Take sourdough bread, for instance. You buy a sourdough starter from the store and let it sit for a while in order to activate it. After that, you take ground-up grain, a dry chemical leavening agent, dried ocean water, and a selection of wild yeasts (depending on the recipe you’re using), mix it into a bowl, and let it sit for a while. After you’ve waited for about two hours, the mixture expands. You then stick it into 450 degree temperatures and it comes out nice and warm.
The potential questions go on and on. How does the weird floury gluten rise? Why can’t you stick it in a 250 degree temperature oven? Why does it take so long to make?
This article will not explain. Ask your chemistry teacher.
But this article will offer some tips and tricks for experimenting with your concoction so you can customize your sourdough without ruining it. For example, don’t bake your bread in a 250-degree oven. It will not work out well.
#1: Refer to an existing recipe.
This one’s a hot take. What better way to make a completely new pastry than to follow an old set of instructions?
When you’re stooped over a bubbling green liquid, dressed in a lab coat and constantly under supervision by your maybe-evil CEO, it would end in disaster if you accidentally added three drops of mercury to your potion instead of two. One wrong move and boom — you’ve blown the laboratory sky-high. The same is true with baking.
If you add too much milk to your chocolate-chip cookie batter, the mixture will be too runny to spoon out. If you throw in an entire ounce of chocolate, the chocolate will melt into the batter and fall apart when you try to pick it up. Which is a waste of chocolate.
If you want to make your own chocolate-chip cookies, but also load them with Red No. 40 and peppermint stripes, open up your browser and look up a recipe! It will have your proportions, your bake time, and some helpful info on baking them. It’ll also sometimes have a few “what ifs” for you to refer to when broiling up a mess.
#2: Take a chance with spices.
Cocoa powder, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, clove, star anise, lavender…there are so many different tweaks you could make and unique flavors you could add. Have you ever tried a chocolate-nutmeg muffin with a ginger candy sunk inside? How about a cardamom apple-cake?
These days, we have restaurants and takeout and fast food joints - but before all of that convenient jazz, the spices made the meal. If you wanted to have a nip of spicy-sour goodness in your mango compote, you’d have to find yourself some chili seasoning to spike it with.
And here’s a small side-tip: don’t constrain yourself to a limited number of spices. Sure, nutmeg and cardamom are wonderful together, but why not throw some basil in your lemon meringue pie just to see how it works out? This is your world! Be weird!
#3: Learn the original before you make a spin-off.
This one is reasonably clear: just like you can’t figure out how to calculate the slope of a line before you learn to divide a fraction, you can’t make a lemon banana gooseberry chocolate basil tiramisu if you can’t even manage ladyfingers. If you want to put an original spin on a recipe, master a proven pastry recipe first!
#4: Don’t load your banana bread with melted milk chocolate and shredded zucchini, then take it out of the oven and remove it from the bread pan before it’s cooled fully.
Trust me on this one.
#5: Be patient and try, try, try again.
If you let bread rise for three hours, the product is going to be much tastier than if you throw your batter in the oven immediately after preparing it. If you take your pineapple upside-down cake out of the heat after two minutes, it’ll be gloopy and inedible. Be patient! It’ll work out in the end.
And even if you do everything right, and it still comes out bad, keep calm and carry on! Not everything works according to plan (looking at you, zucchini-chocolate banana bread). No one invents something without a lot of trial and error. Heck, even the chocolate chip cookie was an accident. Keep baking, keep innovating! Failure is necessary. It’s just a new excuse to experiment.
So continue with your crazy concoctions– start with a pancake recipe and throw some raspberry compote into the mix. Get creative, add some star fruit. Find a way to take a completely normal, accepted-by-society pastry and twist it into an overseasoned monstrosity. Have your friends and family sample them. Write things down, so you can pass your inane, intrusive ‘what ifs’ to the next generation. And if you ever doubt your dish, throw it out and start anew. Happy baking!
By Elizabeth Padilla
Image via Canva
January 2025
At ORCA, students have a variety of programs to choose from, each designed to prepare them for different post-high school paths. Two of those opportunities, AVID and ASCEND, offer different approaches to student development and college and career readiness. While both aim to equip students with essential skills, their focus and styles differ significantly, catering to different student goals, needs, and aspirations.
Mrs. Vitro, an AVID teacher, emphasizes that AVID is not solely for students planning to attend college. "I have had students that go down very different paths," she says. "Some enter the military, join the workforce, or take a gap year. The skills we teach in AVID are beneficial regardless of the path a student chooses." AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) focuses on developing learning strategies, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
AVID is an elective that can be taken from grades 6 to 12, but it should be noted that it requires more work than most electives. For high school students, AVID will meet requirements typically met through High School Success, Career Ed, and Senior Capstone, depending on the student’s grade level.
AVID is structured to support students in becoming more organized, improving their study habits, and enhancing their overall academic performance. There are no strict prerequisites for joining AVID, but students should be willing to engage with their coursework and classmates. "You don't need to be a straight-A student, just willing to learn and determined to be successful," Mrs. Vitro notes. AVID's approach includes tutorials guided by college students, which help high school students with challenging subjects and foster a collaborative learning environment.
On the other hand, the ASCEND program is available to students in grade 8 to 12 and will impact many high school course placement choices. To complete ASCEND, a student needs to take three electives in the chosen pathway instead of purely student-chosen electives, as well as a Work-Based Learning course that will replace the Senior Capstone course in 12th grade. ASCEND is designed to provide career and technical education tailored to specific career pathways. ASCEND offers a variety of pathways, including Business and Management, Computer Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Medical Science, and Agriculture/Veterinary Science.
Each ASCEND pathway is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen field. Computer science pathway teacher, Cathy Hay mentions that if you're interested in something else not on the list, consider asking an ASCEND advisor or your counselor. There can be overlaps in skill sets; Ms. Hay states, “If you want to go into engineering, the computer science pathway are consider[ed] foundation[al] courses that would be helpful in engineering professions”
Liberty Lacy, ASCEND career advisory teacher, highlights the program's flexibility and accessibility. "You don't need to know what you want to do after high school to join ASCEND," she says. "Our program provides the opportunity for students to learn more about careers or fields of interest from instructors with industry experience related to their pathways. In addition, students can earn valuable industry credentials before graduating high school." This approach allows students to explore different career options without the financial impact that college might have, making it easier for students to find their true passion before committing to it.
In AVID, the soft skills are centered around academic success and personal growth. The program emphasizes skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking through its curriculum and activities. Students engage in group projects, Socratic seminars, and peer tutoring, which help them develop these skills in a classroom setting. The goal is to prepare students for the challenges of higher education by building a strong foundation in these essential skills.
On the other hand, ASCEND integrates soft skills within its technical and employment preparation. The focus is on preparing students for the workforce by providing real-world experiences where they can apply skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and professional communication. Through internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities, students learn to navigate professional environments and build a network of industry contacts. This practical approach ensures that students are not only technically proficient but also capable of thriving in a work setting.
In comparing AVID and ASCEND, it's clear that both programs have distinct advantages tailored to different student needs. AVID's broad-based approach is ideal for students who may still be exploring their post-high school options and need to develop strong academic and organizational skills that can help in any career. In contrast, ASCEND's targeted pathways are perfect for students with a clear career focus who want to gain specific technical skills and industry experience. Ultimately, the decision to join AVID and/or ASCEND depends on individual student goals and interests. By understanding the unique benefits of each, students and caretakers can make informed decisions that best align with the students’ aspirations and future plans.
If you're interested in either of these programs, let your counselor know. More information and an application form for AVID are available here. More information and a sign-up form for ASCEND are available here.
By Zavonna Coppernoll
Image courtesy of Zavonna Coppernoll
January 2025
ORCA students have voted on their favorite winter themes, drinks, and activities. Get ready to view the Winter Break Themes poll results and see what ORCA has voted on.
Question one, "What is your favorite winter drink?," had many students on the same page. Hot cocoa garnered the most votes with a high of 72.7%, and eggnog followed with 12.7%, with hot chai and ginger tea as the least favorites with 12.2% and 1.8% respectively.
Question two asked students about their favorite winter scene. Coming home in first is winter forest with 54.5% of the votes, northern lights with 27.3%, winter horses with 16.4%, and snow-capped mountains in last, with a measly 1.8%.
Lastly for question three, students were asked about their favorite winter activity. Bringing home gold was building snowmen and/or playing in the snow with a whopping 52.7% of the popular vote, then winter treat baking with 36.4%, along with taking pictures of the snow in third, and ice carving in last.
ORCA’s favorites include hot cocoa and winter forest, and building snowmen and/or playing in the snow are the most popular winter break activities. Have a wonderful winter break ORCA, remember to have fun!
By Elizabeth Padilla
Image via Unsplash
January 2025
Shakespeare’s writing tends to be difficult to understand. The mix of his complex storytelling and the confusing Elizabethan language makes reading his works challenging. Here are some tips and tricks to better understand Shakespeare’s plays so more people can enjoy studying his works.
To begin, knowing what's going to happen in an act before reading it can be very helpful. Watching a movie adaptation or reading a graphic novel of the play are great options. If these aren't available, look up a brief summary of the act. Plays are meant to be watched, not read; this helps you get a basic understanding of the plot, making it easier to navigate the language.
Some background information on Shakespeare’s writing style can also be helpful to better understand his plays. Shakespeare's education focused on Latin and classical literature, enriching his storytelling by allowing him to draw on ancient myths and rhetorical techniques in his plays. This created complex characters and narratives. He was known for creating new words and phrases, blending aristocratic slang with common speech of rural areas. The intentional mix of language makes his plays complex and layered, often challenging for audiences to fully grasp, yet he did this to create a unique style and rhythm of his writing that he is known for to this day. This intentional complexity makes them just as difficult to understand today, if not harder, because of how much time has passed and how the shift of language has only widened, but worth the effort.
Annotating while reading Shakespeare can be incredibly helpful for several reasons. Shakespeare includes many subtle details in his plays, from intricate wordplay to historical references and character nuances. Adding annotations captures initial thoughts and reactions, allowing you to revisit and reflect on them later, when you do a second reading of the material. This process helps make connections that might have been missed during the first read. Annotations can also highlight recurring themes, motifs, and symbols, providing a deeper understanding of the text. Overall, this practice helps save time, so there's no need to reread it as many times to find good quotes to demonstrate understanding.
Making small adjustments to how you read– previewing the plot, understanding Shakespeare's style, and annotating–can make reading his plays easier and more enjoyable. Happy reading!
By Zavonna Coppernoll
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
*Disclaimer: Safety is an essential part of cooking. Please get adult supervision when using kitchen utensils, tools, and gadgets.*
With the cold, winter weather imminent, there’s nothing better than a warm, delicious meal. Here are some tasty dishes to help you stay toasty all season long.
Parmesan Chicken Bake
This is a common winter recipe; refer to this link if you’d like to check out the original https://thecozycook.com/chicken-parmesan-recipe/
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 cup of all purpose flour
1 cup of panko or homemade breadcrumbs
¾ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons of milk
¼ cup of vegetable or avocado oil (more if needed)
4 cups marinara sauce, warmed (interchangeable with tomato or spaghetti sauce)
½ bunch of basil leaves
½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Ground salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning or seasoning salt
Steps:
Set aside a baking sheet and a couple of paper towels.
Place a chicken breast on the cutting board and cover with parchment paper. Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of ½ inch using a rolling pin, heavy pan, or meat mallet. Repeat with each piece of chicken.
Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and cajun and/or seasoning salt.
Gather three shallow dishes; or casserole dishes work well. In one dish combine flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ tablespoon cajun and/or seasoning salt. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until frothy. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, half of parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon of cajun.
Dip each chicken breast into the seasoned flour, then the egg mixture (let any excess egg drip off). Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat fully. Place the coated chicken onto the baking sheet.
Choose a skillet or pan large enough to fit all the chicken or cook it in small batches.
Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan and turn on medium heat. Once simmering, add the chicken to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Place paper towels on a baking sheet and set chicken on the sheet to drain excess oil.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Spread a layer of marinara or tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan (make sure to save four tablespoons of sauce to put on top of the chicken).
Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
Top each chicken breast with a tablespoon of the leftover sauce and a few basil leaves. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken, and finish by evenly spreading the mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown but not too crispy.
Your thermometer should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Let the dish cool and enjoy!
Berry Cobbler
Original recipe https://www.driscolls.com/recipes/mixed-berry-cobbler
Ingredients:
1 package (16 ounces) of frozen strawberries
1 package (6 ounces) of frozen blackberries
1 package (6 ounces) of blueberries
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
½ cups of sugar plus 4 tablespoons, divided
3 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 ½ cups of all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
6 tablespoons of butter, chilled and cut into pieces
¾ cup of heavy cream
Whipped cream or ice cream
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Combine berries and lemon juice in a medium sized bowl, set aside.
Mix cornstarch with ½ cup sugar in a small bowl.
Pour cornstarch mixture over berry mixture.
Stir the berry mixture gently until smooth and combined.
Pour the berry mixture into a 9x9-inch baking dish and set aside.
Place flour into a large bowl and add three tablespoons sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder.
Mix in butter with a pastry blender or with two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the cream to make a soft dough.
Evenly spread dough over the top of the berry mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining four tablespoons of leftover sugar over the dough.
Bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is browned and the filling is bubbly.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
By Taylor Byrne
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
In October, NASA hosted a webinar for those interested in working for them as a paid intern. The webinar offered information about what the agency looks for in applications from prospective students, and current interns gave speeches containing tips on applying.
NASA offers paid internships as a way to bring in a new generation of leaders and workers to further advance their knowledge of the universe. These internships can be offered as in-person events at one of NASA’s facilities, completely virtual, or a hybrid of the two, in which you would expect to go to a facility at least 2-3 times a week.
Most believe those who attend brick-and-mortar schools would have an advantage with these internships, but that is not always the case. When it comes to students at less traditional schools, they look for the same traits in students, no matter the way they received their education. Key details that make one’s resume stand out is involvement in organizations, leadership roles in clubs or sports, and success in competitions.
However, even with no previous experience in work or leadership roles, you still have a chance of being accepted to one of their many programs. Prior jobs or internships aren’t always necessary for the offered positions, as many of NASA’s interns are working for the first time.
All three coordinators and speakers at the webinar emphasized, “Be passionate, be personable.” NASA not only looks at qualifications and skills on applications, but personal projects and significant life events that define the individual and show them as more than just another resume to sift through.
By Lily Jacobs
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
As the weather gets colder, nothing is better than snuggling up in a blanket, drinking hot chocolate, and reading a good book. Whether you enjoy action, fantasy, or even a touch of romance, here are some choices. Be prepared to grab the next installment if it's part of a series, as these stories are sure to leave you eager to find out what happens next.
Spy School, Stuart Gibbs (series, 12+):
This adventure fiction book follows 13-year-old Ben Ripley, who is recruited to a spy school that is cleverly disguised as a science academy. He has only met one other student, Erica Hale, and is immediately smitten with her. Erica Hale is the top student at Spy School, outshining everyone, including the adults. Hailing from a long line of spies, she is exceptionally skilled. At first, Ben imagines that being a spy will be like a James Bond movie. However, after an intruder sneaks into his room on his very first night, he quickly realizes that reality is far more dangerous than he anticipated.
The Cruel Prince, Holly Black (series, 14+):
The Cruel Prince is a fantasy novel with some romance infused. It follows Jude Duarte, a 17 year old whose parents were murdered, leading her to be taken from the human world. She now lives among the fairies in Elfhame as one of the few humans in that realm. Jude longs to become a knight and fight for the High King, but her father figure, Madoc, insists that she is not a killer like him. She often finds herself bullied by the handsome Prince Cardan and his friends, all because she is human. Desperate to prove herself and gain some power after all she has endured, Jude embarks on a journey to assert her place in this magical world.
Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi (series, 14+):
Shatter Me is a young-adult fiction novel that combines elements of dystopia and romance. It follows Juliette Ferrars, a 17-year-old girl whose touch is lethal—anyone who touches her for too long will die. After accidentally hurting someone at the age of 14, she is held in an asylum for 264 days. Throughout this time, she learns that the outside world is in chaos, stripped of all greenery, and no one has seen a bird fly in years. The powers that have imprisoned her soon realize that she could be a valuable asset and decide to move her to a luxurious building. However, Juliette has other plans; she is determined to get away and live her own life.
Better Than the Movies, Lynn Painter (single, 13+):
This young-adult fiction romance follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school student who fills her days with romantic comedies. She often watches these films to cope with the death of her mother, who was also a huge fan of the genre. Throughout the book Liz goes through milestones in her life without her mother while trying to live a normal life. Liz dreams of finding her happy ever after, and when her childhood crush, Michael, moves back to town, she starts to believe that it might be within reach, but she also finds herself reluctantly drawn to the boy next door, Wes. Now, Liz must decide who she wants to be with and who she wants to become.
Masterminds, Gordon Korman (series, 12+)
Masterminds is an adventure fiction novel that follows the main characters Eli, Tori, Malik, and Amber as they gradually come to realize that their seemingly perfect town of Serenity, New Mexico, is not what it appears to be. Serenity is celebrated for having the least crime, no murders, and generally being a pristine town where every lawn is mowed, every child is kind, and nothing ever goes wrong. However, as the friends uncover clues, they discover a shocking truth that links their ideal community to notorious criminal masterminds. Now, they must try to escape the tragic simulation of life they have been living.
Immerse yourself in a selection of books available through ORCA’s Sora Library, which you can access through the new course on your Canvas dashboard. Whether you're curled up by the fire or taking a break from holiday festivities, these stories offer an excellent escape from boredom while also helping you sharpen your reading skills. Spend some time letting these intriguing titles accompany you through your day, providing both entertainment and enrichment.
By Lily Jacobs
Image via Unsplash
November 2024
With autumn having finally arrived, it is time to take a look at what ORCA appreciates about this cozy seasons from the results of the “Student Favorites” poll.
Question one: What is your favorite autumn scent?
First place: Pumpkin Pie 29.8%
Second place: Vanilla 28.7%
Third place: Apple Cider 23.4%
Fourth place: Cinnamon 18.1%
"Fall is a beautiful time of year,” a student voter comments. “And all the leaves and scents are amazing.”
Question two: Where is the best place for fall/autumn coffee or drinks?
First place: Dutch Bros 49.5%
Second place: Starbucks 45.2%
Third place: Black rock 5.4%
“I love the Pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks, I look forward to it every October!” exclaims one Starbucks voter.
Question three: What's your favorite fall drink?
First place: Apple Cider 33%
Second place: Hot chocolate 27.7%
Third place: Chai tea 21.3%
Fourth place: Pumpkin Spice Latte 18.1%
“Hot Chocolate isn't really my thing but I love apple cider,” shares another voter.
“I chose apple cider because of the warm, old, timely feeling you get when you drink it. Cider is better than most drinks, only when it has a good seasoning,” an apple-cider enthusiast mused.
Another student disagreed, saying, “Hot chocolate is an all-time classic. It doesn't matter if it's spring or winter, it carries the holiday spirit and good vibes.”
Question four: What's your favorite way to decorate a pumpkin?
First place: Carving 60.4%
Second place: Don’t decorate pumpkins 18.8%
Third place: Painting 16.7%
Fourth place: Drawing 4.2%
Several voters agreed that “carving a pumpkin is the only correct way to decorate a pumpkin.”
Question five: What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?
First place: Pumpkin pie 31.3%
Second place: Mashed potatoes 28.1%
Third place: Ham 18.8%
Fourth place: Don't celebrate Thanksgiving 7.3%
“Those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I will be genuinely surprised if you don't choose pumpkin pie,” one student mused. “Pie is simply the best option.”
“I think that Mashed Potatoes are one of the best Thanksgiving foods because they go with all the stuff on the table like ham, turkey, and gravy,” shares one student. “This is also a reason why I chose that food because it comes in the biggest quantity on the table.”
Question six: What is your favorite part of fall?
First place: Weather 51%
Second place: Halloween candy 20.8%
Third place: Halloween costumes 15.6%
Fourth place: Decorations 12.5%
“The weather because when leaves fall, they are so fun to bury your siblings in and you can have snowball fights without being cold,” states one voter.
One student was convinced that “fall weather is just perfect. It's never too hot, but also not freezing cold. Plus, everything is so pretty when it frosts over in the morning, paired with the colorful leaves.”
This year's fall favorites are pumpkin pie scent, Dutch Bros, apple cider, carving pumpkins, pumpkin pie on thanksgiving, and the fall weather.
By Grace Choi
Image via College Board
October 2024
The 2024-2025 school year is in full swing, and for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, it’s time to start planning for the AP exams in May 2025. Registering for AP exams requires careful preparation, so be sure to follow these steps if you plan on taking these optional exams.
AP Exams, while optional, offer significant benefits. They are scored on a scale of 1–5, with many colleges granting credit for scores of 3 or above. However, each college sets its own policy for accepting AP credits, so students should research how their target institutions evaluate AP scores. If your AP course is also a College Now (dual credit) course, you can earn college credit through that program as well. Discuss these options with your AP teacher to decide the best path for you.
The cost for each AP exam is $99, and additional fees may be charged by the testing school. Fee reductions/waivers are available for qualifying students, so inform the AP coordinator if you believe you qualify.
Here are the steps for AP exam registration:
Contact a Local Testing School: AP exams are not administered at Oregon Charter Academy, so you must find a local high school (public or private) willing to allow you to test at their location. You can find information about nearby schools that offer AP exams through the AP Course Ledger, which provides a comprehensive list of schools that may offer testing. After finding a school, do an internet search for the school’s phone number or email address.
Ask for an Exam Only Join Code: Once a school agrees to host you for the exam, they will provide an “Exam Only” Join Code for each AP exam you plan to take. You’ll need this code to complete registration.
Register in My AP Account: Log in to your My AP account at myap.collegeboard.org and enter the Exam Only Join Code(s). This step is critical, as the AP coordinator cannot order an exam for you without it.
Confirm Registration: After completing the registration, confirm all details with the AP coordinator, including payment deadlines and exam dates. There is a list of all AP exam dates on the AP Students section of the College Board website.
Experts recommend you begin this process as soon as you start the school year. Reaching out to potential testing schools as soon as possible ensures you have enough time to secure a testing site. If you don’t register in time, it is possible to take the AP exam next year for a course you are currently taking this year.
Remember that taking the AP exam is not a requirement for completing your AP course. It’s an opportunity to earn college credit and demonstrate mastery of the subject, but it is entirely up to you whether or not to take it. Discuss your options with your AP teacher if you are unsure.
For any further questions or concerns, reach out to your AP teacher as soon as possible. Best of luck to all students pursuing their AP exams this year!
By Wilder Kersey
Image via Unsplash
October 2024
Peer pressure is a common developmental issue that affects students around the world. It happens when individuals are influenced by the statements or actions of their peers that encourage or discourage certain behaviors. These pressures can either be positive or negative.
Positive peer pressure encourages behaviors that enhance an individual's personal development and well-being. This could include studying for exams, participating in extracurricular activities, or adopting healthy habits, like playing with pets or exercising daily. Positive peer pressure often leads to improved self-esteem, motivation, and overall a more constructive mindset.
On the other hand, negative peer pressure involves influence from others that encourages harmful behavior. This could include employing bad behaviors, neglecting responsibilities, or adopting unhealthy habits. Negative peer pressure often leads to stress, decreased self-esteem, and potential harm.
The difference between the two lies in the outcomes of the behavior. If the behavior leads to personal growth, improved well-being, and aligns with one's values, it's likely positive peer pressure. If it leads to harm, stress, or conflicts with personal values, it's probably negative peer pressure.
Peer pressure isn’t only seen by the student body, but school counselors as well. Allison Meyer, ORCA’s middle school counselor, explains: “Peer pressure is the influencing of members within a social group to make certain decisions, or take part in certain actions. Peer pressure can cause someone to make a choice they wouldn't typically make on their own.”
“I think when people hear peer pressure, they often think of the negative aspects of peer pressure, like joining in on bullying, excluding someone, skipping classes, or taking part in risky behaviors.” Meyer explains. “However, peer pressure can result in positive outcomes as well, like standing up for others, pushing each other to work hard in school, or in the developing of healthy habits.”
“If you feel like you are being encouraged to do something you are not comfortable with, please reach out to a trusted adult in your life whether that is a parent, a family friend, or a staff member here at ORCA. It is so important to learn to stand up for yourself or what you believe is right. It can be difficult to resist negative peer pressure, especially if you are concerned with fitting in, but you will be stronger and ultimately happier for it if you stay strong in your beliefs.”
Peer pressure can be rewarding and advantageous, but it also can be unhealthy and risky. Talk to a trusted adult if you feel that you may be in a negative peer pressure situation. If you ever feel like you are in an unsafe situation and you are being pressured to do something you are not comfortable with, don’t hesitate to reach out to a school counselor or trusted adult.
In The Current’s May poll, ORCA students and staff shared songs for our third ORCA playlist. The school community contributed 50 responses over a variety of genres.
From newly released hits to classic gems and everything in between, The Current is proud to announce the 2024 ORCA playlist:
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
“White Horse” by Taylor Swift
“I’m not there yet” by MALINDA
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police
“Pompeii” by Bastille
“Ends of the Earth” by Lord Huron
“Spiderwebs” by No Doubt
“The Archer” by Taylor Swift
“Let’s Get Lost Together” by Loudhouse, Distant Cousins
“Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations
“hope alaska national anthem” by glaive
“Am I Dreaming” by Metro Boomin, A$AP Rocky, Roisee
“Lose You Now” by Lindsey Stirling, Mako
“Stricken” by Disturbed
“Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac
“The Prophecy” by Taylor Swift
“In a Week” by Hozier, Karen Cowley
“Real Friends” by Camila Cabello
“Good Time” by Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen
“When the Sun Hits” by Slowdive
“figured u out” by thuy
“From The Start” by Laufey
“She’ll Come Back to Me” by CAKE
“Fix You” by Coldplay
“La Vie en rose” by Edith Piaf
“Can’t Catch Me Now” by Olivia Rodrigo
“Honestly, We Just Need Jesus” by Terrian
“Please Mr. Postman” by Carpenters
“Risk” by Gracie Abrams
“Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
“Reality” by Vladimir Cosma, Richard Sanderson
“Tattoo” by Loreen
“Revolution Radio” by Green Day
“Everything Stays” by Adventure Time, Olivia Olson
“Meet in the Middle” by Home Free
“catch me” by JVKE
“Roar” by DiaBak
“SKINNY” by Billie Eilish
“Hakuna Matata” by Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
“I Stay Away” by Alice in Chains
“The Kids Are Alright” by Barns Courtney
“Quarantine Baby” by Kamaki
“Painted Towns” by Sarah Nathalie
If a song you submitted is not featured, it is because your submission was unable to fit our school-appropriateness guidelines.
Don’t miss our previous 2022 playlist and 2023 playlist, as well as other fun music-related content in this month’s issue.
Thank you to everyone who shared a song for the 2024 ORCA playlist! Happy listening!
Summer in Oregon means swimming in shimmering lakes, road trips down the coast, and devouring triple scoops of ice cream on a sunny day.
The great state of Oregon is home to a number of rich gardens, magnificent waterfalls, exhilarating hiking trails, and art-filled museums that make for some unforgettable summer adventures. From the sandy coast to the majestic mountains, our state offers a plethora of attractions that showcase its natural splendor and cultural richness.
Here, you can find some of the best places to add to your summer itinerary, organized by region:
Central Oregon Area
Black Butte Ranch
A wonderful vacation stay for anyone looking for a laid-back resort, Black Butte Ranch is a great place to rent a vacation home for a few nights, where people can experience activities such as horseback riding, several sports, and an assortment of restaurants. Located near Sisters, it is one of the best places in Central Oregon for people to take a few days off and relax.
Rowena Crest
The scenic Rowena Crest Viewpoint is a picturesque spot offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Columbia River gorge. Take a drive down the historic Columbia River Highway and the Rowena loop, a famous horseshoe road that curves around the rock cliff just below the viewpoint. There are also plenty of hiking trails varying in difficulty and length to explore the clifftop plateau overlooking the gorge.
Smith Rock State Park
One of the most picturesque hiking spots in not only Central Oregon, but the whole state, Smith Rock State Park is home to walking trails varying in difficulty, and rock climbing areas for those who dare not to look down. Ironically, one of the best hiking trails is Misery Ridge, offering panoramic views of Central Oregon as you ascend the ridge. It is also adjacent to Monkey Face, a rock that got its name from its distinct monkey-like features.
The Last Blockbuster
Centralized in Bend and well-known as the last of its kind, Blockbuster is the perfect place for families and movie fans alike to enjoy the last of the disks and learn about the ways of home entertainment in the late 1900s.
Eastern Oregon Area
John Day Fossil Beds
Colorful rock formations at John Day Fossil Beds are a monument for all to behold. Its prehistoric terrain and sedimentary rock formations showcase Oregon’s geological origins.
Pendleton Rodeo
If you’re out in Eastern Oregon looking for something fun, checking out the Pendleton Rodeo is the thing to do! This rodeo is very unique, with a large arena with a grassy patch in the middle. It features all the typical rodeo events, but also some originals, like racing. Complete with an array of vendors and delicious food, this is one rodeo you won’t want to miss.
North Coast Area
Astoria Column
The grand Astoria Column is an art-covered pillar that showcases a spectacular view of the Columbia River and its historic towns. Standing 125 feet high, this tower serves as a monument to the Great Northern Railway as it was a century ago, featuring paintings of historical artwork. The ascent to the top of the tower is 164 steps, but the breathtaking panorama is absolutely worth it. While in Astoria, you can learn about the famous city that became the setting of movies like The Goonies, Free Willy, and Kindergarten Cop.
Tillamook Creamery
Whether you want to learn about the magic behind cheesemaking or grab a tasty bite, the Tillamook Creamery is the destination for any dairy lover. With self-guided tours around the factory, visitors can see how cheese is made and packaged, treat themselves to free samples, enjoy a scoop of quality ice cream, and explore the gift shop. The factory with its variety of cheese choices and diary classics is a great visit anytime you’re on the North Coast.
South Coast Area
Florence Historic Old Town
With waterfront dining options and cute boutique stores, Florence Historic Old Town is a great place to stop on a South Coast road trip or for a day trip. It is also home to Lovejoy’s, a spot for those who want a proper British afternoon tea without having to go across the pond to get it.
Southern Oregon Area
Crater Lake
Tucked away in the vast landscape of southern Oregon, Crater Lake beckons adventurers with its mesmerizing azure waters cradled within a volcanic caldera. Surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests, visitors are invited to explore nature's grandeur through hiking trails that reveal panoramic vistas at every turn. Discover the pristine beauty of Crater Lake, where the tranquility of the wilderness and the majesty of geological wonders converge to create an unforgettable experience for all who journey here.
Oregon Caves
Take a unique tour through the Oregon Caves, where you will enjoy a trek along an asphalt trail complete with low limestone ceilings, narrow passageways, and an occasional tight squeeze.
Wildlife Safari
Wildlife Safari’s wild side will intrigue many visitors to appreciate some of the most exotic and rare animals found in nature, all in one place. From petting an elephant in an exhibit to visiting its gift shop, the possibilities are endless.
Portland Metro Area
End of the Oregon Trail
Trail Museum is an outdoor historic area in Oregon City that contains a multitude of old buildings from when Trail Oregon first came to be. Originally a Native American settlement, the old town area contains many historic items. The museum is open on Saturdays from 12-4 and has the old Trail post office, blacksmith, tavern, and more.
International Rose Test Garden
Developed in 1975 and located at Washington Park in Portland, the International Rose Test Garden holds colorful palettes of 650 types of roses, with delightful smells and impeccable arrangement. Free for all ages to visit, it is a hot spot for exploring nature’s queen flower.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Articulating the importance of Asian culture, the Lan Su Chinese Garden utilizes the originality of decorative stonework and plants, while also housing a tea shop for visitors to experience the richness of Chinese tea.
Mill Ends Park - World’s Smallest Park
The world’s smallest park, consisting of one tiny tree, sits nearly hidden in the middle of downtown. The Mill Ends Park is now even accompanied by the world’s smallest website.
Molalla Buckeroo
The Molalla Buckeroo is the event that puts this small town on the map. It’s a multi-day rodeo that has lots of booths and vendors, as well as some incredible sporting fun. The whole community comes together to put effort and heart into the rodeo, and it’s a passion project. The event has been going strong since 1913, offering something memorable to do if you’re looking for some small-town energy and western fun!
Mt. Hood
With breathtaking heights that can sweep anyone off their feet, the marvelous snow cap is a sight that no one will forget. Mt. Hood is a great place for snowboarding adventures, hiking excursions, and road trips exploring the magnificent terrain.
Multnomah Falls
Oregon’s tallest waterfall is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore the natural beauties of the state. The site features a short trail to get a close-up view of the waterfall and a magnificent vista of the lush green scenery.
OMSI
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or OMSI, attracts all ages with exhibits, events, and engaging scientific wonders that keep visitors coming back for more. From natural science and astronomy to industrial applications and technology, the museum serves as a reminder of how science undergirds so much in our lives.
Pittock Mansion
Built in 1914, the Pittock Mansion tells the story of Portland’s history and transformation from a pioneer town to a bustling urban city. This French Renaissance-style château in the West Hills of Portland was home to The Oregonian Publisher Henry Pittock, characterized by impressive architecture and rooms packed with art and antiques. While touring the mansion, you can explore its spectacular gardens and take in the cityscape.
Portland Moda Center
Home to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Moda Center features the home court of Oregon’s most iconic sports franchise. Large concerts, events, and venues are hosted here, and there’s always something to check out.
Providence Bridge Pedal
Unified by the bicycle riding community and celebrating the bridges that link Portland together, Providence Bridge Pedal offers many the opportunity to celebrate the interconnected bicycle routes through a fun and exciting experience. With events in August, each ride takes place over Portland’s Willamette River bridge to commemorate each bridge’s importance.
Wailua Shaved Ice in Portland
Harnessing the roots of its Hawaiian origins, Wailua’s take on shaved ice creates a whole new dynamic. Featuring delicately cut fresh fruits, the possibilities of snow cones are endless. From Orange Cream to Pina Colada, every taste will make anyone feel like they are basking near the waters in Hawaii.
Did you know? Portland is home to a number of sportswear company headquarters, including Adidas, Columbia, and most famously, Nike, which has a worldwide headquarters stationed in Beaverton. Nike founder Phil Knight also owns LAIKA Studios, the Portland-based production company behind animated films like Coraline and The Boxtrolls.
Salem-Keizer Area
Oregon Garden
This Silverton garden is home to a collection of plants and beautiful landscaping and hosts a display of holiday lights each year. The 80-acre botanical site has 20 specialty gardens showcasing a diverse array of vibrant flowers, gorgeous water fountains, and more from the region’s rich horticultural heritage. While you’re there, you can explore the Oregon Garden Resort and the gift shop, which offers a collection of souvenirs, painted rocks, jewelry, and other handmade crafts.
Silver Falls
Packed with history and beautiful waterfalls, Silver Falls is a gorgeous state park. With many hiking trails and stunning views, folks will enjoy hiking around and appreciating nature’s scenic beauty. While exploring iconic landmarks and helpful information scattered around the site, you’ll have fun and learn great facts about Oregon’s forests.
Oregon is a state of boundless beauty and endless adventures. As summer begins, it’s prime time to start exploring the abundance of state parks, landmarks, and natural attractions that make our state a unique wonder.
What are you doing this summer break? Feel free to share your seasonal adventures with us via our contribute form!
Senior year is one of the most exciting times of high school.
Your final year of school is full of milestones: your last school prom, hangouts, and ultimately, graduation.
However, the road to the finish line isn’t always a smooth one. That initial spark of excitement and anticipation soon becomes overshadowed by stress, exhaustion, and a general lack of motivation for school – or “senioritis.”
Senioritis is a feeling that plagues nearly all high school seniors, leading to a sudden lack of motivation, lessened energy, and procrastination. For the most part, it’s an inevitable part of the school experience, especially after the second semester settles in.
But even after you’ve made it through midterms, been accepted to college, and come to terms with saying goodbye to your childhood, do those last few months really matter?
Yes, they do. And now more than ever.
The good news is there are ways to combat the senior plague and close your K-12 years on a high note. Here are some ways ORCA seniors are overcoming senioritis:
1. Keep a Goal in Mind
Begin with the end in mind: a goal or accomplishment you strive to achieve.
Whether your goal is as general as earning a diploma or as specific as completing a certain number of assignments each day, this provides a clear target to aim for and a reason to celebrate once it's achieved, explains senior counselor Megan Kohl.
It's important to create a SMART goal, which means it should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goals helps ensure that your objectives are realistic and attainable within a set time frame.
Goals don’t have to be solely academic either. Consider setting goals that can also promote personal growth and drive motivation.
For Gavin Vineyard, keeping a goal in mind motivates him to work towards a tangible target and achieve it. “I think that my biggest goal was to be able to pass my CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) test and to be able to get into the healthcare field so that I can better my future.”
2. Manage Your Time Wisely
Among the plethora of looming deadlines, graduation prep, and a generally heavier workload, time management is key to balancing all the work.
For Kenna S., taking on a job in the middle of the year, alongside schoolwork and various extracurricular activities, exacerbated her case of senioritis. Therefore, relying on setting due dates helps her better manage her time.
“If you give yourself one hour to complete a project, then it will take you an hour,” she explains. “But if you don't give yourself a deadline then the same assignment will take you over an hour because there's no real deadline in place.”
Felix Bullock emphasizes the importance of maintaining daily effort, particularly for more challenging classes with late penalties.
Establishing personal deadlines and adhering to them drives you to complete your tasks in a timely manner and keeps you from falling behind – and falling behind can be detrimental to your last few months of school.
3. Organization is Key
Organization is one of the greatest cures for senioritis and procrastination.
Kickstart each week by sorting out your calendar and to-do lists, then break it down day by day and tackle the priorities first.
Crossing things off your to-do list can provide that feeling of accomplishment necessary to move on to the next task. Use a planner or productivity app to organize all your assignments, which can help you establish a routine.
If remembering dates is your kryptonite, store details about exam dates, scholarship deadlines, classes, club meetings, and more on a physical day planner or Google Calendar so you don’t miss out on any opportunities. With your schedule laid out, you'll have a clear roadmap of what needs to be done, giving you the push you need to beat procrastination.
Hania Mhamdi benefits from organizing her tasks into a day planner. “Last semester was hectic, with college apps mixing with outside duties and schoolwork,” she says. “But incorporating each of those things into my planner does create a sense of control and calm.”
Time management techniques like the Pomodoro method and "eating the frog" – which means tackling the most challenging task of the day first – can provide a momentum boost when motivation is running low.
4. Take Things One Step at a Time
The mounting pressure of deadlines and heavy workloads can seem overwhelming, but dividing your responsibilities into smaller, bite-sized tasks and tackling them consistently can make the situation more manageable.
Gavin Vineyard explains that he dedicates time to his schoolwork every day to avoid falling behind. While it's natural to struggle with motivation at times, he finds that rewarding himself with a few rounds of video games or indulging in his favorite snack after a productive day encourages him to stay on track.
5. Take Breaks
Finishing high school is a significant milestone, but it can come with a lot of stress. Senior days are filled with long days and sometimes burnout, and it’s easy for sleep to become a secondary factor.
In such cases, sometimes all you need is a power nap.
“When you're a senior, you don't have a lot of time between studying, working, family, and watching the latest show,” Grace Peterson says. “It can be really hard, but try to plan at least one nap a week.”
Sleep deprivation is a common issue among teens, leading to burnout and adding more to the stress.
Taking a break can do wonders for alleviating stress and overstimulation. Stepping outside for a quick walk and breathing some fresh air, even as short as ten minutes, can give you a much-needed boost of energy. Recognizing when it's time to take a break is crucial for unwinding and returning with a clear mind and renewed focus. Remember that prioritizing your mental and physical health is just as important as finishing your schoolwork.
“One nap a week is key for the betterment of your senior year,” Peterson says.
6. Find a Support System
When the senioritis starts to flare up, your support system is here to help.
Family, friends, and teachers can provide a much-needed boost of moral support and hold you accountable for your goals. Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone; leaning on your support system can help you get through the tough times.
“I find that if I have someone checking up on me, like my father, asking about how my scholarship applications are going, it helps by keeping me from letting go of the scholarships and just completing my school work,” explains Zainab Fatima. “Also, I think knowing that you need scholarships to go to college is a good motivational factor.”
In the end, it’s about prioritizing and trying to remain on track. Sure, there are patches of burnout when you think passing is enough. However, talking to someone about your workload can provide a spark of motivation.
“I always talk about scholarships with my AVID teacher (Stephanie Vitro), and I think it helps me keep going,” Fatima says. She finds support in completing scholarship essays by discussing ideas with her teacher. Every time her teachers ask her to “keep her posted,” she is inspired to complete her work and stay accountable.
“‘Keep me posted’ is such a small sentence, but it always motivates me,” she says. “It will be different for everyone, so it is a matter of finding something that motivates you to keep going and keep doing your best.”
Communicating with teachers or counselors to create a catch-up plan is also crucial.
“Personally, I've found it extremely helpful in informing my teachers of my status as a senior,” Mhamdi adds. “Although it probably won't change how anyone treats you, I've gotten additional resources and advice from each and every teacher – and some added sympathy sometimes.”
7. Get Involved, Find a Passion
High school will give you some of the best opportunities to try new things. Don't miss out on the opportunities to join a club, get a job, pursue a hobby outside your usual interests, or attend an in-person event. Stepping into new waters can seem like a daunting thought at first – and that feeling is completely normal – but be willing to step outside your comfort zone and take a chance. You never know the people you'll meet or what new passion or interest you might discover.
Many seniors note that finding a community can help you make the most out of your high school experience. Whether through a club, a job, or volunteering, having a passion project can be a silver lining during the bleak moments of senior year.
Fatima was inspired by her experiences as an urgent care volunteer at Kaiser Permanente.
“I try to remind myself that high school is not just about studying and completing homework,” she explains. “It is also about the experiences we gain and the extracurricular activities we do. I think as an online student, I am mostly at home, so getting out and experiencing society is important too.”
8. Have Something to Look Forward To
What are you interested in pursuing after graduation? What are your hopes and dreams for the future? As you prepare for life after high school, it's essential to have dreams to keep you motivated in the long term and little rewards from moment to moment.
Making plans and having something to look forward to can help you navigate through the more tedious tasks and assignments. This could be as small as taking a one-hour break to watch an episode of your favorite show or a larger goal of a specific milestone.
“I'm trying to finish my senior year strong with the mindset of knowing that I've already completed three years of high school and that there's only one more year to go,” explains Isaac Choi. “And for me, junior year and the beginning of my senior year were tough, so I've told myself that I can tone things down a bit and finish senior year on a less hectic note.”
“Also, thinking about my future plans ahead of high school excites me and further motivates me to push myself across the finish line,” he continues. “With all of this, time has been going really fast and it's really amazing to see how fast senior year has already gone by.”
9. Celebrate Your Milestones
Getting your diploma may not always be a smooth and easy ride, but there will always be victories worth celebrating along the way.
Recognizing your accomplishments, big or small, gives you a moment to reflect on your high school experience, motivating you to push through to the end on a high note.
“For me, senioritis has materialized since last December, when I kind of felt I had some stability for the near future,” shares Mhamdi. “Everyone around me started talking about what would be going on next year and beyond. This kind of led me to skip the fact that I'm still indeed a student and have responsibilities, though it's hard to face.”
She emphasizes the importance of seniors not getting ahead of themselves mentally. While in the home stretch of high school, your performance in these final months matters, particularly if your goal is to pursue further education. Take the time to acknowledge all that you've achieved in the past four years, but keep striving until you have that diploma in hand.
10. Enjoy Your High School Years
“Get ready to feel like your senior year is the longest and shortest year ever all at the same time,” says Alena Budko.
Senior year is packed with exams and assignments you might not always enjoy, but by the end of your final year, you’ll be shocked by how quickly time flies. Give it your best and make the most out of your last year.
“As stressful as this time is, take the time and space to really enjoy it!” Ms. Kohl emphasizes. “You only graduate from high school once and this is a huge accomplishment!”
Amidst all the extracurriculars, activities, and responsibilities of your senior year, in the end, it's important to cherish your high school years and the memories you make along the way. They will be some of the best times of your life.
Summertime is now upon us. The season of picnics, road trips, and barbecue cookouts always calls for some good music to heighten the mood of the season.
From indie rock to baroque pop, now is a great time to explore new genres and expand your music horizons. As you prepare for your next summer outing, consider starting your playlist with these nine albums.
Songs of Her’s – Her’s
Songs of Her’s, perhaps one of the most underrated albums in this list, comes from the now-defunct Liverpool indie band – and yes, their name is a possessive. Within its nine tracks lies a multitude of emotions behind its packed lyrics and smooth balladry.
A collection of all their early singles and a few new tracks thrown in for good measure, Her’s navigates feelings of love, loss, and nostalgia with its smooth bedroom-pop melodies and Mac DeMarco-style riffs.
As a debut album, Her’s does a fantastic job experimenting with a diverse range of sounds, resulting in a unique yet cohesive collection of melodic tracks.
The Slow Rush – Tame Impala
Following the critically acclaimed Currents, Tame Impala’s frontman and producer Kevin Parker introduces a smoother psychedelic sound with his 12-track piece, The Slow Rush. Instead of hard-hitting guitars and pop-rock elements, this album showcases Parker’s production wizardry with shimmering synths and Madchester beats.
With a theme about the passage of time, the album opener, “One More Year,” perfectly encapsulates the tone of the record with its majestic chords. Whether he’s crafting dynamic riffs or delivering soaring vocals, The Slow Rush is filled with Tame Impala’s signature flair. “One More Hour” is the album’s powerful closing track and one of the emotional pillars of the record with sweeping harmonies and lyricism.
Delving into love, grief, and existentialism, The Slow Rush is a personal and groundbreaking work offering a truly epic listening experience.
The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We – Mitski
The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We is a short album, yet it contains layered themes and styles with a deeply emotional impact. Mitski’s talent for blending heartfelt, contemplative lyrics with beautifully haunting vocals shines in one of her most powerful records yet.
Adding to the pensive atmosphere of the album, Mikski introduces songs like “Star” and “The Deal” that highlight soulful choirs against intricate instrumentals. “My Love Mine All Mine” is among the most notable tracks, featuring jazz-influenced piano and indie-folk tones.
A raw and authentic display of poetic lyrics and ballads, The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We is rich with symbolism that gradually unfolds with each listen.
The Car – Arctic Monkeys
Songs about cars are simply a staple piece when it comes to rock music – thanks to AC/DC, Prince, and The Beatles – and Arctic Monkeys continue that legacy with one of their grandest work yet.
The English rock band has made a name for themselves with their heavy rock hits. Frontman Alex Turner has a talent for witty lyricism, and his powerful songwriting is evident in the band’s latest record.
The Car marks a tonal shift in their usual guitar-heavy and moody aura, trading hard-hitting riffs for an orchestral funk-fusion sound reminiscent of their previous album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. Each song captures a sense of introspection and melancholia while incorporating a more cinematic, baroque-pop range.
Despite being somewhat overlooked among the catalog of their previous work, The Car cements itself as an instant classic in the band’s discography with its bold, style-shifting, and melodramatic production.
Only God Was Above Us – Vampire Weekend
Since coming onto the scene in 2008 with their self-titled debut, Vampire Weekend has helped define the sound of indie music in the 2000s. Their newly released album experiments with new sounds of punk-rock and jazz, offering some of their best work to date.
Songs like “Classical” and “Connect” masterfully balance noisy instrumentation and classy jazz elements, boasting riveting piano flourishes. Lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and some thought-provoking commentary.
As an innovative mix of fresh sounds and styles, Only God Was Above Us is a welcome addition to the band’s unrivaled discography.
When the Pawn... - Fiona Apple
With her uniquely artistic baroque pop sounds, Fiona Apple nearly defines her own genre. In this album, she embraces rich piano melodies and vibrant, jazzy beats, with her smooth alto voice taking center stage.
From upbeat piano rock tracks to slow, intimate ballads and a fantastic production to back them up, Apple packs a visceral and emotional punch across her 10 songs. The record invests more of its runtime in crafting blunt and crisp songwriting compared to her debut, and there isn’t a weak song among the tracklist. Upon its release, When the Pawn... broke the record for the longest album title with 444 characters.
Chemtrails Over the Country Club – Lana Del Rey
Among Lana Del Rey’s diverse and distinguished discography is Chemtrails Over the Country Club, a record that is often overlooked but one of her finest.
Reminiscent of her previous album’s slower tracks, Chemtrails Over the Country Club introduces a more intimate, contemplative atmosphere with softer, folk-style beats. Del Rey’s songs are filled with beautifully layered self-harmonizing complemented with laid-back guitar and delicate, country touches.
“White Dress” opens the album with spare piano and drawn-out vocals, adding to its nostalgic, melancholy feel. The album’s melodic title track artfully builds on this, further developing the glamor of her early work into a classy signature piece.
Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers
On her impressive sophomore album, Phoebe Bridgers defines her songwriting as candid, dream-like, and full of heart.
Punisher is a heartfelt, introspective journey through life and growing pains. The lyrics are rich with emotion and metaphor, brought to life by Bridger's evocative delivery. With its exquisite lyrics and ability to blend the profound and the lighthearted, Punisher represents a welcome step forward from her debut.
Everything I Know About Love – Laufey
As intimate as it is cinematic, Laufey's debut album is a multi-instrumental affair of impressive orchestral arrangements and heartfelt lyrics.
Though the album has stemmed from a number of musical influences, the greatest inspiration is jazz. Laufey brings back classical jazz soundscapes all while feeling fresh and contemporary. As the title suggests, there is romantic imagery throughout, detailing her accounts of friendships and self-reflection.
As the album progresses from one track to the next, Laufey takes you on a journey to show not only everything she knows about love but everything she knows about what it means to make music, bringing youthfulness to her sound while retaining a timeless feel.
With summer comes the perfect time to get into the free-spirited mood with these nine fantastic albums. What are your thoughts on these picks? Feel free to let us know on our Contact Form!
The biopic genre is one of Hollywood's most consistent options for creating prestige films and scooping major awards. Portraying captivating stories based on real life, these movies provide a unique perspective into history and its influential figures.
This selection of biopics showcases a variety of stories about some of history's most innovative people, including some business-centric movies recommended by ORCA business teacher Summer Highfill.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
In a biopic that spans decades, brilliant mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr. makes history in his field with his fundamental contributions to game theory and mathematics. But after getting recruited for top-secret work in military cryptography, the high pressures of the job and his personal life soon take a toll on his deteriorating mental state.
As poignant as it is thought-provoking, A Beautiful Mind is an excellent portrayal of Nash’s journey from the pinnacle of his genius to the depths of despair.
The Aviator (2004)
Billionaire and aviation tycoon Howard Hughes was a big name in the 1930s and 40s: director of big-budget Hollywood films such as Hell’s Angels, aviation pioneer, owner of TWA, and successful business mogul. But behind the glitz and glamor, Hughes led a reclusive private life of torment and paralyzing phobias.
Rich in period detail, The Aviator soars high with compelling performances from an all-star cast, stunning cinematography, and superb storytelling. Despite its lengthy runtime, this Martin Scorsese picture provides an insightful depiction of Hughes' successful yet complicated life.
The Social Network (2010)
In 2003, Harvard student and computer genius Mark Zuckerberg initiated the creation of what would soon become a global social network: Facebook. Six years later, he is one of the youngest billionaires ever, but his unprecedented success soon led to various complications and legal battles.
Based on the book Accidental Billionaires, The Social Network is impeccably scripted, beautifully directed, and features stellar performances across the board. Thanks to David Fincher's incredible direction and Aaron Sorkin’s writing, this film delves into themes of ambition, power, friendships, and the dawn of the digital era.
The Founder (2016)
Before McDonald’s became the multibillion-dollar fast food chain that spanned the globe, it was a small San Bernardino restaurant owned by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald.
Enter Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman from Illinois who became fascinated by the brothers’ pioneering fast-food eatery and saw potential in the franchise business. Following Kroc’s journey as he navigates the inner workings and speedy systems of the restaurant business, The Founder presents business dealings as interesting and features a compelling performance from Michael Keaton.
Tense and riveting, The Founder is a captivating account of perseverance, the discovery of potential, and a revolution in the way hamburgers are made.
Loving Vincent (2017)
In a story depicted in oil-painted animation, a young man comes to the last hometown of painter Vincent van Gogh to deliver his final letter, unraveling a mysterious insight into his life.
The film’s innovative Van Gogh-styled visuals create an immersive viewing experience, but there is much more to the film than the art. The story is riveting, the voice work is excellent, and the imaginative approach to storytelling brings the oil painting world to life in unique ways.
Although its narrative is less effectively composed, Loving Vincent's dazzling visual achievements make this Van Gogh biopic well worth watching.
From business biopics to historical epics, these are just some of the many great films that offer a deeper understanding of history's most impactful figures and their stories.
As the temperature rises, students are quickly buzzing around the house to find their sunglasses and tank tops, for summer is on its way. While we are all very excited for summer, we must remember to finish out our studies strong and establish peer connections to last until after the break. Here are three helpful tips on how you can enjoy the warm weather while finishing your schoolwork and keep learning everyday.
Complete School Outside
One of the most important ways for us to stay well is to soak in the warm summer sunshine. A great way to do that is to complete our schoolwork outside. If you can find a comfortable, low-glare place to take your Chromebook and work on daily assignments then you will already be enjoying your summer outdoors while getting some natural vitamin D.
Find Different Learning Opportunities Outside of School
Oftentimes students think of the break as a time to do no learning and rest their brains, but really all this does is shorten our opportunities for our mind to continue growing. Students often lose academic skills without continually learning. A great way to reinforce what you learned this year is to look at your grade-level Principal’s Corner over the break. School leaders will post resources you can use all summer, including Khan Academy.
Beyond academic opportunities, volunteering is a great way to learn through experience and give back to your community. Consider local animal shelters, food banks, and other worthy groups that need helping hands.
Most local libraries offer summer programs to help you connect with your community and keep learning. There, you can find summer reading programs with fun challenges that can help expand your reading horizons – and you can even win some prizes out of it, too.
Creativity is Key
Whether it is drawing, painting, coloring, typing, writing, or reading, creativity is a great way to keep your mind active. All of these activities are fun and can have summer themes but they also are a great way to engage your imagination. You can have fun experimenting with new skills, like cooking or baking.
Consider these ideas for enjoying the summer months without spending too much time passively staring at screens. Remember you can alter these ideas as much as you’d like; make them fit your schedule and find something that works for you this summer!
If there are two things we at The Current are passionate about, it’s food and journalism.
Sometimes, it can be a bit of a challenge to decide where to eat when going out for a bite. To make these choices easier, our newspaper staff have shared our top picks of favorite restaurants across the state. From western BBQ hamburgers to cozy diner pancakes, Oregon is filled with hidden gem restaurants. Here, you can find some great places worth checking out, organized by region.
Central Oregon Area
Brigham Fish Market
Located in Cascade Locks, Brigham Fish Market offers freshly caught Columbia River fish in a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the mountains. Their menu has some of the finest fish and chips, shrimp platters, and clam chowder in town, seasoned and cooked to perfection. Their po’boy sandwiches, stuffed with coleslaw and your choice of fish or other seafood, are some of their most popular items.
Chan's Chinese Restaurant
If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant with authentic Chinese cuisine and affordable prices, Chan’s Chinese Restaurant is a place worth visiting. This family-owned Bend restaurant serves flavorful dishes with generous portions. Its open layout and warm, comfortable atmosphere offer an enjoyable dining experience that's perfect for large parties and families.
Wild Rose
Boasting Northern Thai cuisine, Wild Rose is famous for their delicious noodles, soups, and tapas plates that are great for families. In addition to the food, the restaurant is also beautifully decorated, making it a go-to choice when in the Central Oregon area. It has been named Bend’s best Thai restaurant by The Source Weekly as well.
Eastern Oregon Area
The Saddle Restaurant and Lounge
Breakfast served all day? Absolutely. Fully embracing the cowboy aesthetic, this Pendelton restaurant takes advantage of the local rodeo and matches the theme. Saddles and horseshoe decorations are everywhere, the food has that homemade feel that will surely have you stuffing your face, and you won’t want to leave.
Linn-Benton County Area
Alley Gyros
This hole-in-the-wall is truly tucked away, and the building is little more than just a kitchen and a register, but the Mediterranean food here is heavenly. With fresh ingredients, the Greek cuisine is high-quality with affordable prices. The staff provides excellent service and a wonderful dining experience as well. They will answer any questions about the foods they prepare and have diet friendly options.
Bomb’s Away Cafe
This Corvallis restaurant has plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors, and has quality food at reasonable prices. Its main specialty is the in-house-made hot sauces, ranging from mild to super spicy. With the top sauce being a level ten on the spice board, it’s certainly earned the name Grim Reaper. Offering plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, this is the place to go if you’re visiting Oregon State University, as it’s right across the street from the college.
Central Coast Area
Clearwater
Overlooking the Sea Lion docks in Newport, Clearwater has great views of the bay and scrumptious seafood dishes to go along with it. Although fish and other sea-dwelling creatures are the highlight of the Clearwater menu, they also have exquisite cauliflower tacos.
Portland Metro Area
Best Baguette
Lighter than your typical cheesesteak and served on French-style baguettes but with a vibrant burst of Vietnamese flavors, the Banh Mi sandwich is the result of Vietnam’s history as a French colony. Proteins range from chicken and pork to sardines and pate, but the defining characteristic is a bright slaw of green onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and pickled vegetables. House mayo ties it all together. At roughly eight bucks apiece, these sandwiches stretch your dollar, and they’re delicious. Best Baguette makes some of the best in town. You can also get American-style sandwiches, breakfast, juices, coffee, and nearly two dozen flavors of bubble tea.
Cowboy Coffee at the Prairie House Inn
This cafe is an excellent choice for brunch or breakfast. Known for its high-quality coffee, it also has scrumptious meals and specialties. It’s located inside the inn, but all are welcome to come inside and grab a bite. Cowboy Coffee has a contagious Western energy that will leave everyone hooting and full of yeehaws. There are plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options available as well.
Ernesto’s
Modern Italian? Italian small plates? Pizza with honey and thistles on it? Not here. This is a classic red sauce joint serving all your Italian-American favorites. It’s one of the few places that serves good Eggplant Parmesan, and they’ll even put it on a pizza if you ask nicely. Speaking of pizza, their pies are simple and good. So is their sauce. Well, sauces, because they have a bunch. There are also baskets of warm focaccia and tangy salad dressing, and the pasta is on point.
Hot Lips Pizza
Portland’s favorite pizza shop has some of the best big-sliced, handcrafted pizzas in town. Hot Lips has a chain of restaurants around Portland, serving freshly made pies and real fruit sodas. Their selection offers a myriad of meat, pesto, and Italian combos, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Mad Greek Deli
Mad Greek Deli is the place to go for traditional Mediterranean food in a casual setting. From gyros, burgers, sandwiches, falafels, and Greek salad, there are many choices of authentic and sumptuous dishes at a reasonable price. They also often run food carts around the area, serving freshly made and easy-to-eat meals that are good on the go.
Thai Yo Sushi
Quality sushi at good prices, Thai Yo Sushi is nestled right in the middle of Molalla. With beautiful seating and pleasant staff, the restaurant creates a welcoming environment and fills your stomach. They always have a stocked menu and lots of options, so don’t be afraid to try something different!
The Dough Zone
This dumpling restaurant is a hot spot for the locals. With several locations around the Portland metro area, The Dough Zone presents expertly crafted dumplings, steaming pork buns, spicy dan dan noodles, and delicious pot stickers. Its menu is filled with a variety of traditional comfort Chinese food, and it’s hard not to want to try everything on the dish list. With reasonable prices and a great selection of beverages, you won’t want to miss out on this popular restaurant.
The Humble Pig Cafe
For delicious sandwiches and desserts, The Humble Pig is a great place for a quick bite. Right off Main Street in Molalla, this is a small hole-in-the-wall café with indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxing environment. “Live fast, eat slow” is the motto, and you’ll have a blast picking from their star-titled meals, like the Rocky Balboa cheesesteak or the Uncle Steve Italian. Every dish comes with a pickle, and the staff takes this seriously, presenting only the best of the best.
Tom’s Pancake House
For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can’t go wrong by choosing Tom’s Pancake House. This family restaurant has been serving jumbo pancakes (including pumpkin, blueberry, German-styled, and more), omelets, crepes, country-fried steaks, and all your favorite comfort foods since 1966. Their specialty menu items range from the flavorful Monte Cristo sandwich to the freshly cooked enchiladas, all with generous portions. With welcoming staff and a cozy, diner-styled atmosphere, Tom’s Pancake House is the perfect place for a nice family outing.
Salem-Keizer Area
Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen
Just off the highway, Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen brings fresh foods and produce to an elevated cuisine. Perfect for a higher-end Sunday comfort meal, they have delicious pot roast, chicken and dumplings, and other favorite dishes served with root vegetables and various gravies. Aside from the food, the atmosphere is gorgeous, with a natural setting surrounding you the moment you enter the restaurant.
Along with the number of restaurants featured above, you can always stay caught up with the food-related fun by checking out our recipe articles and other similar content in The Current’s May issue. Happy eating!
Teacher Appreciation Week is from May 6 to May 10 and is the perfect time to express gratitude towards teachers and everything they do for students each school year. Here are a few ways to send a special thanks to a teacher doing an excellent job.
Spout Out forms: Located in the Principal’s Corner, the "Spout Out" form is a good way to share a word of appreciation for a teacher you think is doing especially great work. Taking no more than five minutes to fill out, this survey helps let a teacher know how much you enjoy being in their class and have them be publicly recognized in the monthly staff newsletters.
Staying engaged in class: This may sound cliché, but attending the live classes that your teachers work so hard on preparing is one of the best ways to show them that you value their time and are paying attention to learn as much as you can. Teachers put a lot of effort into their lessons each week, so take the time to participate in discussions and make the most out of class.
Reaching out for support: Your teachers are here to help. If you find yourself struggling in class, the best thing you can do is reach out to your teacher. By scheduling an appointment (and showing up on time) when you need help, you show them that you value their efforts and respect the time they spend helping you. Teachers always appreciate it when you put in the effort to do the best you can. And you can give them one of the greatest gifts a teacher can receive: a teachable moment.
Sending a Whale Mail: This tried and true method of communication is sometimes one of the best ways to thank a teacher. By taking the time to write out an email and tell them you think they are doing a great job, you are demonstrating your appreciation for everything they do, and you will go to great lengths to make them feel appreciated.
By taking these simple but effective tips into action, you can come into Teacher Appreciation Week ready to express gratitude towards your teachers and the special place they hold at our school.
Of all the people we have in our lives, mothers hold a special place in our hearts. They are our best supporters, homework helpers, and drivers to many of our school events. So what better way to say "I love you, mom" (or "Mom, I need help with my math homework again") than with a delicious homemade Mother's Day dinner?
Whether you love a good, creamy alfredo or a fresh guacamole spread, consider cooking up these three delicious meals from some of mom’s special family-favorite recipes.
Mom’s Homemade Guacamole
A delicious appetizer for any meal, this guacamole recipe combines hearty avocados with the perfect amount of heat, spice, and herbs.
Ingredients
Avocados: 3 ripe avocados (preferably medium-sized Haas avocados)
Onions: ½ small sweet onion or red onion
Tomatoes: preferably Roma tomatoes
Cilantro: ¼ cup cilantro leaves
Jalapeño: 1 medium de-seeded and minced serrano pepper for a little extra heat (optional; adjust as desired)
Garlic: Mash one small garlic clove (optional)
Freshly squeezed lime
Ground white pepper
Salt
Oregano
First, prepare your ingredients. Chop 1⁄2 sweet or red onion and ¼ cup of cilantro leaves. Adding garlic is optional but gives it an extra added flavor. A pinch of oregano and flaky salt brings it all together.
With a mortar and pestle, mash the ingredients together until it forms a paste.
Next, dice and de-seed three ripened avocados and some tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are the best kind for this recipe, as they are less juicy. Add your diced avocados and tomatoes to the mixture, as well as ½ tsp of freshly squeezed lime juice and hot peppers as desired. Sprinkle a bit of ground white pepper and extra salt (if needed) to taste.
And voilà, you have a freshly made guacamole spread perfect for a light and healthy snack.
Mom’s Homemade Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo
This rich and creamy alfredo pasta has that restaurant-quality taste you’re craving, but better. Quick and easy to make, this fettuccine recipe is best for special family dinners.
Ingredients (for 6 servings)
1 lb fettuccine or penne pasta
1/2 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 cup chopped clam
½ cup diced scallop
1 tbsp oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 garlic clove
⅓ cup dry white wine (chardonnay; water or seafood stock also works)
2 cups heavy whipping cream
⅓ cup parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Sprinkle of paprika
Parsley or basil for garnish if desired
Cook 1 lb of fettuccine or penne noodles in boiling water – add a pinch of salt for a little extra flavor to the noodles – then drain. Don't rinse or add olive oil into cooked pasta – this helps the sauce stick to the noodles better.
Lightly season the shrimp, clamps, and scallops separately in a different bowl with added salt, pepper, and paprika.
Preheat a large skillet to medium or high and add 1 tbsp of oil. Once the oil is heated, add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until it is fully cooked and no longer translucent. They should be golden/pink on the outside and opaque white on the inside. Don't overdo it, or they will be rubbery. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Then, lightly sauté the clam and scallop for 30 seconds on medium heat. Set aside with the cooked shrimp.
In the same pan, over medium or high heat, add 2 tbsp of butter and onion, then sauté until the onion turns golden. Stir in garlic and sauté another minute. Stir in ⅓ cup of white wine or water, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pan, and reduce to a quarter of the volume.
Stir in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Next, sprinkle the top with ⅓ cup parmesan (or to desired taste) and stir until the consistency is creamy and smooth, then remove from heat. Make sure to not boil the sauce, or the cheese will separate from the cream. Add about ¼ tsp of paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked shrimp, clamps, scallops, and pasta to the pot. Garnish with parsley, basil, extra parmesan, or freshly cracked pepper if desired.
Mom’s Homemade Zuppa Toscana
There’s nothing better than a bowl of warm soup on a cold day. Mom’s homemade zuppa toscana, an authentic Italian soup with kale, potatoes, and sausage, will satisfy all your rainy-day cravings with a healthy meal.
Ingredients
1 lb spicy Italian ground sausage
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 sweet or yellow onion, finely diced
8-10 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken broth/stock
3 cups water
5 golden/yellow potatoes
1 green kale bundle, washed
1 cup whipping cream, warmed
1/3 cup chopped cooked bacon
Salt and black pepper
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Red pepper flake (optional)
In a large pot, sauté 1 lb of spicy Italian sausage for 5-6 minutes until browned, then set them aside. In the same pot, add butter and sauté onion over medium heat until it turns translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Pour 6 cups of chicken broth and water into the pot. Add 1 fresh green bundle of kale, with the leaves stripped and chopped. You can save the kale stems, chop them finely, and cook them in the broth later, though this is optional. Once you add the kale stems, bring the broth to a boil and simmer on medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
Now it’s time to prepare the potatoes: grab out 5 golden or yellow potatoes and peel off the skin. Cut them into ½ inch slices, with a 1 ½ inch length.
Add potatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot and bring it to a boil. When the potatoes are nearly done (tender but not mushy), add the chopped kale and cooked sausage.
Stir in heavy cream while the broth is boiling, turning down the heat slightly. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan or red pepper flake if desired.
This May 12, spend some quality time with your family and give your mom the best gift you can give her: love and homemade dinner.
Buffets have won the hearts and stomachs of many with their maximum food options at minimum costs.
While similar to restaurants, buffets offer a wide variety of food at a set price in a serve-yourself process. But with so many choices and various prices, it can take planning and preparation to get the best bang for your buck.
With these ten all-you-can-eat tips, you can make the most of your buffet adventure.
1) Find the right buffet: If you live in a more populous area, you'll probably find several decent buffets to choose from, which could vary in food, price, and value.
Decide a place that best suits your taste and budget. No one wants to walk home from a restaurant only to find the same meal for half the price – we’re here to save money on food.
Also, don't be swayed by the enticing food-to-price ratio if you're not too keen on the cuisine – otherwise, you'll just be signing up to eat a whole load of food you don't like. That Mexican place down the road might have an amazing price for its high-quality food, but it's not such a good deal if you're not actually a fan of tacos.
Consider restaurants with varied cuisines to give yourself more to choose from and try new foods. Having more options will help you power through the tough times when you're struggling to face another morsel. Some fusion restaurants may offer different takes on a particular cuisine, while an "around the world" buffet should have a little bit of everything.
2) Prioritize your meal: Now that you’ve found your target buffet, it’s time to strategize.
Maximizing your eating is a game of strategy, seeking the best way to make the most out of the price. Make a beeline to the most expensive options first – such as seafood, sushi, or steak, depending on the choices available. Carbs such as bread, pasta, and rice are delicious options, but these cheap fillers will only make you feel full faster. If you do plan to add carbs to your plate, consider saving that until after your main course. The same goes for soups and salads.
3) Strategize your portions: Instead of going all-in on one dish that looks particularly scrumptious, it's better to fill your plate with a little bit of everything. Variety helps to break up the monotony of tastes and allows you to eat more. Going for small portions of everything gives you the chance to find out what tastes best, then go back for seconds – and thirds, and fourths...
However, be careful not to overfill your plate and risk getting more food than you can actually eat. That will just lead to you feeling uncomfortable and the leftover food going to waste.
To optimize your meal curation, think strategically and use multiple big plates. Unless you prefer mixing curry with your coleslaw, try splitting your meal into separate courses.
4) Don’t be too hungry: The adage of not going to the grocery store on an empty stomach also holds true for buffets. While you want an appetite to fuel your feast, you also don’t want to come in too hungry, as your stomach would shrink, and overeating or eating too fast could result in a stomachache.
5) Steady your pace: While your goal may be to maximize your eating, it’s also important to enjoy your meal.
Having such large amounts of food can encourage you to eat as much you can as quickly as possible. Being laser-focused on your eating can speed up your food intake – fast eating results in more eating, as there is often a lag before your brain processes that you’re full.
However, for optimum buffet enjoyment, this isn’t always the best approach. Overeating can result in stomach pain and overall discomfort, which can ruin your buffet experience. Instead, take your time to enjoy all the flavors before going back for more.
6) Plan your eating time: Part of maximizing your buffet meals is finding the right time to go. Most places might have different prices for lunch and dinner.
Going at the end of lunch hour – typically late afternoon – gives you lunch prices as well as dinner foods if you stay long enough. If you decide to buffet for dinner instead, opt for a light breakfast beforehand, but skip lunch if possible. By then, you’ll likely be hungry enough to get your money’s worth, but not too starving.
7) Stay hydrated: Your body needs to be well-hydrated to help you process your meal, so make sure you sip water throughout the day as you prepare for the hunger games. But remember, don’t get too full on water before the main course arrives.
Fizzy drinks must be avoided at all costs. It’s tempting to pair a fizzling soft drink with your meal but is detrimental to maximizing your eating. These drinks easily fill you up and make you feel like you’re about to pop. Not ideal for a big feast.
8) Clothes matter: As Joey Tribanni from Friends says, wear your “Thanksgiving pants.” Loose, comfortable clothing gives you room to eat as much as you can with comfort. Avoid tight jeans, bodysuits, or other clothing that can restrict your eating. Instead, grab your stretchy sweatpants and prepare to fill them.
9) Turn exercise into extra fries: If you plan on indulging in all the tasty offerings of an all-you-can-eat buffet, it's a good idea to burn some calories beforehand so that you can eat them back without feeling full too quickly. Keep yourself active by hitting the gym or taking a walk before your big meal. Not only is this good for your health, but it will also boost your metabolism, making you more prepared to chow down.
10) Post-buffet damage control: After you’ve finished the big game, you’re probably left feeling like you’re about to explode. Don’t sweat, there are simple ways to aid your fullness.
Having a glass of lemon water will help you recover post-game, as the magical yellow fruit aids digestion and reduces bloating. Some teas are also great for soothing your stomach.
Keep active throughout the day to burn off the excess calories. Enjoy a steady walk, take in the fresh air, and maybe do a gentle exercise to boost your metabolism and keep you from feeling sluggish the rest of the day.
Now, you can sit back, relax, and reflect on your accomplished work. Expert buffet-eating takes great skill, but what matters most is enjoying the food and experience.
Earth Day is just around the corner, which means there is no better time to go green and make eco-friendly choices to apply to your daily lifestyle this April 22. Below are 11 tips to enhance your life while simultaneously being world-conscious.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The most widely known of all the tips, remember the three R’s and opt for products with minimal packaging and recycle whenever possible. A good start to executing the three R’s is minimizing your consumerism and reusing materials whenever possible.
Choose Sustainable Modes of Transportation: If applicable, take advantage of public transportation and non-gas vehicles, such as electric cars and bikes. Avoid gas-running cars whenever possible, as they emit carbon dioxide into the air, contributing to climate change and pollution. During the warmer months, consider riding your bike or taking a walk to your destination of choice to save money and limit gas distribution.
Use Reusable Products: Popularized in 2018, leading to bans in multiple larger cities, people opted for reusable straws instead of plastic. You can apply this to other items such as grocery bags, water bottles, and more.
Composting: By composting your food scraps instead of throwing them in the trash, you can create a natural fertilizer for your garden or yard and commit to less trash heading to the landfill.
Conserving Energy: Before leaving your house, always remember to turn off any lights, fans, and electronics. To take this a step further, you can replace your kitchen appliances with energy-efficient alternatives, like an electric stove instead of a gas-run stove.
Plant Trees: Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide, a potentially harmful chemical in the air that leads to climate change, and in turn releases oxygen into the air. Whether you are planting trees in your own backyard or using a walking app such as Treecard that plants them in correlation with your steps, it’s important to contribute to the goal of ongoing climate recovery.
Use Vegan & Vegetarian Recipes: Vegetarianism is a diet of not eating meats, while veganism is avoiding the consumption of all animal products as a whole. Whenever possible, choose these types of recipes and organic produce. By eating vegetarian or vegan, you can support a healthier lifestyle and save animals while doing so. Consider opting for meat substitutes such as tofu, tempeh, and Beyond Meat whenever possible!
Support Local Producers: For almost every product available at a supermarket, with a little work, you can find alternatives from nearby communities, which saves the resources used to ship these items and the associated carbon footprint. You could visit a local vegetable grower who lets you pick your own food, saving plastic and other packaging, or consider getting meats and cheeses from local farms and dairies.
Upcycle and Repurpose: Use materials that are no longer needed in your life and repurpose them into something new or unique. Think of your old items as an excuse for a crafting project and make an object you can use for another purpose. If you have items that don’t serve you anymore, such as old clothes, shoes, toys, and more, consider donating them to people in need.
Digital Usage Over Paper: Instead of using massive amounts of paper, elect to use digital devices to record notes, communicate ideas, and more. Instead of handing out fliers, you can go with the eco-friendly option of having people scan QR codes.
Reduce Food Waste: Properly plan out your meals for the week, and don’t buy an excess of items. Buy what you need, eat what you can. If you have food waste and leftovers, remember the composting method and try to find a purpose for everything in your fridge.
Whether you’re an aspiring green thumb or interested in contributing to our world’s wellness, make sure to make eco-conscious choices and support our world’s beautiful natural environment this Earth Day.
Roses are red, good syrup is maple, National Poetry Month is this April!
As English writer W. Somerset Maugham said, “the crown of literature is poetry,” and there’s no better time to deep dive into poetry than April. National Poetry Month is a month-long celebration of the art, launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. As poetry has stood through time as a safe haven for free expression, National Poetry Month is designed to celebrate the critical role poetry plays in culture, politics, individuals, and more.
Here’s how to get involved and celebrate:
Read Poetry
Reading is the easiest way to get into the mood and most accessible. You can find any kind of poetry online, from haikus to sonnets, free verse, or whatever your heart desires. Poets.org is a collection of poetry from laureates and even features a poem-a-day, a bite-sized snack to get you into poetry. ORCA’s Literary Magazine, The Waves, has an entire poetry collection from high school students, which is another great read.
Write Poetry
This one might be a little harder, but it can be super fun. Challenge yourself into writing poems, either by following structure or theme. You can find prompts online (Reedsy is a great place to find interesting prompts and helpful articles), or you can come up with your own. The Waves is open for submissions this month with the theme “Path,” and all high schoolers are encouraged to submit.
Poetry Readings
Attending poetry readings can be a great way to immerse yourself in the poetry world while supporting local poets. You can search your area for local readings, or make requests at your library. ORCA has writing clubs for both Middle School and High School (Writing Club and Pens & Prose), where students have the chance to practice their writing skills and share their work. Join those clubs to listen to your classmates’ poems. ORCA’s Poetry Out Loud club, a chapter of a nationwide club, allows students to practice their poetry-reading skills and participate in annual state-wide events, which is a great way to support ORCA poets.
Connect With Poets
Poetry is an invisible string that connects humanity with arts; it’s a way to work through feelings and express the deepest thoughts. Learn about the poetry process by connecting with local poets. While it may not always be possible to contact big-name poets like Amanda Gorman, there are many other poets who are one email away and would be delighted to make acquaintances. Connecting with the story, the poem, and the poet can expand mindsets and give strength to the very basis of poetry: humanity.
Spread The Word
Encourage your friends and families to get involved with National Poetry Month. Poetry is meant to be shared; write poems together, recommend new poets to each other, or attend poetry readings. It can be great having a trusted companion join you in these spaces, especially if you're new to the poetry community.
According to Bertrand Russell, “time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time,” so enjoy diving into poetry this month.
Bring on the sunshine, baseball, and blooming flowers.
With spring comes the perfect time to warm up to the sun and enjoy your favorite comfort movies. From luminous sunsets in Pride and Prejudice to baseball glory on the fields in Moneyball, these seven springtime films capture the joy and brightness of the season on screen.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
What happens when you get spring fever and a bad case of senioritis?
For Ferris Bueller, that means plotting an extravagant plan to cut school and embarking on an unforgettable one-day journey through Chicago.
John Hughes’ cult classic is endlessly entertaining with loveable characters, upbeat comedy, and moments of heart and genuineness. Matthew Broderick’s free-spirited and fun-loving protagonist brings a relatable and youthful spirit that charms viewers with his quotable lines and fourth-wall-breaking commentary. Ferris Bueller continues to appeal to viewers of all ages with its poignant reflections on living life to the fullest, lightened by a hearty dose of slapstick.
Emma (1996)
In this delightful adaptation of Emma, Gwyneth Paltrow takes on the titular character as she attempts to play matchmaker, much to her own detriment. Paltrow shines as the poised and witty heroine, while Jeremy Northam provides an enigmatic counterpart as George Knightley.
Writer-director Douglas McGrath's auspicious debut effectively captures the essence of the source material. With its muted color palette and breezy ambiance, spring is on full display in this classic love story.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
There is no better movie to capture the essence of spring quite like the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s literary classic, Pride and Prejudice. Keira Knightley’s sharp-witted and rebellious protagonist and Matthew Macfayden's stoic Mr. Darcy are portrayed with a wonderful dynamic on-screen.
Joe Wright’s skillful direction, coupled with spectacular cinematography, brings out the beauty of the lush and rainy English countryside, effectively capturing the charm of the novel and dripping with social commentary.
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
(500) Days of Summer is quite unlike your typical romantic comedy – but may just be one of the best movies of its kind. The film can be summed up in one of the first few lines: “This is not a love story.” Instead, it’s a story about love.
The movie follows the lives of two characters and their relationship over time, with incredible performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. Despite its title, (500) Days of Summer fits the aesthetic of spring with its lighthearted, romantic atmosphere, featuring a perfectly curated soundtrack of The Smiths. Clever and offbeat, the movie offers a refreshingly honest perspective of life with a creatively original story.
Moneyball (2011)
Sharp, witty, and thoroughly entertaining, Moneyball is the best sports movie to celebrate baseball season.
As a sports film, Moneyball doesn’t revolve on just playing baseball but instead around the inner workings of building a great team. Statistics and deal-making are front and center. Featuring a big-league crew of actors, the movie is filled with snappy dialogue and smart storytelling without falling into clichés.
A fascinating tale based on real events, this movie is a true crowd-pleaser for baseball and movie fans alike.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Moonrise Kingdom is a heartwarming coming-of-age film that highlights the talent of its fantastic all-star cast and its director, Wes Anderson, the mind behind countless modern classics.
This movie crafts an authentic story complemented by immaculately framed cinematography and a soundtrack of classic gems, giving it a timeless yet contemporary feel. The film's quirky style is so charming that it’s hard not to fall in love with it.
Warm, whimsical, and poignant, Moonrise Kingdom showcases Anderson at his idiosyncratic best, with his unique style shining through in every frame.
La La Land (2016)
Dance numbers in LA, an original soundtrack, and colorfully dazzling visuals... Every scene of La La Land makes this modern classic one of the best musicals of the past decade.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling bring out their best with sensational performances in the lead roles. Everything from its stunning visuals to the seamless choreography that transitions from scene to scene is mesmerizing. But what really makes this movie sing is its musical aspect. With classic-sounding jazz numbers, the film maintains a nostalgic atmosphere, referencing the 40s and 50s era of Hollywood history.
The film may seem romantic and wistful but manages to balance reality and romance, portraying the characters’ dilemmas as they make sacrifices to pursue their dreams. With a beautiful story of love, ambition, and dreaming big, La La Land is a cinematic masterpiece from its magical opening sequence to its heartfelt ending.
This spring, enjoy the sun-soaked weather and festivities of the season with these warm, lighthearted films. And as Ferris Bueller says, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Heading into the fourth month of 2024, here are four albums and EPs to kickstart your streams in April. While the weather may be cold, these recommendations are bound to warm your heart and pique your interest.
minor - Gracie Abrams
Following the impact of her hit song “I Miss You, I’m Sorry,” which racked up over 200,000 streams, minor was released during the summer of 2020. With heart-wrenching songs like “Long Sleeves” and the title track, “minor,” Abrams relishes in the heartbreak of her teenage years.
From start to finish, Abrams epically details the end of friendships, saying goodbye to a loved one, and growing up through her songwriting. With inspiration from Lorde and Taylor Swift, she manages to produce breathy performances and no-skip tracks.
Following the release of minor and her subsequent album, This Is What It Feels Like, Abrams has been on tour with pop icon Taylor Swift and performed at hit music festivals like Lollapalooza and ACL (Austin City Limits).
Seven Shades of Heartbreak - Mimi Webb
British pop princess Mimi Webb was first popularized on the Gen Z app TikTok, and since then has been creating more bangers and touring around the world.
With songs like “Good Without” and “Little Bit Louder,” Webb accurately depicts the ups and downs of love and being without it. With an optimistic outlook on her future, she sings that she doesn’t need anybody for pity’s sake.
With other tracks like “Dumb Love” and “24/5,” she showcases her soprano talents and strong vocals while illustrating her gorgeous songwriting that she still continues to tease on TikTok and other social platforms.
vert1go vol. 1 - Griff
Boasting multiple opener gigs with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay, Griff is an independent music artist based out of a suburb of London.
Home to multiple of her popular singles, vert1go vol. 1 is an illustrious demonstration of strong lyricism and vocals.
While her track “Astronaut” may be one of those most painfully brilliant songs, there are only three other tracks on the EP, including “Vertigo,” the track that elicited a reaction out of her “fairy godmother,” Taylor Swift.
Hopes and Fears - Keane
The only band on this list, and the oldest album as well, Hopes and Fears was released as Keane’s debut album in 2004, 20 years ago. Giving off an alternative indie rock vibe, Keane flaunts its piano and full band tracks, providing an easy-going tone.
In addition to a billion streams on “Somewhere Only We Know,” they were able to perform at Abbey Road Studios, popularized by the Beatles, and lately, they’ve had a resurgence due to a social media trend involving that same billion-stream track.
Beyond being one of the best-selling chart toppers in the UK, they were nominated for two Grammys and won two Brit awards for Hopes and Fears.
Whether you enjoy rocking out to Keane, singing your heart out to Gracie Abrams, or anything in between, these are just a couple of the hundreds of thousands of amazing albums out there for you to try during the month of April.
Earth Day is April 22, a great time to try cooking up some fun vegetarian dishes. From creamy avocado pasta to fresh California rolls, these four vegetarian recipes offer a quick and healthy meal perfect for school days.
Avocado Pasta
This creamy and flavorful avocado pasta makes for a filling and nutritious meal.
Ingredients for one serving:
1 ¼ cup noodles, preferably rotini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 medium avocado
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup almond milk
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Add boiling water to a pot of noodles. Cook on medium-high heat with the lid closed until the noodles are al dente.
While the noodles are cooking, work on the sauce. Add avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, almond milk, and cheese to a mixer and blend until the texture is smooth.
After draining the noodles, add the avocado sauce to the pot and turn the stove up to medium-high. Add salt, pepper, and oregano (or other seasoning) to desired taste. Then, serve and enjoy a healthy and nutritious meal!
Spinach & Mushroom Scramble
A classic breakfast dish, these scrambled eggs are filled with your favorite healthy breakfast staples: eggs, spinach, mushrooms, and topped with seasoned garnishes.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
¼ cup mushroom, diced
1 cup spinach, shredded
1 tbsp milk, half & half or heavy cream
Parsley or other garnishes
First, crack two eggs into a bowl, pour milk/cream, and stir until the consistency is mixed well. Pour the mix onto a pan preheated to medium-high heat, stirring gently as it begins to cook.
In a separate pan, sauté diced mushroom and shredded spinach, then add it to the eggs. Afterward, season the eggs with parsley or garnishes to your taste. This recipe can also be made as an omelet.
California Roll
California rolls are a fun, fresh, and easy-to-make appetizer that is great to share with friends and family.
Ingredients:
1 sheet of roasted seaweed
Sushi rice (white rice works fine, too)
Seasoned rice vinegar (sushi vinegar)
1 avocado
1 cucumber
Roasted sesame seeds
Cook the sushi rice according to package directions – the ratio of the water and rice differs. After the rice is cooked, add sushi vinegar as desired, keeping the rice warm in a heated bowl.
Then, spread the rice flat and evenly across a large sheet of seaweed. Slice avocados and cucumbers, then place them on the rice and seaweed.
Using a flexible mat (preferably a bamboo mat), curl the ends of the sushi roll inward so the vegetables are covered. Press firmly to shape the roll into a cylinder, then slice the roll into sushi-sized pieces. Top it off with a pinch of sesame seeds to give it some extra flavor.
Stuffed Mushroom Bites
This delicious stuffed mushroom recipe is an irresistible and quick treat, filled with a savory combo of eggs, spinach, and cheese.
Ingredients for one serving (five mushroom bites)
5 mushrooms (preferably baby bella mushrooms)
1 egg
⅓ cup of shredded spinach
¼ cup of shredded parmesan cheese
Cooking oil spray or olive oil
Salt and pepper
First, grab out five mushrooms to wash. Clean them thoroughly by rinsing them under cold water or using a damp towel to remove dirt or debris. After pulling off the stems, the mushrooms will have a cavity in the caps perfect for stuffing. Next, place the mushroom cavity side up on a parchment sheet.
Now it’s time to make the filling. Crack one egg into a bowl, add shredded spinach and salt, then stir until the eggs are fully mixed. Pour the egg mixture halfway into the caps of the mushrooms and sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top. Make sure not to overstuff the mushrooms, as the filling will expand as it cooks. Drizzle the mushrooms with cooking or olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Next, place them in an air fryer at a temperature of 375° F for 10 minutes (or longer as needed) until the egg stuffing is fully cooked. This will also work in an oven with slightly more time. Allow them to cool slightly, then enjoy!
When attending an online school like ORCA, it is important to treat others the way you would if you were in an in-person classroom setting. With Zoom, there are many different ways to utilize the reactions, chat, screen sharing, and whiteboards to enhance your learning. Here are a few tips for being a responsible student in a virtual classroom.
Being Respectful
It's always good to keep in mind being respectful to others while also appreciating that every individual is different and does things in their own way. Staying respectful in the chat for Zoom meetings is also important for other people to not only stay focused but be able to ask questions as well.
Staying Engaged
Staying active and involved are good ways to be successful in your online classes. There are many ways to stay engaged, such as asking related questions, using reactions to show your understanding, taking notes, and using your mic and camera if you are comfortable doing so.
Staying on Topic
During meetings, it is critical to stay on topic at all times unless the teacher allows sharing or chatting time for students. The chat should also stay on topic throughout the meeting because many students may find it difficult to focus in class when the chat is being used improperly.
Technology Issues
Whenever you have a problem connecting to Zoom or experience sound issues and other tech difficulties, there is one efficient way to handle these problem. ORCA’s free resource, known as the ORCA Zendesk, has a bank of helpful articles written by ORCA’s tech support people, SYS Education, also known as the Helpdesk. There are loads of answers to issues with everything from your Chromebook to your Zoom meeting troubles. All you have to do to use Zendesk is search using the search bar in the link. If you can't find the answer you need, you can reach out to the Helpdesk using the golden icon in the bottom left of most Canvas pages (look for a headset-wearing operator and some gears). You can tell them what problem you are having and wait for a response from the quick and efficient tech staff. Their office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Zoom Reactions
It is important to raise your hand when you have a question, just like in an in-person classroom, because interrupting a teacher can be distracting to the class. This is when using the reactions in Zoom can be helpful. With the Zoom reactions, you can raise your hand, answer yes and no, let the teacher know when you are away, and so much more. Zoom reactions are incredibly beneficial to all students.
Please use our Zendesk as a place to search for known tech support issues. If you have questions about the best ways to engage in your classes, talk to your teachers or book a middle or high school tutor.
Calling all hobbyists, talented individuals, and tinkerers! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and sometimes choosing the right gift for someone can be challenging. Whether it is a friendly note or something a little more, there are a variety of formats through which you can demonstrate your love. From the classic modes of poetry and candy hearts to more abstract visual art, the possibilities are endless!
Here are ten creative ways to create a Valentine’s Day gift this year.
Animation
For anyone who loves to tinker or wants to try something new, animations can bring a whole new level to a gift. While testing the limits of 2D or 3D animations, each element tells a story beyond the usual spoken words. With a creative outlet to utilize or even find a new talent, animation is a fun and unique way to make a special gift.
Cooking and Baking
Whether it is sweet or savory, cooking is the sweetest way to show love and appreciation. With endless flavor combinations, each treat is a special way to show a person how much they mean to you.
Crafts and Cards
Known for being decorative and creative, cards can bring back the classic tradition of Valentine’s Day. Customizing a traditional card into a 3D visual or a pop-up card through your crafting prowess can add a special touch.
Digital Art
The digital environment can hold many challenges when it comes to art, but there are plenty of digital art tools that can compensate for that. Whether it is to draw yourself with a special individual, draw their favorite character, or vice versa, the endless combinations of colors and designs can be the perfect way to show you care.
3D Rendering
If you enjoy tinkering with computers or like to render in general, creating a Valentine’s Day heart for someone in Blender or another program can bring a whole new dimension to gift giving. With 3D effects that can sweep anyone off their feet, this can provide a unique way to demonstrate the flexibility of 3D creations beyond the usual usage in classes or as a hobby.
Game Development
Game development can bring to life a story of experiences and friendships. With a flexible way of creating characters and elements through customizable features, you can challenge your abilities and think outside the box. It’s a great way to bring your feelings to life, and the possibilities are endless.
Music
Love is a perfect inspiration for writing lyrics or creating a song that shows how you feel. With lyrics and beats tied to your emotions, working with words can show a friend or family member they are the catchy beat in your heart.
Origami
Paper is abundant, and the folding options are endless. Using traditional Japanese folding methods, in which paper squares can be fashioned into classic hearts in shades of red, pink, or blue, even the smallest gesture can be made meaningful in a simple but memorable way.
Collages
These mixed-up images of your favorite places, animals, or people can bring new meaning to your relationships. With creative ways of positioning the photos, everything will eventually fall into place.
Writing
Writing is a meaningful way to express your feelings for someone special and show a whole new side of yourself. Whether it is realistic fiction, dedication to that special person, or customized fanfiction, pouring your heart onto the page is a sure way to show that you care.
With plenty of formats you can use to create a gift, quit pondering and start making! Roses are red, violets are blue–how can I craft a Valentine for you?
As finals month approaches, you might find yourself in a crunch preparing for your next big exam. Whether you’re studying for state testing, SATs, or a driver’s permit, the prospect of taking a test can be daunting and often stressful.
But here’s the good thing: acing a test doesn’t have to require stressful cramming and all-nighters. In fact, many straight-A students don’t work harder – they study smarter.
The key to successful test-taking is smart test prep and practice. And even though test-taking can still be an intimidating task, there are steps you can take to study productively and power through your finals with flying colors.
Part One: Preparing for the Test
Preparation is the key to success. Understanding and remembering information doesn't happen overnight, so developing strong study habits well ahead of test day is essential.
These simple steps, when done habitually, will help ensure that you’re confident about your knowledge of the material when test day arrives.
Step 1: Take Smart Notes
First, gather the right materials. Taking notes on a Google Doc or writing things down on pen and paper generally depends on personal preference, so use whatever method works best for you.
However, note-taking styles may look different for each class. Based on the subject, there may be more effective ways to capture the topic.
For non-technical courses – English, social studies, or history – focus your notes on the big ideas. These tests generally require you to explain, evaluate, and compare and contrast the concepts, so it’s a good idea to grasp the most important topics. While taking notes on long lessons, don’t be afraid to use abbreviations and bullet points. Make use of bold fonts, highlights, or underlines when defining a word or emphasizing a point.
However, don’t write down the whole lesson word-for-word. Not only is this impossible to do, but it’s also counterproductive. Instead, record your notes in a Question/Evidence/Conclusion format.
In the case of technical courses – for example, math and science – it’s better to capture important formulas and detailed explanations of problems. Record the steps of the sample problems and review your notes regularly to clarify any points of confusion.
Helpful hint: Having one folder for each class is a useful way to organize notes. Every resource from class – including outlines, assignment descriptions, or reading excerpts – should be added to this folder. This makes it much easier to find materials when you need them later for review.
Step 2: Marshal Your Resources
Before you can conduct any meaningful studying, you must first define the scope of the exam. What will the test be about? What type of questions will there be, and how many? Consider if it’s an open-book test and how much time is available. This is a good time to clarify any points of confusion and come prepared to open office sessions if needed. It helps to know in advance what knowledge will be covered in the exam.
It’s also important to complete class assignments carefully and turn them in on time – falling behind can make it difficult to study productively. If you are behind, make catching up a priority. Review your notes daily (including any recordings or resources from class), write your own study guides, and make use of any practice tests available to you. Memorization aids like flashcards can also be helpful in preparing for an exam.
Step 3: Study Smarter, Not Harder
Now that you have all the necessary materials and have taken thorough notes, it's time to get down to the real studying. This might be a good time to spend hours memorizing all the material the night before the test, right?
Wrong. The fact is that cramming for a test is highly counterproductive.
Most last-night cramming sessions result in “pseudo-working," the unfortunate habit of studying in long, low-intensity, fatigue-filled marathons without gaining much retention. Not only are you less likely to retain the information you need, but cramming also increases stress, negatively impacts sleep, and decreases your overall preparedness.
To counter this behavior, it’s best to practice smart time management strategies. Break up studying time into small, high-intensity bursts and avoid the temptation to stay up late reviewing your notes. Last-minute cramming is far less likely to improve your grade than developing good study habits and getting a good night’s sleep.
Part Two: Taking the Test
So you’ve taken the notes and made the study guides. Now it’s time for the most important part: actually taking the test.
Different types of tests require different test-taking strategies. For instance, you may not want to approach a math quiz the same way you would an essay. And some computerized exams such as SATs require you to work through them in a specific way.
But for the most part, many tests have the same goal: to assess your knowledge of the subject. In any case, you want to go into the exam knowing what the test brings and feeling confident about your understanding of the subject. This is where the next steps come in:
Step 4: Review the Questions
It may seem intuitive to start a test by diving right into the first question, but your first step should be to review all of the questions. Take your time reading each essay prompt carefully, and if it’s multiple-choice, skim through it quickly to get a feel for which topics are covered.
This review helps you understand the structure of the test and identify areas that may need more or less time. It also primes your brain for the topics you'll need to address and allows you to think about all the questions in the background, even while focusing on one. Doing so helps you retrieve information relating to the topics still to come and answer later questions quickly.
Taking a few moments to carefully review the exam will help you break the mounting tension of stress and overthinking about the test. With this step, you can build a better idea of what to expect, and soon the exam becomes less menacing. Your confidence rises, your heart rate lowers, and you say to yourself, “Okay, maybe this isn’t all that bad.” Now you can turn your full attention to providing standout responses.
Step 5: Build a Time Budget
After going through the test, it's essential to plan out your approach for each section to ensure you can complete the entire exam within the allotted time.
Even if there's no time limit, you should still avoid spending too much time on the test inefficiently. During the exam, it's crucial to be aware of how long you have to spend on the current question before moving on to the next.
This strategy helps keep your attention focused and prevents you from spending too much time on a question. Some challenging questions, especially essay prompts, might take longer than others, so it’s crucial to keep track of your progress and leave a 10-minute safety buffer at the end to review your answers or add more insights to the ones that you were rushed on.
Step 6: Tackle the Easy Questions First
When possible, do a first pass through the test to answer the questions you know right away before moving on to the more forbidding. This strategy helps focus your energy on the questions you feel most confident about and provides momentum to complete the rest of the exam more easily.
However, not all tests let you skip questions and then return to them. If that's the case, work through each problem in order.
Step 7: The Devil Is In the Details
It's always advisable to read the questions fully before answering, as it helps to comprehend the question better and avoid simple mistakes.
For multiple choice and true/false questions, look for cues. True or false statements often require careful reading for tricky wording or small details. Words like most, all, never, and always offer important clues.
The process of elimination helps you rule out incorrect options and find the most possible answer. Pay attention to grammatical matching between the question and the answers; if an answer seems right but doesn't match grammatically with the question, it’s likely not the correct option. It's also not uncommon for a multiple-choice to have two correct answers. Pick the best one.
Step 8: Provide A+ Answers
Essay questions are the more daunting challenges of an exam.
When confronted with an essay question, don't just jump straight into writing and see where it goes. This approach leads to rambling answers and missed topics. Instead, your first step should be to create a brief outline.
Start by carefully reading the question and identifying its main themes. This will help organize your thoughts and ensure that you address all aspects of the question. Jot down relevant keywords and make sure your outline covers each part.
Only now should you begin writing your essay. Follow your outline, and the writing will proceed smoothly. This should enable you to produce a well-structured response that draws on all relevant points and shows a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Step 9: Check Your Work
Finally, after you’ve completed all the questions, use any and all remaining time to check and recheck your answers. Have you answered all parts of each question? You'd be surprised how often this final review turns up a mistake in a technical problem or an important concept you forgot to mention in an essay.
It's always a good idea to read your written work aloud, which can help identify simple typos or find better ways to rephrase your answers. Even minor errors in math problems could impact the final answer.
Developing effective test-taking skills isn't something that happens overnight. But with time and practice, you can be well on your way to acing your next big exam and achieving your academic goals.
After each test, it's a good idea to take a moment to evaluate your performance. Even if you make a mistake or don't score as well as you hoped, don't beat yourself up. Remember that a missed answer is an opportunity to find areas to fill in a gap in your knowledge and spend some extra time studying. What matters is to always do your best and learn from any mistakes to improve next time.
Looking for an impressive way to greet your holiday guests? Or perhaps you've got friends or family coming to town for the week? Don’t worry about baking that delicious holiday feast or decorating your tree in a perfect fashion; home-crafted decorations are just as welcoming to your guests. These three winter-inspired crafts are fun and easy to make.
#1) Sock snowman
With a plain white sock and a little bit of creativity, you can easily add a captivating centerpiece to any given tabletop. You can also use your snowman as a paperweight, pin cushion, and lots more. With some everyday supplies, this is a great craft for your creativity to shine.
You will need:
3 cups plain white rice
1 white sock
1 colorful old sock
Hot glue gun and sticks
Funnel (or piece of paper to roll into your own funnel)
White embroidery floss
Scissors
Black marker
For the nose: Orange pipe cleaner
Optional: googly eyes, fun decorative ribbon, two buttons, pom-pom
For instructions, visit this pdf including full details and images for guidance.
#2) Festive hand warmers
We know how chilly winter can be. Literally “warm up your winter” with this one! Made of microwave-safe and inexpensive materials, this sewing project is fun and inspiring. Make your hand warmer in whatever shape you would like. Ideas include but are not limited to: Christmas tree, gingerbread man, candy cane, circle, present, etc. Make sure not to microwave your Sharpie, scissors, or needle though.
You will need:
Felt (color of your choice; will be used to make a holiday shape)
Embroidery floss (to sew up your felt, plan color accordingly)
1/4 cup of rice
Sharpie
Scissors
Large needle
For instructions, visit this pdf including full details and images for guidance.
#3) Polymer clay candy canes
These little clay candy canes can be hung on holiday tree branches, scattered on tables, placed atop presents, and so on! They are super inexpensive and easy to make.
You will need:
Red polymer clay
White polymer clay
Scissors
Baking sheet
Oven
For instructions, visit this pdf including full details and images for guidance.
And there you have it! Hopefully these three holiday crafts will help make your winter extra special this year. Happy crafting!
Winter is coming... the time of the year to slow down and appreciate the festivities of the season. And what better way to do that than by cozying up to a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite movie?
Whether you love a good sci-fi flick, a coming-of-age classic, or anything in between, winter is full of great movies that bring out the best of the holidays. As winter break begins, consider checking out these eight movies that perfectly capture the spirit of the season:
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra’s holiday classic remains a gold standard of the season. Often hailed as one of the best movies ever made, this beautifully written and directed film is a timeless masterpiece that never loses its magic.
The story is filled with poignant and inspiring moments, all brought together by a wonderful script and music. The film features warm, funny performances from some Hollywood greats of yesteryear, including James Stewart and Donna Reed.
With a heartwarming message of kindness and family, It’s a Wonderful Life is a memorable story that will live with audiences for generations to come.
The Apartment (1960)
Billy Wilder’s iconic movie The Apartment is not one to miss out on this season.
The movie’s clever script is full of witty dialogue, likable characters, and plenty of laughs. The cast, featuring John Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, also brings out their best performances. This holiday gem full of lighthearted comedy and heartfelt moments makes this the perfect watch for winter.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day is a timeless classic that fully captures the essence of the snowy season. The story follows a cynical weatherman traveling to a small town during Groundhog Day who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again.
The story is equally charming and witty, thanks to a well-written script and Bill Murray's excellent performance. There are plenty of clever and genuine moments, as well as thought-provoking themes that give the story depth and perspective. The quaint and snowy small-town setting also brings out the homey feel of the holidays, making this a classic movie worth revisiting multiple times.
Gattaca (1997)
Gattaca may be one of the best scientific films in recent history, with an original premise that skillfully explores themes of scientific advancement and free will. Intelligent and thought-provoking, the story offers a deep inquiry into the question: what would society be like if genetics determined the fate of people’s lives?
All aspects of the production serve the story well, from the artful style and direction to cinematography and music. It’s excellently scripted with rich dialogue and balanced pacing while boasting some star power with the likes of Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law, all of whom deliver stellar performances.
Though many futuristic sci-fi movies tend to fall to quickly-dated special effects and technology, Gattaca is a modern classic that remains relevant in its social commentary and introspective themes.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Clever, upbeat, and immensely entertaining, Catch Me If You Can is based on the true-life story of con artist Frank Abagnale, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Director Steven Speilberg takes this intriguing story and makes a captivating film out of it.
Rich with fascinating details, memorable characters, and engaging performances, the film is endlessly compelling from its iconic opening credits to its satisfying ending. This period piece boasts flawless set design, bringing the 60s to the screen in a colorful and vivid way. John Williams' score also adds to the suspenseful and lighthearted tone of the movie.
Catch Me If You Can is an excellent winter popcorn flick, effortlessly enjoyable and full of heart and humor.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, benefits greatly from David Fincher’s incredible direction. This epic fantasy tells the story of Benjamin Button, a boy born as an old man and ages backward.
The movie is wonderfully crafted with rich storytelling and fantastic performances. The production, from its stunning cinematography, magical score, and detailed set and costume design, is nothing short of spectacular. The film is brilliant in keeping a sense of realism while bringing out a magical feel. It’s a masterpiece often forgotten in Fincher’s filmography, mostly due to the fact that it's unlike his usual style of filmmaking, but impressive all the same.
Warm, poignant, and bittersweet, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a magical classic full of adventure and a reminder of what makes life special.
Hugo (2011)
An homage to classic cinema, Hugo is an underrated gem directed by Martin Scorsese, one of cinema’s greatest auteurs.
While it may be different from his usual style of filmmaking, it is equally impressive. The film is well-directed and made even better by the cast’s outstanding performances. Every detail, from the immaculate set design to the stunning cinematography, seems to enhance this film’s beauty and charm. Howard Shore's haunting and whimsical score also does a great job elevating the film’s emotional tone.
While Hugo may not be considered Scorsese's best film, it’s certainly one of his most overlooked masterpieces and a wonder to be appreciated by families and movie lovers alike.
The Fabelmans (2022)
A coming-of-age drama and homage to making art, The Fabelmans is, at its heart, a love letter to cinema.
Though slow at times, the brilliant storytelling and direction offer a nostalgic and deeply personal story inspired by Speilberg’s own childhood. The talented cast, featuring Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams, and Paul Dano, delivers stand-out performances. A short appearance by another director known for more offbeat films, David Lynch, is a highlight of the movie.
A film that hits all the right emotional beats, The Fabelmans is a wholesome, sentimental drama about family, art, and the magic of movies.
The movies in this list are just some of the many great films to watch during the holidays. Any movies rated R were left out of this article to ensure a school-appropriate list of movies rated PG-13 or lower.
From epic fantasies to romantic dramas, the cozy winter season is a great time to turn on the TV, get a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy your favorite comfort movies.
Music is a great way to celebrate with friends and family over the holidays. Here are five amazing holiday songs that you can enjoy with your friends and family this December.
“Snowman” by Sia
“Snowman” is a great song about that special snowman you can’t bear to lose. This holiday hit is by Sia and was released in 2017. With a beautiful and unique voice, she describes in this song how she doesn't want her special snowman to melt away.
“Let It Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” by Frank Sinatra
This holiday classic has many different versions but one of the best is sung by Frank Sinatra. You know even though it may be cold outside, it is cozy right by the fire, so let it snow! This song was released in 1950 and has an enduring place on holiday playlists.
“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” by Andy Williams
This festive song will help you realize how thankful we should be for the holidays and how we have so much to feel grateful for. This song was released in 1963 and is an iconic holiday music staple.
“Candy Cane Lane” by Sia
This holiday hit is also by Sia, released in 2017. In this song, she shares how she takes a trip down Candy Cane Lane with special holiday friends right beside her. This festive upbeat song is truly magical.
These four songs will make your holidays better than ever, so plug in those earbuds, hop on your favorite music app, and try these wonderful songs that you and your family will love for this holiday season.
It's not fall without a warm blanket and a good movie.
As the weather cools down and the colorful leaves swirl outside, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a night in with some apple cider, a bowl of popcorn, and a good movie. Whether it’s a chilling drama, a heartwarming romantic classic, or a tale of gridiron glory to celebrate football season, consider checking out these six movies that perfectly encapsulate the essence of autumn on screen.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
In this heartwarming tale, Tom Hanks perfectly embodies the spirit of everyone's favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers. Based on a true story about Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel, this story brings a unique insight into the life of the beloved children’s TV personality.
The movie is an underrated gem filled with warmth, humor, and plenty of nostalgia for those who grew up watching the classic show. Beautifully written and wonderfully directed, this film packs a heartwarming message that will inspire audiences for generations to come.
Coraline (2009)
Understated, imaginative, and deeply entertaining, Coraline is a modern classic perfect to watch during the chilly fall season.
Henry Selick’s adaptation of the classic novella takes the story to new heights with its creative storytelling and immaculate visual detail. Blending elements of whimsical fantasy and suspenseful horror, Coraline creates a smartly crafted, atmospheric story that is both haunting and heartwarming.
The film's imaginative story is paired with stunning stop-motion visuals, making it a delight to watch and an even better rewatch. The movie was also produced by Laika, a studio based in Oregon.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
If there’s one movie that brings back the essence of the school season, it’s Dead Poets Society. This coming-of-age classic tells the story of a teacher at an all-boys preparatory school whose unconventional teaching methods embolden his pupils to find their passions.
The film is true poetry on the screen, both gripping and thought-provoking in its social commentary, rich dialogue, and touching performances. Peter Weir’s excellent direction puts together an original, well-crafted story with an incredible performance by Robin Williams, who delivers some of the best acting of his career, and a talented supporting cast. The atmospheric setting, paired with its muted color palette, brings back the homey feel of autumn.
Dead Poets Society is a movie that packs plenty of laughs and a fine dose of tears, but at its core, it’s an inspiring reminder to seize the day and live life to the fullest.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
With its seasonal color palette and whimsical charm, Wes Anderson’s first animated feature draws as much inspiration from autumn’s essence as it does from the beloved classic novel it was based on.
Fantastic Mr. Fox remains a gold standard in stop-motion animation, bringing its characters to life with unique quirks and a sense of realism that couldn’t be replicated with traditional animation. The all-star cast also delivers excellent performances with warmth and humor.
With plenty of family, friends, and feasting, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightful treat anyone can enjoy.
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the beloved literary classic is timeless, compelling, and full of heart. The story follows four sisters as they navigate themes of love, grief, and self-discovery while trying to find their place in the world.
The movie is filled with incredible cinematography, rich dialogue, and a talented cast, with the likes of Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet, all delivering standout performances. The movie comes to life with its gorgeous set design and costume work, bringing out the intricacies of the period setting.
Warm, poignant, and bittersweet, Little Women is a classic that stands the test of time, highlighting the importance of family, love, and the pursuit of dreams.
Rudy (1993)
A football drama for the ages, Rudy is a classic sports movie that never fails to inspire.
Based on a true story about Rudy Ruettiger, Sean Astin delivers a memorable performance as a young man with a dream of playing for one of the best teams in college football. The movie is beautifully directed, with a well-written script and a score that perfectly captures the emotional tone of the story.
Rudy is a classic tale of beating the odds, sharing an inspiring message about perseverance and pursuing dreams. A film that hits all the right emotional beats, it is a wholesome, sentimental drama that leaves audiences cheering on their feet.
This list features some of the many great movies to watch during the fall. However, any films rated R were left out of this article to ensure a school-appropriate list of movies rated PG-13 or lower.
Whether you love a chilling thriller or a heartwarming drama, fall is a great time to enjoy your favorite comfort movies. So grab a bowl of popcorn and get ready to cozy up with these favorite seasonal classics.
October is the month of suspense and mystery, but November is the afterparty. As fall brings chilled winds with shorter days and darker nights, cozying up on a couch with some mysterious plot twists is a treat.
Here are some of the many mystery series and books to read in the month of November:
Series:
The Natures Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Born with the special ability to profile every person in sight, Cassie Hobbes isn’t like most teenagers – but she isn’t the only one with these unique powers either. Seventeen years old and able to piece together the smallest details about people, she gets recruited by the FBI to join their group of the gifted. Surrounded by others with gifts unlike her own, yet still mysteriously eccentric, Cassie and her team must work together to solve crimes.
The Inheritance Games Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
In this New York Times bestseller and four-part series, Avery Grambs has laid out all her plans for the best future she can dream up and she only needs to do two things: survive high school and earn a scholarship. However, everything changes when she inherits a mysterious fortune from Tobias Hawthorne. Avery has no idea how she became part of his inheritance, and his family is suspicious of who she is and why she inherited it. As Avery and the Hawthorne brothers work out their differences, the question remains: will they work together to win the fortune or will one of them betray the others?
One of Us Is Lying Series by Karen M. McManus
Bayview High is filled with an assortment of students that range from the most high-profile to the wallflowers. The series follows five students who were sent to detention, but after a mysterious incident, only four came out. Everyone has a motive, and everyone is a suspect. How much time will they have until Bayview’s secrets come spilling over?
Theodore Boone Series by John Grisham
Thirteen-year-old Theo Boone has always dreamed of becoming a lawyer – he knows about every personnel that makes up the law. But that is all about to change as he gets his wish of being in a courtroom for many of the wrong reasons. As Theo gets questioned and provides some incriminating details, all of a sudden he becomes a suspect.
Greystone Secrets Series by Margaret Peterson Haddix
With the same names, interests, and personalities, Chess, Emma, and Finn are confronted with mysterious look-alike siblings who are mirror images of each other. Left in the care of their mother’s friend, the three siblings are determined to find answers. In this trilogy, readers will follow the Greystone children as they work to uncover the strangers’ origins. As they struggle to uncover the mystery behind their doppelgangers, they can’t help but wonder if their mother was keeping a secret. Were the strangers that resembled Chess, Emma, and Finn their twins or are they something else?
Singles:
Come Find Me by Megan Miranda
Sixteen-year-old Kennedy Jones and seventeen-year-old Nolan Chandler never knew their lives could be intertwined until they discovered a mysterious signal. Kennedy promised to continue her brother’s search of the cosmos, but she is unaware that Nolan has been searching for his own brother since his disappearance. Having never crossed paths before, they are both baffled by the signals they intercept from space. As they follow the clues, they find that the answers redefine both of their pasts. However, as they decrypt the messages, a few questions still remain: is the frequency a message or a warning?
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
Ed Kennedy is a humble, underaged cab driver who is still finding his purpose in life. As he struggles to survive amid many missteps, he inadvertently stops a bank robbery in progress. Soon, a message is sent for him to go on his first mission. Can he figure out who is behind it all?
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
This New York bestseller revolves around a beautiful and distinguished family that’s full of liars and many juicy secrets. The story follows a group of four friends whose friendship turns destructive, as they uncover the truth about a mysterious accident. With a suspenseful plot and shocking twist, readers will be hooked from start to finish.
The Emperor’s Riddle by Kat Zhang
Adventures are the process and treasure is the result. For Mia Chen, both are her calling cards. When Mia reluctantly visits her aunt during a summer vacation in China, she discovers her aunt is missing. Suspecting that her disappearance is related to her aunt's old nemesis and an ancient map, Mia and her brother crack the codes that appear on the map. However, they need to work fast to save her aunt and get their hands on the treasure.
Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau, also known as Mo, is a natural-born detective. So when Mr. Jesse turns up murdered, she begins investigating with the help of her good friend Dale. And if the murderers weren’t enough, a hurricane is coming to Tupelo Landing. After Moses takes charge, her adoptive mother and father unexpectedly go missing, and her quest gets more complicated. Can she solve the mysteries in time?
November is a great month to enjoy the fall season with a fresh stack of books to quench your thirst for adventure, suspense, and mystery.
It’s time for girl dinner!
Girl Dinner is a social media trend that showcases strange and random mixes of food combinations. The best girl dinners are classified as snacks that don’t seem like they would make sense, but taste weirdly good together. The main attraction for girl dinners is the fact that they are simple to make, easy to enjoy, and effortless snacks that can satisfy any craving. Enjoy this list of girl dinner snack options and try them if you’re feeling brave!
Snack #1: Doritos And Whipped Cream
Nothing can go wrong with chips and dips. The flavorful crunch of Doritos with the creamy and sweet whipped cream creates a unique combination in your mouth. The salty and sugary sequence is an original take and definitely worth trying. For a more mild approach, you can swap the Doritos with corn chips or try it with Taki’s for a spicy punch.
Try a similar dish with corn chips and smoothies. Blueberry and strawberry smoothies taste best, with the fruity flavors accenting the saltiness, but any smoothie would work.
Snack #2: Pickles And Cheese
Yes, pickles. No, not cheddar cheese. Pepper Jack cheese wrapped around pickles may not be a snack for everyone, but it’s certainly an experience. For the best texture, dry the pickle with a paper towel and warm the cheese up. You can also dip it in ranch for a further flavor journey.
Snack #3: Crab Puffs And Nacho Cheese Dip
Crab puffs are delicious by themselves, but you can elevate the flavors with a dip in nacho cheese. Any store-bought crab puff will do, just make sure to follow cooking directions. Dipping it in nacho cheese elevates it to a carnival flavor, perfect for those missing the summer.
Snack #4: Olives And Salami
Wrap an olive with a small slice of salami for a sophisticated flavor. The olives and salami have a complimentary taste and are downright delicious with each other. Black olives would typically work best for this, but any olive will do. The savory and saltiness of the combination is one for the books and complements the flavors perfectly. You can also substitute the salami with any kind of sandwich meat, or even dress it up by adding cheese or serving it with rice crackers.
Snack #5: Rice And Ground Beef
This one is definitely more of a meal than a snack, but it’s just as delicious and perfect if you need to use up some leftover ground beef. Cook the ground beef until brown and well done (ask an adult for help if you need it) and make some rice. Once both are done, mix them together and add sweet soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any other topping.
Snack #6: Bacon And Honey
Sweeten up some bacon by adding a honey drizzle. The bacon, savory and smokey, contrasts deliciously with the sweetness of the honey and combined is an absolute powerhouse of taste. For something more breakfast-themed, try syrup and bacon.
Snack #7: Ice Cream And Fries
Chocolate or vanilla ice cream can be boring, so dress it up with some salty fries. French fries have the best flavoring and length, but tater tots or steak fries will be just as good – any fried potato goes perfectly with ice cream. Mix it up with milkshakes or even with melted ice cream.
Snack #8: Apples And Caramel
Craving caramel apples, but don’t have the materials? Any caramel candy and slices of apples can scratch that itch. For the best results, try tart apples such as Granny Smiths, so that the sweetness of the caramel doesn’t make the rest of the apple seem flavorless. You can also try chocolate bars to add an extra flavor punch.
Girl dinners are the best things to make if you’re bored and hungry, so don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment. You might find your new favorite snack!
Most people would agree that cookies are a fantastic way to fill a sugar craving. They’re small and bite-sized, which makes them perfect for a quick snack… that turns into eating way too many. Good gluten-free and dairy-free cookie recipes can be a challenge to find, but these recipes have been tested many times.
Peanut Butter Cookies
It can be a challenge to find a good peanut butter cookie recipe that is gluten-free and dairy-free, but if you’ve been searching, look no further.
Ingredients:
½ cup creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup almond flour/gluten-free flour blend
¼ cup granulated cane sugar
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 egg or egg white
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and form into balls about one inch in size, then roll them in a thin layer of extra cane sugar.
This is optional, but you may use a fork to create that classic peanut butter cookie look.
Bake the cookies on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, let cool for 10 minutes, and serve.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
If you like chocolate peanut butter-flavored treats, then this recipe is for you. It doesn’t use any eggs and has a flavor as rich as brownies.
Ingredients:
¼ cup butter (vegan butter works perfectly as an alternative option)
1 cup granulated cane sugar
½ cup almond milk
¼ cup cacao powder
⅓ cup peanut butter
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups quick oats (may use whole oats as a substitute)
A pinch of salt
Directions:
Combine the milk, butter, granulated sugar, and cacao powder in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and there are no lumps. Bring to a boil and let it boil without stirring for about one minute.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Once they are combined, stir in the oats and salt.
Allow the mixture to sit with a lid on the saucepan for five minutes so the oats can soak up the moisture and soften.
During these five minutes, prep a baking sheet or a few plates with or without parchment paper and make sure there’s enough room in your refrigerator for them.
Next, use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to drop about a tablespoon of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or plates. Make as many cookies as your dough allows. You can adjust the size for preference and make them large or small cookies.
Finally, put the cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they can cool and harden, but they are ready to eat whenever you want.
Cultivating friendships is important, but building these relationships can look a little different in an online school. Fortunately, ORCA offers many opportunities to stay connected with friends throughout the year. Here are a few tips that can help you:
Live Class Engagement
Sharing in class is a great way to connect with classmates and make new friends. Be willing to get involved in live classes by going on mic, sharing in the chat pod, and even going on camera if you’re comfortable. It’s a great way to engage in class and get to know your teachers and classmates.
Field Trips
ORCA offers many in-person and virtual events to attend each month. It can be fun to see teachers, fellow classmates, and administrators at these events. From school dances to hikes, tours, and monthly hangouts, there are a wide range of field trips in your region to fit your interests. You can refer to the Field Trip Central website to see what events are coming up near you.
Check out this article for upcoming field trips this month.
Emailing classmates is a great way to stay in touch with friends. Students can email each other in their grade band through their ORCA Gmail account. To find out how to email other students, check out this article.
ORCA Clubs
A fun way to connect with friends is through ORCA clubs. There are many great clubs available for a variety of interests, and could possibly offer some fun activities, discussions, and games that you might like. Even if there’s a club that ORCA doesn’t have yet, you could always start your own.
Check out this article for more information on club sign-ups.
Making friends and getting connected in the ORCA community is a great way to make the most out of the school experience.
October is the month when bullying gets brought into the spotlight. In support, ORCA is hosting assemblies to encourage students to wear blue in honor of bullying awareness. Furthermore, many authors have lent their pens to this cause to bring to light the impacts of bullying.
Here are some books to read to raise awareness about anti-bullying month this October:
Restart by Gordon Korman
As a New York Times bestseller, this novel shows the point-of-view of a boy who made all the wrong choices. After hanging out with the wrong friends and bullying his classmates, he gets a fresh start after losing his memory. As he uncovers the mysterious surroundings of his past, he starts to realize the true impacts of his actions and begins to decide who he wants to be.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
After being struck by lightning, twelve-year-old Lucille Fanny Callahan gains genius-level math skills, but isn’t without her quirks. Diagnosed with OCD and grapheme-color synesthesia, her grandmother encourages her to associate with other kids her age, enrolling her in East Hamlin Middle School. There, she faces unexpected challenges, meets new friends, and finds the true meaning of love.
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
In her memoir and graphic novel, Robin Ha tells the story of her journey immigrating from Seoul, Korea with her mother. During their trip to America, they are met with new challenges, from learning a different language to meeting her new family and fitting into a strange place. As she tries to understand her new life, she must also restore her faith in her mother. Will Robin ever regain her trust in her mother and her new life?
The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake
Criticized, discriminated, and polemically attacked – that is the unchosen life of Maleeka. Whether it's about her grades or the clothes she wears, her classmates always have a plan: to taunt her for the color of her skin. However, Maleeka is challenged when her teacher shares a more positive attitude, encouraging her to overcome her struggles. Will Maleeka learn to stand up for herself and prevail?
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
In this New York Times bestseller, Melody Brooks is an eleven-year-old girl who wishes she could be like everyone else. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, she is unable to walk, talk, or write, but has a photographic memory. Despite the odds of her limitations, she is the smartest person in her class and strives to reach her fullest potential.
Reading about anti-bullying is just one way students and teachers can raise awareness about this issue and learn to help others.
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome the holiday than baking spooky treats? Whether you celebrate by watching scary movies, hosting a party, or going trick-or-treating, you’re bound to enjoy these five easy-to-make recipes to elevate your Halloween.
Oreo Bat Cupcakes
A staple at every Halloween party, Oreo Bat Cupcakes are cute but can easily give anyone with a fear of bats the creeps. For this recipe, you can buy pre-made cupcakes, use a cake mix, or simply make them from scratch.
Ingredients:
Cupcakes –
2 ½ cups flour
2 cups (414g) sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
½ vegetable oil
1 tbsp extract or flavoring powder of choice
2 large eggs
1 cup water
(Can use cake mix or pre-made cupcakes as substitute)
Frosting –
1 cup unsalted butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ tsp extract of flavoring powder of choice
2-3 tbsp milk or water
Pinch of salt
(Can use frosting as substitute)
Pack of Oreo’s
Edible candy eyes
Instructions:
Have pre-made cupcakes ready to go or bake cupcakes. If baking cupcakes, start by combining the dry ingredients in a stand mixer or with a whisk. Once combined, add wet ingredients. If no clumps are in the batter, transfer to a cupcake baking sheet that has been covered with liners, parchment, or oil. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or if using a larger cupcake pan, 15-18 minutes.
Whip together homemade frosting or use a tube from the store. If making homemade, whip the butter until light and spreadable, then add the powdered sugar, mixing it together completely. Add the rest of the ingredients and spread or pipe on cooled cupcakes.
Perhaps the hardest part, break one side of an Oreo in half (as evenly as possible) and place it with the flat side facing down on the cupcake. You should have two half moons touching each other horizontally to get the desired bat wings shape.
Add the candy eyes on the connecting parts on the tops of the Oreos with some leftover frosting.
Enjoy!
Frankenguac
The most savory item on this list, Frankenguac is an amazing appetizer for a pre-trick-or-treating snack. It takes little assembly and can even be minimized further by buying pre-made guacamole from the store.
Ingredients:
3 soft avocados
¼ cup finely chopped onion
3 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
Pinch of salt
Bag of blue corn tortilla chips
Optional: Ingredients to assemble eyes and mouth. (Suggested: sour cream, refried beans, and olives)
Instructions:
Smash the avocados with a fork until turned into smooth consistency. Mix in vegetables, lime juice, and salt.
If under-seasoned after a taste test, consider adding some chili spice, pepper, or more salt.
Spread guac mixture on a square plate or bowl to create the shape of Frankenstein’s head. Assemble tortilla chips on the top third of the guac to create his hair.
If desired, use sour cream and olives (or substitute ingredients) for eyes and nose and refried beans for zigzag mouth and stitches on head.
Enjoy!
Witches Pretzel Fingers
A salty and sweet treat, Witches Pretzel Fingers are truly a great choice when organizing fun and food for your family and friends.
Ingredients:
Bag of melting chocolate wafers (green and black)
Bag of thick pretzel sticks (suggested - Snyders brand)
Pack of blanched almonds
Instructions:
Melt black-colored chocolate wafers in the microwave in 10-second increments. Start with 20 seconds, and continue adding 10 seconds until fully melted. Stir the mixture before dipping the almonds until completely coated.
Set the chocolate-covered almonds aside on parchment and proceed to melt your green wafers. Dip the pretzel sticks ¾ of the way into them and let dry on another parchment sheet.
It shouldn’t take long to dry, so if desired, before they do, use a toothpick to draw lines on the pretzel stick to resemble the creases in a human hand.
Use a small bit of melted chocolate to connect the almond to the end of the finger and there you have it!
Enjoy!
With school back in session, the autumn months are upon us. Whether you celebrate by drinking pumpkin spice lattes or decorating your house with Jack-O-Lanterns and scarecrows, this season influences us all. To commemorate the occasion, here are some hidden gems to add to your autumn-inspired playlist.
“Rockland” by Gracie Abrams
Before releasing her upcoming album This is What It Feels Like, Abrams released “Rockland” as a single detailing the process of overthinking and reminiscing past endeavors. Her harmonies in the bridge section truly show a feeling of self-reflection.
“Je te laisserai des mots” by Patrick Watson
The lyrics of the song detail a lullaby to a loved one in French. Released in 2010, the song was featured in the soundtrack of a French film titled Meres et Filles, which translates to “Hidden Diary” in English.
“Sunburn” by Ed Sheeran
Sheeran sings about the struggle of moving away from a first love. The guitar tune that plays consistently throughout the song adds to the aching energy of the lyrics.
“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak
His most popular song in his album, Heart Shaped World, became a global phenomenon when it peaked at six on the Billboard Hot 100. Although, the haunting tune did not become an instant classic. The song later gained popularity in 1991 when it was used in the movie, Wild at Heart.
“The Alcott” by The National (ft. Taylor Swift)
Recently released with their album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, the ballad perfectly demonstrates the use of layering vocals to elicit a dreamy feel while simultaneously feeding the listener with gorgeous lyricism.
“Autumn in New York” by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
As a part of a joint album between the music artists released in 1957, this song showcases Armstrong’s incredible trumpet playing, producing a spooky, yet beautiful tone in its lengthy six minutes. Commemorating the season in the Big Apple, it has been sung by many other artists, including Billie Holiday and Bing Crosby.
“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
Quickly becoming a classic in the 2000s genre, Carlton details the excitement of meeting someone during her time in college. The string instruments added to the song provide many joyful, danceable orchestral climaxes (or just moments).
“Lovefool” by The Cardigans
A decade and a half after the 80s, the Cardigans channel the disco era of pop with their song, “Lovefool.” This musical piece launched them into superstardom and with their new album, The First Band on the Moon, they started to reach international charts and radios.
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star
Released in 1993, the band created a hopelessly romantic and understated song to add to their record. Lately, it has had a resurgence of popularity through the TV series, Gilmore Girls. “Fade Into You” hit an accomplished peak of #44 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Linger” by The Cranberries
On their debut album, Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, The Cranberries had multiple radio singles that put their Irish band on the charts. Because of their delicate take on the 90s era of alternative rock, many other artists, including Enimem, have sampled their music.
“The Scientist” by Coldplay
Coldplay wrote this masterpiece in 2002 about neglecting their loved ones when getting too caught up in work. The nostalgic piano melody is perhaps one of the key components of the song and is inspired by an Oasis song, “Don’t Look Back in Anger."
“Mind Over Matter” by Young The Giant
The title track of their most popular record, this is the perfect song for lying down and staring at the ceiling. While having a primarily melancholy undertone, the lyrics encourage the thought of making a mark on the world and overcoming obstacles.
“Miserable Man” by David Kushner
Released in 2022, Kushner constructed a striking alto ballad about the fear of staying in the same place forever. It initially became popular on social media before traveling to Ireland to debut on their radio. It has since spread to America and many other countries.
Whether you like rock, pop, or anything in between, it’s the perfect time to get in the fall mood with these songs.
By Keagan S.
Image courtesy of Kenna S.
June 2023
In the May issue of The Current, ORCA students and staff were asked to submit a song to the second ever ORCA playlist. The ORCA community responded with over 30 responses in a variety of different genres. From rickrolls to pop music and everything in between, The Current is proud to announce the 2023 ORCA playlist.
The list of songs can be read below:
"9 To 5" by Dolly Parton
“Gusty Garden Galaxy (from Super Mario Galaxy)” by Koji Kondo
“Lover // Over the Moon” by Alice Phoebe Lou
“The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley
“Queen Of The Freaks” by AViVA
“Lovers Rock” by TV Girl
“I Want it That Way” by Backstreet Boys
“Legends Never Die” by Against the Current
“THE METAL SHEET” by FiASKO
“Take My Hand” by Skerryvore
“State Of Dreaming” by MARINA
“joy.” by for King & Country
“All This Time” by Louis Tomlinson
“Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks
“God's Menu” by StrayKids
“Good Day” by Twenty One Pilots
“Thank you Lord” by Chris Tomlin ft. Thomas Rhett Florida Georgia Line
“Head Right” by Wilderado
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
“What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life” by Bill Evans
“Love Wins” by Carrie Underwood
“Grace” by Jeff Buckley
“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala
“What Once Was” by Her’s
“Life Afraid” by Set It Off
“Preset Junkies” by Virtual Riot
“Love in the time of Socialism” by Yellow House
“Being Human” by Rebecca Sugar
“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
“Baby Shark” by Pinkfong
“Control (Somehow You Want Me)” by Tenth Avenue North
“October” by Alessia Cara
If the song you requested was not included, that is because it was deemed non-school-appropriate.
For last year’s playlist, check out this article.
The Current would like to thank each ORCA member who requested a song. Happy listening!
It’s always a challenge to decide where to eat when going out for food. To make those choices easier, The Current staff compiled a list of some of our favorite restaurants across the state. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite picks organized by region.
Central Oregon Area
Big Burger
Off Highway 211, this Molalla restaurant has been a staple for locals with its high-quality dishes. Perfect for American meals, its menu features hotdogs, burgers, fries, and onion rings, with plenty of options to choose from and affordable prices. Don’t forget to try it with a half-and-half ice cream cone or a milkshake!
Happy Family Restaurant
Just like its namesake, this place will make your family happy! With affordable prices, Happy Family Restaurant has good-quality Chinese food, fast service, and delicious tea. Each dish has been carefully perfected over the years, and the restaurant is family-owned and operated. It’s a good place to order take-out or dine-in!
San Blas Mexican Restaurant
This family-owned and operated restaurant will surely snag a special place in your heart. Located in Molalla, this place has all your staple Mexican foods with enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and more. Each plate is packed full, and you get your money’s worth. This is definitely a place to check out – but don’t tell them you can handle spicy food; they will take it as a challenge.
Eastern Oregon Area
Delish Bistro
Using locally sourced ingredients, Delish Bistro is always a great place to stop. With a seasonal menu, there is always something new to try. A tasty classic is the teriyaki chicken with a side of house Hawaiian mac salad. To finish off your meal, order the homemade gelato that also comes in seasonal flavors.
Haines Steakhouse
Haines, Oregon offers fun for the whole family with western style dining. From the salad bar wagon to the rustic wood, you will know you are in a part of “Old Oregon.” The best part about the food is that there are options for the whole family. Delicious steaks, seafood, and classic burgers are just a few of the selections available.
Hamley Steakhouse, Café, and Store
Pendleton is a small town known for its western traditions, one being the Pendleton Round-Up. This restaurant is a way to see the rich history of the town from the food to the store. Whether it's biscuits and gravy for breakfast, a turkey croissant for lunch, or prime rib for dinner, Hamley always makes sure it is of great quality.
Terminal Gravity Brewpub
If you plan to stop in the Wallowa Mountains, visit Enterprise for a unique dining experience. The menu has a wide range from curries to steak salads; if you can think it, Terminal Gravity has got it covered. The best part about dining there is that you get to see the gorgeous views of the mountainscape while you dine outside on picnic tables.
Eugene Area
Tacovore
Tacovore is a small, Oregon-based food chain with locations in Eugene, Corvallis, and Portland. As the name suggests, the chain specializes in tacos, with a menu full of both traditional and more unexpected options. For instance, their fantastic grilled chicken taco contains avocado, pickled onions, and carrots, and the carnitas option includes orange and jicama. The melding of flavors at Tacovore is delicious and unique, and it is well worth a stop for those looking to expand their taco horizons. The salsa bar is worth checking out as well.
Linn-Benton County Area
Shogun Bowl
Often overlooked as part of a murderers’ row of restaurants on Corvallis’ Monroe Street, Shogun Bowl offers delicious and cheap Japanese food. Their menu is surprisingly extensive for such a small restaurant, including everything from rice bowls to sushi rolls, ramen, and even mochi ice cream for dessert. The “Deluxe Shogun Bowl” is a filling option that contains a number of interesting flavors (salmon, eel, and masago, to name a few) over a bed of rice, and it comes with a complimentary bowl of soup. The yakisoba is superb, and the Spicy Chicken Bowl also lives up to its name. Shogun Bowl is a great place to come back to as it’s tempting to try everything on their menu.
Northern & Middle Coast Area
Lakeside Hideaway
For some good, quality meals, check out this Rockaway Beach restaurant! With good pricing, fast service, and incredible dishes, there’s no reason why anyone could skip this place. Upgrade your favorite classics with their Hawaiian Burger, or stay beachy with their oysters.
Mo’s
If you ever stop by the coast, Mo’s classic fish and chips and clam chowder is a must for the complete Seaside experience. Located on the ocean-front promenade, Mo’s has been an iconic Seaside staple with fresh and delicious combo seafood platters, fish tacos, and shrimp skewers. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean with comfortable outdoor dining. Mo’s also has other close locations along the coast, including Astoria and Newport.
Pirate’s Cove Restaurant
Located in Garibaldi, Pirate’s Cove Restaurant has a wide range of beach-time foods (fish and chips, clam chowder) but also some American staples (chicken tenders, cheeseburgers). It’s perfect for larger families and has great pricing.
Portland Metro Area
La Hacienda
Enchallias, tacos, fajitas, nachos – this restaurant has the best Mexican cuisine in town. Its charming and colorful atmosphere makes you feel like you’re in a real, authentic Mexican restaurant. With its sizzling fajitas, fresh burritos, and tropical drinks, La Hacienda offers a delicious meal for any occasion.
Taste of Sichuan
This Beaverton Chinese restaurant is a favorite of locals who know. It has Sichuan-style Chinese food, which prides itself on dishes spiced with fiery peppercorns. You can get stellar Chinese-American standards, like Moo Shoo Shrimp or Sweet and Sour Spareribs, but there are also some rarer dishes for the more adventurous. You know you want to brag about how you just ate the Swimming Fire Fish… Taste of Sichuan can develop quite a line on big takeout days, so plan ahead, but it is worth it.
Thai Fresh
Thai Fresh is a charming, family-run restaurant that offers authentic dishes and a pleasant atmosphere. Their menu includes a variety of fresh, quality Thai dishes, such as curries, soups, rice bowls, and one of the best pad thai in town. Its great pricing and excellent service make this the perfect place for a family dinner.
Salem-Keizer Area
Akatsuki Sushi Bar
Akatsuki is a newer Japanese restaurant in Silverton, Oregon. It has gained major popularity since it opened for multiple reasons. The atmosphere is friendly and the food is amazing. Everything on their large menu has authentic Japanese flavor. It’s a great place to sit down or order out. They have much more than just sushi and there’s something to satisfy everyone.
South Coast Area
Bay Burger Inn/Praus House
Bay Burger Inn, also known as Praus House, is a family-run restaurant that has many options to choose from. Located in Coos Bay, Bay Burger Inn isn’t a very expensive place to stop and eat at, and their menu includes burgers, chicken strips, and corn dogs. They also have some interesting combinations like hamburgers with chili on it. Their menu offers a variety of milkshakes, and if you order an entree, you can get a side of tots, waffle fries, french fries, or onion rings. If you're ever in the South Coast Area, you should check out Bay Burger Inn.
Southern Oregon Area
Bella Union
Bella Union is an excellent restaurant for Italian dishes, authentic pizza desserts, and more delicious food. It’s located in Old-Town Jacksonville, surrounded by other historic buildings. It’s also next to a great, local toy store. It has a cool patio area with a fantasy feel, and the food goes along great with that.
Callahan's Mountain Lodge Restaurant
If you want amazing food in a scenic mountain setting, this is the place to go. The restaurant and lodge are close to the Ashland Ski Resort. Callahan's Mountain Lodge is good for all occasions.
If you can’t make the drive to the restaurants listed above, you can still stay caught up with the food-related fun by checking out The Current’s May crossword.
When it comes to movies and books, there are many great stories to enjoy. Sometimes a good way to start reading is to find a familiar genre or story to get invested in. There are great novels that may even be similar to your favorite movies or TV shows.
If you like the genres of science fiction or fantasy, you might just find your next favorite read from this list of novels.
The 100 (TV series) → The Hunger Games (novel) by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collin’s bestselling novel The Hunger Games is a classic of the 2010s era of sci-fi novels. Similar to the popular show The 100, The Hunger Games follows a group of young adults fighting to survive in a dark and dangerous place while battling some unexpected challenges along the way. Panem’s grim and gritty setting is full of twists and turns that are just as compelling as the post-apocalyptic world of The 100.
The Maze Runner → Divergent by Veronica Roth
In 2011, Veronica Roth started one of the most popular teen dystopian series in the past decade and the first in the series is Divergent. In a society where everyone is divided and sorted into factions based on their personality type, it’s not accepted to be a multidimensional person – known as divergents. Tris is a divergent and finds herself hiding from the government with the help of a few others like her. Similar to The Maze Runner movie in many ways, this novel has the common dynamic where teenagers fight a corrupt, dystopian government.
Ready Player One → Warcross by Marie Lu
Like Ready Player One, Warcross is set in the near future where an immersive virtual reality game has become a way of life. With compelling romance, a high-stakes gaming tournament, and the lines between the virtual and real world becoming increasingly blurred, you won't be able to set this book down.
X-Men → Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me follows the protagonist Juliette, whose lethal touch makes her an outcast. The novel’s unique, jarring writing style reflects the protagonist’s inner turmoil as she learns about her abilities and what she’s capable of. Juliette’s character arc and powers are just as fascinating as X-Men character Rogue, who embarks on a journey full of fast-paced action, high-stakes choices, and pulse-pounding romance.
The Umbrella Academy → Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Meet another rag-tag team of kids with incredible abilities who try to save the day. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has a band of fun and quirky characters, and their magical, action-packed adventures will pull you in. It’s not exactly like fighting giant, armored alien knights from another universe, as seen on The Umbrella Academy, but it gives the same thrills.
The Giver → Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Acclaimed author Ray Bradbury introduces a thought-provoking social commentary in his classic novel Fahrenheit 451. Similarly to The Giver movie, this dystopian sci-fi story introduces a world corrupted by ignorance and mind-numbing technology – where books are banned and burned. Both stories portray a community trying to maintain a form of utopia, exploring themes about knowledge, free choice, and happiness.
Gattaca → Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley’s deep inquiries in his novel Brave New World explore interesting themes about technology, freedom, and happiness. Like Gattaca’s futuristic society, Brave New World has a caste system and technology bent on genetically engineering a seemingly perfect world. However, these do not come without a cost, as the protagonist discovers the dark underbelly of his society and the importance of choice and freedom.
Pirates of the Caribbean → Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Daughter of the Pirate King is about a highly skilled pirate named Alosa who is sent by her father to infiltrate another pirate ship. She’s been given the task to retrieve a map that leads to treasure that all the pirates seek. If you enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, you’ll love this novel full of action, romance, and fantasy.
Once Upon a Time → The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
In this fairytale retelling, Chris Colfer brings a unique twist on classic characters in this adventure full of magic and wonder. The Land of Stories follows two protagonists on their journey to discover where they came from, meeting friends and foes along the way. This magical tale of courage, friendship, and the power of stories is a must-read for book lovers and Once Upon a Time fans alike.
The Age of Adeline → The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a beautiful, unforgettable story about the legacy of a young woman seeking to leave a mark in the world. The novel follows Addie, who is gifted with immortality but cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Both tales have a protagonist with the name Adeline who travels through different historical periods. V.E. Schwab’s lyrical writing makes this a heartfelt, romantic story that is absolutely worth the read.
There is so much great video content out there – and with this list, you might just find your next favorite book or movie to enjoy. For recommendations for coming-of-age and romance novels, check out this article.
Films are shared experiences that contribute deeply to the zeitgeist of each era. But there are so many movies available that it can be intimidating to know which ones are the most important to watch, not just for personal enjoyment but also to keep a finger on the pulse of pop culture.
The Current is here to help with our first-ever edition of The 101 Movies to Watch Before You Graduate High School – a definitive list of the most important films to see as a Generation Z teen. The one caveat is that all the movies chosen are rated PG-13 or lower to comply with school-appropriateness standards, but there are still plenty of quality flicks listed below. Keep in mind that you can put the best R-rated classics on your Before You Graduate College list, okay?
In the selection process, the quality of each movie wasn’t the only factor that was considered. Cultural relevance and popularity were considered just as, if not even more, important. Because although Shrek is no Casablanca, the former is certainly a more popular conversation subject among Gen Zers. As a result, both films are considered essential viewing, just for different reasons.
For easy navigation, the movies selected have been organized into rough categories, but keep in mind that many of the films listed could easily fit under a number of different classifications. The titles will be listed under each category in order of release date.
Without further ado, let’s get to the 101 movies you should watch before you graduate high school:
The Classics
These films may be grainy or black and white, but their quality and importance to the history of film are clear as ever. If you’re a fan of cinema you’ll absolutely want to watch these influential classics.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Citizen Kane (1941)
Casablanca (1942)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Rear Window (1954)
12 Angry Men (1957)
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)
The Pop Culture Essentials
Not all of these films will land on any all-time lists (although maybe some should), but you’ll want to watch them to stay caught up on the countless memes and iconic quotes they have generated over the years.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Ghostbusters (1984)
Back to the Future (1985)
Top Gun (1986)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Home Alone (1990)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Shrek (2001)
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Elf (2003)
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Despicable Me (2010)
Frozen (2013)
The Superheroes
Superhero movies are the film genre of Generation Z for better or worse, so you’ll want to make sure to watch the essentials.
Superman (1978)
Batman (1989)
Spider-Man (2002)
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Iron Man (2008)
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Avengers (2012)
Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Black Panther (2018)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
The Musicals
Love them or hate them, these song and dance-filled movies hold an important place in the Hollywood landscape.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Grease (1978)
La La Land (2016)
The Greatest Showman (2017)
Hamilton (2020)
The Franchises
If you look at the highest-grossing movies of all time list, you’ll see that franchise films dominate the box office. Familiar characters and settings have always been popular with audiences, and they are equally important in pop culture.
Jaws (1975)
Rocky (1976)
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
The Karate Kid (1984)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Casino Royale (2006)
Avatar (2009)
The Hunger Games (2012)
A Quiet Place (2018)
The Animated Classics
Animation is a fantastic style of artwork that can be in far more than just kid’s movies. Many of the films below are exactly that, but their emotion, nostalgia, and style might still have older and younger audiences alike tearing up.
The Lion King (1994)
Toy Story (1995)
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Finding Nemo (2003)
The Incredibles (2004)
Ratatouille (2007)
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Wall-E (2008)
Coraline (2009)
Up (2009)
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (2018)
The Sci-Fi Masterpieces
From thoughtful space operas to alien invasion popcorn flicks, the science fiction genre contains some of the most ambitious and entertaining films ever made.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Independence Day (1996)
Inception (2010)
Interstellar (2014)
The Martian (2015)
Dune (2021)
The Modern Classics
These standalone movies may not fit under any of the other categories, but they are still worth a watch based on their uniqueness and quality.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Apollo 13 (1995)
Titanic (1997)
The Truman Show (1998)
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Cast Away (2000)
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
The Social Network (2010)
Life of Pi (2012)
Hidden Figures (2016)
Dunkirk (2017)
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Knives Out (2019)
Little Women (2019)
So there you have it, the 101 most important films to watch before you walk across the graduation stage one day. How many of these movies have you seen? And how many important titles are missing from the list? Feel free to let us know in The Current’s contact form.
Scrambling through dozens of tabs or misplacing a file are regular challenges for most online students. However, there are better ways to keep your work organized.
Fortunately, there is a wide range of tech tricks and hidden features available on your computer that can help you work more efficiently. When working on a computer with many files and applications, keyboard shortcuts are your best friend.
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations that can perform a variety of tasks, which are often faster than using a trackpad or mouse because there’s no need to move your hands off the keyboard. Most web features and shortcuts are universal – once you learn them, you can use many of the same shortcuts in a variety of applications.
Though some shortcuts may be different on Windows or Mac computers, these tips will mainly focus on Chromebooks and Google applications.
With these 10 easy tech tricks and features, you can help streamline your tasks and go beyond your Chromebook's basic functions to boost your productivity.
General Chromebook Features
Chromebook’s system-wide shortcuts are good to know because they can be used no matter what website or app you're in. These features can help you lay things out more productively on your screen, find what you're looking for quickly, and help you work through tasks without distractions.
Tip 1: Screen Display: Chromebooks can access a number of apps and websites at the same time. However, switching back and forth between windows can be tedious and confusing. To combat this, the split screen feature is a neat trick to multitask without getting disorganized. This feature allows your screen to split from different tabs to show two windows side-by-side on the same screen. It’s an efficient way to have a Zoom class open on one side of the screen and a note-taking document on the other.
To activate the split screen mode, click and hold the Maximize/Restore button on the upper-right corner of the window and drag it to the side of the screen you want to pin it to. Alternatively, the Alt + [ shortcut can be used to snap it to the left or the Alt + ] to snap it to the right. Use the black bar in the center and drag it to adjust the size of the windows.
You can maximize a window to fill the full width of your screen with the Alt + = shortcut or minimize any open window by pressing Alt + /. Repeating either of these commands will revert the window to its previous size and position.
Tip 2: Managing Desks: Chromebooks include a handy 'Desk' feature, which allows you to create separate workspaces for different projects you're working on. Virtual desks help you organize windows, apps, and resources, especially if you’re prone to having dozens of open tabs at once.
There is a right-click option available to send an open window to a different Desk or move windows around to a new one. A three-finger downward swipe on your touchpad will let you switch between Desks as well.
Once you get the hang of it, virtual desks can be made better by using keyboard shortcuts to move between open desks. Shift + search + = creates a new Desk, while the search + ] or search + [ shortcut moves to the Desk on the right or left, respectively.
Tab Shortcuts and Features
For most students, it can be easy to end up with dozens of open tabs at once. However, these running tabs in the background can cause your computer to lag, reduce functionality, or make it harder to sort through tabs while trying to find a specific page. If that’s the case, managing your tabs is the best way to organize your tasks.
Tip 3: Tab Groups: If you ever find yourself with too many tabs open in Chrome, the tab grouping feature is a simple solution. This feature allows you to organize tabs into groups and collapse them to save space in the tab bar. These groups can be moved all together and labeled with colors and names. It’s a handy feature to organize specific tasks and keep tabs from taking over your browser window.
To create a new group, right-click on an opened tab. Once you hover over “Add tab to new group,” you’ll have the option to create a new group or move the tab to an existing one.
Tip 4: Switching and Selecting Tabs: Switching back and forth between tabs is made easier by using the Ctrl + number keys shortcut to move to a tab in order from left to right. For instance, the Ctrl + 1 shortcut switches to the first tab in the window. This feature only works for tabs one to eight and does not open tabs that are under a collapsed group.
A handy feature on Chrome is the ability to select multiple tabs by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on the tabs you want to pick out. This is an easy way to manage multiple pages at once, such as grouping them or dragging them out into a new window.
Tip 5: Searching Feature: Do you have so many tabs open that you can’t find what you’re looking for? There’s an easy fix for that. Google has a simple shortcut feature to search for specific tabs and websites in your bookmarks or history. Simply type @tabs, @bookmarks, or @history into your search bar to begin searching for websites. The tab-searching feature can also be found by the Shift + Ctrl + A shortcut.
Tip 6: Reading List: Reading Lists are a way to have easy access to a number of websites without having to open multiple tabs or save a bookmark (Ctrl + D to bookmark the current page). To add a site to the reading list, right-click on the tab and select “Add Tab to Reading List.” Another way to access the Reading List is by clicking on the side panel icon next to the address bar and pressing “Add current tab.” There, you can also find your Bookmarks.
Google Files and Applications
When working with a file, shortcuts can be used to create new files, find words, and print a document. In many applications such as Google Docs, you'll find keyboard shortcuts next to menu items or by hovering over a button to display its keyboard shortcut.
Tip 8: Managing Files: Some shortcuts can easily help you manage applications, such as printing an open file or active page (Ctrl + P) and saving a file (Ctrl + S).
Did you know you can open up a new Google Doc file in just seconds? Simply type docs.new into the address bar of your browser and press enter – it’s that simple. This shortcut can also be used for Google Slides (slides.new) and Google Sheets (sheets.new).
Alternatively, there’s an easy shortcut for opening a new file from your Google Drive. The Shift + T shortcut creates a new Google Doc, while Shift + S opens a new Sheet, Shift + P for new Slides, and Shift + F for a new folder.
An extensive list of keyboard shortcuts on most Google files can be found using the Ctrl + / shortcut.
Working With Text
Some keyboard shortcuts are useful when working with text on an application and can help you perform commonly repeated tasks like copying or formatting text.
Tip 9: Managing and formatting text: Some of the universal and most common shortcuts include the cut (Ctrl + X), copy (Ctrl + C), and paste (Ctrl + V) features. The Ctrl + A shortcut selects all the text on a page or active window.
Keyboard shortcuts allow an easy way to format text and styles, such as making a text bold (Ctrl + B), italicized (Ctrl + I), or underlined (Ctrl + U). Some shortcuts can also be used to change styles such as adding superscripts (Ctrl + period key) or subscripts (Ctrl + comma key).
Tip 10: Unicode and special characters: The average keyboard only has so many characters labeled on it for use. However, there are plenty of other symbols and punctuations worth using that have no home on a Chromebook’s QWERTY keyboard. Fortunately, there’s a quick trick to finding these unique characters with the press of a few keys.
On whatever computer you use, there is a system that allows you to type special symbols and characters, called a unicode. On a Chromebook, the process of accessing these unicodes is simple but requires a specific order of steps.
On a writing program, press Ctrl + Shift + U and then let go of the keys at the same time. When an underlined “u” appears, type in the code for the symbol (for example, 2013 for an en dash) then hit enter.
There is no need to remember every character and the code that corresponds to it, as there are simply too many. That being said, it may be a good idea to memorize a couple that you use most often on a regular basis. A full list of unicodes – including emojis, mathematical symbols, and shapes – can be found in most Google applications in the “Special Characters” menu under the Insert menu.
By accessing the "Preference" section under the "Insert" menu in Google Docs, you can change your autocorrect settings with commonly-used special characters.
You can also find a quick way to insert emojis on a Google file by typing in a colon, which opens up a menu of emojis that you can search from.
A full list of keyboard shortcuts on Chromebooks can be found by pressing Ctrl + Alt + /.
Tech Tips With Mr. Cralen
ORCA teacher Mark Cralen is known for his extensive knowledge of tech tricks and keyboard shortcuts that he shares in class.
“It’s a slow process,” Mr. Cralen says. “You can’t just learn a mountain of keyboard shortcuts overnight. It’s like you learn a little, and then you incorporate it… Before you know it, you’ll have a huge pile of them and you’re zooming around, barely touching your mouse, and [you have] tabs, pages, and windows.”
“[Learning] some of the basic stuff about using computers can really speed you up,” he adds. Once you learn a few of the basic features and shortcuts, you can later build on that knowledge to find new ways to improve work efficiency.
“You got to interrupt your work flow to take a minute and learn a way to hopefully make your work flow faster in the future,” Mr. Cralen says. He explains that a counterintuitive way to speed up your workflow is by slowing down and taking a break every once in a while to find a more productive way to get things done.
“Computers are central to our lives,” he says. “So just spending a little time to become more proficient at using them saves you a lot of time.”
Some of these keyboard shortcuts or features may be learned accidentally. If you find some new features that work out for you, share them with classmates and peers. People can be great resources for sharing ideas and tips on managing workflow. “There’s definitely been some learning from my peers at ORCA about how they do their work flow and just watching somebody else on their computer,” Mr. Cralen adds.
It’s hard to list every Chromebook and Google feature available, as the system is always updating with new and improved features. However, with these tech tips, one day you may be as cool as Mr. Cralen.
A lot of good, hearty meals come along with a side dish. Whether you’re at a restaurant or having a home-cooked meal, a good side dish can elevate the quality of the entire meal. Here are some recipes that are good for the back-burner and delicious on the taste buds.
Sweet Potato Soup
A classic side in many restaurants is a small but flavorful bowl of soup. Here’s a simple way to recreate that feeling in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
1 large sweet potato
1 medium red onion
4 tbsp olive oil
4 cups chicken broth OR 4 cups water mixed with 2 tbsp chicken bouillon
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp oregano
2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp basil
2 tsp thyme
Sriracha (optional)
Steps:
Add oil to the bottom of a saucepan and set the unit to medium heat. Thin-slice the onion into half rings and add it to the oil. Let it sauté for about 10 minutes.
Add the paprika, cumin, salt, oregano, black pepper, coriander, basil, and thyme to the onions. Give it a thorough stir and then add the broth.
While it is coming to a boil, cut the sweet potato into large cubes and add it to the broth as you cut them.
After arriving to a boil, let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, then serve.
Optional: add a drizzle of sriracha over the top of the bowl.
Breakfast Potatoes
This potato style is a well-loved classic suited for any mealtime. The crunch is a bonus to a savory flavor.
Ingredients:
6 medium russet potatoes
1 small red onion
½ cup cashews
1 cup spinach
½ cup sliced baby carrots
⅔ cup parmesan cheese
3 tsp salt
4 tbsp paprika
5 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp coriander
3 tsp cardamom
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsp rosemary
4 tsp black pepper
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and cut the potatoes into cubes. Layer evenly on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for 20 minutes.
Roughly dice the red onion and add it to a pan on medium heat with the oil. Let it cook for five minutes then add sliced baby carrots. Let it simmer until the potatoes are done in the oven.
Add the salt, paprika, cumin, coriander, cardamom, basil, garlic powder, rosemary, and pepper with the onions and stir until it's thoroughly mixed in with the oil.
Add the potatoes and let them fry together for 5-10 minutes. The sides of the potatoes should be golden brown.
Take the pan off the heat and add the spinach, parmesan, and cashews. The remaining heat will make the spinach wilt and allow it to mix with the other ingredients more smoothly.
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes then serve.
Creamy Veggie Rice
With rice being the most commonly eaten food in the world, it’s no wonder this little grain squirms its way into millions of recipes. From main courses to side dishes, even to the crispy crunchy snack known as rice cakes, it can be found just about everywhere. This side dish combines it with some surprise ingredients but flows out towards a lovely side dish that can also serve as a snack.
Ingredients:
½ cup white rice
1 oz cream cheese
¼ cup sour cream
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp salt
¾ cup spinach
¼ cup each of diced red, orange, and yellow sweet bell peppers
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup water
Steps:
As the water boils in a separate container, add the washed rice into a small saucepan and turn it on medium heat. Wait until the water has sizzled off and add the vinegar. Adding vinegar in the middle of toasting the rice takes away the sharp acidity, though make sure not to inhale the steam as it will burn your nose.
Add the cup of boiled water and let it cook the rice until it is boiled off. Add the cream cheese, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, and sour cream then mix until it's all combined.
Take the pan off the unit and add the diced peppers and spinach, then stir until the spinach is wilted. Let it cool and serve.
Congratulations, you’ve gotten your permit (and if you haven’t, check out this article here). But what comes next? That would be becoming a licensed driver, of course.
The steps between permit and license might be overwhelming or even a bit confusing. But don’t be worried. Below, you’ll find a list of everything you’ll need when taking the biggest step in learning how to drive: getting your driver's license.
What is a driver’s license?
A driver’s license is what you’ll need to legally be able to drive on roads in the United States, with or without passengers. In Oregon, you can get your license as early as 16 if you can pass the required criteria. A license is valid for eight years, and its expiration date will be listed on the front of the card.
What are the criteria for getting a driver’s license?
As mentioned above, you have to be 16 or older to test for a driver’s license in Oregon. But that’s not all. You will also have to have had a permit for at least six months beforehand as well as 100 hours of supervised driving practice (when you get your permit you’ll be given a booklet to log these in). If you can do all of that and pass the test, you’ll only be a vision test and some paperwork away from being a licensed driver. If you take a state-approved driver’s education course, the process will be a little different (more on that later).
Keep in mind that if you plan to get your license after you turn 18, you won’t need experience hours but you will still have to take the driver test as well as a knowledge test. And even though experience hours aren’t required for those over 18, practice is still important for anyone hoping to get their license.
When should you start practicing?
You may not feel ready to drive yet, and that’s okay. But start to think ahead about when you’ll need a driver’s license some day. Don’t feel pressured to sit behind the wheel right away, but make sure you leave yourself ample time to learn how to drive before it becomes a necessity in your life. You don’t ever want to feel rushed in that process, so plan accordingly.
Similarly, you’ll want to start thinking about when you’ll need a vehicle of your own some day. The Current is not a car magazine so we won’t bother giving advice on how to purchase a vehicle, but you will want to keep an eye on the market and seek advice from those who do know what they’re talking about. If you won’t be receiving a hand-me-down car from friends or family, you may want to start saving up for your first vehicle sooner rather than later.
Finding the right practicing environment
To start practicing driving, you’ll need three things: a vehicle, an instructor, and a wide, open space free of obstacles.
In terms of vehicles, your options will likely be limited. But make sure the car you learn to drive in is safe and has controls you can easily learn. Automatic transmissions are much easier to pick up at first, but driving a manual, despite the greater challenge, can be a helpful life skill. Also, make sure that once you sit in the driver’s seat, you adjust the seat and mirrors to your height and preference.
You’ll need an instructor with you at all times as you can’t drive on your own until you get your license. Legally, this person will need to sit in the passenger seat and be an adult aged 21 or over who has been licensed for at least three years. You may be limited in options here as well, but you’ll want to have your instructor be an adult you trust and who can give clear instructions, even under pressure. You’ll also want to make sure they can answer any questions you might have about driving and know how to give navigational instructions ahead of time (i.e. “Turn at the next light” instead of at the last moment). The less stressed your instructor is, the less stressed you will be when learning to drive.
Finally, you’ll need a location to learn to drive for the first time. And for that, empty parking lots are your best friend. Generally, the best places to find these are at high schools during the weekends. In parking lots, you can start your driving career like everyone else has – very slowly in circles while familiarizing yourself with the vehicle’s controls. You can also get a head start on learning how to park.
Parking lots are also the best place to start building responsible driving habits like turning on your blinker and checking your blind spot before every turn. By familiarizing yourself with the basics of driving from the very beginning (and at a very slow speed), you’ll have less to worry about when you finally hit the road.
Don't forget you'll need to have your permit with you at all times when driving until you get your license.
Diversify
After a while, you (and hopefully your instructor) will build up the confidence to move on from the parking lot to actual roads. Residential streets are a great place to start due to their slow speed limits, low traffic, and wide lanes. You’ll still want to be very aware of pedestrians and cyclists, however. From there, you can move on to town and country driving, which will include more intersections and traffic, higher speeds, and narrower shoulders.
At this point you’ll also want to start practicing parking, both parallel and perpendicular to the curb. Learning how to go places is no use if you don’t know how to stop when you get there!
Eventually, you’ll grow comfortable driving in the town and country and be ready to diversify even more. City driving can be chaotic and confusing and freeway driving can be terrifying at first, but you’ll want to start to learn how to drive in these challenging environments. Beyond that, getting some driving practice in after dark as well as in the rain can be a great way to learn how to be safe in different situations while also gaining experience using controls such as high beams and windshield wipers.
Don’t rush through learning how to drive in all of these different locations and conditions. You’ll need a lot of practice hours before you can even apply for a license, so take your time getting comfortable at each step before moving on to the next.
Don’t ever willfully drive in dangerous scenarios or ones that are beyond your skill level. That being said, do keep in mind that experiencing challenging roadway situations for the first time while your instructor is in the car with you is far better than all by yourself later in life. By the time you get your license, you want to be competent in as many aspects of driving as possible.
Incorporate driving into your everyday life
Don’t just go on drives for practice with no destination in mind. Start offering to drive your family whenever they need to go to the store, a doctor’s appointment, or any other places you might go yourself after you get your license. Incorporating driving into your everyday life will make it less intimidating and prepare you for the future. It’s also easier to motivate yourself to practice when you are driving for a practical reason.
Furthermore, by driving yourself and others to various locations around where you live, you’ll familiarize yourself with the area and start to improve your inner sense of direction and navigation. You don’t want to be wholly reliant on the maps app on your phone when you start driving alone. It’s important to know by heart the routes you take to your most common destinations.
To driver’s ed or not to driver’s ed… that is the question
At this point in the process, you’re probably feeling like a very competent driver who’s ready to get your license. But the required 100 hours of driving is a lot. Is there a way to speed up that process?
Yes and no.
By taking a state-sanctioned driver’s education course (which many local high schools offer), you can reduce the required practice hours from 100 to 50. And some courses will even present you with a completion card that you can use to waive the drive test at the DMV when you go to get your license. Sounds great, right?
The catch is that driver’s ed is very expensive, and the course itself can be rather time-consuming. And although driver’s ed can waive 50 hours of driving practice and the DMV test, it is still a challenge in its own right. There will be hours of class time, supervised driving time, and a number of quizzes and tests. It’s essentially like enrolling in another class at school.
There are plenty of positives to consider as well, however. Despite the initial price, proof of taking driver's ed can lower your eventual car insurance costs. The course will also ensure that you get an extremely thorough education when it comes to driving, something you’re not guaranteed to get in your practice hours. Also, depending on your schedule, you might find that taking a multi-month class will still take less time than gaining an additional 50 hours of practice driving.
Driver’s education isn’t a legal requirement, and it may or may not be what you want to do. But its pros and cons deserve to be considered, and you should definitely discuss them with your parents/guardians when you learn to drive.
Taking your license test
Whether or not you take driver’s ed, you’ll still have a driving test to take at one point. For some, it will be at the DMV the day you get your license, and for others, it will be the final of your driver’s ed course. The tips to succeed are the same for both.
The drive test can seem stressful, but it’s really nothing to worry about. Just drive like you normally do, following the rules of the road and checking your mirrors and blind spots when you’re supposed to. Scan your Oregon Driver’s Manual beforehand for the full list of everything you should legally do when driving. You don’t need to have a perfect score to pass, either. You need to drive safely the entire time but there is leeway for mistakes.
Also, remember that failing the test isn’t the end of the world as you can always retake it later. Even if you take your driving test through driver’s ed, there should still be a way through which you can schedule a retake.
If you take your driving test at the DMV, it will cost an additional fee and you will have to schedule ahead of time.
Getting your license
Once you’ve passed your driver’s ed course or the DMV’s drive test, you’re all set to get your license. Congratulations! Just make sure that before you go to the DMV you have all the paperwork you need. You will also have to pay a $60 fee for your license, and an additional $30 if you’d like a Real ID. A full list of the requirements can be found here.
After getting your license
Getting your license may feel like the end of your driving journey, but it’s only the very beginning. Always remember that learning is a lifelong process, so even though you may be legally allowed to drive on your own, that doesn’t mean you have to right away. Also, for the first year of owning a license (or until you turn 18 – whichever comes first), certain restrictions will apply. You can view those here.
When the hard copy of your driver’s license arrives in the mail, make sure to keep it in a safe place and have it with you whenever you drive. And don’t forget to take a moment to congratulate yourself. Getting your license as a teen is no easy task, and learning to drive is an important milestone in your life.
Enjoy your new freedom! You can now go into town to buy tacos whenever you’d like. Just make sure you drive responsibly there and back.
There’s only one movie genre that gives you a true heart-pounding experience.
Thrillers are the perfect movies if you like a bit of everything – drama, horror, action, and sometimes a bit of comedy – wrapped into one bone-chilling film. Over the years, the genre has grown to be quite expansive, but a great thriller only needs three key elements: a twisting plot, a complex character, and enough mystery to keep you guessing.
From thriller classics like Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window to twisty murder mysteries like Knives Out, there is a wide range of psychological and spine-chilling movies out there to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rear Window (1954)
Truly suspenseful and masterfully crafted, Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window is a riveting thriller that is both witty and serious, and all the more entertaining as a result.
The simple setting in an apartment complex is developed into a world filled with intriguing and sometimes unsettling possibilities. The film’s apparently average neighborhood comes to life with a wealth of lavish visual detail and interesting characters. The engaging performances by James Stewart and a solid supporting cast bring a harrowing and gripping mystery with a well-balanced tone. This Hitchcock classic is an enthralling and entertaining film that will be enjoyed by thriller fans and casual moviegoers alike.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense is more than just a typical ghost story. It’s a truly chilling and suspenseful thriller with a touch of horror that doesn’t rely on excessive violence or cheap scares. Instead, its spectral atmosphere brings a more dark and cerebral touch to a haunting story.
The movie is well executed with M. Night Shyamalan’s solid direction and incredible performances from a talented cast, especially from Bruce Willis, who delivers some of the best acting of his career. Haley Joel Osment, however, is the true star of this movie, giving one of the best child performances in screen history.
Intelligent and poignant, The Sixth Sense is a truly touching story with an iconic ending that will linger with viewers for some time.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
There are few movie remakes that succeed the original – but the 2001 Ocean’s Eleven is one that effectively takes a classic 1960s caper and turns it into a slick and stylish modern film full of suspense and charisma.
Although the film might be more clever than it is cerebral, it has more than enough fast-paced action and edge-of-the-seat suspense to keep it a thrilling ride. Ocean’s Eleven’s witty humor and engaging plot make the best out of its all-star cast. Sure, at times it may be light and with little depth beneath its glamor and scenery, but it’s still a film that is effortlessly entertaining and remains a gold standard in both the series and genre itself.
The Bourne Identity (2002)
This film stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a highly trained assassin with no memory of his past. The viewers follow Bourne as he is reintroduced into a vicious world of black ops and soulless government officials. As could be expected, the action and settings are dark, gritty, and realistic, but there’s an unexpected heart to the film as well. Bourne’s memory wipe gives him the chance at a new start despite his sinister past.
With engaging world-building, gripping conflicts, and a slowly-unraveling plot, The Bourne Identity is a well-made action thriller from start to finish. If you enjoy this film, you’ll likely appreciate the rest of the franchise – that is, if you can stomach the shaky-cam that takes over the following installments.
Minority Report (2002)
From legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Minority Report is a rousing film-noir suspenser set in a world of futuristic technology, with a thought-provoking inquiry into the theme of fate and free will.
Based on the book by Philip K. Dick, Minority Report is an intense, exciting thriller thanks to Spielberg’s brilliant cinematic vision and great performances by the cast, including Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell.
Minority Report is a timeless movie. Its practical effects still hold up well today, and they are brought to life by the compelling story, award-worthy production design, and talented cast. Despite a few holes in the movie’s grim, dystopian setting, Minority Report remains one of Spielberg’s most underrated yet impressive films.
The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige is storytelling at its best. With remarkable sleight-of-hand direction, director Christopher Nolan takes his signature style of broken timelines and intricate plots to a new level, spinning an elaborate thriller full of passion, intrigue, deceit, and obsession.
This movie is a tapestry of twists and turns as it creates a mind-bending, cerebral atmosphere through its magic acts and bitter behind-the-stage intrigue. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale deliver equally enthralling performances with an impressive on-screen dynamic. David Bowie, although with a short appearance, also stands out in the film.
Like a brilliant magic trick, this movie makes the pledge, takes the turn, and delivers an absolutely thrilling prestige.
Knives Out (2019)
Combine a mysterious death with a multimillion-dollar inheritance, and drama is bound to ensue. This comedic take on the classic whodunnit follows a dysfunctional wealthy family vying for their share of a millionaire crime novelist’s money.
Smartly crafted and brilliantly acted, Knives Out sharpens old murder-mystery tropes with a keenly assembled and intricate plot that makes great use of the stellar ensemble. Its effective mix of sharp-witted comedy and compelling mystery makes this a modern classic in the thriller genre.
The Batman (2022)
It’s not too common to find a superhero flick that could fit right into the suspense and grittiness of the thriller genre, but The Batman brings a fresh twist to the caped crusader in this ambitious detective thriller that transcends the usual “comic book movie” genre.
Stylistically, this new take on the titular character works surprisingly well as a mix of psychological thriller, neo-noir, and David Fincher-esque crime drama. Robert Pattinson delivers a brooding and compelling performance as Batman, and Paul Dano’s role as a creepily disturbing villain is equally impressive.
The movie does well portraying the gritty, ominous tone and corruption of Gotham City, as most of the film is shot in dark, rainy settings. On top of the spectacular visuals and cinematography, Michael Giacchino’s score makes for some epic and memorable scenes. All of this delivers a darker and more realistic take on the character while building on the strengths of previous Batman films.
Thrillers are a wide genre that encompass the best of psychological mysteries, spine-chilling horror, and fast-paced action. Although there are many classic thrillers throughout the history of cinema, any films rated R were left out of this article to ensure a school-appropriate list of movies rated PG-13 or lower.
If you’re looking for an exciting, suspenseful thriller to watch, with this list, you might just find some new great films for your next movie night.
When it comes to movies and books, there are many great stories to enjoy. Sometimes a good way to start reading is to find a familiar genre or story to get invested in. Some great novels may even be similar to some of your favorite movies or TV shows.
If you like the genres of coming-of-age or romance, you might just find your next great favorite read from this list of novels.
Downton Abbey (TV series) → Pride and Prejudice (novel) by Jane Austen
Jane Austen is known for her classic romance novels that never miss the mark. Pride and Prejudice is her most well-known work. Although it takes a more advanced reader to get through the slow paced, old-English style, this book is worth the time and effort. It takes place in early 1800s England. With a witty main character and a great plot, this book is interesting, surprisingly humorous, and very well written. Downton Abbey is a popular dramatic English television show full of romance, and if you enjoyed that series, you’ll love reading Pride and Prejudice, which has a similar tone.
Gilmore Girls → The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey
Gilmore Girls is easily one of the most well known television series for teenagers. The novel The Library of Lost Things has a similar main character to Rory in Gilmore Girls named Darcy. Darcy loves literature and has read hundreds of books. She escaped the worries of her home life in a thousand happy endings. Things start to change for her when she becomes friends with Asher, a charming former pilot with his own struggles. They might just be perfect for each other.
Tall Girl→ Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
You may recognize Nicola Yoon as the author of The Sun Is Also a Star and Everything, Everything – both very well known young adult novels. Her third book, Instructions for Dancing, is a unique romance novel about a girl named Evie who doesn’t believe in love. She gets a strange power to see how every romantic couple’s relationship ends. She’s able to see all the ups and downs of relationships as she starts to fall for her new dancing partner, X. This novel has a romantic and heartfelt feeling that’s similar to the movie Tall Girl.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before → Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
In this rom-com about rom-coms, Better Than the Movies is a lighthearted, comical tale that takes the reader into the life of teenager Liz Buxbaum as she navigates a senior year full of emotional, momentous events and a chance to find her happily-ever-after. Like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, this book is full of charming and loveable characters and themes of family, friendships, and growing up.
The Summer I Turned Pretty → Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Along for the Ride is a coming-of-age romantic drama that revolves around themes of family, growing up, and finding personal freedom. It’s about two teenagers at pivotal points in their lives who find harmony with one another as they try to move beyond the past and carve a path for the future. The summertime beach setting of the book is similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty, and its heartwarming – sometimes bittersweet – story makes it the perfect beach read.
Wonder → Restart by Gordan Korman
Based on a bestselling novel, the movie Wonder is an inspiring, heartwarming tale that has captured the hearts of many around the world. Its passionate, lovable characters and theme of friendship and courage matches perfectly with the tone of Korman’s novel, Restart, which is a must-read for students of all ages.
Where the Crawdads Sing → To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, Where the Crawdads Sing is a profound and captivating coming-of-age film that is easily a modern classic. Its themes of justice and law, strength of character, and community are similar to the literary classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Lee’s profound tale about courage and the importance of doing good is an inspiring story that has left a mark on innumerable lives.
Marley and Me → A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
Sometimes you need a movie that will touch your heart and make you shed a few tears, and nothing can make you weep, laugh, or smile like a classic movie about a beloved family dog. Marley and Me is based on John Grogan’s book about his own family and their pet, and similarly to Cameron’s novel A Dog’s Purpose, it is a beautiful, poignant story filled with adventures and heartfelt moments.
With this list, you might just find your next favorite book – or movie – to enjoy. Stay tuned for the second part in this series, which will cover sci-fi and fantasy books.
Many studies suggest that listening to music can improve your ability to focus on a task at hand, but results are mixed and one thing is for sure: not all music gives the same results. There are certain songs and genres that can be distracting. The goal is to keep your music upbeat but not too fast-paced. Classical music is considered the best type of study music, but that may not be your ideal genre because everyone’s brain functions differently.
Here are some ideas for non-classical music that may improve your focus while studying.
Movie Soundtracks
Movie soundtracks are a fun way to listen to instrumental music that keeps your energy level up. You can even find loops of certain songs online like the theme from The Mandalorian. Luckily, the music that plays in movies is very accessible through streaming services. These well-paced and lyric-free songs might be just what you need when studying. Listening to music that you recognize is better because your brain doesn’t have to focus on listening to a new song.
Instrumental Covers
There are so many different instrumental covers of popular music. Some artists like The Piano Guys have covered a multitude of songs, from “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran to holiday classics like “Let It Snow.” You can easily find non-lyrical covers of most songs.
Other Languages
Listening to music in a language you are unfamiliar with gives a similar effect to listening to an instrumental. “Je te laisserai des mots” by Patrick Watson is a song in French that’s mainly instrumental with only a few lyrics. It’s very pleasant to listen to even though the French language is much different from English.
Slow Lyrical Songs
Songs with lyrics are not out of the option, but it’s best if they aren’t too catchy and distracting. For example, artists like Coldplay and John Mayer have many songs that are slower, but still fun to listen to. Fortunately, there are many diverse types of slow lyrical songs like classic country, folk, downtempo hip hop, and more.
Lo-fi
Lo-fi is down-tempo music that’s known for its relaxing feel. Many of the songs in this genre have little to no lyrics at all. These songs tend to have more of an atmospheric feel than other genres. As an example, the song “Snowman” by WYS is very relaxing. The album it is from is even called 1 Am. Study Session. Lo-fi might just be your new favorite type of ambient music.
Music is a great tool when it comes to studying and you should use it to your advantage. Picking the right tunes can help you tailor a study session that works right for you.
Pizza is a major part of U.S. culture. From parties to family dinners, pizza consistently ranks among Americans’ favorite foods. Fortunately, it’s easy to make pizza at home with the ingredients around you.
Seek parental guidance when using kitchen equipment.
Tortilla Pizza
Homemade dough takes a while to make and can be tedious. Here is a recipe for delicious pizza on tortillas that you can alter according to your topping and dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
Flour tortillas (gluten-free optional)
Pizza sauce (Marinara, BBQ sauce, etc.)
Shredded cheese (optional)
Pepperoni, olives, bacon bits, etc.
Oregano (optional)
Set the oven to 450° broil or bake.
On a baking sheet, place uncooked tortillas and spread the sauce of your choice.
Then add cheese and toppings to your taste. Add oregano on top.
Put in the oven until the edges are browned for about five minutes.
Let it cool, serve, and enjoy!
Classic Pizza Sauce
This recipe is a good alternative to store-bought pizza sauce. It’s very flavorful and goes great on any type of pizza.
Ingredients:
1 can tomato paste
1 clove garlic
1-2 tsp oregano
1-2 tsp basil
1-2 tbsp olive oil
Add olive oil to a frying pan, then add garlic and herbs. Sauté diced garlic without burning. Once the garlic is browned, you can remove it if desired.
Add tomato paste and stir well until the sauce is warm throughout.
Pizza Crust
This is a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe and is a great alternative to store-bought pizza dough.
Ingredients:
4 tbsp vegetable oil
¼ tsp salt
½ cup rice flour (white rice flour preferred)
¾ cup gluten-free flour blend
1 tbsp tapioca flour
1 packet yeast
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp psyllium husk powder
1 cup warm water
Olive oil
Garlic salt
Oregano
Combine all the ingredients except for garlic salt, oregano, and olive oil, then mix thoroughly in a mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for the dough to rise.
Set the oven to 425°. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured baking sheet. It’s best if the dough is about ¼ inch thick. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with garlic salt and oregano. Use a fork to poke some holes in the dough.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes.
Add pizza toppings, sauce, and/or cheese to your crust and bake for about 15 minutes or until desired crispiness. Watch the browning on the bottom. You can broil the top if the bottom is cooking faster than the top, but don’t take your eyes away or it might burn.
Driving. For teens, it’s a word that strikes fear into the hearts of some and the hope of freedom into others. For many, it’s an even mix of both.
Like any process, learning to drive doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, there’s a set of steps to follow if you want to be successful.
Below, you’ll find a list of everything you’ll need in taking the first step of learning how to drive: getting your permit.
What is a permit?
A learning permit, or Provisional Instruction Permit, is what you’ll need to legally be able to drive on roads (with adult supervision) as an unlicensed minor. In Oregon, you can get your permit as early as 15 if you can pass the permit test. A permit is valid for two years, but once you’ve completed the criteria for a driver’s license and have had a permit for at least six months, you can then apply for a license if you’re 16 or older.
Get your permit as soon as possible
When learning to drive, you’ll never want to push yourself too far past your comfort zone, and certainly not take risks. But in this case, while it might be outside of your comfort zone to go to the DMV and take the permit test, the sooner you do it the better.
Why? Because you don’t need to know how to drive to get your permit. But when you do want to learn how to drive, you’ll need it.
Long story short, even if you don’t feel like learning to drive right away, getting your permit as soon as you turn 15 makes it so you don’t have to worry about getting it when you eventually do want to learn. Another bonus is that once you get your permit, every minute you practice driving can count towards your experience hours required for eventually getting a license.
Studying for the permit test
The first step for studying for the permit test is not being afraid to fail. A lot of people fail their permit test the first time, and if you’re one of them, don’t stress about it. You have an unlimited number of tries: once every consecutive day for the first four attempts, and then once every 28 days after that. Obviously, you still want to pass the test on your first attempt, but if not, it’s certainly not the end of the world. Knowing that can lower your stress level heading into your first test.
Beyond that, you’ll want to pick up the latest Oregon driver’s manual before you take your first test, either by finding it online or by stopping by your local DMV for a paper copy. Everything on the test will be in that booklet, so you’ll want to read it from cover to cover at least once. Even though you won’t be able to commit everything to memory from the text, you’d be surprised what sticks in your brain. Although each permit test has a different mix of questions, you’ll want to make sure you know the basic rules of the road and what different road signs mean at the very least before you take the test. The driver’s manual is also a great resource to brush up on any driving topics you’re unsure about.
Once you have a good grasp of the content of the driver’s manual, you can start gauging your readiness for the permit exam by taking the many practice tests that can be found online. There are plenty of free test websites available, but the most accurate portrayal of what you’ll find on the actual permit exam is the one on the DMV’s website.
The final tip for preparing for the permit exam involves paying attention when in the car with an experienced driver. You can ask them to explain their thought process when driving and talk you through various roadway scenarios. Even if you don’t know the textbook answer to a question on the permit exam, you can often use these common sense rules of the road to help decipher the correct answer. This real-world experience can also pay dividends when you eventually sit behind the wheel yourself.
Taking the permit test
Check your local DMV to see whether or not you need to schedule an appointment to take your permit test. Whether you schedule ahead or not, you’ll still want to block out a lot of time for the permit exam as DMV lines can move very slow, appointment or not.
Another important step is to verify ahead of time to see what paperwork you’ll need to bring with you to get your official permit. You’ll need proof of your identity and date of birth, such as a birth certificate or passport. Your parent or legal guardian’s signature will also be required to give consent for you to get your permit. You’ll need additional paperwork with you if you want to get a Real ID. Make sure you bring the right items with you to the DMV, as you don’t want to pass the test and still be unable to get your permit.
You can find the full list of the requirements on the DMV’s website.
Also, be aware that there is a very simple vision test you’ll have to take to get your permit. The caveat is that if you take the test wearing corrective lenses or contacts, you’ll be legally required to always drive wearing them.
There’s also a $23 fee you’ll have to pay to receive your permit upon passing the test. It costs an additional $30 for a Real ID.
Once you eventually do sit down to take the test, don’t panic. Remember that you don’t have to pass the first time, the time limit is a reasonable hour, and the test is only 35 questions long. There are also no essay questions and a helpful button that pushes confusing questions to the end of the test so you can build confidence by answering the ones you know. You might not even have to answer those confusing questions if you reach the required 80% (28 correct answers) to pass before you reach them.
Getting your permit
Once you’ve passed the written test, the vision test, and have filled out the required paperwork, all you’ll have to do is sit down for a photo to be taken for your permit. You’ll receive a paper copy to use until the real one arrives later in the mail.
Once your real permit does arrive in the mail, make sure you keep it in a place where you’ll never lose it. You’ll legally need to have it with you whenever you drive, and it can also serve as an ID. If you don’t carry around a wallet yet, now is a great time to start.
When you get your permit, you’ll also be automatically pre-registered to vote.
You’ll also receive a new driver’s booklet with some tips for learning how to drive along with a space to log your experience hours, which you’ll need to get your license if you plan on getting it before you turn 18.
Be aware of the driving restrictions that come with a permit. For instance, you can’t drive on the road without an adult 21 or over in the vehicle’s passenger seat who has been licensed for at least 3 years.
Finally, take a moment to congratulate yourself. You’ve taken the first step in your driving journey.
Stay tuned for the second part of this series, which covers building driving experience with a permit and getting a driver’s license.
Have you ever been confused in math class and thought to yourself, Well, I guess I’m just not a math person.
It’s easy to think that there are some things we're innately good at and other things we just aren’t, but research involving neuroplasticity – how your brain’s neural networks can change over time – has seemingly proven otherwise. Just like how a muscle can go from weak to strong with consistent training, neuroplasticity shows that the same concept applies to the human brain.
With this in mind, it’s clear that your mindset can have a significant effect on how you respond to challenges and life-changing events. Having a positive mindset helps people learn from mistakes, break out of restrictive boundaries, and think from a realistic perspective. With a negative mindset, it’s easy to feel stuck or incapable of success, or even punish yourself for making mistakes instead of learning from them.
Stanford professor and psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck and a few of her colleagues were determined to understand how these concepts applied to students’ attitudes in academics. As they conducted their studies, they coined two mindsets that set students apart from each other when it came to success and failure: growth and fixed mindsets.
A growth mindset and fixed mindset have many different characteristics and can work differently in each individual. This was noted by Dr. Dweck, who stated, “Many growth-minded people didn’t even plan to go to the top. They got there as a result of doing what they love.”
Although scientific research is still ongoing regarding how growth and fixed mindsets affect academic performance, it’s undeniable that your attitude toward school can make a big difference.
Here are a few differences between growth and fixed mindset:
Fixed mindset
A fixed mindset typically leads to reduced motivation. Those with fixed mindsets often aren’t capable of sustaining motivation, especially when it comes to learning new things. Students with a fixed mindset often focus too much on getting the right answer. These individuals fear making mistakes, and with this belief, they reject advice and criticism from teachers and peers. Without realizing that making mistakes helps them learn, they believe that improvement is unachievable and that their skill level is innate, stuck, and “fixed.”
Growth mindset
Those with a growth mindset recognize that mistakes have value. It’s natural to get frustrated when you make mistakes, especially obvious ones. But it’s important to understand that mistakes are inevitable and help you grow. Mistakes should be taken as an opportunity to improve instead of as an outright failure. Understanding why something happens allows people to find the root cause of a problem and fix it.
If you believe that you have a fixed mindset, it is still possible to change it into a growth mindset. Changing the way you think about mistakes by reframing your attitude towards challenges is a great way to start. Failing a math test does not mean that you are “just bad at math.” Instead, failing a math test can be an opportunity for you to zero in on areas of struggle, learn something new, reassess your approach, or even improve your study habits. By learning to look for lessons in mistakes, accept criticism, and seek challenges, anyone can develop a growth mindset.
Growth and fixed mindsets help shape career choices, personalities, and future endeavors. While a fixed mindset hinders personal development and learning, a growth mindset allows students to overcome challenges and learn from mistakes.
So the next time you get a low score on a quiz, don’t wallow in despair. Instead, remember that your brain is a muscle, and work it! With the right mindset, you too can be a math person.
There are a number of benefits to attending an online school, but one downside of doing schoolwork on a computer can be eye strain. Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent eye strain while completing online assignments.
Blink More Often
When the human eye stares at a computer screen, it tends to blink significantly less than normal. This can result in dry, uncomfortable eyes. You can fight this by simply making a conscious effort to blink more often. Once you realize that this can help with eye strain, your brain will automatically tell your eyes to blink more. Also, consider using eye drops to relieve dry eyes.
Take Breaks: The 20-20-20 Rule
Giving your eyes a rest from constant screen time is a great way to prevent eye strain. There is a 20-20-20 rule that is easy and doesn’t take much time at all. Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer screen and instead at an object about 20 feet away. Do this for 20 seconds. It’s a great practice to keep your eyes healthy and happy. This is because the 20-20-20 rule improves your eyes’ ability to focus by having them switch from fixating on the computer to something further away. Also, consider taking more frequent breaks from schoolwork. Walk around, get a glass of water, and give your brain, body, and eyes a rest.
Lighting
A major cause of eye strain is the lighting on your computer and the lighting around you. If you are working late at night in a dark room, a bright screen can cause eye strain. If you are able to, try adjusting your computer’s brightness to match the room around you. There are also blue light glasses and settings on devices that can limit exposure to the harmful light rays that screens produce.
On school Chromebooks, there is a setting called “Night Light” which can make it easier for your eyes to look at your computer screen. Go to settings and search “Night Light” to find the adjustable filter.
Position of Your Computer
If possible, the best position for your computer is an arm’s length away and at a level so your eyes are just above the screen. Adjusting your chair or placing the device on a raised platform can help you position your eyes and computer correctly.
Taking care of yourself will improve your mental state and school performance. You can find these tips and more on mayoclinic.org.
Everyone has that sudden craving for something sweet at one time or another. Many people have come to call this “having a sweet tooth.” Perhaps the craving occurs on a random Tuesday afternoon, when there isn’t much time in the day to do something extravagant. Here are some recipes that can be completed in a short amount of time, while still yielding a delicious sweet treat.
Seek parental guidance when using kitchen equipment.
Pink Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a classic baked good everyone has had before. They’re easy to bake, delicious to eat, and even better with a thin layer of frosting on the top.
Ingredients:
Red and black food dye
2 cups powdered sugar
¾ cup + 4 tbsp softened butter
1 cup white granulated sugar
2 eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
Steps:
In a large bowl, mix together ¾ cups of butter and granulated sugar until thoroughly blended. Add in eggs and vanilla, then slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Once everything is combined, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
As the dough chills, combine the powdered sugar and the 4 tbsp of butter together slowly to make the frosting. If you do it too fast, the powdered sugar will make a colossal mess. If the frosting is too runny, you can add more powdered sugar, and if it’s too thick, you can add more butter.
Carefully add in the drops of red food coloring. The exact amount needed depends on the brand, and if you feel like you’ve added a lot but haven’t received the proper results, you can add a small amount of black food coloring to deepen the red. Set aside the bowl once complete.
Preheat the oven to 400o Fahrenheit and take the dough out of the fridge. Lightly flour a flat surface and roll the dough out to ½-¼ inch thick. You can use any shape you’d like to cut them out, but for this recipe uses a heart shape one. Place the dough hearts onto a baking sheet with either a silicon mat or one that has been greased and bake in the oven for 6-10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack when done and let cool completely before decorating.
When decorating the cookies, use a piping bag with a relatively small tip so that it is easier to pipe out of the bag. It is also easier to do smaller designs like polka dots or miniature hearts. It’s also easier to use room temperature frosting, but make sure it’s not too warm or it will get runny.
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry muffins are one of the most classic baked goods. There are many different ingredients you can add, including chocolate chips or nuts. This is a blueberry-only recipe so don’t worry if you don’t have anything extra to add.
Ingredients:
⅔ cup flour
½ cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
8 tsp canola oil
1 egg
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp sugar
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 400o Fahrenheit.
In a medium bowl, mix the flower, salt, sugar, and baking powder together. In a smaller bowl whisk together the egg, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix together thoroughly.
The batter will be pretty thick. Fold in the blueberries carefully so as to not break them.
Prepare the tin by placing the muffin liners in, making sure there are a couple empty cups to place water in. The water helps the tops bake better. When spooning the batter into the liners, only fill them up around halfway since they will rise as they bake.
Once the liners are full, sprinkle a little bit of sugar on top and carefully put them in the oven. Let them bake for 15-20 minutes and they will be done. Let them cool in the pan and then enjoy.
Easy Bake Crème Brûlée
People may think making crème brûlée is a difficult task, especially when the thought of “burnt” comes to mind. Crème brûlée is a custard with a hard, burnt sugar layer on the top of it. The layer of sugar is burnt to create a caramelization effect, allowing for the fanciness in desserts to live up to its name. Most of the time, people burn the sugar with a small propane torch designed for use in the kitchen. However, there is another, and much simpler, way of creating the same effect.
Ingredients:
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup milk
1 ½ tbsp white granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Water
Steps:
In a smaller sauce pan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the milk until they’re one liquid. Bring to a simmer on low-medium heat then add vanilla.
Preheat the oven to 325o Fahrenheit. While the milk/cream is heating, beat the egg yolk with 1 tbsp of the granulated sugar.
Once the vanilla is added to the cream, slowly mix the cream into the sugar-egg yolk mixture. It is critical that you do this part slowly or the custard will not set properly.
Find an oven-safe bowl around 4 inches across and 2 ½ inches deep and pour the custard into it. Place this bowl in a small bread tin filled with enough water to go about halfway up the sides of the bowl. Place in the preheated oven to bake for 40 minutes.
After you take it out of the oven, set it on a small baking tray and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. You could do this overnight but if you really want something sweet sooner, an hour is fine.
Once it’s done chilling, evenly sprinkle ½ tbsp of the granulated sugar over the top. It must be even so some spots don’t caramelize before others.
Place a tiny bowl in the oven and broil it on a high temperature. You must keep an eye on it to ensure that it is safe and kept under control. Once the top is an even golden brown color, you can take it out of the oven and let it completely cool. You can then enjoy this lovely treat!
There are many different kinds of books available to ORCA students through SORA, Epic, or your local library. If you aren’t sure what kind of books you like, check out these fun recommendations.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Ghost is a book recommended for middle school students. The story is centered around a young boy named Castle, who lives with his mom, a nurse. A track coach sees his potential as a runner and offers him a spot on the track team. Castle receives the nickname “Ghost” from his fellow teammates.
Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter
Warrior Cats is a series of 14 books. The series is about clans of cats who must protect their land from enemy felines, and train the young cats to survive. This book is recommended for grades 3-8.
Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
Jade is a teenage girl who is desperate to leave her neighborhood and shine among the successful. Her mother always tells her to take any opportunity, but sometimes it feels like more work than necessary. Piecing Me Together is recommended for ages 12 -18 (Grades 7-12).
Dream On Amber by Emma Shevah
Dream On Amber is a book about a half-Japanese and half-Italian girl named Amber Miyamoto. She and her sister Bella live with their mom after their dad left. Amber creates an imaginary dad to help her work through losing her father. Dream On Amber is recommended for children ages 10-13 (Grades 5-8).
When you need a break from the screen, strain your eyes the old fashioned way: with a good book.
Three Ways to Live in the Moment Instead of Worrying About What’s Next
By Emma Davis
Image via Unsplash
February 2023
At times, school can be stressful. When you see all of the assignments and work you have to do pile up over the week, it can feel overwhelming. One way to let go of these feelings and relax is to take ten minutes to yourself and breathe. Deep breathing and mindfulness, which is focusing on the present moment instead of worrying about the future, are some of the many great ways to let go of stress.
Whenever you have a moment to yourself in the school week, try these three calming techniques to take a break and breathe:
Square breathing
For this breathing technique, you will need to go through four different steps, like corners on a square. For step one, inhale through your nose while slowly counting to three. For step two, while you inhale, think of one memory that causes you to feel happy or calm. In step three, exhale slowly and count to three. Finally, close your eyes and think of the same happy memory you thought about earlier. You can repeat this process over again.
Your Word
For this breathing technique, you will need to think of one word. The word of your choice needs to make sense to you. For example, a word choice may be "kind" because you are trying to be more kind. Once you have picked your word, close your eyes and use that word in a way that is positive like these sentences:
Example:
I am kind
People around me are kind
I will show kindness
Kindness is real and important
Through the use of these affirmations, you are creating a more positive mindset and uplifting yourself instead of needing affirmation from outside sources.
The Hand Breathing Technique
Put your hand out. Simply put your index finger from the opposite hand on the outside of your pinky and trace it from bottom to top. As you go up, breathe in. Then, exhale as you trace the finger down on the inside of your hand. Repeat with your other fingers. By focusing on multiple feelings and actions, such as tracing your hand and breathing, this activity can help you focus on the present instead of outside distractions.
When school gets tough, take a few minutes to use the techniques above to calm down and focus on the moment instead of stressing about the future.
Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve made a New Year’s resolution… and then broken it.
We all plan to start new with a big goal and mission for self-improvement, but more often than not, these plans don’t stick. In fact, more than half of all resolutions fail – but this year, it doesn’t have to be one of yours. With each January comes a fresh start and the chance to kick off the year strong.
Here’s how to identify the right resolution to improve your life, create a plan on how to reach it, and achieve almost any goal you set for yourself.
Step 1: Find the Right Resolution
Most goals fail because they’re not the right resolutions. This may be because they are too vague or you don’t have a realistic plan for achieving your goal.
If that’s the case, try creating a SMART goal:
Specific: When setting a goal, don’t be vague about what you want to accomplish. Think about what steps you need to take to achieve your goal and identify any related obstacles or requirements.
Measurable: Quantifying your goals – that is, making sure they’re measurable – makes it easier to track progress and know when you’ve reached the finish line. What metrics will you use to determine if you’ve met the resolution? Knowing this ahead of time makes a goal more tangible because it provides a way to measure progress.
Achievable: While setting a goal, it should be realistic and something you can reasonably accomplish. Goals should challenge you to test boundaries, improve skills, and try new things without being infeasible.
Relevant: Here’s where you need to think about the big picture. Why is this goal important to you? Make sure your resolutions align with your values and long-term objectives.
Timely: Deadlines are crucial to implementing goals, as they are the driving force to taking action. Without a time limit, it is easy to lose motivation. Deadlines provide a sense of urgency so that short-term tasks don’t drag on or lose momentum. Setting a clear time frame will help solidify your goal and push you to get it done.
Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goals helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame. The key to a strong goal is beginning with the end in mind and knowing how to get there.
Did you know? You are 42% more likely to accomplish your goals if you write them down, according to a study by psychology professor Dr. Gail Matthews. Putting your goals into writing helps clarify what you want, motivate you to take action, and overcome resistance.
Although writing down your goal doesn’t guarantee that you will accomplish it, once you set a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you are halfway there.
Step 2: Take Action
So you made a plan. You have somewhere to start... but now what?
This is where the action begins – and where most people tend to lose motivation and give up on their resolutions.
Writing down your resolutions is only the beginning. A goal without action is just a wish. This is why planning a course of action and sticking with it is a crucial part of your mission.
The reason most resolutions don’t work out is because of the tendency to focus on the big picture instead of the actions to reach that goal. Whenever you embark on a new vision, you must first evaluate which habits you need to change or acquire to achieve success.
Then, start off with small steps. Taking on too much too quickly is a common reason many New Year's resolutions fail. Completing too many assignments in one day, overdoing it at the gym, or radically altering your normal routine are surefire ways to derail your plans. Instead, focus on taking tiny steps that ultimately lead you to reach your larger goal.
For instance, if you resolve to run a marathon, start out by jogging several times a week, then slowly work up to longer runs and exercise more often. While it may seem like a slow start, these small, incremental changes make it easier to stick to your new habits and increase the likelihood of long-term success. Small changes add up to big wins.
Making it a habit to work towards your goal every day is essential to achieving any resolution.
The buddy system is also a great way to find support while working towards your goal. If you and a friend decide on the same resolution, having another person there for encouragement can help keep you accountable and improve morale.
Step 3: Track Progress
Resolutions can be hard – and it’s especially difficult when you aren’t seeing any progress. This is why tracking your goal helps you stay motivated and maintain momentum.
Keeping track of your journey will enable you to see and celebrate your progress and make sure you’re headed in the right direction. These milestones show you how far you’ve come and how far you need to go. Thanks to technology, this has become easy to do.
Habit-tracking apps or spreadsheets are great tools to track the days you’ve worked on your goal and visualize your progress. Consider keeping a resolution journal to track successes and struggles. Write down your progress and the reasons you’re working toward your goal, and refer to them during times of discouragement.
Keeping track of your progress helps keep you accountable and provides an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments. Even if you haven’t yet reached your end goal, it is still important to recognize and reward the smaller successes along the way.
Step 4: Tackle Obstacles
After the first month or so, it can be easy to lose that initial spark of motivation. Keep that inspiration alive by continuing to work on your goals, even after facing setbacks.
If you suddenly relapse into a bad habit, don't view it as an excuse to quit altogether. The path toward your goal is not always a straight one, and there will often be roadblocks along the way. Instead, view these challenges as learning opportunities.
If your current approach is not working, reevaluate your strategies and develop new ones if need be. Being flexible with your plan – and even your end goal – will help you find a way to be successful. By understanding the challenges you face, you will be better prepared to deal with them in the future.
Remember that the days when you want to quit are when it is most important to keep pushing forward. Obstacles are an opportunity to build character during moments of low spirits because building a habit of quitting can be detrimental to reaching your goals.
There will always be temptations and obstacles that could easily derail you from your resolution. Planning ahead for possible obstacles can help equip you to handle the unexpected hurdles that pop up along the way. Consider the roadblocks you’ll most likely encounter and how to navigate these challenges, and then develop a plan to tackle them.
Step 5: Leap Back from Failure
Life happens. Unavoidable obstacles get in the way. So what happens if you end up not reaching your goal?
First, don’t beat yourself up. Mistakes are part of the process. But what matters is what you learn from them.
If things don’t work out, start again fresh. You don’t have to wait until another year comes around to give it another go. Improvement is all about persistence and trying again until you succeed.
The important thing is to remember your past failures and learn from them. Evaluate your resolutions – what went wrong? What techniques were effective? How can you do better next time? Find what is preventing you from achieving your goals and stick with what works.
Always remember that change is a process. Even if you make missteps, you can always restart and continue on your journey toward your goal. Achieving your resolutions can be a rough journey and is easier said than done – but in the end, the reward is worth it.
The gap between winter and spring break can sometimes feel like a marathon when it comes to school work. The lack of entertaining things to do outside of school during the winter months can make it hard to stay focused in class, especially when you’re stuck inside due to the weather.
Here are a handful of activities to do between classes that can break up the monotony of a school day:
Arts and Crafts
Coloring, painting, and drawing digitally are great ways to keep yourself busy throughout the school day. These activities are great for relaxation, fun, and boosting creativity.
ORCA Clubs
At ORCA, there are lots of fun groups and clubs you can join. Most clubs meet once a week and have interesting activities to do with your peers and teachers. Clubs are a great way to have social interactions and become more connected in the school community.
Building a Snowman
In Oregon, snow is a common occurrence in higher elevations throughout the winter months. Checking weather reports daily is a great way to see if snowfall is probable. If you get snow at your house, another fun activity to do is building a snowman. Being active and outside during breaks is a great way to improve your mood and focus when you return to your school work.
Board Games
When you need to stay inside for a while, try playing games like Twister, Guess Who?, and checkers. If you don’t have any games at your house then this is a great opportunity to make a game with any art materials around you.
Music
Music is a universal language. Listening to relaxing music can lighten the mood. Playlists can be customized based on the personalities and preferences of people you know. With the mood set, other activities can be planned for a superb family event.
These are just a few of the many activities that you can try this winter. Who knows, you might create a new seasonal tradition with your family and fight the winter slump at the same time.
Say what you want about Marvel Studios, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undeniably shaped the course of film-related pop culture for nearly a decade and a half. Over that time, nearly every other Hollywood studio has tried to copy the MCU’s signature style of humor, action, and interconnected stories. But none have hit the jackpot quite like Marvel Studios.
With the release of November’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the MCU has now completed its fourth "phase" of films, with its first starting back in 2008 with Iron Man. While Marvel Studios’ releases as of late have been wildly inconsistent in terms of quality, it’s still worth it to look back over the franchise’s memorable highs and lows as fans wait for Phase Five to begin.
Before diving into the rankings, keep in mind that the opinions expressed below are solely those of the authors. Art is subjective and therefore cannot be definitively ranked.
Films will be listed from worst to best. Non-movie productions were excluded for the sake of brevity. And unsurprisingly, be prepared for some mild spoilers below.
Tier 1: The Abysmal
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
With a weak storyline and poor overall quality, this movie didn’t hit the mark. It was so bad that Marvel recast Bruce Banner in future films and The Incredible Hulk isn’t even available on Disney Plus.
Eternals (2021)
Eternals tries to do two things: be epic and be funny. It fails at both. The result is a bloated, uninteresting film with few bright spots and some bad CGI. It’s only worth watching if you feel the need to see every MCU film.
Tier 2: The Below Average
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Perhaps the biggest disappointment for Thor is The Dark World. It is set during the present but keeps reflecting on the past, which can get a bit confusing. The film’s tone is similarly unbalanced.
Black Widow (2021)
Scarlett Johansson finally got her solo movie as Black Widow, but it wasn’t the gritty spy thriller she deserved. Black Widow was an uninspired, run-of-the-mill superhero flick with a terrible third act. The movie as a whole is watchable, but it’s not exactly rewatchable.
Captain Marvel (2019)
Brie Larson’s lead performance in this film may have been a little over-criticized, but it’s still undeniably bland and forgettable. The same could be said for the entire movie.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
It’s so bad it’s bad. Thor: Love and Thunder has an overuse of comedy, a weak plot, and a dumb villain. Coming out after the amazing production of Thor: Ragnorok, it is a huge disappointment. The cast is fun and there are a few hilarious moments, but Love and Thunder is certainly one of the weaker Marvel films.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
With Marvel going in a more magical but still in-the-real-world direction with this movie, it never finds its place in the MCU. The film did have its moments, but its inconsistency keeps it from reaching its potential.
Iron Man 2 (2010)
As the saying goes, a film is only as good as its villains, and both of Iron Man 2’s antagonists are obnoxiously bad. Robert Downey Jr. does give a great performance in this film, and his charm and personality redeem what could’ve been a very bad movie. Still, this one isn’t that great.
Thor (2011)
Thor tries to be a Shakespearean epic in a cinematic universe that’s anything but, and the result is unsurprisingly a little awkward. Still, there’s something weirdly charming about Thor’s MCU debut. However, once you notice the overuse of Dutch tilts in this film, it ruins around half of the scenes.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Age of Ultron has some fantastic concepts that director Joss Whedon fails to execute well. The superhero team-up in this movie is still a lot of fun, though it’s by far the worst of the Avengers films.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Iron Man 3 is so overstuffed and over-the-top that it almost works. There’s far too much going on at once for this to ever be confused with a good movie, but Iron Man 3 remains eccentric, annoying, and ultimately likable – much like its protagonist.
Tier 3: The Average
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
Thanks to Sam Raimi’s unmistakable direction, this Doctor Strange movie has a brand of humor and horror unique from the rest of the MCU. However, its busy visuals and inconsistent writing keep it from becoming a top-tier Marvel project.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Although Spider-Man movies are generally known for alien and mad-scientist enemies, this time the filmmakers thought outside the box. However, Spider-Man: Far From Home’s confusing storyline conflicts with its great actors, but it still makes a movie worth watching.
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Taking place at the same time as Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp’s humor is above average, and so is its action. It goes into a different and much smaller world than Ant-Man, but its CGI just isn’t as great as the first film.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Captain America’s origin movie may take place in the past, but the film quality, drama, and acting are all well-developed. While it may not reach the highs of future Marvel films, The First Avenger’s 1940s setting is a lot of fun, making this a great, watchable movie for anyone.
Doctor Strange (2016)
Doctor Strange is set in a world full of sorcerers and magic never seen before in the MCU. The CGI and acting are excellent and the storyline is amazing. However, the lack of a memorable villain keeps the film from being above average.
Tier 4: The Above Average
Ant-Man (2015)
Ant-Man’s origin story couldn’t have been better. The world is seen from such a new and fantastic perspective, making the film difficult to critique despite some minor flaws. Marvel’s casting department shines here as well, as Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, and Michael Douglas all give great performances.
Black Panther (2017)
Black Panther’s cultural impact cannot be understated, but the film itself isn’t exactly the masterpiece many made it out to be. The characters and soundtrack of this film are outstanding, but the world-building and visual effects can feel a little half-baked. While it may fall a bit short when compared to its reputation, Black Panther is still an above-average MCU film.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Call it recency bias or even sacrilege, but Black Panther: Wakanda Forever might be slightly better than its predecessor. It’s more mature and emotional than Black Panther, while the visuals are unquestionably superior. Still, the late Chadwick Boseman’s absence is definitely felt throughout Wakanda Forever’s runtime.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’s humor feels a little more forced than it did in its predecessor, but it’s still an entertaining and at times hilarious film. An excellent third act shows director James Gunn’s skill at balancing irreverent comedy with deep emotional themes.
The Avengers (2012)
Starting out a crazy run of movies from the MCU, this film is everything every Marvel project had been building to up to that point. The Avengers did a great job assembling Marvel’s roster of heroes for the first time.
Tier 5: The Great
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
One of the few true spy thrillers in the MCU, this film is worth the watch. Chris Evans’ great performance covers the movie’s occasional flaws, which are remarkably few.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
No Way Home’s writing is irritatingly poor, but the ambitious cinematic crossover it attempts makes up for a multitude of issues. This film is well-acted, surprisingly emotional, and unbelievably fun.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The sequel to Marvel’s masterful Infinity War (more on that later), Endgame wasn’t just a film. It was an event. Tasked with wrapping up the story threads of the previous 21 movies in the MCU’s infinity saga, it largely delivers on a near-impossible task. Understandably, Endgame is a little messy and disjointed – but it’s still a fantastic superhero flick in its own right that marked the end of a great era of Marvel films.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
This is Thor movie three out of four, and it’s the best by far. The mix of action and humor is balanced extremely well, and the acting is superb with a cast of A-listers. Cate Blanchett plays as Marvel’s first female villain. Her performance puts her towards the top of the list of MCU antagonists and creates some epic scenes.
Iron Man (2008)
The film that started it all. Iron Man’s success opened the door for the rest of the MCU to exist, largely thanks to Robert Downey Jr.’s larger-than-life take on the titular character. Tony Stark/Iron Man borders on being an antihero the entire film, and his avoidance of a secret identity eschews perhaps the biggest superhero cliché. And despite being filmed in 2008, Iron Man’s visual effects still hold up quite well, even better than some modern-day MCU offerings.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Possibly one of the best Marvel movies is Captain America: Civil War. Including old and new characters from all over the MCU, this action-packed and well-directed movie is definitely worth watching.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Homecoming remains a ridiculously underrated MCU film. The Spider-Man story had been told a number of times before Marvel Studios attempted their own spin – a film that skipped over the origin story everyone already knew to spend more time exploring Peter Parker’s life as he balances his superpowers and high school drama. Homecoming is a heartwarming, funny, and at times relatable film that’s held down by an excellent cast.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Still the most quotable MCU film, Guardians of the Galaxy turned a ragtag group of comic book unknowns into household names. The comedy in this film is top-notch, and for better or worse, its success influenced a massive shift towards a lighter tone in the superhero genre.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Marvel undeniably peaked with 2018’s Infinity War. The franchise’s characters and storylines converged in a genre-mashing space opera with an epic story and an iconic cliffhanger ending. Well-balanced and expertly paced, Infinity War deserves credit for turning what could’ve been a mess into the defining film of the 2010s.
The winter months are the perfect time to get cozy with a bowl of homemade soup. Soup happens to be one of the easiest ways to make a meal with whatever you have in your kitchen. It doesn't have to be perfect, and you can make your own modifications to the recipe depending on the situation.
Seek parental guidance when using kitchen equipment.
Potato-Broccoli-Bacon Soup
This flavorful soup serves four people. It is a different approach to a creamy chicken soup that’s relatively simple to make and doesn’t require pasta.
Ingredients:
3 potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold)
4 cups chicken broth (1 standard carton)
1 bunch broccoli
3 strips cooked bacon
2 tbsp GF flour blend
2 tbsp vegetable oil (preferably avocado oil)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion powder
Wash and shred two potatoes (or chop finely) and dice the third into larger pieces. You may leave the skin on if preferred. Add the potatoes and oil to a medium saucepan on medium heat, along with salt and onion powder. Cover for seven minutes. Keep an eye on the potatoes during this time to prevent burning.
Wash and chop broccoli. Dice bacon into bacon bits.
Add flour to the pot and stir. Add broccoli, then broth. Sprinkle the bacon on top and do not stir.
Simmer on medium-low heat for about 25 minutes.
Egg Flower Soup
This twist to the well-known egg flower soup serves four people. It is a great meal to have when sick due to it being easy to eat and having plenty of warm broth.
Ingredients:
8 cups chicken broth (2 standard cartons)
2 eggs
2-3 stalks celery
3 green onions
½ cup peas (preferably frozen)
¼ tsp salt
Lightly whisk the eggs and set aside. Finely chop the celery and green onions.
Add chicken broth, celery, and green onions to a medium saucepan on medium heat.
Once the celery is cooked, add peas.
Once the peas are cooked, gradually add the eggs while stirring. The eggs should cook almost instantly if the heat is at a higher temperature.
Salt to taste and serve.
Pasta is a dish beloved by many, and there are millions of ways it can be enjoyed. Some often reach for a generic jar of tomato sauce or premade sauce packet, but there are a wide variety of recipes and sauces that can be made at home. Here are some easy recipes that can be made from scratch with ingredients that might already be in the pantry.
Seek parental guidance when using kitchen equipment.
Homemade Cheddar Macaroni
Everyone is familiar with a comforting bowl of macaroni and cheese. This recipe can teach you how to make this internationally-beloved pasta without having to rely on a box mix.
Ingredients:
2 cups macaroni noodles
6 cups water
3 cups shredded cheddar
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
Steps:
Bring the water to a boil and add the macaroni noodles. Let simmer for 9-12 minutes based on the tenderness preference.
Once the noodles are boiled, set ½ cup of the pasta water to the side and drain the noodles through a colander.
Set the pot back on the stove, turn the unit to low heat, and add the butter and leftover pasta water.
Put the noodles back into the pot. Add the cheddar cheese and stir thoroughly. Add the cumin and paprika, and stir until the cheese is melted.
Turn off the heat and set it to the side. Let cool, then serve. This can also be used as a base for baked mac and cheese.
Cream Cheese & Pepper Penne
This is a dairy-based pasta that uses poblano peppers for added flavor but no spice. You can either mince all of the sauce ingredients finely or use a blender.
Ingredients:
2 cups penne noodles
6 cups water
2 poblano peppers
8 oz cream cheese
¾ cup minced cilantro
1 medium white onion
6 cloves garlic
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt (optional)
Steps:
Bring the water to a boil and add the noodles. Let it cook for 12 minutes.
While the noodles are cooking, dice the onion and add it to a blender with the garlic, peppers, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Blend until it is a paste consistency.
Once the noodles are done, save ¼ cup of the pasta water and strain. Set the noodles in a separate bowl.
Put the empty pot back on the stove at medium heat and add the blended sauce with the pasta water. Let it cook for around 3 minutes, then add the cream cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted, then pour it over the noodles.
Carefully mix the sauce with the noodles and serve.
Gluten & Dairy Free Creamy Spicy Spaghetti
This is a pasta dish specially crafted to be both dairy-free and creamy. Feel free to add any extra vegetables you think would fit.
Ingredients:
1 box gluten-free spaghetti noodles
9 cups water
1 cup plain cashews
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion
1 large bell pepper (any color)
4 cloves garlic
4 tbsp tomato paste
1 ½ tsp oregano
1 ½ tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
½ tsp cayenne pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp salt
Steps:
Set eight cups of water to boil and add the pasta. Cook according to instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Strain and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix oregano, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Set to the side.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat and add the diced onion and bell pepper, minced garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings. Sauté for 3-4 minutes and take off the heat.
Add the cashews, 1 cup water, lemon zest, and salt to a blender and blend on high for at least 1 minute.
Put the skillet with the vegetables back onto medium heat and add the blended cashew sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add pasta. Simmer for a couple more minutes and add any extra water to reach the desired consistency. Take off the heat, let it cool, and serve.
Note: If you would like to try the recipe above but don’t have cashews and can handle dairy, alfredo sauce is a good substitute.
So you fell behind in school. It happens. Maybe you were busy with something else, had tech issues, or it was just some good old-fashioned procrastination. No matter what, you’ll still need to have a passing grade by the end of the semester.
Thankfully, ORCA’s flexible format makes it possible to get back on track. If you’re starting to fight through a backlog of old assignments, here are some steps you can take to get back on schedule:
Step 1: Don’t panic
Falling behind and then panicking about it will generally just lead to falling even further behind. Even if you have a lot of catching up to do, it’s still fairly possible to salvage your grade, especially this early in December. Many classes also have a grace period to submit overdue work without a penalty.
Keep in mind that your teachers’ goal is to have you succeed in school. If you show the requisite effort with enough time left, they can do a lot to help you out.
Step 2: Make a list
To catch back up you’ll need to know what overdue assignments you need to complete. You can find this list by clicking on the bell icon in Canvas’ List View or by looking at your grade book.
If your class uses external tools for some of the assignments, such as Nearpod or Edpuzzle, they might not always show up as missing in Canvas. However, you can still look at the due dates in your grade book to find out if something is overdue even if it isn’t marked as missing. If you’re running into that issue, it can help to write the missing assignments down on paper so you don’t forget them.
Sometimes, the satisfying feeling of checking something off a to-do list can be a useful motivator.
Step 3: Find out when assignments lock
If you have a lot of missing assignments you’ll probably notice plenty of “temporary” zeroes in your grade book. But when do those become permanent? It differs with each class, so you’ll want to check to see what permanent zero policies each course has.
You can generally find this information by accessing the class syllabus in the modules of each Canvas course. If you can’t find an answer there, you can always message your teacher or just look at the “Available until” header on each individual assignment.
You’ll want to make sure to prioritize the assignments that will permanently lock soon.
Some classes have a process for unlocking assignments that were given permanent zeroes, but this varies with each course. Generally, it involves catching up on every assignment that is still unlocked. You can find information on these policies in each course’s syllabus.
Step 4: Never be afraid to ask for help
Your teachers want to pass you in your classes, so it never hurts to contact them for help. If you’re confused about a certain topic, you can request one-on-one help, and if you’re confused about a grade book policy you can always ask for clarification. Later in the year, there might even be opportunities to gain partial credit on permanently zeroed assignments.
Many courses also have pages accessible via Canvas modules or on starter pages with class-specific instructions on how to catch up if you’ve fallen behind in your school work.
You might not even need to contact any teachers for help when catching up. But if you do, never be afraid to reach out. They want you to succeed if you are willing to work for it.
Step 5: Eliminate the roadblock assignments
After using the four prior steps to get started, now the actual work begins. To catch up, you have to actually complete school work assignments, and the hardest ones to finish can best be characterized as roadblocks: big essays, tests, and projects that take up so much time and energy that they can be intimidating to even start in the first place. Procrastinating working on these assignments can delay you from completing the easier ones on the other side. These roadblocks can be the biggest culprits when it comes to procrastination and falling behind.
As a result, these are the projects that should be prioritized when catching up. Completing them will result in a major boost of confidence and remove the biggest obstacles early on. There are three tips that can help you defeat roadblock assignments, whether or not they are overdue.
The first is to take advantage of the instructions your teacher provides. Before big assignments, teachers will often provide links to helpful resources as well as a set of steps to break up the work into manageable chunks. Following these steps can make big projects much easier to complete and less intimidating.
Another helpful tip is avoiding the blank page. When writing an essay, nothing kills productivity and creativity more than staring at a blank document. To prevent this, tell yourself to write anything that comes to mind, whether or not it sounds great. By doing so, you’ll give yourself some material to work with initially. It’s much easier to edit and refine subpar writing into a great final product than it is to have a perfect first draft.
If you completed a pre-writing activity, such as an outline, before the assignment, copying and pasting some of the sentences and ideas from it into a first draft can have a similar effect.
The final tip, and possibly the hardest, is to simply tell yourself to start working on the project and not stop until it is finished. Sometimes that’s the only way to get a roadblock assignment done. You don't have to submit it right away – you can take a break and review your work later with fresh eyes to catch errors – but try to get as much of your assignment finished as possible in one sitting.
Developing the self-discipline to do so can be very hard at first, but the more often you commit to sitting down and getting something done, the easier it will become.
Step 6: Stay active in your classes
Sometimes, when students get behind, they stop attending live classes and submitting newly-assigned work to focus solely on overdue projects. This is never a good idea.
While it may seem difficult to learn in live class when you’re behind in the material, attending is a great way to show your teacher that you’re engaging in class, and you can still take notes that can help when you complete assignments in the future. Participating in a healthy learning environment with other students can also be a motivating factor.
Some courses like math and science build directly upon prior material each week. However, there is often newly-assigned work that you can complete while still being behind. Try to stay as caught up in the present as possible while still catching up on overdue schoolwork.
Step 7: Take advantage of time off
Take time to relax and recharge during weekends and breaks – but also recognize that when no new schoolwork is being assigned, it’s a prime opportunity to make some major headway in a backlog of overdue assignments.
Even if it’s just one small project or a single paragraph a day, every little bit of work done while out of school is less you have to complete during the school week. It’s a great way to catch up and you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 8: Stay caught up
Once you’ve used the prior steps to get back on track, don’t start coasting immediately. If you follow ORCA’s guidance of “every class, every day,” you’ll find that you’re only assigned a manageable amount of schoolwork each day. It only gets difficult when it piles up.
Also, try to identify the root problem that had you running behind in the first place. If life was busy and you legitimately didn’t have the time, that’s one thing. If it’s procrastination, you might have some work to do in fixing bad habits. Check out this article for tips on how to stop procrastinating.
The holiday season is a great reminder of the importance of giving back to your community. Helping others doesn’t have to be in the form of donating thousands of dollars to a charity – it can be the little things that brighten someone's day. Even if we can’t single-handedly change the world, we can still make a difference through our actions toward others.
Volunteering is a great way to give to others. There are many opportunities to serve others within a community. Whether it’s feeding people in soup kitchens or helping out at an animal shelter, volunteering is a great opportunity to spread the holiday spirit.
A homemade gift can feel even more special than a store-bought one. If you like to knit or make clothing, you can give hats, blankets, and scarves that you’ve made to homeless shelters or other charities like Project Linus, a program that donates homemade blankets to children in need. People also love to receive simple and thoughtful gifts. For example, a handmade bookmark would be perfect to give to a librarian or book lover.
Random acts of kindness go a long way and don't cost anything but time. Here are some random acts of kindness that you can do yourself during the holidays.
Video call an old friend who might need cheering up. Simply letting someone know you are thinking about them can be an amazing gift.
Leave encouraging notes, cards, or a gift basket of homemade items on a neighbor’s porch.
Send a message to an old teacher saying thank you or wishing them a happy holiday.
Sharing cookies or another holiday treat is a great way to make deeper connections with neighbors.
Giving simple compliments to others is one of the easiest ways to brighten someone’s day. You can even make it a challenge to compliment one person every time you're at a store.
Making donations can also help people get through tough times. There are drop-off sites for used clothing, shoes, and books almost everywhere. Fire stations, schools, and other organizations run toy and food drives. Even if you’re not able to give a lot, every donation adds up and helps so many people.
Giving to others is special because it helps them and makes you feel good. Doing something that feels small to you, like complimenting someone, might be just what that person needs to get through their day. No good deed is too small.
Music is a great way to relax and get into the holiday spirit. A good playlist is a great way to set the mood. It doesn’t take too long to set a list of your favorite songs that come in handy when you want music in the background while wrapping gifts or catching up on school work.
Whether you like to listen to holiday music exclusively during December or for months at a time, these five songs are a great fit for your playlist.
“Winter Wonderland” by Michael Bublé
This classic winter song may be familiar to most people. Richard Himber originally composed and sang "Winter Wonderland" in 1934. Since then, many artists have made renditions of this song, and Michael Bublé’s is one of the most popular.
“It’s Been A Long, Long Time” by Pentatonix
A capella group Pentatonix released their holiday album “Evergreen” in 2021. In the music video for “It’s Been A Long, Long Time,” they announced the release of Evergreen and their upcoming tour. It is a short tune – a little over a minute – full of warm and soft harmonies with a peaceful and lovely feeling.
“Winter Things” by Ariana Grande
This song is a chill, upbeat track about living in a warm place during the holidays while enjoying winter activities with those you love. Even without cold weather, you can make the best out of the holiday season.
“Jingle Bell Rock” by Brenda Lee
“Jingle Bell Rock” is another well-known holiday song. This one is perfect to play at home while decorating or making your favorite holiday desserts. With a cheerful and fun theme, this song will put a smile on your face.
“Hallelujah” by Pentatonix
Pentatonix covered this song in 2016, and it was wildly popular. Their voices blend seamlessly and their individual tones make the song dynamic even without instruments. The official music video for Pentatonix’s “Hallelujah” got over 689 million views on YouTube, their most viewed video ever.
The holiday season can be very busy for a lot of people. If you can, take the time to enjoy some winter music.
Nothing spreads holiday cheer better than a delicious seasonal treat. Whether it’s some sweet chocolate nougats or classic peppermint bark, there are many sweet festive desserts to whip up this holiday season.
These three no-bake, delicious delights are a great way to celebrate the festivity of the season.
Rice Marshmallow Treats
Jazz up your holiday desserts with these classic rice marshmallow treats.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp butter
3 ½ cups mini marshmallows
⅓ cups tsp vanilla extract
3 cups crisp rice cereal
Sprinkles (optional)
Heat a pan (preferably non-stick) on low heat. Add about a tablespoon of butter, cutting it into slices so it melts easier. This will help keep the marshmallows from sticking when adding it in later.
Once the butter melts, add 3 ½ cups of mini marshmallows. Use a spatula to mix the marshmallows for about three minutes or until the texture is smooth. Add in ⅓ teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix into the marshmallows.
Turn off the heat once you have the right texture (about 3-4 minutes). Add 3 cups of crisp rice cereal while mixing it thoroughly into the marshmallows to prevent sticking to the pan. Once this is evenly mixed, grab a container wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper to store the treats. Set it aside in the fridge for about 30 minutes to harden and cool.
Jazz up your bars with colored sprinkles or mini marshmallow toppings.
Note: marshmallows can be sticky business. If you find the leftover marshmallows hard to clean off the pan, running under warm water helps easily rinse off the stickiness.
Chocolate Nougat Bites
A quick and simple recipe, chocolate nougat bites are the perfect sweet treats for the holidays.
Ingredients:
1 cup marshmallows
⅓ tsp vanilla extract
1 ⅓ tbsp peanut butter (this could also be replaced with a nut-free alternative)
¼ cups chocolate chips
¼ tsp cornstarch (if needed)
Microwave a cup of marshmallows for about 10-15 seconds. Be sure not to overheat it so the sugar won’t crystalize or burn.
Add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the marshmallows and mix thoroughly. Add 1 ⅓ tablespoon of peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative if needed) and knead it in with the marshmallows. If needed, use a pinch of cornstarch to keep the mixture from sticking.
Divide the mixture evenly into 10 small nougat rounds on a tray. Grab out ¼ cups of chocolate chips and heat on a pan for 1-2 minutes using medium heat, stirring regularly to ensure an even consistency. Be sure to keep the chocolate from overheating so the texture is not chunky.
Once it is melted, spread an even coating of chocolate over the nougats. Pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is a simple but delicious treat made with two layers of chocolate and chopped candy canes. It’s the easiest holiday treat that doubles as the perfect homemade holiday gift for family and friends.
Ingredients (small serving):
¼ cups chocolate
¼ cups white chocolate (or mint chips)
⅛ tsp peppermint extract (or vanilla extract)
Candy canes
Melt the chocolate on a stove or in a microwave. If using a microwave, place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and heat in increments of 30 seconds, mixing in between increments. Be sure to stir it well to keep it melted and not burnt.
The easiest way to melt chocolate chips, especially if heating a large amount, is using the stove on medium heat, stirring regularly.
Once the chocolate is melted, add the peppermint extract (or vanilla extract if you’re not into mint) to the chocolate. Mint chips can be a great alternative to jazz up the flavor without needing peppermint extract.
Pour the melted chocolates onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet and spread the layers evenly. Sprinkle the bark with crushed candy canes and pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes until the chocolate sets.
The weather is getting colder and colder. With that frigid weather comes the craving for warm comfort foods such as bread, soup, and hot tea. Here are some unique recipes to satiate those cravings and have enough left over to share with the whole family.
Seek parental guidance when using kitchen equipment.
Gluten-Free Veggie Soup
This is a hearty veggie soup with enough volume to serve two people. You can choose to exclude the vinegar for a less pickled taste.
Ingredients:
3 cups water
½ tsp salt
½ tbsp vinegar
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp cumin
Juice of half a lemon
⅔ cup canned garbanzo beans
⅔ cup canned corn
⅓ cup sliced quartered cucumber
½ cup diced onion
1 diced medium tomato
¼ cup diced cilantro
Steps:
Boil the water, then add vinegar, lemon juice, salt, paprika, coriander, cumin, and garbanzo beans. Bring back to a boil and let it simmer for five minutes.
Add the corn, cucumber, onion, and tomato and simmer for another four minutes.
Add the diced cilantro and simmer for another minute. Set aside and let it cool before serving.
Rosemary Herb Bread
This is a homemade bread recipe that is sure to warm the heart and home. The suggested slice size would be around two centimeters thick (roughly three-fourths of an inch).
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup room temperature water
1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp instant yeast
3 cup flour
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp baking soda
2 tbsp ground rosemary
3 tbsp olive oil
Steps:
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup water with the sugar until well combined. Pour the yeast over the water and let sit to activate it.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and rosemary.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and then pour the yeast mixture in the middle of it. You’ll know if the yeast is ready if it has bubbles forming.
Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and slowly mix.
Slowly combine the last 1 cup of water. The dough should be a gooey lump and stick to the skin if you try to touch it.
If the dough is too watery, add more flour by the tablespoon until it is the right consistency. Add extra water by the tablespoon if the dough is too dry.
Dust the top of the dough with a tablespoon of flour, then cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm, dark place for 90 minutes.
Once the dough is done rising, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the oven heats, dust your hands and a flat surface with flour and take the dough out of the bowl. Knead the dough on a flat surface until the oven heats up.
Put the dough ball onto a small baking sheet and spread the last of the olive oil over the surface of the dough. This lets it form a nice crust on the outside.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, then let it cool on the stovetop for 10 minutes. Move it to a baking rack afterward to let it finish cooling before serving.
Loaded Potato Soup
Everyone loves a baked potato, but have you ever considered making it in a soup form? Here’s the answer to that question, and there’s enough to share too.
Ingredients:
4 cups water
2 peeled, sliced medium russet potatoes
¼ tsp salt
2 green onions
4 tbsp bacon bits
⅔ cup sour cream
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp cumin
Steps:
Put the water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. While the water is heating up, carefully peel the potatoes and slice them into thin circles.
Once the water is at a boil, add the sliced potatoes, bacon bits, salt, and cumin. Let simmer for 12 minutes.
After the 12 minutes have passed, use a potato masher to crush the potatoes in the water. It should make the water look cloudy with only small chunks at the end.
Add the shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onion, and mix well. Add the ingredients in that order so the cheese melts into the soup properly.
Let cool and serve.
There are few genres of film that capture the magic of cinema better than science fiction. It capitalizes on fantastical locations, head-scratching moral quandaries, and nail-biting action, combining these elements into films perfect for thinkers, escapists, and movie lovers alike.
As the wind swirls and snow and rain fall outside, consider turning on the TV, getting a snack, and enjoying these 10 great science fiction films:
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
If 2001 isn’t the greatest science fiction movie ever made, it’s at least the most groundbreaking. Directed by legendary auteur Stanley Kubrick, this 1968 epic was released before humanity knew much about space travel -- the moon landing hadn’t even happened yet. However, 2001 is incredibly accurate in many of its depictions of the solar system and space travel. Much of this is due to the film’s special effects, which were innovative then and still hold up well today.
From a technical standpoint, 2001 is brilliant, and artistically, it might be even better. The film is deliberately ambiguous but still quite focused thematically, and its classical score, juxtaposed with a chilling use of silence, perfectly captures the equally grand and empty feel of space. 2001 contains one of the greatest villains ever put to screen in supercomputer HAL 9000, and the film’s incredible visuals and scope set it apart from nearly every other movie made in its era.
2001 is on the longer side and may seem a bit pretentious to some viewers. It certainly earns its title of “Odyssey.” However, with some of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history, there should be something to enjoy in 2001 for everyone. It’s certainly a milestone… uh, monolith, in the storied history of filmmaking.
2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
2010 isn’t as good or as iconic as 2001, but it’s perhaps more deserving of a recommendation due to its underrated status. It’s not surprising that this film has flown under the radar -- it was a late sequel to one of the greatest pieces of cinema ever made, and Kubrick wasn’t brought back to direct, no less.
Predictably, 2010 has less of an arthouse feel than its predecessor, and the traditional structure leads to a less interesting start. However, 2010 improves as the movie goes on, and by the time the characters are exploring the abandoned sets of 2001, the film takes on a haunted feel that continues to build up into a fantastic finale. Comparisons to Kubrick’s magnum opus have lessened the value of 2010, but it still stands as a well-made sci-fi flick in its own right.
Arrival (2016)
Arrival isn’t about action sequences or space exploration. It’s hardly about alien invaders. Instead, it’s a film about how humanity would go about communicating with the extraterrestrial if they suddenly showed up on Earth’s doorstep. The result is a movie that’s both moving emotionally and surprisingly accurate in its depiction of the science of linguistics.
Directed by the talented Denis Villeneuve (who would go on to direct 2021’s Dune), Arrival is a gorgeous film with some unique alien designs and superb cinematography. It’s excellently scripted as well and boasts some star power with the likes of Forest Whitaker, Jeremey Renner, and a great lead performance by Amy Adams. Arrival’s deep themes are executed quite well, resulting in one of the best sci-fi movies of the past decade.
Contact (1997)
Contact’s greatest strength is what it could’ve easily mishandled: the debate between faith and science. Based on a Carl Sagan novel of the same name, Contact treats both sides of the argument with respect while simultaneously exploring several big ideas.
The film has a great cast with Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey in starring roles and solid direction from Robert Zemeckis. Contact’s 90s visuals have aged solidly but not perfectly, and while the film takes a few missteps on the way to its finale, it sticks the landing well. It’s the type of film the viewer will be thinking about long after the credits roll.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Edge of Tomorrow isn’t as much of a thinker as the other films in this article, but it still has more than enough aliens, futuristic tech, and mind-bending time manipulation to fit the tone of the list. The film combines the action of Pacific Rim with the structure of Groundhog’s Day to form one of the most unique and memorable blockbusters of the past few years.
Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in this futuristic war movie as all of humanity is pitted against a seemingly unbeatable army of alien foes. The result is a mix of breathtaking action, some well-placed humor, and undeniably awesome mech suits. The late Bill Paxton’s entertaining performance in a supporting role is a highlight as well.
Inception (2010)
Inception might be the closest to a true modern classic on this list. Director Christopher Nolan’s impressively original premise of a high-tech thief infiltrating dreams to steal valuable information might sound strange on paper, but Inception spins it into an incredibly engaging final product.
Every scene is a visual masterpiece, and the action is heightened due to the laws of physics and time shifting constantly. Inception is emotionally impactful as well, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, and the rest of the ensemble cast delivering on an equally impressive script. Composer Hans Zimmer’s score, especially the main theme, is worth a listen as well.
Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar is all about the experience. Watch it on the biggest screen and with the loudest speakers possible. Everything in this film is supersized and ambitious, from the sweeping, organ-led score to visuals that try to portray the infinite vastness and majesty of space. Even Interstellar’s scope is massive, as the film revolves around humanity trying to find a new home away from a famine-stricken Earth, punctuated with themes of love, sacrifice, and the explorer’s spirit.
But more impressive is that no matter how over-the-top Interstellar can be, it still strives to remain as scientifically plausible as it can. A theoretical physicist was consulted throughout the movie’s production, and as a result, the depictions of time dilation, interstellar travel, wormholes, and more all fit within the realm of possibility. Interstellar showed a black hole on-screen before real pictures of one even existed, and due to the filmmakers’ extensive research, when the first pictures of a black hole were revealed in 2019, Interstellar’s visuals still held up quite well. An impressive feat indeed.
Jurassic Park (1993)
It’s impossible to talk about sci-fi films without bringing up Steven Spielberg at least once, and this list’s mention of the legendary director’s work will be 1993’s influential Jurassic Park. It’s a near-flawless blockbuster full of iconic scenes, dinosaurs brought to life, and a classic score by the one and only John Williams.
While Jurassic Park incorporates many horror elements and is at its core a commentary on corporate greed, the film is still permeated by the childlike wonder found in much of Spielberg’s work. It’s a must-watch for anyone with a television.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Talk about a difficult pitch. The 2010s’ Planet of the Apes trilogy may have been a soft reboot of an iconic 60s and 70s movie series, but getting a studio to spend millions on a set of films revolving around sentient primates taking over the globe can’t be easy. Especially when the trilogy takes its ridiculous concept as seriously as it does.
But Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and the following two movies in the trilogy, are quality science fiction. Andy Serkis delivers a compelling performance despite being behind a motion capture suit, and the trilogy tackles some extremely heavy themes behind its flawless CGI. These movies have no right to be as good as they are, yet they remain one of the finest film trilogies in recent memory.
The Martian (2015)
Based on one of the best sci-fi novels of the past few years, The Martian is a top-notch space film directed by one of the greats of the genre: Sir Ridley Scott. Starring Matt Damon as an astronaut stuck on Mars in the not-so-distant future, The Martian somehow makes science cool with its snarky humor and engaging story.
Like many of the entries on this list, The Martian contains some impressive scientific accuracy, with its worst case of implausibility being a sneaky reference to the source material -- a scenario the book specifically says wouldn’t happen because it would only work in a movie. At the end of the day, The Martian manages to strike the right balance between a feel-good movie and one that is incredibly suspenseful. It’s an effortlessly watchable film.
As you might have noticed, science fiction flicks from legendary franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and Star Trek were excluded due to most having heard of them or watched them before. And if that’s not the case, take this as a recommendation to go do so. Additionally, any films rated R were left out to ensure this list contains only school-appropriate films rated PG-13 or lower.
It’s impossible to write a list of every sci-fi film worth watching, as there are just too many great ones. However, with this list, you might just find some new great films for movie nights this winter.
Coding, the art and science of writing instructions for a computer program, is a fun and rewarding activity, but it may be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, there are many resources that are accessible on school Chromebooks.
For beginners, Scratch is a great place to start. Scratch focuses on the use of block-based coding, but introduces simple coding concepts like “if" statements and “for" loops. Coders can create complex projects on Scratch – for example, a Scratch user coded and developed a 2D version of Minecraft.
For an alternative source that is a bit more technical, Microsoft MakeCode Arcade is another great program that has many options. It has a steeper learning curve than Scratch since it not only supports block code but also Python and JavaScript. Learning Python and Javascript can help in the game design industry. For example, you can make an online game using JavaScript, and Python has a library (additions to the code to support a wanted function) called Pygame.
If you want to learn coding languages, then check out w3Schools, which has information on all sorts of languages, including C, JavaScript, and Python. w3Schools also has its own Integrated Development Environment (IDE) called the “Try It Yourself Editor.”
Khan Academy also has a great computer programming course which includes HTML, JavaScript, and a little bit of SQL. Similar to Scratch, Khan Academy is the home of many fantastic user-created projects, including replicas of popular games like Minecraft, Doodle Jump, and Geometry Dash. The website also has an active, school-safe learning community for those looking to collaborate on programs or give and receive feedback. Khan Academy also has an interesting Computer Science course.
Another great IDE is Replit, with a massive collection of coding languages to program in, and those coding languages have their own libraries. Replit also has some funny programming languages like LOLCODE, which is a programming language that utilizes the language of the meme world.
ORCA’s ASCEND Computer Science pathway also offers courses that specialize in game design and programming. There is also a K-8 Coding Club for those who want to improve their programming skills and interact with other students interested in computer science.
Programming can feel like an intimidating world of ones and zeroes, but there are a number of excellent, free options online that can make the learning process fun and stress-free. If you’re interested in programming, you can check out the resources mentioned or contact a computer science teacher at ORCA for more information on which related courses you could sign up for in upcoming semesters.
November 1 is National Authors Day, a day to recognize books and authors alike. Whether they're writing for a cause, helping young students learn morals, inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams, or encouraging imaginations to take flight, authors allow us to discover new genres and content that are enjoyable.
Here are a few of our favorite titles from the staff at The Current to help ORCA kick off this month strong.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Rec. by Annalaina Yip)
Written by John Green, the co-founder of the educational Youtube channel Crash Course, this book tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl who is caught in a bind between love, terminal inevitabilities, and grief. Hazel Grace has had many attempts to live her life to the fullest, until things take a turn for the better – or have they? With endless love from her parents, Hazel Grace finds herself by the side of Augustus “Gus” Waters, the love of her life, after she meets him at a cancer support group. At times, she feels ashamed to be with him, knowing awfully well that if given a chance, she would break someone’s heart. However, Gus makes her feel alive. Their bond strengthens as the days grow longer and their love grows stronger. Will their hearts stay whole or will one be broken?
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier (Rec. by Kenna Stewart)
This novel is the first of a trilogy about a teenager named Gwyneth whose ancestors are time travelers. Gwyneth’s cousin Charlotte was supposed to be the next to carry the special gene, but when Gwyneth finds herself jumping to the past, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. With help from Gideon, a fellow time traveler, she faces many challenges and adventures that take her across time.
The Mortality Doctrine Series by James Dashner (Rec. by Keagan Stewart)
When a gamer named Michael discovers that a rogue hacker named Kaine is trapping gamers inside the VirtNet and not letting them leave, he knows he must use his hacking skills to stop him. Sarah and Bryson, online friends Michael has never actually met in real life, want to help him stop Kaine from terrorizing gamers. In this three-book science fiction series, join Michael and his friends while he tries to stop Kaine’s forces inside and outside the VirtNet, where it’s impossible to tell what is reality and what is virtual.
This year, ORCA’s English Language Arts teachers are recognizing National Authors Day as an important holiday that brings awareness and remembrance to those who wrote students’ wildest dreams. Many ELA teachers will be opening up an optional discussion board to encourage their students to share their favorite titles and write a small summary.
November 1 is a day to celebrate the many authors who have written excellent novels that have helped change society, bridging a way to understand issues and shaping history. By celebrating National Authors Day, we can honor the authors that have made an impact in society and in the lives of their readers.
Note: Seek guidance from an adult when using kitchen equipment.
Two months into the school year, your class routine has probably been set. However, sometimes there are situations where Zoom meetings are back-to-back, leaving only 5 to 10 minutes before the next class. This doesn’t leave much time to prepare meals, and especially around lunch time, there is barely a chance to eat a nutritious meal before the next meeting. This can lead to lower energy levels and make it harder to focus during lessons. Students can easily complete these recipes between classes to create a healthy lunch in time to join the next meeting.
Spiced Creamy Ramen
This is a recipe that will require pre-boiled water, so putting a pan with 2-3 cups of water onto the stove or turning on an electric kettle is recommended.
Ingredients:
1 serving ramen noodles (an individual packet)
¼ cup sour cream OR 2 oz. cream cheese
¼ tsp basil
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cumin
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 pinch salt
1 minced green onion
1 tsp soy sauce
2-3 dashes of hot sauce (optional)
1 tsp chili oil (optional)
Steps:
Set the water to boil – you can do this in the background, but keep an eye on it.
Add ramen noodles, cream cheese or sour cream, and basil into a heat-safe bowl.
Add the boiling water. Let it sit for three minutes. You can prepare ingredients in the meantime.
Once the noodles are cooked you may add the rest of the ingredients. Wait until cool to eat.
All Encompassing Sandwich Wrap
The title may seem ominous but it’s named for a simple reason: there’s food from every part of the food pyramid in this one sandwich wrap.
Ingredients:
1 tortilla
Around 1-2 tbsp mayonnaise
3 slices of sandwich ham (or other sliced deli meats or vegetarian alternatives)
3 tomato slices
2 leaves of lettuce
Crushed black peppercorns
Steps:
Lay the tortilla on a flat surface and spread mayonnaise evenly.
Layer the ham flat and do the same with the tomato slices on the tortilla.
Add the cracked pepper.
Lay the lettuce leaves side by side over the other ingredients.
Roll up tightly like a burrito (be careful, as it will want to unroll).
(Optional) Repeat the steps above to make more wraps if desired.
Lentil & Chickpea Soup
This one will take a bit longer due to the fact it has lentils in it. This is for the occasion when you have a little more time for food prep. If you are lactose intolerant, you do not have to add the sour cream.
Ingredients:
¼ cup canned chickpeas
⅛ cup dried lentils
⅛ cup canned black beans
1 cup water
Rough handful raw spinach (de-stemmed if preferred)
¼ tsp cumin
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp table salt
Half of a tomato (diced)
(Optional) sour cream
Steps:
Add the lentils and water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Add the tomato, cumin, paprika, and sour cream (if included).
Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes and add the spinach, chickpeas, and black beans. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Allow soup to cool and add salt or water if it ends up too thick for your preference.
Autumn is here, and these six Korean songs may be the perfect match to the pumpkins and falling leaves. This selection includes a variety of songs from soft ballads to melancholy pop.
Here are six fall tracks to add to your autumn playlist this year.
“Autumn Morning” by IU
This song was released in 2017 by beloved South Korean singer IU and was a success in South Korea, topping all major music charts. “Autumn Morning” has a homey, minimalistic feel that starts with a relaxing acapella. The song is about a man reflecting upon his favorite memories on an autumn morning.
“We’re Already” by KIMMUSEUM
KIMMUSEUM’s hit “We’re Already” was released in 2021 as the first OST (Original Soundtrack) for the popular Korean drama Nevertheless. “We’re Already” is a compelling, energizing song with heartwarming lyrics.
“I Can’t Run Away” by SEVENTEEN
“I Can’t Run Away” is a B-side track of Attacca, the ninth mini album of well-known South Korean boy group SEVENTEEN. Behind a dramatic beat, this song has meaningful lyrics about vulnerability and overcoming challenges when you're losing hope.
“Dad” by D.O.
South Korean boy group member D.O.’s solo debut mini album consists of eight diverse songs, including “Dad.” This song starts off with a simple tune and progresses to a refreshing climax. The sudden drop in this song brings it personality and uniqueness. “Dad” is about the emotional connection between a child and father, providing the perfect chance to reminisce about autumn memories.
“Hurt” by NewJeans
By rising South Korean girl group NewJeans, “Hurt” is a B-side to the group’s debut album. This track has a simplistic foundation, but this feature gives it a crystal clear freshness that not many songs have. In addition, the repetitive yet addicting lyrics are perfect for the moody autumn weather.
“Magic Island” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER
“Magic Island” starts off with a high-pitched whistle that introduces the main melody of the song. By South Korean boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER, the song’s lyrics and melody have a magical quality. The soothing music produces a calming effect that is the right fit for the autumn vibe.
This autumn, try listening to these six downtempo Korean songs to get you in the fall mood.
It’s that time of year again. New classes, new teachers, and new classmates. Going back to school can be daunting and quite stressful. After three months of summer break, it can be challenging to feel excited about going back to the classroom.
But with a new school year comes a fresh start, and with these seven timely tips, you can kick off the year strong.
1. Start the Day Right
Developing a daily routine will provide a sense of consistency as you tackle your course load throughout each day. It’s a good idea to set a designated time to wake up, eat breakfast, and start school. Figure out your class schedule and follow it throughout the day. By creating a schedule, you can organize your most important tasks and get those done on time.
Habits don’t form overnight. The key to long-term success is persistence. Committing to good habits allows you to stay on track, do your best work, and achieve any goal you set for yourself. It can take time to get into the groove, but adding a little structure to your day can help.
2. Keep Track of Tasks
Setting a list of goals and tasks you need to complete is the best way to stay on track. This to-do list may include assignments, due dates, test prep, creative projects, goals, chores, or other items you plan to accomplish in a specific time frame. Google Calendar or an academic planner is a great tool to schedule important tasks, dates, and events in advance.
Did you know? When you write your goals down, you are 42% more likely to accomplish them, according to a study by psychology professor Dr. Gail Matthews. Start small by writing down your plans for each day, and check your list throughout the day. It’s that simple – and you’ll find that it results in a tremendous boost in productivity.
Use Canvas’s planning tools to your advantage. On your Dashboard, you will have the option to view your courses and lessons via Card View, List View, and Recent Activity. On List View, you will be able to see all your assignments (missing and upcoming) and other scheduled classes at a glance. However, List View does not show everything on the Weekly Starter Page – only items with due dates. It is important to check the Weekly Starter Page (through Card View) for each class every day to make sure you’re on track. Setting reminders on your phone or Canvas app can help remind you about classes, due dates, and graded assignments.
3. Create a Clear Study Space
Distractions – from friends to cell phones and loud siblings – are everywhere. Rummaging through a cluttered desk and checking every phone notification can easily break your focus. Keep all distractions “out of sight and out of mind” by turning notifications off or putting away games and electronics.
Find a clean and quiet space to study, preferably a desk or someplace comfortable. If complete silence is hard to find, using headphones or listening to music can help drown out background noise. It is important to communicate with other people in your household to help establish a study space that works for you.
4. Take Breaks
Studying doesn’t always come easily. It can be easy to lose focus, even if you have carved time out of the day for it. If this sounds like you, try to pair this task with a reward.
For every hour or so that you spend working on a task, give yourself a little break to do things you enjoy – grab a snack, take a short walk, or do something to get your body moving. Breaking up your study time will prevent brain drain and help you avoid procrastination. But for this to work properly you have to be intentional with managing your breaks and making sure the task merits the reward – one hour of studying shouldn’t result in four hours of TV.
Timely tip – The Pomodoro Method is an effective technique to help you work time over task. Using a timer, break down your work into 25-minute increments, separated by a short five-minute break. This way, you’ll focus more on the task at hand and keep yourself from distractions.
5. Stay Engaged
Attend live classes on a regular basis and participate – ask questions, take part in discussions, and get involved in class activities. If you can’t make it to one, recordings and resources are available to catch up.
Your teachers are here to help. If you find that you are struggling with a lesson or have a question, reach out. Scheduling one-on-one meetings or calls with your teacher is another great option to find extra help.
Remember, the sooner you ask for help, the better. If you can recognize that you’re starting to fall behind early on in the semester, there’s a better chance of getting caught up before midterms or finals.
6. Get Involved in the Community
As a student, one of the most important ways to prepare yourself for success after high school is to explore different areas of study and extracurricular activities that you are passionate about. By getting involved in your community, you will have more opportunities to explore your interests and refine which areas of study you want to pursue in the future.
Find clubs that interest you, join student organizations, or volunteer in your community. The extra hours you put into extracurricular activities and work are a crucial component of college and job applications.
7. Stay Ahead
While starting new classes, remember that your attitude about this school year can impact your performance all year long.
It’s easier to keep up an A if you do your best from the start and stay on track instead of slacking off and having to play catch-up the rest of the semester. Mentally prepare yourself to put your best foot forward in the first half of the semester and try to stay on track as long as you can. You may be surprised by how far you’ll go.
Success comes from persistence and hard work. Once you learn to tackle the obstacles that come with fighting procrastination and staying motivated for school, you’ll be able to start off strong by forming good study habits and setting yourself up for success.
This month, wearing the color blue signifies bullying awareness. Across the globe, students who attend virtual and brick-and-mortar schools are bullied for being different. According to 2019 survey data from the Centers for Disease Control, 16 percent of high school students reported being bullied electronically in the previous year.
As of last year in brick-and-mortar schools, nine out of ten LGBTQ+ students reported getting harassed and bullied, according to STOMP Out Bullying. These attacks range from physical assault to harassment and can lead to negative influences on mental health. In October, ORCA counselors are urging students to open up and share their experiences with a trusted adult or counselor.
Ms. Hammond, a high school counselor at ORCA, gave a word of appreciation in a recent interview, saying that she is grateful for her students and understands that it can be hard to get your voice heard about this issue. She appreciates students putting their trust in ORCA staff in times of need, as they work to provide help.
It’s important to tell a trusted adult if bullying or inappropriate content starts to become an issue. This is especially true when it comes to connecting with people on social media.
Bullying can take many forms. When bullying happens in a virtual environment it is called cyberbullying. Consequently, social media is one hotspot for cyberbullying among students. Even though this won’t work on school-issued Chromebooks, some students that communicate outside of school have accounts linked to popular social media platforms. According to a study by Security.org, a technology research firm, many social media platforms have consequential effects on mental health. Users of Youtube, Snapchat, Tiktok, and Facebook report the highest percentage of cyberbullying: 79 percent for Youtube, 69 percent for Snapchat, 64 percent for TikTok, and 49 percent for Facebook.
Cyberbullying can cause unwanted attention to the victim, such as when harmful messages are sent via an image, video, or text. Mrs. Churchill, one of ORCA’s middle school counselors, pointed out that cyberbullying attacks can range from insulting to harassing behavior.
After these incidents, how well do students respond mentally? According to the Security organization, their study showed that half of teens that have experienced cyberbullying were angry, a third was hurt mentally, and about fifteen percent were scared about their experience. Two-thirds of 12-year-olds said that it has negatively affected how they think about themselves.
However, there is help available. In a call to action, ORCA’s middle school and high school counselors have teamed up to bring awareness into the hearts of all students school-wide. According to Riverside Medical Clinic Foundation, about 70 percent of students have reported that they are not confident in their school’s handling of bullying situations. Fortunately, counselors are raising awareness, and taking action in hopes that their efforts can make a difference at ORCA.
To raise awareness, Ms. Churchill encourages students in middle school to attend their assigned advisory class for a presentation that she and other middle school counselors will be hosting. Speakers will share information regarding Bullying Awareness Month, preventions, interventions, and encourage students to share their experiences. Afterward, a Q & A will conclude the presentation.
For high school students, Ms. Hammond will be putting information and other resources to combat the effects of bullying on her counseling page, and all other high school counselors will follow in her steps. As of October 1st, “We will be encouraging staff and students to wear blue throughout the month (i.e. during live classes),” she stated. With all of the extra resources provided on the middle school and high school counselor pages, students can stay up-to-date and continue the fight to end bullying. With encouragement from our counselors, students and staff aren’t just wearing blue because it looks nice, but also to emphasize how showing kindness can help eliminate bullying. Ms. Hammond applauds students who report these incidents, especially if they have done so in the past and not received enough support.
On a related October note, don’t forget to keep track of World Unity Day. Ms. Hammond notes that “On October 19th we will celebrate World Unity Day, and we will all wear orange,” a departure from the anti-bullying blue that is encouraged throughout the month. By wearing orange on the 19th, students can celebrate each other's differences and make a point to accept one another no matter what. According to National Today, orange is selected for this particular day as a symbolic example of safety, protection, and visibility.
Bullying is an issue that requires vigilance and kindness. This month, blue and orange aren’t just colors, they are symbolic reminders of the effects that bullying can have on students, and that the kindness that we form in our virtual environment can create an inclusive learning environment for all students.
For more information regarding bullying, how to reach out for help, or World Unity Day, please talk to your counselor in your grade band, or check out these sites for resources: STOMP Out Bullying, National Today, the Security organization, Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, and the Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation.
October is the month when bullying awareness takes center stage. It doesn’t matter if you attend virtual or brick and mortar school, one out of five students have reported being bullied, according to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. This epidemic raises alarm bells for teachers, schools and administrators. Many authors have lent their pens to this cause, taking a stand to protest bullying.
Here are a few books that can be read in support of anti-bullying this October.
Patina by Jason Reynolds
As a sequel to the novel Ghost from the Track Series, author Jason Reynolds captures the feelings of balancing hurt and trust. Patina is trying to fit into her new environment, but it’s hard when she doesn’t trust anyone. Patina is the fastest runner out of all of her classmates, and therefore she pursues her passion of track. However, she does this for many reasons that others might not understand: her mom, her classmates’ taunts, and the fact that she doesn’t enjoy her new school or the new transition that she was forced to accept. She keeps her pain to herself. However, her whole life turns upside down when she learns an upcoming meet will be a relay instead of an individual race. Will Patrina be able to trust others enough to complete this relay?
Hello, Universe by Eric Entrada Kelly
As a Newbery medal-winning novel, this story shows the point-of-view of four different kids. Two are boys and two are girls. All of these young people have nothing in common; they are thrown together by the forces of nature when their classmate is in need of help. Valencia, Kaori and Gen must help Virgil and his guinea pig, who are both stuck at the bottom of a well. As humorous as it sounds, it's up to the readers to find out the rest of the story for themselves.
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
Viv is a sixteen year old girl that knows what is right and fights for it. But she experiences mistreatment every time she walks the halls and even struggles with the school dress code. She feels something has to be done. As she forges friendships to help her cause, she finds that friendship helps break the boundaries related to popularity.
Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
In a balance between friendship and morals, Georges, a name with a silent ‘s’ at the end, must make the choice between right and wrong. Allying with a twelve year old neighbor, Georges makes an unsettling discovery. Both friends live in the Brooklyn apartment that Georges just moved into. However, as their investigation of a mysterious neighbor upstairs escalates, Georges starts to question their friendship. Will Georges stand up to his only companion even if it means risking their whole friendship, or will he blur the lines to let it slide?
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks, Gita Varadarajan
Struck by the same bully, Ravi and Joe have to take control of their lives before it’s too late. Joe’s life was perfect until his best friends moved and then everything changed. Joe and his new classmate Ravi didn’t get along at first, as they felt they didn’t have anything in common. However, they did share something. It was their school bully.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
August Pullman was born with a difference that affected the way many of his classmates and others saw him, but it didn’t affect the love that his family had for him. Nicknamed Auggie, he tries to find acceptance in a world that can’t always handle differences. As he journeys to reach out to more people, such as his sister, his classmates, and many others, his big heart works to change the way other people look at those who are different.
October is an important month to start recognizing that bullying creates an unsafe environment. These novels will help remind you of the many forms bullying can take.
There’s a bit of mystery in every novel, from a hidden past to a cliffhanger ending. What a lot of people love about the mystery genre is the promise of unexpected plot twists. You never know who to trust or what might be lurking in the shadows.
Here are four young adult novels in this riveting genre.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Inheritance Games has become wildly popular in the years since its release. The story follows Avery Kylie Grambs, a clever high school student who suddenly becomes the heir to billionaire Tobias Hawthorne – a man she’s never even met – after he leaves her everything in his will. All she has to do is live in his mansion for a year – if she can survive that long. Thrown into the crazy Hawthorne family, she meets Tobias’ four grandsons and an abundance of mind-twisting puzzles. Avery starts to question everything she’s known about herself and becomes a sleuth on a mission to discover why she inherited 46.2 billion dollars from a supposed stranger.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
The first of a trilogy, this novel brings the worlds of fantasy and mystery together with unique settings and plenty of chaotic magic. Two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, used to dream of going to Caraval – a performance that only happens once a year where the guests are part of the show. Now that they are reaching adulthood, Scarlett has given up dreaming of going to the performance until Tella gains tickets to participate in the games. Without permission from their monstrous father, they sneak away with help from a sailor to the magical, dangerous world that is Caraval. Will they make it out alive?
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Naturals is about Cassie, a 17-year-old profiler who is recruited by the FBI to join a classified program that uses a few remarkable teenagers to solve cold murder cases. She goes to Quantico to live with four other teens who all have skills and pasts as complicated as her own. She begins learning how to hone in on her abilities with help from mentors and fellow teen profiler, Dean. Everything is not what it seems when a killer’s targets are too close to home and the Naturals find themselves working together to survive.
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Emily Hughes’ best friend Sloane abruptly goes missing without warning. The only clue Sloane left behind was a list of adventurous activities to complete like “Hug a Jamie” and “Steal something.” Emily sets on a quest to complete everything on the list, convinced it’s the only way to find Sloane where she might just find herself. This novel is more on the side of contemporary fiction and is great for anyone testing the waters of mystery for the first time.
True mystery novels keep you on the edge of your seat and up late reading just one more chapter. Give one of these books a try soon.
Oregon is known for its remarkable natural beauty. The topography of this state is very diverse, from volcanic mountains to rocky beaches and high-elevation plateaus. Perhaps one of Oregon’s more underlooked natural opportunities for adventure would be rockhounding.
If you are unfamiliar with the term, rockhounding is the act of searching or hunting for rocks or fossils. With the various landscapes across Oregon, there is a vast amount of rocks to be found.
Arguably the most well-known stone that’s searched for on the Oregon Coast is the agate. They are translucent and, if you hold an agate to the light, the color of the stone should become clearer and will shine a bit. There are specific beaches where you can find beautiful large agates. Oceanside is a nice place to find agates, but the beaches are generally off-limits to the public. Less than two miles north of Oceanside you’ll find Short Beach.
True to its name, Short Beach is of modest size and pretty closed off from the rest of the coast. It’s like a secret little slice of paradise. You have to park on the street and take a short hike down to the beach. Instead of being greeted by sand, the beach is full of rocks. Closest to the water is where you’ll find jaspers, fossilized seashells, chalcedony, lots of sea glass, and agates.
Other Oregon beaches where you can find agates include Moolack Beach, Nelscott Beach, and Gold Beach. The best time to go rockhounding on the coast is during low tide when the waves recede and reveal more stones.
In Lake County, Oregon, Glass Butte holds varieties of obsidian, including black, rainbow, pumpkin, fire, and mahogany. Obsidian has a glassy look and typically is jet-black in color. According to the USDA Forest Service, at Glass Butte, there is obsidian you can collect on the ground surface or you can also dig for preferred material. If you plan on rockhounding, be sure that what you do is safe and legal. Check local laws and regulations to find out the amount of rocks you can collect in designated areas. Although many types of public land in Oregon allow small amounts of rock to be collected from the surface, some areas would consider rockhounding as theft. It’s important to research property lines and rules before setting out.
If you plan on digging at a rockhounding site, these materials will come in handy:
Supportive shoes
Portable shovel
Rock pick
Gloves
Safety glasses
Bucket
Water
Near Madras, Oregon, resides the Polka Dot Agate Mine and the Canyon Rim Thunderegg Bed. This spot is known for holding agates that have many spots, hence the name, and an abundance of large thundereggs. This mine is open to the public and a great excuse for an excursion with family and friends.
There are many ways to make use of the rocks you might find while hounding. Stone jewelry has recently exceeded in popularity and it’s surprisingly easy to make rings with collected rocks. People also decorate their gardens or give away rocks they found as gifts.
What is great about rockhounding is that it’s usually free with many places and opportunities to explore. While you are in nature adding to or starting your collection of stones, take the time to appreciate the scenery. Oregon is a prime location of natural beauty, so you might as well enjoy it.
Read more about rockhounding in Oregon and what’s important to know before setting out on the hunt at “Oregon is a Rockhounding Paradise: All the Best Public Sites Are Right Here” on thatoregonlife.com.
Movie nights are a classic way to spend time with family and friends. With television comes the need for tasty snacks. Whether you and your loved ones prefer soap operas or action-packed films, these easy recipes are a great addition to the fun.
Snack Mix
The great thing about snack mixes is that it’s easy to create many different flavor combinations. Here’s a salty mix you might find appetizing:
Corn Chex cereal
Pretzels
Goldfish crackers
White cheddar Cheez-Its
Bugles
Vegan Cheesy Popcorn
Many people are eating vegan and recreating classic snacks. This popcorn recipe is guilt-free – and, of course, delicious.
Ingredients:
⅓ cup popcorn kernels
3-4 tbsp refined coconut oil
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon salt
Steps:
Use a spice grinder to grind the nutritional yeast flakes to a fine powder and set them aside.
Heat oil on medium in a large pot.* Add a few kernels to test the temperature of the oil.
Once the few kernels have popped, add the remaining popcorn, and cover. Shake the pot every several seconds to evenly coat the kernels.
Remove the pot from the stove when the kernels have all popped.
Quickly add the nutritional yeast and salt. Cover the pot again and shake it to coat the popcorn.
Remove the lid, stir, and serve warm.
*Seek parental guidance when using a hot stove.
Pico De Gallo Dip
This Latin American dish is often called Salsa Fresca and originated from Aztec culture. It’s a fresh dip that is great with tortilla chips and won’t be too spicy for the family.
Ingredients:
4 tomatoes
4 avocados
1 sweet onion
¼ cup fresh cilantro
1 tbsp lemon juice
Garlic salt
Parsley flakes
Fresh ground pepper
Steps:
Chop all the vegetables and mix in a large bowl.
Add spices to taste and serve.
These simple recipes are a great way to fulfill you and your family’s movie night snack cravings.
In the May edition of The Current, ORCA students and staff were asked to contribute one song each to a first-of-its-kind school playlist. The ORCA community responded with over 30 responses of differing genres. From meme songs to pop, to rock, and everything in between, The Current is proud to announce the 2022 ORCA playlist.
The list of songs can be read below:
"Original," Sia
"Can't Help Falling in Love," Pentatonix
"Fireflies," Owl City
"Still Life," BIGBANG
"Emerald Hill Zone," Masato Nakamura
"Joy," Andy Grammar
“Baby Shark,” Pinkfong
"Never Gonna Give You Up," Rick Astley
“Wait a Minute!” Willow Smith
"I Lived," One Republic
"Birth of the Sun," Xtrullor
“Relate,” King and Country
“Relax,” Superorganism
“Willow tree,” Rival, Cadmium, Rosendale
"The Chauffeur," Duran Duran
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” Hillsong United
“Kill My Mind,” Louis Tomlinson
"Sleepless," Pixel Terror, Teminite, Chime
“Overwhelmed,” Royal & the Serpent
"Satellites," Phoniks
"I Remember You," Skid Row
"this house is not a home," Munn, Delanie Leclerc
“Never Let Me Go,” Virtual Riot
"Dean Town," Vulfpeck
"On Top of The World," Imagine Dragons
"Summer," Imagine Dragons
If the song you requested was not included, that is because it was either deemed non-school-appropriate or the version requested could not be found online and reviewed.
The Current would like to thank each ORCA member who requested a song. Happy listening!
Summer break always seems to fly by quickly. It can be easy to want to stay at home and relax all summer long. This year, take advantage of the long break to be creative, explore new hobbies and interests, or go on an adventure.
Here are five fun ideas to add to your summer break bucket list.
Create Decor
You can decorate your room or your school space with what you have around you. There are many crafty ways to decorate. You could make a dreamcatcher, hang origami from your ceiling, or create a display shelf for your collectables. There are many possibilities to reuse what’s around you and create something anew.
Rock Hunting
If you are looking for something more adventurous, there are many places in Oregon where you can look for rocks. On the coast, you can hunt for wonderful agates in places like Short Beach. You can find beautiful stones near rivers and lakes, or mine thunder eggs in central Oregon.
Farmers Markets
Going to a farmers market comes with many opportunities for fun. You can discover small businesses and lots of great food to try. There you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers that you might not be able to get at a grocery store. You could walk away with a satisfied appetite and a handmade trinket.
Donate to a Local Charity
An exceptional way to give to others is by donating unwanted clothes, books, or toys. This is much better for the environment than contributing to the landfills and will put a smile on someone's face. You will be surprised at how good it feels to give and not expect something in return.
DIY Projects
There are many cute crafts that account for a lot of fun. Some DIY ideas include marshmallow launchers, handmade puzzles, sun catchers, and scrunchies. Creating these projects can be a lot of fun with friends as well. These projects make great gifts for neighbors, family, and friends.
Take the chance to get out into the world or create an adventure at home and make memories this summer. You never know what you might discover or learn.
Summer is around the corner and it’s a great opportunity to catch up on some new and exciting stories. Reading is also a great way to stay academically sharp while school is out. Many novels can seem dark or serious, but summer is a time for reads that transport you to a new and exciting place.
Here are seven enjoyable books to keep you reading through the break.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
What if all the crushes you’ve ever had found out how you’ve felt about them… all at once? For sixteen-year-old Lara Jean, her love life goes from imaginary to out-of-control after her secret love letters were sent to every boy she’s loved. As she learns to deal with her past crushes face-to-face, she realizes that something good may come from her letters after all.
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Flipped is a heartwarming coming-of-age with a powerful story about family and love. When Juli Baker’s new neighbor, Bryce Loski, moves in, she instantly falls in love with him. Bryce, however, does not feel the same spark. From that day forward, he tries hard to keep the brash and spirited Juli at bay. Though after six years, she begins to feel that she is wrong about him being the love of her life, just when Bryce starts to think that he was wrong about her, too.
The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
While the teenage characters in this novel have a more serious experience with divorce, the fake romance between Becca and Brett is lighthearted and funny. Their mutually beneficial agreement to fake date teeters dangerously close to real feelings and will make you want to cheer on their growing friendship.
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Heist Society is the first of a humorous trilogy and follows Kat Bishop who grew up in a family of infamous criminals. This unconventional childhood turned her into a witty young thief until she wanted out of the family business at the age of 16. She only gets a break from the life of crime for a few months before her billionaire best friend, W.W. Hale the Fifth, begs her for help in clearing her father’s name. This novel is clever and hilarious, with a family that’s as thick as thieves.
Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Lina wasn’t ready to spend the summer in sunny Italy’s gelato-filled cities to live with a father she never knew she had. All she wanted was to go home – until she found a journal that her mother had kept while she lived in Italy. Suddenly, Lina uncovers a magical world of secret romances, art, history, and hidden bakeries. Along with her new friend, Ren, she follows her mother’s footsteps and unravels secrets that will change everything Lina knows about her mother, father – and herself.
Paper Towns by John Green
Smart and shy Quintin is in for the night of his life when Margo, his adventurously spirited neighbor and childhood crush, recruits him to help her play mischievous pranks on those who have done her wrong. The next day, however, the mysterious Margo is nowhere to be found. With the help of his friends and a few cryptic clues she left behind, Quintin embarks on an adventurous and unforgettable journey to find the girl who stole his heart and made him feel truly alive.
Well, That Was Awkward by Rachel Vail
Gracie is the sunshine in her parents’ lives and the rock of her friend group, but the pressure of always having to be positive becomes overwhelming. With themes of friendship, speaking up for yourself, and complex family dynamics, this story is charming and, well, awkward. This novel takes you through the ups and downs of middle school in the best possible way.
Summer is the perfect time to read books you love and make the most out of the break from school.
Disclaimer: There are spoilers below up to the most recent film/show listed.
While Marvel Studios has made a lot of content since Endgame, some of their newer films have not been great.
Starting with Falcon and Winter Soldier, where the villains are super soldiers -- well, we’ve seen that before. Or with Hawkeye, which had the lowest ratings on a Marvel TV show, which should tell you something. Moon Knight was mediocre, except for that the plot was that the world was going to end… again.
Many of Marvel’s recent films feel inadequate. These movies are spin-offs of the original Avengers line in which Marvel is trying to turn side characters into main characters by replacing the earlier heroes with no-name comic book characters. They are also introducing too many characters at once – for example the Eternals, Shang Chi, Kate Bishop, and Moon Knight. These characters do not seem as well thought-out as the original Avengers. They are also not as colorful as the older characters, and they are noticeably underdeveloped. These new characters are definitely not Marvel’s best work.
It seems as though ever since Disney Plus started adding Marvel content, they jumped the shark – or ran out of good ideas. Marvel Studios is trying to make too many films but not every obscure comic book storyline makes a good movie adaptation.
Another reason the films are awful is they have overused CGI with cheap stunts and visuals that makes it less engaging.
Even though many of Marvel Studios’ recent films have been poor, they have had some hits, such as Spider Man: No Way Home and WandaVision. Hopefully Marvel will build upon what made those projects compelling, by breaking away from the comics a bit or changing elements of the films so that they are more on earth with everyday people and less about magic and other-worldly monsters.
After all of the newer films, the older films, including Endgame, are still enjoyable to watch.
Summer is full of free time to explore new hobbies. Cooking and baking are always great pastimes, and who doesn’t love food? Fruits and vegetables are beautiful, and you can use them to whip up something new that will fill your home with a wonderful aroma.
Here is a great summer recipe for banana bread that you should try.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Banana bread is surprisingly easy to make. All you need is a mixing bowl, a large spoon, a bread pan, and these ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
⅓ cup of melted butter
½ cup of sugar
1 beaten egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
⅓ cup of mini chocolate chips
A pinch of salt
Steps:
Preheat oven to 35o℉ (180℃) and set aside around ¼ of the required chocolate chips for the top of the bread
In a large bowl, add the bananas and mash until smooth. Add the butter and mix until combined
Next, add the flour, sugar, baking soda, egg, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and consistent.
Pour batter into a greased bread pan and sprinkle the chocolate chips that were set aside on top.
Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean of raw batter.
Let cool and enjoy!
Take this summer as an opportunity to jam out to classic summer music in your kitchen while making something delicious.
Are you looking for something to pass the time over the summer? Try sandboarding. Sandboarding is an enjoyable activity to do outdoors during the long summer or even during spring and fall. Sandboarding is possible even when it’s wet – the only necessary item is a specially-designed wet board. This has a plastic base that slides on wet sand, unlike regular boards that stick to it. You can rent a sandboard at SandMaster Park in Florence, Oregon, in the heart of Oregon coast’s dunes, one of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world.
While SandMaster Park is the only official sandboard park in the world at the moment, sandboarding is available all across the world where there is a dune. Sandboarding only requires a board and some board wax. Board wax makes the board slide easier, and if you don’t have it then you probably won’t go as fast. Doctor Dune is a great brand for board wax. It also helps to have a vehicle, because otherwise you will need to walk up the dune to ride back down, which can be very tiring.
SandMaster Park offers rentals but if you are looking for a place to purchase a board, try Venomous Boards. Lon Bale is owner of Venomous Boards, and Doctor Dune Board Wax. He is also the owner of SandMaster Park.
Purchasing a board can cost around $250, but a rental board at SandMaster Park will be accessible at $16 for 24 hours, along with free board wax and dune access. SandMaster Park also has lessons for varying prices that can be viewed at sandmasterpark.com.
So, if you are looking for a fun sport to do during summer break, you should try sandboarding. As mentioned above, SandMaster Park is a great place. It costs 16 dollars for 24 hours, with free board wax and free dune access. In addition to renting a board, SandMaster Park also offers sandboarding lessons and merchandise for purchase.
Every person on this planet feels stressed to a certain degree. Stressors as a student, or as a teenager, can vary widely for each individual. Deadlines, expectations of growing up, relationships, and getting decent grades are all things that can cause stress. Stress can seem never-ending, but making a game plan can be a great way to cope with the weight on your shoulders instead of fighting against it.
Here’s a refined list of tips and coping methods for managing stress.
Visualization
A major part of stress management is psychological. A great way to release stress is to visualize yourself releasing from the stressor. For example, say you have a test that’s stressing you out – visualizing yourself doing well and staying calm can help you feel relaxed and more confident, which can result in a better performance.
Exercise
Exercising is a great way to blow off steam. Physical activity releases endorphins that trigger a positive feeling in the body. It doesn’t have to be intense cardio or running a mile, it can simply be doing yoga or going on a quick walk. You can even study while exercising. You could listen to an audiobook while going on a walk or study flashcards while stretching. A great way to get exercise when you have a lot to do is to take a screen break every twenty-five to thirty minutes to stretch or get up and walk around.
Aromatherapy
This option can be limited to those who have access to a diffuser, but aromatherapy also includes candles and body oils or creams – anything that smells pleasant but not too strong. This method can help you feel more energized and present in the moment while further relaxing your mind.
Journaling
Express gratitude by journaling about your day. A simple notebook that can hold your thoughts will help you release the stress of the day. It’s helpful to note the positives and negatives of each day. This helps put life into perspective and shows that a bad day is just one day of your whole life.
Creating Art
You can draw something simple, paint abstract art, or take pictures of objects and nature around you. If you aren’t into painting or drawing, there are adult coloring books that can help take your mind off the day, even if you only have a few minutes to spare.
Refresh/Reset
A great way to feel better when feeling overwhelmed is to refresh your brain and body. A quick warm shower can relax your tense muscles. Simply washing your face can help you feel clean and rid your mind of brain fog.
Listen to Music
Upbeat music can help you feel more positive while a slow tempo will relax your muscles. Music plays a huge role in a person’s mood. Try turning on some soothing tunes next time you feel overloaded.
These methods can be flexible to your personal needs. Everyone has varying stressors and will need different coping strategies. The best way to get help with school stress is to reach out to advisors and teachers. If you’re feeling constantly stressed, brighter days are ahead so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Audiobooks are a great option for those who have a hard time getting into the reading zone. If you like podcasts, you just might enjoy audiobooks. Listening to books in your free time or while on a walk is a great way to enjoy literature or complete a reading assignment for a class.
Here are some great audiobooks that are easy to access using Sora.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer, narrated by Rebecca Soler
The story of Cinderella takes a sci-fi twist in this best-selling novel by Marissa Meyer. Set far into the future, this book is the first of The Lunar Chronicles series. Cinder, the main character, is an outcast in New Beijing due to the fact that she is a cyborg. Her life gets even more complicated when the charming Prince Kai visits her in the market with a broken android in need of repairs. After Cinder’s beloved step-sister is infected by a deadly plague without a cure, she learns something about herself that would make her even more of an outcast if people found out.
Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata, narrated by Kimberly Farr
A twelve-year-old girl has two sides to her story that has yet to be revealed. Born in California, Sumiko, a Japanese-American, never imagined that the discrimination towards her family, and many others, would further reject her from having the normal life that she yearned for. December 7, 1941 was when the attack on Pearl Harbor surfaced. As a result, the United States government was convinced that Japanese citizens were spies, including Sumiko’s family. Fleeing from the only home that Sumiko ever knew, she finds acceptance and friendship. As Sumiko and her friend cross paths between a camp in Poston and a Native American plantation, they’ve redefined what friendship means in this bittersweet historical novel.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, narrated by Kate Kellgren
As classic and infamous a period piece there ever was, the name of this book must already be ringing some bells. This particular novel can be considered the template for the hate-to-love romantic trope, hence pride and prejudice. Where two characters such as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy initially dislike each other based on a first impression, they later grow to love one another as the story progresses. The basic premise of the story is the happenings of Elizabeth’s life with the societal norms of the 1800s. She’s from a seemingly well-off family, with five memorable sisters, an emotionally driven mother, and a coolly indifferent father. As Elizabeth’s older sister Jane becomes familiar with Mr. Darcy’s friend, Elizabeth herself must endure the acquaintance of Mr. Darcy and his disagreeable nature. With classism, misunderstandings, development, family, and room for romance, this storybook read is not one that will be easily erased from pop culture.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, narrated by Rob Inglis
This classic novel is the prelude to The Lord of the Rings series. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading it already, The Hobbit is an adventure that anyone can enjoy. The protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, develops from a shy, lazy hobbit to a fierce adventurer. Bilbo, thirteen dwarves, and a wise wizard go on a valiant journey to the Lonely Mountain to kill the nefarious dragon Smaug and take back the treasure that rightfully belongs to the dwarves.
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett & Jory John, narrated by Adam Verner
Miles Murphy is the new kid in Yawnee Valley. At his old elementary school, he was a prank legend, but going to a whole new school and starting over? He’s not so sure. When Miles starts attending Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy, he realizes that there is already a middle school prankster at the academy, and asks if he wants to join forces. Will they be the ultimate prank duo? Or will there be an all-out prank war?
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan, narrated by Trini Alvarado
Set during the Great Depression, this coming-of-age story is based on one immigrant’s real experiences. The story was inspired by stories the author’s grandmother told her about moving from Mexico to the United States. The plot focuses on Esperanza Ortega, the main character, as she learns what it means to grow up and mature, opening her eyes to other living situations. In Mexico, Esperanza was a wealthy twelve-year-old living a life of privilege in a lavish home with many to take care of her. But in the States, she is a young girl now alone in her head after being forced to flee from those who murdered her father, with only her mother and surrogate family to depend on for survival. Follow Esperanza on her journey to a labor camp across the U.S. border as she discovers how to look after those she loves, and equally as important, herself as well.
The Watsons Go To Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis, narrated by LeVar Burton
Kenny is one of the Watsons, a relatively average African-American family composed of himself, an older brother, a younger sister, and his parents. As a slice of life story with an overarching element of family, this novel provides insight into the mind of a bright ten-year-old as he navigates the inner workings of the Watsons. Before they go to Birmingham for a climactic coming-of-age event, Kenny, his brother Byron, and sister Joey first come to understand that family is hard, loving is harder, and missing each other is the worst. Young Kenny turns out to be an imperfect character, however intelligent and perceptive, and by the end of the novel learns there is power that lies in familial love.
With audiobooks, there’s something for every learning style. You can read and listen at the same time, or listen while doing something active. You can borrow audiobooks from your local library for free.
Author’s note: You can find any of these books in Sora.
May the fourth be with you!
National Star Wars day is upon us, and what better way is there to celebrate the galaxy far, far away than to rewatch the films of the iconic series? With all due respect to fans of The Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, Clone Wars, or any other made-for-TV content, below is a ranking of just the heart of the franchise: all eleven Star Wars feature films listed from worst to best.
The opinions expressed below are solely the author’s. Art is subjective and therefore cannot be definitively ranked.
Major spoilers below:
11. Episode I: The Phantom Menace
This movie is just objectively awful. Terrible acting, poor dialogue, CGI worse than most videogame cutscenes, and Jar Jar Binks drive nearly all 136 minutes of The Phantom Menace into the ground. The film may also have the most boring plot of any movie in the franchise.
But any Star Wars movie, even this terrible, has some redeeming qualities. The Phantom Menace offered another iconic score from the legendary John Williams and a memorable villain (and lightsaber duel) with the introduction of Darth Maul. Still, this film is really only worth watching if the viewer is set on seeing every movie in the franchise.
10. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Director Rian Johnson’s ambitious attempts at subverting expectations and taking the franchise in a new direction would’ve deserved commendation if every move he made wasn’t such a massive misstep. This film is a mess.
The script disrespects old characters and makes the newer ones even more boring. Plot contrivances take up much of the runtime. Its philosophical leanings feel cheap and uninteresting.
Still, this movie is absolutely gorgeous to look at with its various locations and excellent designs. The opening bomber sequence is solid entertainment as well. It’s admittedly watchable although largely unenjoyable.
9. Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Episode IX: Deus Ex Machina may have been a more accurate title, but this entry deserves credit for trying to backpedal from the mess that was Episode VIII. Still, it has even more contrivances than its predecessor.
There are some fun action scenes and touching moments here -- Kylo Ren’s final interaction with Han Solo deserves some credit -- but a weak finale ruins any forward momentum this movie gains. To its credit, Episode IX is another visual masterpiece thanks to the impressive work of Industrial Lights & Magic.
That being said, “Somehow, Palpatine returned” has to rank among the worst lines in cinematic history.
8. Episode II: Attack of the Clones
With this film, the list enters “enjoyable” territory. Well, for the most part. The dialogue in this episode is hilariously incompetent at best, but this movie corrects many of the mistakes of The Phantom Menace.
The world-building here is more immersive, the characters slightly less wooden, and the action scenes are much improved. Screen legend Christopher Lee is also a blast as Count Dooku. Attack of the Clones has plenty of flaws but they fit well into the campy tone of the film. It’s a fun watch – if you can ignore most of the dialogue.
7. Solo: A Star Wars Story
This prequel is… fine. It’s a fun little heist film with good performances all around and a lead actor who thankfully doesn’t try too hard to imitate Harrison Ford’s take on the titular character.
Solo: A Star Wars Story is entertaining and provides some enjoyable context to Han Solo’s origin, but its biggest sin is taking Han on his Episode IV character arc well before it happens. The fact that the film’s somewhat cliffhanger ending never resulted in any sequels hurts as well.
6. Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Hindsight is 20/20, and many have blamed The Force Awakens for setting in motion the flaws of the rest of the sequel trilogy. Put that aside though, and you have a decent, middle-of-the-road Star Wars movie. Besides, this film was the first Star Wars episode to be released in around a decade, making for a thoroughly memorable theater experience.
This film has some great scenes, a solid storyline, and the chemistry between characters is the best out of the entire sequel trilogy. It’s certainly imperfect but the film more than accomplished what it set out to do. It does repeat the same basic plot outline of A New Hope, but this is the same franchise that cycled through two Death Stars in its first three installments. It’s a little annoying but hardly a big issue.
5: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
With this entry on the list, we enter “good” territory. Revenge of the Sith has its issues but it strikes a great balance between the goofy feel of the prequels and the grand story it’s trying to tell.
The first two thirds feel like an improved take on the two films before it -- with noticeably better special effects -- while the third act’s tragic turn is surprisingly riveting. This film has somehow improved with time, and the incredible meme potential in each scene has only further immortalized its impact on pop culture.
4. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi may be the worst of the original trilogy, but it’s still an undeniably great movie. It slightly stumbles in the second act with the Ewok sequence, but recovers brilliantly thanks to an iconic finale. The confrontation between Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Emperor Palpatine is some of the greatest Star Wars content to ever grace the silver screen.
Episode VI a fitting culmination to one of the most legendary and influential film trilogies ever.
3. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Although not one of the main nine episodes, Rogue One is one of the greatest Star Wars films ever made. It introduces some great new characters and locations into the franchise and takes an interesting angle by largely focusing on non-force-sensitive characters.
Instead, this is the closest a Star Wars film will ever get to a war movie with its fairly gritty tone. And it absolutely works, playing out like the best game of Star Wars: Battlefront ever. The bittersweet ending comes as a painful yet enjoyable change from the blockbuster format.
And that final scene with Darth Vader that blends perfectly into the opening sequence of A New Hope is cinematic perfection.
2. Episode IV: A New Hope
This is what started it all. A late 70s space western take on the classic hero's journey, this film defined much of what modern sci-fi tries to emulate today.
It’s noticeably simpler and more low budget than what would follow, but that just adds to the charm that makes this movie a classic. It also introduced some of the most memorable characters of all time and the special effects still hold up pretty well today.
If there’s one complaint, the post-release edits that can be found in just about every current copy of this film actually hurt the overall quality. Han shot first!
1. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is everything great about Star Wars and more. It takes what A New Hope did so well and adds some introspection while maintaining the high-level stakes and awesome space combat.
“Awesome” is the best word to use here, as this film is just about perfect. It also doesn’t hurt that it contains the greatest plot twist in cinema history. The Empire Strikes Back is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys movies.
Whether it’s a moody love song or a sensational collaboration between two artists, some pop songs are worth listening to. These are seven diverse pop song recommendations that have been gathered up just for you pop lovers.
“pov” by Ariana Grande
With a moody but beautiful meaning, “pov” is a song about the artist’s admirer who loves her more than she loves herself. From one of Ariana Grande’s widely popular albums, “pov” is another radio hit from the ubiquitous pop artist.
“Waste It On Me” by BTS, Steve Aoki
“Waste It On Me” has an upbeat feeling that easily gets stuck in your head. It’s about a couple, where the girl is very secretive and doesn’t want to do anything with her partner. The girl thinks love is a waste of time, and her partner’s response is: "Then waste it on me."
“Had Me @ Hello” by Luke Benward
"Had Me @ Hello" by Luke Benward is an upbeat love song about two teens that have crushes on each other but don’t realize the feeling is mutual. Originally from the Disney movie "Girl vs. Monster," Olivia Holt also recorded a version of this song.
“ELEVEN” by IVE
As the debut song of Korean girl group IVE, “ELEVEN” reached over 10 million views on Youtube in the first 24 hours of release. “ELEVEN” has a memorable and elegant beat that makes you want to dance along. In addition to the amazing choreography, this song expresses how teamwork brings out the best results.
“PS5” by Salem Ilese, TOMORROW X TOGETHER feat. Alan Walker
Singer of iconic TikTok song “Mad at Disney,” Salem Ilese also recently collaborated with rising Korean boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun and Taehyun featuring Alan Walker to produce a song about the reality of today’s young relationships. The chorus verse “It's me or the PS5” summarizes how some Gen Z couples have trouble choosing between games or a relationship. “PS5” is not only a great song, but it also has a humorous and relatable meaning.
“At My Worst” by Pink Sweat$
Starting with a soft beginning, “At My Worst” is the epitome of what people want in a perfect relationship. The soft and addicting beat gives off emotional but happy vibes. With just the right aura for joyful and sad days, this song is perfect for situations where you just want to be alone.
“Isabelle” by Zach Hood
The artist composed this song after he met a girl named Isabelle in LA. He spent a memorable weekend with her and developed a strong desire to make an upbeat and carefree song that reflected the happiness they experienced during their short time together.
Now you can listen to a new genre or language through these songs.
Curious about how many high school credits you have earned toward graduation? Do you want to see your class rank? Maybe you need to find your last report card? PowerSchool is a great way to find everything related to your ORCA academic records.
Transcripts/Report Cards
All of your previous report cards are included in the Student Reports. To access the reports, you can sign into PowerSchool SIS by using the web address https://orca.powerschool.com. You can view the full guide to learn how to sign in to your account. After you sign in, there will be a section on the left-hand side named Student Reports. There, you will find a list of all your archived and current records. By clicking on a transcript, you will be able to see previous semesters of classes you took. Your grades, credits, GPA, and class rank will all be included in your transcripts, although if this is your first term, class rank is not calculated until the term ends.
Honor Roll
If you have been keeping your grades up throughout the school year, you may find an Honor Roll certificate as a part of your archived records. To receive an Honor Roll designation, you must be in grades 6-12, have a minimum 3.5 GPA or 85% grade, and all courses must be completed. Other criteria such as attendance requirements, state assessments, and plagiarism or violation history also affects a student’s eligibility to obtain an Honor Roll certificate. The Honor Roll is awarded once at the end of the first and second semester.
Credits
High schoolers, want to know how close you are to meeting graduation requirements? Right in your “Transcript With Current Schedule”, there will be a whole Credit Summary of the courses you passed and how many credits you received from them. A semester of passing work in a class equals one half of a credit, and a year equals one credit. Currently, ORCA requires 24 credits to graduate from high school, with separate subject area requirements, such as four years of language arts and three years of math. You can view how many more credits you need to meet the minimum requirements in the Student Reports. Your transcript will also show the grade you earned in one semester of a course and your overall GPA based on those grades.
Whether it’s a wardrobe that leads to a new world or the escape from a dystopian society, book series are one way to get into the world of fiction without being disrupted by a rushed ending. Here are four series that some of The Current’s writers recommend highly.
The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry (Recommended by Grace Choi)
The Giver Quartet contains a total of four books, including The Giver, by American writer Lois Lowry. This series takes you into a connected world that includes a dystopian and primitive society. This quartet consists of award-winning The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son. There are different points of view in each book and they all get connected at the end.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis (Recommended by Keagan S.)
With a nine book series, C. S. Lewis takes the reader on an adventure throughout the land of Narnia and a fight between good and evil. Each book has many twists and turns, which makes you want to never put the book down. Some books in the series have been adapted into movies such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Silver Chair. There are still many other books in the series, like The Magician’s Nephew, The Horse and His Boy, and The Last Battle. This whole series focuses on two worlds interconnected by a magical wardrobe found in a game of hide and seek, where children, lions, and the various creatures that populate the land beyond the wardrobe battle with the forces of evil.
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (Recommended by Annalaina Y.)
Linh Cinder was the missing piece within the realms of the vast empire of Luna. She lived her life in New Beijing, trying to be more than what her step-mother and step-sisters expect her to be. With haunting memories of her lost past, she doesn’t have a clue of what her future will become. After the passing of her foster father, she is determined to escape the never-ending quarrels at home. As the clock strikes twelve, new adventures and horizons are awakened, enabling her to meet new allies and friends. With Linh Cinder representing Cinderella, Scarlet Benoit and Ze’ev Kesley representing Little Red Riding Hood, Crescent representing Rapunzel, and Princess Winter representing Snow White, only when you read these books will you get a taste of how these four classical tales have been turned upside down.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han (Recommended by Grace Choi)
With the first book soon to become a film, this exciting young adult romance series comes from Jenny Han, author of the Netflix adapted series To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Told from different points of view, you’ll get to know each main character as much as they know themselves. There are sudden plot changes, flashbacks and scenes that make you want to read more. These three stories contain all the worries and excitement of summertime romance.
With these four different series recommendations, you may discover new and interesting books to spend your free time reading.
Author’s note: The Selection series, The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy, and some of the books featured in the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Lunar Chronicles are available at Sora. You can check here for more information. Other books may be available at your local library or bookstore.
Country music is one of the most controversial musical genres. It seems like people either hate it or love it. For those who want to try expanding their music taste, here are some recommendations of songs and artists with country influences.
Golden Hour - Album by Kacey Musgraves
This country-pop singer has produced only five albums, but her music is a perfect mix of both genres. Golden Hour is her most popular album with hits like “Butterflies” and “Slow Burn.” If you listen to pop artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Selena Gomez, you’ll enjoy Kacey Musgraves as a gateway to country music.
“Better Man” - Song by Little Big Town
This Little Big Town song takes their music to another level with an amazing mix of acoustic country and electric rock. Their most popular song is “Girl Crush,” but “Better Man” shows their eclectic side and is definitely worth a listen.
“Both” - Song by Ingrid Andress
This song is from an album that was a top 5 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts. Andress’ soulful pop voice makes her country-themed songs unique.
“Thy Will” - Song by Hillary Scott and The Scott Family
Hillary Scott, generally known as the front singer of Lady A, released an album of gospel music with her parents and her younger sister in 2016. If you are a fan of smooth gospel, “Thy Will” is a great song that resembles music by Lauren Daigle.
“Carolina in My Mind”- Song by James Taylor
James Taylor was one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 70s. His greatest hits include “Fire and Rain,” “Something in the Way She Moves,” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” His slower and softer songs resemble folk, rock, indie, and country music.
Country music takes many faces, from pop to rock, and is one of the oldest American genres. Luckily, the many different influences of country music give all listeners something to enjoy.
Dystopian novels are like the action movies of literature. They take the reader on an adventure through either a futuristic version of our world, or somewhere new. On the other hand, fantasy books have magic and evil and transport you to another realm where there are wars and mythical creatures. Some novels have elements of both genres.
Here are some of the most recent popular novels that you should read.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen, at its heart, is a dark fantasy novel that takes place in a futuristic world where society is split in half by blood. Mare is a Red and the lowest on the social totem pole. The Silvers are like gods with amazing powers that they use to control the Reds. Mare saw everything as black and white; the Reds have nothing and the Silvers have everything. Until she discovers that she has power of her own. This book is the first in a series of four fantastic novels.
Legend by Marie Lu
Set in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, Marie Lu writes a futuristic dystopian novel about two very different people, June and Day, who live in the Republic. Coming from one of the highest and wealthiest families, June is their most valuable military prodigy. Day was born in the slums and is currently the most wanted criminal in the country. There seems to be no possibility of these two ever meeting, but when Day is framed for June’s brother’s death, they cross paths and discover a dark secret the Republic has been hiding.
Matched by Ally Condie
This novel is narrated by Cassia, a 17-year-old who lives in a tightly controlled future version of our world. The government matches young people with their life partners at 17, and it’s Cassia’s turn. But things change when she sees that she’s been matched with two different people. Now she has to choose between the two, while noticing the eventual decline of the government. This is the first in a trilogy and a #1 New York Times and international bestseller.
Betrothed by Kiera Cass
Lady Hollis had grown up in the castle life and had always competed for the king’s attention. She became lucky enough to gain much more interest than any of the other daughters of nobility. It seems to be a perfect match, although Hollis has her reservations at first, and the king treats her well. But all starts to fall apart when Hollis starts to have eyes for a commoner from another country. The ending will have you shaken and eager to read the next book in the duology.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Living in a world torn apart by a swath of impenetrable darkness known as the Fold, Alina is a lonely orphan who discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elites – the Grisha. With her newfound powers, she realizes she may be the key to reuniting the once-great nation of Ravka. This is the first book of a trilogy and has been adapted into a TV series.
The fantasy-adventure genre remains popular, and luckily there will always be more for you to read. Don’t forget that you can borrow most of these books at your local library or read them online through Sora.
Disney has made a lot of Disney and Pixar movies throughout the years, but here are some of their best recent movies. These movies are all currently available via Disney Plus.
Encanto
The Madrigals are a family that live in the mountains of Colombia, where magic has been passed down from generation to generation, blessing every child with a special gift -- all except Mirabel. After learning that the magic of Encanto is in grave danger, Mirabel may be her family’s last hope to save them all.
Cruella
Cruella is a live-action spin-off about the villain from the movie 101 Dalmatians. Cruella is an orphan, and after learning that her mother passed away, she turns to a life of crime. But she really wants to be a clothing designer. Will that life of crime make her evil? Or was she destined to be wicked?
Raya and The Last Dragon
During a battle with evil spirits known as the Drunn, Raya tries to find the last dragon, so together they can banish the Drunn. Raya also wants to bring back her father and restore everyone else that has been turned into stone by the Drunn. But will she be able to fight every tribe for the pieces of the Dragon Gem?
Soul
Soul is about a music teacher, Joe Gardner, who gets a second chance to be happy in the soul universe. While he is there he meets an annoying soul named 22. They both go on some fun adventures – but will Joe get a chance to reach his full potential? And will 22 ever get to earth?
If you haven't seen these movies yet, then cozy up and spend some time with these soon-to-be-classics from Disney.
Spring break is right around the corner and it is a great opportunity to get out in nature. If you are looking for a way to cure your boredom, then here are six fun activities you can do during spring break.
Flying a Kite
If you don’t already have a kite, then you can buy one or even find plans to build one online. It's windy during this time of year, so it's a perfect time to fly a kite. Plus, it’s tons of fun.
Paint Rocks
Painting rocks is a fun, cheap activity to do outside or indoors. It’s a relaxing and engaging way to bring out your creativity, and you can give the painted rocks to people (parents, neighbors, friends) as gifts.
Go on a Hike
If you are not near nature, then you can research trails near your location and ask your parents or guardians to drive you there. Also, going on a hike is free, so you don't have to worry about cost.
Go to an Aquarium or Zoo
Ask your parents to drive you to an aquarium or zoo (depending on where you are), and then you can look at all different kinds of wildlife, whether underwater creatures or land animals.
Open a Lemonade Stand
A great way to make some extra money during spring break is to open a lemonade stand.You can look up some instructions online on how to make lemonade and then just start mixing.
Swimming
Another way to have some family fun is to go swimming. This can be done indoors or outdoors but in March in Oregon, indoors might be the safer bet.
Go ahead and pick one activity off the list if you have not already done so, and have some fun during the break from school.
Let’s face it: everyone procrastinates. How many times have you heard yourself say, “I’ll deal with it later,” “I don’t feel like it,” or “I still have plenty of time,”... until you don’t? Procrastination can be a particularly daunting challenge for students. Projects are overwhelming. You have a test you haven’t studied for. It’s hard to stay motivated in school. And distractions – from friends to cell phones – are everywhere. No judgment – we’ve all been there.
Here’s the good thing: you don’t have to be the Flash to get everything done on time. While many of us are wired to put things off, we also have the capacity to learn how to manage this tendency. So what’s the big secret? Following these ten timely tips to manage your time will help you in every aspect of your life.
Part 1 – Power Through Procrastination
1) How to stop procrastination in five seconds. That’s right. The big secret to stopping procrastination takes just five seconds to do. So what’s stopping you? Procrastination is just a fancy word for the resistance between you and your goals. Resistance comes in many forms, but the challenge is the same – you know what you should do, but don’t feel like doing it. We’ve all done it – hit the snooze button a few times more than necessary, missed an important phone call, or didn’t finish a big project. However, to defeat procrastination, you must overcome resistance. The goal is that simple, and so is the solution. The five-second countdown is an effective way to take immediate action by fighting the urge to procrastinate.
Define your goal or target behavior (for example, rolling off your oh-so-comfortable bed).
Agree with yourself that you will do it before your countdown is finished.
Begin the countdown from 5…4…3…
Take action before zero.
Why does this technique work? First, you must define an actionable goal, which helps motivate you to get it done. The countdown brings your idea to life once you decide to act in the next five seconds. Plus, giving yourself five seconds softens the shock of having to do something important. It can be scary (and boring) to do things that matter, and until you demand that they be done now, the brain would freak out and say, “um- no wait! There are some funny Youtube videos to watch! Just watch one or two and see where that takes you!” We all know where that takes us. By giving yourself a five-second buffer between you and the action, you allow your brain to get over this knee-jerk freakout stage and realize it’s okay to do important things to progress your life. Plus, 5 seconds doesn’t let you overthink your way out of action. Once you begin counting down, the simplest thing to do is to just get started.
Timely tip: Practice the two-minute rule. If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. Instead of filling your mind with a long list of small to-dos, get yourself in the habit of acting the minute the task appears. For example, hang up your clothes instead of dropping them on the floor, or reply to a text or email instead of waiting until later.
2) Set a due date. Deadlines directly impact your time. Therefore, this forces you to organize your tasks in order of priorities so you're only working on objectives that move you closer to your most important goals without procrastinating.
Part 2 – Beat the Clock
3) Create a schedule. Make a plan for your week so you can better organize your tasks and stay on track. Use Google Calendar or an academic planner to schedule important tasks, dates, and events.
Helpful hint: You can set your Google Calendar to notify you before an event, such as a class or appointment, starts.
4) Make a list of everything you need to do. Your memory is not as good as you think. Countless activities and other forms of distractions will keep you from remembering everything you need to complete. The best way to stay on track is to create a to-do list. Throughout the day, check this list to remember what needs to be done. Every time you check something off, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and will feel even more motivated to keep going.
Timely tip: The Pomodoro Method is an effective technique to help you work time over task. Using a timer, break down your work into 25-minute increments, separated by a short five-minute break. This way, you’ll focus more on the task at hand and keep yourself from distractions.
5) Sound the alarm! Set a timer or an alarm to remind you to start a task or before an appointment.
Timely tips: Are you setting the same alarm sound for everything you do? Time to switch it up! If you keep hearing the same sound over and over again for every alarm, eventually you will start to ignore it. Instead, change your alarm sound to signify different things. This way, you’ll know what’s happening and how to react.
Part 3 – Work Smarter, Not Harder
6) Put first things first. While you cannot do everything on your list, you can do the most important things. Using the 4 D’s (Do, Defer, Delegate, and Drop), you can better prioritize the tasks that are the most important and get the most done.
DO: These tasks are the most important and will have serious consequences if avoided.
DEFER (DELAY): Postpone tasks that aren’t time-sensitive to focus on work that requires immediate attention. These types of tasks have little to no consequences if not completed right away.
DELEGATE: Reassign the work to someone else to give yourself more time to focus on important tasks.
DROP (DELETE): Cut out unnecessary tasks that have minimal impact on your work performance.
Placing a task or project into one of these categories helps you manage your limited time more effectively and stay focused on what matters most to you.
Helpful hint: The 80/20 Principle. This principle states that 20% of your activities will account for 80% of your results. The goal is to identify which tasks are the most productive and make them a priority.
7) Avoid multitasking. Multitasking reduces efficiency and performance and takes up more time rather than saving time. More tasks mean more mistakes. Your brain can only focus on one thing at a time, so with your divided attention, you won’t be able to do your work as efficiently. Instead, focus on one task and do it single-handedly.
8) Tackle the hard tasks. Starting with the most challenging job is key to getting things done more efficiently. Skip the easy wins and go with the most demanding task first, which will create momentum for the rest of the day.
Part 4 – Set Yourself Up For Success
9) Begin with the end in mind. Setting goals is key to success in school, work, and relationships. Goals provide direction and focus on what you want to achieve. Having a clear objective helps you measure your progress, stay motivated, prioritize tasks, and beat procrastination.
Pro tip: Create a SMART goal. That means it is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goals helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame.
10) The power of habits. The key to long-term success is persistence. Committing to good habits allows you to stay on track, do your best work, and achieve any goal you set for yourself. Following a routine every day – such as starting your day early, exercising, and focusing on school – will set strong habits for success.
“I don’t have enough time!” This is a phrase we’ve all heard ourselves say. But is it true? In reality, everyone in the world has 24 hours in a day – no more, no less. So what’s stopping you from getting stuff done?
Want to learn more about time management and building strong habits for success? Check out these books:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephan R. Covey
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
How to Do It Now Because It's Not Going Away by Leslie Josel
The Five-Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Getting Things Done by David Allen
The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch
How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
Taking up a summer job can result in many benefits, including experience, pay, and getting out of your comfort zone. Employers are becoming more open to hiring teenagers due to the recent labor shortage and they are willing to pay higher as well as be more flexible with a summer schedule. You could even work at Dairy Queen at 15 years old. So what are some of the benefits of working a summer job?
First is gaining experience. This is especially beneficial for when you apply to jobs in the future. An employer is more likely to hire you if you already have work experience. With work experience, an employer knows to hire you because you have learned good communication skills, how to present yourself, how to work well with others, and the work pace that will keep your boss and customers happy. This will also be helpful in personal situations because proper communication, pacing oneself, and self-regulation on the job can teach you how to go about your daily routines.
Another benefit is getting paid well. In Oregon, the average minimum wage has increased by $4.25 in the last decade and is estimated to go up rapidly this year. You could earn a few thousand dollars in a summer which may come in handy when preparing for college, getting a car, or starting your adult life. Earning money is also an excellent passage into learning how to manage money, a valuable skill to learn for the future.
The final benefit is getting out of your comfort zone. Most teenagers haven’t experienced a real work setting. Operating in such a setting allows you to understand what it will be like to work as an adult, live with responsibility, and have a certain drive and routine. In addition to this, applying for jobs will help you gain confidence and be able to cope with rejection. The reality is that you aren’t going to get a lot of the jobs you put in an application for, and this can teach you how to take a no and keep going until you secure a yes.
Instead of a formal job, you could also look for gigs with a more flexible schedule. Smaller jobs, like mowing lawns, washing cars, or babysitting on their own are forms of earning money and gaining experience. This route is also more flexible if you have a busy summer schedule and better for those who might get bored with a nine-to-five job. As well, you could alternatively take up an online job, or work remotely although this type of work is harder to come across for a teenager.
All in all, a summer job can teach you a lot and is a great way to prepare for your future. The experience that comes with a summer job is incredibly beneficial for your day-to-day life, and the money isn’t too bad either. Best of all, getting out of your comfort zone is a great way to grow.
You might be a fan of Korean music, but have you heard these 10 fairly unknown songs? Most of the songs are sung by well-known Korean artists, but they are kept behind the artists’ other popular songs. Here are 10 different songs to try listening to:
“Dancing Till We Drop” by THE BOYZ
Perfect for listeners that enjoy a fun beat that makes you dance! This song is the type that keeps a certain part stuck in your head all day long. This song is a B-side track in South Korean boy group THE BOYZ’s 6th Mini Album, THRILL-ING.
“HOLD MY HAND” by LeeHi
“HOLD MY HAND,” by widely recognized singer LeeHi, is a strong song but has a comforting feeling. From her 2016 studio album SEOULITE, “HOLD MY HAND” is a B-side track to title song “BREATHE.” There is another song by the name of “Hold My Hand” by LeeHi, but it is a much softer ballad.
“My Day” by TAEMIN
Sung by TaeMin from internationally acknowledged South Korean boy group SHINee, “My Day” is a part of the soundtrack from Navillera, a South Korean drama. The song is relaxing, with a nostalgic feeling that brings back old memories.
“And We Go” by Sung Si Kyung
A song in English is something you might not expect from a Korean ballad/R&B/pop singer, but Sung Si Kyung has done it! The widely recognized artist released a full English song of the name “And We Go” in 2021. With a soft vocal-focused tone, and the addition of a beautiful meaning, this song reaches a part of you that is calm, but also exciting.
“Like a Movie” by B1A4
An exciting song that flows “Like a Movie.” This song is by the South Korean boy group B1A4. The type of music that is perfect for late nights studying or reading.
“Is It Still Beautiful” by SEVENTEEN
This song is from the well-known Korean drama Hospital Playlist Season 2. SEVENTEEN is an internationally known South Korean boy group that has released a large number of famous songs. “Is It Still Beautiful” is an underrated gem because it is hidden behind the large amount of popular SEVENTEEN songs. The song is soft and relaxing, like a typical drama soundtrack.
“Hide and Seek” VROMANCE
“Hide and Seek” is a drama soundtrack for the recently finished Korean drama The King’s Affection. The song is fun and exciting, like the title.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” KINDA BLUE, Hwa Sa
A member of well-known South Korean girl group MAMAMOO, Hwa Sa shows amazing and unique vocals in her collaboration with KINDA BLUE, an anonymous rising rookie singer. The song has a strong, but catchy feeling that can boost your mood.
“When Dawn Comes Again” Colde, Baekhyun
Colde, a rising Seoul musician, has recently released an amazing collaboration with EXO Baekhyun, a member from one of the most well-known South Korean groups, which has captivating vocals. Even with amazing vocals, it still has a casual and relaxing feeling.
“Microphone” Young K, Dvwn
From Day6 Young K’s solo debut album, Eternal, “Microphone” has catchy lyrics that get stuck in your head. The song has a diverse beat but still gives an emphasis on each part of the song.
You might be new to Korean songs. Now is as good a time as any to start!
Arguably, the best movies are based on books, but after a successful book, some movies don’t live up to expectations . However, some of your favorite movies might have been books first and you might not even know it. Here are seven of the best books for young adults that have become films.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
This dystopian novel is an interesting and creative story of another time where rules are strictly followed and the citizens know no different. Jonas is the main character and doesn’t seem to fit in with everyone else. He thinks differently, which makes him stand out, even though he thinks he’s boring and untalented. Jonas is chosen for the position of “Receiver of Memory” which is a huge honor, but a large burden.
Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
The well known movie Princess Diaries was originally a book with many differences between the two. Princess Mia is younger in the book and the characters who play her father, grandmother, and Michael are portrayed very differently. It follows Mia Thermoplois, who is a freshman in high school. Her mother is a fun-loving artist and they live in a big city. Her whole life begins to change when her father tells her she is the princess of a small European country. This book is highly recommended for anyone starting high school or wanting an easy and fun read.
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott, with Mikki Daughtry & Tobias Iaconis
This heart wrenching book is about two teenagers, Stella and Will, with a lung disease called CF, or cystic fibrosis. Switching between each of their perspectives throughout the book, you get to watch them fall for each other, even though they both know a real relationship would never work out.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
It is immensely impressive that Veronica Roth’s debut novel became a movie, but it’s not difficult to see why. This book follows the development of a young girl named Tris in a post-apocalyptic Chicago where society is split into caste-like “factions.” When tested to find out what faction her personality fits, she finds out there’s a secret about her and a few other special individuals that the government has hidden. She learns who to trust and how to watch her back.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
While siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy were playing hide and seek, Lucy discovers an empty room with only a wardrobe. But when she gets curious and hides inside it, she finds a different world and convinces the others to follow. The siblings meet a lion named Asland and have battles with the white witch who took away Christmas for all of the Narnians. The book is an exciting adventure, and the movie is a great recreation of it and really brings the story to life.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Wonder is about a kid named August who was born with facial differences. He was homeschooled until 5th grade. August is trying to survive his first day of in-person school. The book explores the challenges he faces trying to make new friends and experiencing bullying for the first time. The movie version is very funny and a heartwarming recreation of the story.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings has remained the gold standard in fantasy writing ever since the trilogy was first published in the 1950s. Frodo’s epic quest to destroy the one ring of power is brought to life through Tolkien’s imaginative world-building and incredible attention to detail. The films, released nearly 50 years later, are groundbreaking in their own right thanks to director Peter Jackson perfectly capturing the massive scale of the source material.
Sometimes a book can be very different from its movie counterpart. Even so, you just might like the book better than the movie.
Fantasy can take you on your wildest of dreams. Feast your eyes upon Ireland's Roarhaven duo, the Infamous and Notorious Valkyrie Cain, and the Skeleton Detective Skulduggery Pleasant. They’ve been adventuring for 14 plus years their time, but this series has been in the hands of readers ever since the first book got published in 2007. In March 2022, a new book will be published, in an effort to wrap up this series. With this new addition to the Skulduggery Pleasant series, there will be 15 books total. Though this series may be coming to an end, these stories still have twists that keep you up at night. As Valkyrie and Skulduggery race after Nefarian Serpine to the Mass activation from Damocle Creed and his Faceless One’s church, will they be able to stay one step ahead of their foes? Even this cannot stop Valkyrie from fulfilling her training and the inevitabilities that come knocking at her door when saving the world's destiny with her partner, father-figure, and friend, Skulduggery Pleasant.
It all started when she was twelve, and he was dead. Valkyrie Cain had just found out that her uncle was part of something more than just a myth. With the help of her uncle and Skulduggery, Valkyrie opens her eyes to a new world that is much different from her own, one full of magic. Yearning for adventure, she trailed alongside Skulduggery and eventually became his new partner, his protege, and one of his closest friends. As details keep unfolding around this newly opened case, they investigate a mystery revolving around Gordon Edgley's sudden passing, which they soon realize was a crime.
As the years go by, Valkyrie’s practice in the field of magic and combat strengthens. Throughout the story, you will gain new insights into the characters as her identity and relationship with Skulduggery evolve. This is a true coming-of-age story as Valkyrie grows one year older and one year stronger in every book. With this being said, she has become an accomplished sorcerer with the help of her mentor and her friends.
As Valkyrie learns more about Skulduggery’s past and the magical community, she gets the chance – and the honor – to face off against her uncle’s killer. The new duo must pull this off quickly before he gets away with “The Book of Names” and with his fiendish plans. As the sand in the hourglass trickles away, does Roarhaven have the guts to stop her uncle’s killer from spelling the end of sorcerers and mortals alike?
As the suspense and missions keep piling, the duo’s relationship also strengthens over time. This is more than just violence or seeking evil-doers. It is about how two eccentric sorcerers build their relationships throughout the years and learn to lean on one another. They show that teamwork can come in different formations, and as they grow, they redefine what partnership truly means.
They never gave up on one another, no matter how heated the conflicts got. They balanced one another and watched each other's backs, embodying the idea that if you save my life, I save yours. That is how we work. Will one be left behind, even though they've sworn to protect, guide and care for one another until the end?
Editor's note: To read the first part of this series, check out the article in the December 2021 issue.
Books give you such a wide opportunity to gain knowledge, and you’d be surprised how much you can learn from fiction books. Here are several books in some new genres for you to explore.
Realistic Fiction
Tell Me Everything by Sarah Enni
This book is about Ivy, an artsy sophomore whose best friend, Harold, goes to smarty camp and she’s left all summer to be alone. She discovers an anonymous art app called VEIL and it swallows up her time. When Harold gets back from camp, he’s completely different, and she’s left alone again. Ivy starts noticing connections between the students at her high school and the artists on VEIL. She does good things for the people she’s discovered, but soon her biggest discovery yet turns sour.
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Macy Queen is a teenage girl who has been struggling with loss. She’s become the perfect daughter for her mother. Macy begins questioning her perfect life when she meets the Wish Catering crew. Soon she gains real friends and together they have fun adventures. This book is hilarious, and you'll love Macy's boss, Delilah.
Historical Fiction
Taking Off by Jenny Moss
Annie has come to a crossroads in her life. Should she leave her home and first love for college, or stay where it’s safe and comfortable? She meets Christa McAullife, who’s going to be the first teacher in space. Christa’s enthusiasm and charisma inspires Annie to be more spontaneous and follow her dreams. She travels to see the launch, and a devastating event inspires her in a different way.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This book takes place in Nazi Germany. Narrated by Death, it covers the life of Liesel Meminger, a foster child who steals books. The book covers her life, from the growing pains and joys of a child to the inevitable heartbreak that comes with war.
Fantasy
The School For Good And Evil by Soman Chainani
Best friends Sophie and Agatha could not be any more different. Where Sophie is blond, beautiful and acts like a princess, Agatha lives in a cemetery with a cat named Reaper, where the townsfolk fear her. One night, both are kidnapped and taken to the School For Good And Evil, where they will learn how to be a villain, or hero, and create their own fairy tale story. But upon arrival they are placed in the wrong schools--Agatha is in the School For Good and Sophie is in the School For Evil. Desperate to switch places, Agatha and Sophie take drastic measures to change their destinies all while surviving school. But were they placed in the wrong schools? It’s a six book series, with many twists and turns.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
This is the first book of the five book series. One of the main themes of Percy Jackson is the acceptance of oneself. It follows a 12 year old boy who learns that his father is Poseidon, meaning he is half Greek god. He sets out to become a hero and has many adventures along the way. This book was made into a movie in 2010.
With this new year, it’s a great opportunity to start reading regularly. If you are interested in any of these books, you can find them online at Sora or at your local public library.
Have you already read every book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series? Twice? If you are looking for something new, here are some books for you to check out.
What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World by Henry Clark
This book is great if you like thrilling science fiction with a little bit of comedy. It's about three kids who sit at a couch that randomly appeared near their bus stop and find a zucchini crayon in the crack of it, and after that they get wrapped up in a mystery about aliens.
The Terrible Two book series by Jory John and Mac Barnett
This is a fiction series with a lot of comedy. It's about two pranksters, Miles and Niles. Miles is a new kid that moved to the school with some new tricks up his sleeve but he soon learns there is already another prankster, Niles. Miles and Niles start a pranking war to see who can out-prank the other.
I Funny by James Patterson
This is another humorous fiction series. It's about a boy who is disabled after a car wreck, and lost all of his family except his uncle who thinks the boy is a comedy legend. During his recovery, he watches comedy videos. He then auditions for a comedy contest in his middle school.
School for Sidekicks by Kelly McCullough
If you like Marvel then this book is for you! It has sci-fi superheroes, action and mystery. Evan Quick gets up every morning to see if he has developed superpowers overnight. After he turns 13, he decides to give up trying to become a Mask superhero, but he soon changes his mind when he starts to develop powers after going to summer camp.
You may still be attached to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, but while you’re waiting for Jeff Kinney to publish the next book, these books are great alternatives.
Students with good grades aren’t any smarter than anyone else; they’re hard workers. Academic success doesn’t occur because a student is intelligent, it comes from determination and good study habits. To be successful in school, you have to put in the work and be willing to challenge yourself.
Here’s a list of tips on how you can improve your overall academic performance.
Preparing for the school day
Get dressed and drink water and snack throughout the day. This will help you feel confident and think easier. Sleeping at least eight hours a night will improve your productivity.
Each day, make a checklist of the live classes you need to attend and assignments you need to complete. Be sure to check your weekly starter pages every day, in each class, so that you don’t miss anything like a weekly journal that is due at the end of the semester. It will feel good when you mark things off on your to-do list.
Set alarms/reminders on a phone or other device so you don’t forget live classes. There is a Canvas app that you can download on your phone that will notify you when assignments are graded and when you get messages. You can access your gradebooks and all your classes just like on a computer.
Communication and attendance
Go to all live classes, and if you can’t make it to one, watch the recording. If you are having trouble finding the recordings or your teacher didn’t post them, contact them and they will help you.
If you struggle understanding something in class or in a lesson, contact your teacher. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with your teacher for extra help. Teachers are there to help you. Even if you feel awkward asking for help, you can send a Canvas message to them and work through many of your questions without having to call your teacher.
Taking notes
There’s a few ways of taking notes, and finding the way that suits you best is very important. You should choose between handwritten notes or notes through Google Docs, Word, NotesApp, or another method. For some, it works best if you decide based on the class. If your classes outline notes for you to use, make sure your notes have the same material. When teachers design notes for you, the material will most likely be on tests and quizzes.
When taking handwritten notes, write the title of the lesson or live class at the top of the page. If you add in the date, you’ll be able to find sections when a teacher refers to a specific day and lesson. Fill the page with definitions, charts, important dates, events, and people along with information that the teacher says is important. When you are finished with your notes, go back with a highlighter or colored pen/pencil and mark anything of high importance that you want to remember and study later.
When taking notes in Google Docs (or your preferred method), use a legible font and make sure you can see all the words well. You can use tables to separate sections of your notes. When highlighting, choose a light shade so that you can still read the words when you look back. Underlining can help you see what needs the most attention while studying. While taking notes, it can be helpful to save the document to a folder in Google Drive so all your notes for that class are together.
Your study environment
While studying, your environment should be free of distractions and clutter. For example, if you are studying at a desk, clear your desk of anything that doesn’t relate to school.
Listening to music is great while studying, if it doesn’t distract you. Listening to music without lyrics can be less distracting as well. According to the Vaughn College blog, some of the benefits of listening to classical music include improvement in test scores, reduced learning time, an improvement in creativity, more efficient learning, and an increase in IQ scores.
Natural light is better for your eyes and helps lift your spirits. Match your computer screen brightness with the rest of the room you are in. This will decrease eye strain.
Good habits make test prep easier
Use flashcards for vocabulary words and short definitions. You can study by yourself and make flashcards out of a piece of paper cut into squares.
If your class has a study guide, use it.
Go through your notes and create a study sheet full of all the most important information, such as definitions, formulas, and key concepts. Study that first and then get to the smaller details later.
At the end of a module, go back and look at class materials in Canvas modules and watch videos again for a refresher.
Taking tests and quizzes
If you read questions twices before answering, there is a smaller chance you will make a simple mistake by accident, and you will comprehend the question more effectively.
When struggling with a true or false question, look for words like most, all, never, and always. For example, if the question states “paper is always white,” you’d choose false because paper is usually white, but not always.
For multiple choice questions, look for options that aren’t correct. Rule out those and see what’s left. If you are still struggling, make an educated guess.
When you come across short or long answer questions, start by rephrasing the question. For instance, if a question asks “Why is carbon important to life?” start your response with “Carbon is important to life because…”
Reading in the off-season
It is highly recommended to read during the summer, during breaks, and on weekends. University of the People says “Reading has been proven to keep our minds young, healthy and sharp, with studies showing that reading can even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.” Reading books in your spare time can help you improve your writing, spelling and vocabulary.
In summary, there are many different ways to improve your performance in school. Raw intelligence matters much less than how much effort you put into your school work and how prepared you are for tests and quizzes.
Struggling with remembering a topic is a common occurrence. The best way to combat this is by taking notes. Research done at the University of California, Los Angeles shows that writing by hand increases memory and understanding. Below are some of the best note-taking methods.
Cornell Method
The Cornell Method revolves around the 5 R’s: Read, Respond, Record, Recite, and Review. First, define an essential question that will keep you focused. Draw a vertical line a third of the way in from the left side of the page. The left column is where you put the main topics and important questions, and anything else to cue your memory. In the right column, expand on the topics from the left column; this is where the bulk of your notes will go. Recite what was written out loud, and then reflect on the topics while working. Take time to reflect on what you learned at the bottom of the page and review what was written on the summary area of the page.
Here’s a link to an example by a former AVID student of what a page of Cornell notes looks like: Cornell Notes Example
Outline Method
Start with the main topic, then for each subtopic add a bullet point, number or letter slightly more to the right of the one prior.
Example:
Main Title
First idea
Subtopic
Second idea
Subtopic
Third idea
Subtopic
Mapping Method
The mapping method consists of bubbles that help show the connection between ideas. Start by drawing a central bubble that will hold the main topic. Then, connect extra bubbles that will hold the subtopics. You can also make other bubbles to hold questions, ideas, or related concepts, which you can connect to the main idea or subtopics. You can comment on the relationship between two bubbles by labeling the line that connects them.
Charting Method
Start with a table that holds the appropriate amount of boxes you’ll need for each idea. You can insert main ideas at the top, insert topics, subtopics, and key points into each of the boxes. You can revise and reflect on each one after writing them down.
Note Taking Tips
Organize your notes in the style that suits you best. If something doesn’t work for you, then try something else.
Limit your main ideas to very few words; keep it simple.
If you’re note-taking on a Google Document, you should save all your notes on a folder for better organization.
High school sports are uniquely special.
From the pageantry of Friday nights, to the team dynamic, or even the honor of being able to represent an entire community, high school sports are a valuable and impactful experience for those who take part in them.
But don’t think that being an online school student means that you have to miss out on such opportunities.
While club sports have long been an option for athletes who homeschool or attend public charter schools, they have often been expensive, less-localized experiences. Only recently, through mandates passed in 2017 and 2018, did the possibility of playing in the athletic programs of local brick-and-mortar high schools become available for such students.
In ORS 339.460, the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), the governing body regarding high school sports in Oregon, declared that both homeschooled and public charter school attending students may not be denied access to interscholastic activities at their local school district. This is only relevant if the student's current schooling system “does not provide interscholastic activities,” which applies to Oregon Charter Academy’s online setting.
Interscholastic activities are defined not just as sports, but other school activities such as band.
While some restrictions still apply regarding age, grades, and other such eligibility criteria, ORS 339.460 remains a fairly streamlined window into playing local high school sports as an online student. Whether it’s football, track and field, pep band, or the many other options available in high schools across the state, there’s an incredible opportunity available to stay connected and involved with your local community all while reaping the benefits of ORCA’s online environment.
The beauty of being a reader is all the available options. Everyone has their own interests and curiosities, and the wide variety of book genres gives you so many styles to choose from. Whether you like to be transported into a world of magic and mythical creatures or tales of a futuristic sci-fi world, these are some great books for you to try.
Mystery
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Ellingham Academy is the best school for the smartest of children. It was founded in the early twentieth century by Albert Ellingham who wanted to make learning a “game.” Shortly before he opened the school, his daughter and wife were kidnapped. The only clue was a note signed by “Truly Devious.” When mystery-loving Stevie Bell begins her first year at Ellingham Academy, she plans on solving the cold case mystery of the Ellinghams. All is not what it seems, and Stevie will have to learn and unlearn who to trust as the stakes begin to rise.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This series follows the tragic tale of three orphans -- Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire -- who are investigating their parents’ mysterious death. They’re sent to live with an evil guardian named Count Olaf, who will do whatever it takes to get his hands on their inheritance. The three siblings must outsmart Olaf at every turn, thwarting his devious plans and disguises.
Science Fiction
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
The iconic Steven Spielberg movie, Jurassic Park, was inspired by this Michael Crichton novel of the same name. While the novel follows the same story beats as the film, it is far more detailed, dark, and interesting. In the end, Crichton’s Jurassic Park is as much an action-packed dinosaur story as it is a warning of the dangers of meddling with the rules of nature and technology.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
This futuristic novel revolves around a young genius tasked with saving Earth from a mysterious race of aliens. Readers follow Ender Wiggins as he is thrust into a vicious world of war, politics, and emotional struggles. Although a fairly easy read, Card’s novel contains some incredibly deep themes, and his commentary on military ethics has landed Ender’s Game a spot on the recommended reading list of the United States Marine Corps.
The Martian by Andy Weir
Andy Weir’s first published novel is a brilliant survival story set on Mars. Astronaut Mark Watney is stranded on the red planet and needs to stay alive until help arrives, relying on his own intelligence, will to live, and sense of humor. Weir melds surprisingly accurate science into his fictitious tale.
Romance
Glitter And Sparkle by Shari Tapscott
Lauren, a high school senior, has her whole life planned out. Graduate, get a degree, continue with her crafting blog, marry Prince Charming and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know what she wants a degree in, and there is no Prince Charming in sight. When her brother’s friend moves in, throwing a wrench in what’s left of her plan, Lauren immediately hates him. But as she gets to know Harrison better, bringing back memories of their past, she finds she doesn’t hate him as much as she should.
Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
Prudence is often told she works too hard and doesn’t have fun. After a night of karaoke, she finds herself with the powers of instant karma. She can reward people based on their most recent action...or punish them. Pru is delighted, and sets off to right the world’s wrongs. However, every time she tries to use her powers on Quint, her lazy lab partner, they backfire. Desperate to get a good grade in class, she is stuck putting up with Quint over the summer, unable to wreck him with karmic justice. Filled with redemption arcs, Beatles songs, adorable first kisses, and sea otters, Instant Karma is not a book to miss!
Dystopian
Uglies by Scott Westfield
Tally is sixteen, and excited to undergo her surgery and become a Pretty, leaving her sad life as an “Ugly” behind. But Tally’s friend, Shay, does not want to become a Pretty, and it leaves Tally questioning everything she’s believed for so long. When Shay runs away, Tally has to choose between the life she’s always wanted, and the chance of a lifetime.
A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge
In the underground city of Caverna, facial expressions must be taught. Only the richest people can have training for a wide range of expressions. Deep underground, you meet Neverfell, a young girl with no memories, and the ability to naturally produce all expressions. This ability makes her dangerous, and makes everyone and everything dangerous to her.
There’s always time to step out of your comfort zone, and a new book in an unfamiliar genre might be the way to do it. A book is a journey and you might just enjoy the ride.
Are you bored and need inspiration to get crafty? During winter, it is a good time to make some fun crafts. Here are six fun crafts so you can get creative with the materials you have at home. These examples include a paper airplane, a catapult and a friendship bracelet.
Have you seen those videos of people making origami cranes but don't know how to make one? An article written by Dana Hinders on thesprucecrafts.com shows a tutorial on how to make an origami crane with only seven steps! You just need a piece of origami paper or a square piece of paper.
Have you ever seen your friend make a friendship bracelet out of string but you don’t know how to make one? A tutorial written by Anna Morrissey on craftjam.co helps with some directions so you can impress your friends with the new bling. All you need is some string!
Do you want to make an easy paper airplane with just five steps? Instructions by Sam Henderson on hgtv.com show how to make easy paper airplanes. After you follow the steps you're ready for takeoff! There are five different planes you can make with just a piece of paper.
Want to fling some stuff across the room? A post by Trisha on Kidsactivities.com provides instructions on a DIY catapult. When you're done with four simple steps, just crumple up some paper and get flinging! You will need 7 craft sticks, 3 rubber bands, a bottlecap, and something to fling.
Have you seen people playing with slime, and now you want to play with some slime too? Meghan Splawn on thekitchn.com solves your problem with just three ingredients. You will need glue, baking soda, and saline solution. Then watch a 29 second video and you're finished. You can squish, pop and stretch your slime, and even blow an air bubble in there.
Do you have some yarn laying around? If you like bunnies, Megan Kapple wrote a blog on Onelittleproject.com, and it has instructions on how to make a yarn pom pom bunny with 13 easy step instructions. You will need yarn, felt, clear thread, a glue gun, felt, a white cotton ball, and scissors.
There's no better time to get crafting! So pick a project and make some crafts!
Adapting to a new school is often tricky, even more so when it’s an entirely different program. However, a new environment shouldn’t slow down your education. From tracking missing assignments to emailing questions instead of raising your hand, new online students can struggle to find balance with this new mode of learning.
Here are seven tips to help you in your online learning journey:
1. To-Do list
Write down all the tasks you need to have done this week on a notepad and stick it somewhere you’ll be able to look at easily, such as near your mouse pad or on your Canvas calendar.
2. List View
On your Dashboard, it gives the options of Card View, List View, and Recent Activity. Setting it on List View will allow you to be able to see all your assignments and classes for the day. You will also be able to see a bell that shows any missing assignments.
[Editor's note: However, the List view doesn't show all items on the Weekly Starter Page, just the ones with due dates. If you click the Dashboard View and then your starter pages, you'll see everything you're supposed to do each day in the right order. But List View is useful for quickly seeing what you have to do in a day.]
3. Quiet and Clean Environment
Whether you're working on a desk or in your kitchen, keep that area a distraction-free zone. Clear the area of anything that will cause disruptions, set up your computer, a notebook, and pens.
4. Speak up with Questions
Your teachers aren't able to know your struggle if you don't reach out. Whether it’s a topic you don’t understand or a confusing assignment, they’ll always be able to help you figure it out.
5. Pomodoro Method
The Pomodoro Method is a time management method that allows you to work in manageable chunks. Set a timer for 25-60 minutes, and once it rings give yourself a break of 5-15 minutes.
6. Interact with Classmates
It can feel a bit lonely or boring in an online learning environment. There are ways to overcome that, like joining a club, attending field trips, and interacting in class. You’ll be amazed at how welcoming the ORCA students are.
7. Find Balance
Don’t push yourself; set a time to fully shut off your computer for the day.
There’s no better time to pick up a book and get cozy than when the clouds roll in. According to a CAE news article called 7 Proven Reasons Why Reading is Good for You, reading has been proven to benefit people in many ways, including stress reduction, a decrease in loneliness, and improved sleep for those who read before turning in.
For people who are having trouble getting into the reading mood, here are some quick and easy reads you should look into:
The Outsiders by S.E. Hilton
This quick read is about feeling like an outsider, hence the title, and the difference between right and wrong. The rival gangs of the “socs” and the “greasers” are in constant conflict, and when Ponyboy Curtis is attacked by a group of socs, things turn even more sour.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
George Orwell does an excellent job at mixing politics with farm animals. Animal Farm is about a group of animals who take over and govern the farm they live on. The theme of this book is that even when idealism is present, power corrupts.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
This book is longer at roughly 270 pages, but most would say that it is written at a middle school level. The post-apocalyptic setting is well thought out. The plot follows an underground city that is nearing the end of its lifespan with no hope for its future. Can a couple of teenagers save the people?
If you prefer investing yourself in a series, check these out:
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
This is a remarkable dystopian concept about a group of teenage boys locked in a maze with no way out, but things change when the first girl shows up. The whole series is as good as the first book, which is rare to find.
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Not many people dislike The Hunger Games books. They are great for anyone who likes action, competition, heart, and a corrupt dystopian society. Each year 24 teenagers from 12 districts are placed like pawns into a bloody game of whoever is last standing wins.
The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
This royal romance series is turning into a Netflix movie. If you like a competitive and rebellious female lead, these books are for you.
During this time of social uncertainty, a book is a great place to seek refuge. As George R.R. Martin said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before they die.” So, go pick up a book that you won’t want to put down and curl up with your favorite blanket and a cozy drink.
Author’s note: The difference between stress and anxiety is that stress is normally caused by a triggering event. Anxiety persists even after the removal of the stressor.
Have you or someone you’ve known experienced anxiety? Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an upcoming event or something with an uncertain outcome.
According to Stress.org, “Breathing techniques help you feel connected to your body—it brings your awareness away from the worries in your head and quiets your mind.” So, always remember to take deep breaths when you're feeling a panic attack incoming.
Another way to cope with anxiety is to get enough sleep. It can be tempting to stay up till 1 a.m. watching your favorite Twitch streamer, but sleep is very important! When you sleep, you are giving your brain a rest, which allows it to function properly when you wake up. If you only get a few hours of sleep, your brain isn’t fully energized. This forces you to be on edge, which can create a good deal of anxiety. Here are some recommendations to get better sleep:
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends
Turn off all devices an hour before bed
Avoid caffeine
Get regular exercise
Using these tips can not only help you feel rested, but may lower your anxiety levels.
Some last words of advice for lowering anxiety are to be more accepting, of not only others, but yourself. Many teens get caught up on how they look, dress and talk. Due to this, many high school students are constantly worried, asking questions like, what if I get bullied? what if I lose my friends? or what if no one likes me? There is a recurring theme with these questions: the words what if. Instead of thinking of things that could happen, think of things that are happening. You do have people that love/care about you, and bullies are just jealous because they could never be you.
Why would they be jealous? You are an amazing person.
If you are struggling with anxiety, make sure you reach out to a mental health professional or trusted adult.
Falling behind in school is never fun, but it happens to all of us. What’s important is finding the motivation to get back on track.
But even that can be difficult if finding missing assignments is a challenge itself.
The two most obvious ways to check for overdue assignments in Canvas are through the To-do list and the Grades Page. However, these methods aren’t exactly foolproof. The To-do list only lists a fraction of a student’s assignments, and the Grades Page lists each class’ assignments separately and can be hard to navigate.
But there’s an easy way to check how many assignments you have missing -- and all in one place.
First, you’ll need to switch your Canvas dashboard to List View. Card view is by far the best option to navigate your classes with, but for this trick you’ll need it set to List View.
To do so, click the three dots on the upper right corner of your Canvas dashboard to activate the dropdown menu. From there, click List View.
Once you’re on List View, you should see a bell icon next to the three dots. If you have any missing work, a notification will be on the bell icon listing the number of overdue assignments you have. If there’s no notification, that means you are all caught up!
If there’s a notification on the bell, you can click on it to view a list of all your overdue assignments. If you click on the names of the assignments you’ll be linked to them so you don’t have to find them through the modules section of each course or the weekly starter pages.
As the end of the school year draws near, it’s important to be on track so you can finish on time. Hopefully this guide will help you catch up and finish the year strong.
Note: Assignments submitted externally (such as through Nearpod, Newsela, or Google Docs) may not show up as missing in your gradebook, the to-do list, or in the bell icon. Make sure to keep track of such assignments on your own as they can be easy to forget about.