February 2022

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. 

1. Define your goal or target behavior (for example, rolling off your oh-so-comfortable bed).

2. Agree with yourself that you will do it before your countdown is finished.

3. Begin the countdown from 5…4…3…

4. 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. 

1. DO: These tasks are the most important and will have serious consequences if avoided.

2. 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.

3. DELEGATE: Reassign the work to someone else to give yourself more time to focus on important tasks. 

4. 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

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in schools cancelling or postponing many in-person events. Luckily, schools and other organizations shifted many  previously in-person experiences  into the virtual world, including field trips.

Capitol Day is an event held by Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance, also known as OVPSA. According to their website, it is “a non-profit organization made up of volunteers whose primary objective is protecting access to a quality, virtual public education in our state.” 

During Capitol Day, parents, legislators, and students alike advocate for and vocalize the importance of virtual education, while bringing awareness about bills or restrictions that will affect the lives of virtual students.

“Capitol Day is an annual event for all virtual school families in Oregon to come together as a community to celebrate school choice and be informed of legislative issues that may affect virtual schooling in Oregon,” says Laura Dillon, an ORCA Family Support Specialist who works closely with Capitol Day each year. “The best part of Capitol Day? Making connections with other virtual schooling families around Oregon!”

Students from virtual schools such as Oregon Virtual Academy, Willamette Connections Academy, Baker Web Academy, and Oregon Charter Academy can take part in Capitol Day, along with other schools and students.

While Capitol Day is a great way to bring attention to the importance of virtual education, it’s also a fun opportunity for students. During the event, students can create advocacy posters, send in testimonials about virtual schooling and their experience with it, and ask questions to hosts and legislators.

The OVPSA will hold the next Capitol Day on February 22, 2022 via Zoom. While a time has not been finalized yet, you can help plan the next Capitol Day by filling out a short 3 question survey published on OVPSA’s Facebook page. 

You can also access the OVPSA’s website for more information regarding Capitol Day, their cause, and how to join them in their efforts to preserve virtual education.

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. 

Calling all artists! Want to get your artwork recognized? Here is your chance to showcase your artistic skills! 

The Current is giving you the opportunity to participate in a schoolwide art contest, open for all ORCA middle school and high school students. You are free to use any canvas or medium, including digital art. Paint, draw, make a collage – get creative! So grab out a paper and paintbrush, and have fun!

Top submissions will be featured in The Current’s next issue. Use this link to submit a photo of your piece. 

Please be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Your entry must be school appropriate (artwork must not contain graphic or explicit content, politics, discrimination, or controversial topics).

• Your entry must be your own work. 

• Your entry must include a clear picture of your artwork. 

• Your entry must be submitted by February 13th.

• Add your name (keep in mind that The Current is a public newspaper, so please note whether you want your full name or initials added).

• Contestants can submit 2 submissions at most. Any submissions after that will be disqualified. 

Entries must follow these rules and be submitted through this form. 

Spirit Week is coming February 14th, and ORCA is one online charter school with plenty of spirit.

But with school spirit, there’s always room for improvement. And one simple change could greatly increase the ORCA experience that week and beyond. 

It starts with the “Inbox” icon in Canvas, a widely-used tool for students and teachers to communicate. It’s the heartbeat of the school. To refer to it, many different phrases have been used, from “webmail,” to “email,” and even the lengthy “Canvas Messaging System.” 

But webmail is outdated and from an older system. Email? That’s far too generic -- for all your reader knows you’re referring to that old AOL account you forgot about. And “Canvas Messaging System?” It’s accurate, sure. But three entire words? We can do better. 

And better is “Whale Mail.”

The origin of this witty and poetic term remains shrouded in mystery, and despite the genius of the phrase it sadly hasn’t been used to its fullest potential quite yet. But no matter what hero first coined the expression, he or she left the rest of the school with a precious gift. Don’t squander it. 

“Whale Mail” can encompass both the Canvas and Gmail communications systems of the school, with the vocabulary making them unique to ORCA. It rhymes, it’s catchy, and it even relates to the aquatic theme of the school. 

Want to know what’s also a whale? An ORCA. True brilliance indeed. 

But why would referring to the school’s communications system as “Whale Mail” be important? For one, it would help build a distinct ORCA culture -- and beyond that it’s just plain fun. But more importantly, it shows an effort to build a strong, friendly, and unique community here at Oregon Charter Academy. This should be a goal for everyone. 

This Spirit Week, try saying “Whale Mail.” It may take some time to form the habit, but don’t forget how such a small phrase could impact the school for the better. Besides, it’s only one week.

Who knows? Maybe it will stick. 

Author’s note: This review doesn’t contain any spoilers that were not already mentioned in the film’s trailers and marketing. 

Around two and a half minutes into Marvel’s first Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer, a metallic, glowing green-and-orange object rolled on screen. Explosions followed, and then there was a cut to black. 

Prior to that moment, it was already clear that the latest Tom Holland Spider-Man installment was going to be a good one. The trailer showed that No Way Home would continue to follow the story threads and characters of the first two films of the trilogy, along with an added dose of inter-dimensional visuals and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange -- but the glowing object, known as a pumpkin bomb to those familiar with Spider-Man lore, changed everything. 

Because, as many would know, Tom Holland isn’t exactly the first Spider-Man to grace the silver screen. Directed by Jon Watts, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spidey is the third major live-action iteration of the character since Sam Raimi’s 2002 film. 

And that pumpkin bomb belonged to none other than the supervillian Green Goblin, played by Willem Dafoe -- from Raimi’s movie. 

Later trailer footage would reveal that Dafoe’s villain wouldn't be the only one from a separate franchise joining No Way Home. Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock and Thomas Haden Church’s Sandman from the Raimi movies would be joining the cast, as well as Jamie Foxx’s Electro and Rhys Ifans’ Lizard from Marc Webb’s mid-2010’s Amazing Spider Man films. 

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that this crossover -- between three separate and wildly popular film franchises -- would be among the most ambitious in cinema history. 

And despite the sky-high expectations, the sheer number of characters and plot-lines to balance, and the risk of making the wrong changes to many fans’ childhood heroes, Spider-Man: No Way Home is one of Marvel’s best movies. Quite frankly, it could rank among the greats of the superhero genre. 

But it isn’t just the nostalgia of seeing once-retired characters returning to the screen that makes this film great -- rather, it serves to enhance what would still be a solid movie without them.  

It starts with the usual characters in Watts’ trilogy, not the from-another-universe additions, turning in their best performances in the franchise to date. Tom Holland still plays Peter Parker and Spider-Man with the awkwardness, inexperience, and comedy that made his character endearing in the first two installments of the trilogy, but in this case his acting and a strong screenplay show some excellent development. He’s still definitely the same Peter Parker as before, but there’s a new level of emotional depth, strength, and maturity that wasn’t there before. 

In short, it took three movies, but Peter Parker finally grew up. 

Holland isn’t the only one to up his game in No Way Home, however. Zendaya’s MJ is far more than the quip machine she was often written as in the previous films, instead showing some improved chemistry with Holland and providing some meaningful moments on screen. The same could be said of Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May, who is the emotional center of this story despite her predominant use as a side character in the previous films. 

Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, in what is largely an extended cameo, is great here as well, displaying a nice mix of solemnity and personality as a strict but loving father figure of sorts to Holland’s Peter Parker. 

The impressive acting all contributes to what is a simple and deeply human story at the film’s core, which keeps it grounded despite the glitz and glamor of it all. Because the villains from another dimension eventually show up, and they definitely steal the show. 

It can’t be understated how fantastically suited Willem Dafoe is for the role of Green Goblin. He’s equal parts insane, terrifying, and surprisingly tragic, making him the perfect foil to the morally-straightforward Parker. And Dafoe’s screen presence is second to none, with his intensity crackling through the screen in each of his scenes. 

Molina’s Doc Ock is similarly unstable but more likable as a voice of reason of sorts for the villains. Sandman, Lizard, and Electro all have a few good moments but are largely there just to increase the action in the third act, which is perfectly acceptable given the many characters the movie has to juggle. 

It’s also important to note that the arrival of these villains isn’t just meaningless fan-service. For the most part, the new additions and the way they arrived plays a vital role in the film’s plot.  

Visually, No Way Home often has the typical CGI-heavy look audiences have come to expect from the MCU, but the film still manages to provide some excellent sequences that really play to the strengths of such visual effects. And there’s just enough physicality mixed into the action scenes to make them feel real, unlike some previous Marvel entries. 

This film does have a few flaws in terms of writing, as a few major plot points feel a little unexplained or illogical, and a few of the lines that were clearly intended to evoke laughs or nostalgia fall a bit short. But for the most part, the humor, tension, and emotion are all balanced wonderfully, creating a compelling and enjoyable story from start to finish. 

The pacing is solid as well, although the first half does feel a little rushed and uneven as it is tasked with wrapping up the last Spider-Man film as well as setting up the current story. But the third act, where recent MCU films have felt the weakest, is superb. In fact, it’s fair to say that this movie just gets better as the runtime goes on. 

The cinematic crossover of Spider-Man: No Way Home is undeniably the most notable aspect of this film. It takes what is already an above-average superhero flick and turns it into a year-defining, and possibly even genre-defining piece of cinema. But while many fans saw this crossover as the film’s best part, others saw it as a downside due to the film’s heavy reliance on nostalgia and knowledge of past franchises. 

But No Way Home’s #1 box office performance, at well over 700 million as of January, shows that audiences were more than accepting of the film’s franchise-heavy formula. In the end, it’s clear that Spider-Man: No Way Home was a love letter to the iconic web-slinger’s biggest fans. 

Ultimately, it’s hard to complain about that. 

The verdict: 9/10

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.

Ms. Massey, a 7th grade math teacher at Oregon Charter Academy, has had an unconventional path to her current line of work. 

“I didn’t become a teacher until I was in my 40’s, and before that I was in the military,” she said, adding, “even before that I had various other jobs, so it wasn’t my career choice until after… volunteering at the church. That’s when I finally decided what I wanted to do with my life.”

Before Ms. Massey became an ORCA teacher, she was part of the United States Air Force. 

“I was in my twenties, working full time and going to night school. Everyday on the way to work, there is this Air Force recruiting station, and one day I decided to stop in to talk to them because I really wanted my degree,” she said. “Night school was just taking forever, so anyways, after I talked to them, they told me that if I took this test (and I did very, very well), I could join the Air Force with a good job and they would pay for my education.”

“So, I took the test, and I scored very high and was offered the job of my choice… So, that’s what started it and then I absolutely loved the military, it changed my life,” Ms. Massey continued. “…I was accepted to officer training school, but I had a child and I could not serve both my family and the military, so I chose family.” 

After the Air Force, Ms. Massey became a homeschooling mom, and through that she found her love of teaching. 

“My church needed volunteers for Sunday school,” she said. “So, I started to teach 5th grade, and then a local charter school opened up and they needed parent volunteers, so I volunteered there for kindergarten. I then realized that I really like teaching.”

“So I waited for my children to get a little older, then I went and got my teaching degree, and well, the rest is history,” she concluded. 

Now in her 7th year at ORCA, Ms. Massey reflected on joining the school for the first time. 

“I came to this school because well, I taught my kids through Connections Academy when I was a homeschooling mom, and I loved it,” she said. “So to be honest, when I got my degree I tried every year to get a job with Connections Academy, because ORCA at the time was named Oregon Connections Academy, not Oregon Charter Academy, but every year there were no openings. People just loved the school, but then when I saw a job opening, I applied right away and I was hired.”

Ms. Massey enjoys teaching her math class, as well as being a club advisor of the Middle School Military Leadership Club and the advisor/curriculum coach for Middle School Math and Advisory. “I put my heart and soul into it,” she said. “And it’s my pleasure everyday to make sure that [my students] are successful in math.”

The full interview is listed below: 

The Current: What sparked your interest to become a teacher? 

Ms. Massey: I was a homeschooling mom, and my church needed volunteers for Sunday school. So I started to teach 5th grade, and then a local charter school opened up and they needed parent volunteers, so I volunteered there for kindergarten. I then realized that I really like teaching. So I waited for my children to get a little older, then I went and got my teaching degree, and well, the rest is history.

The Current: What colleges did you attend to get your degrees? 

Ms. Massey: First I went to Wayland Baptist University for my undergraduate, and then my masters is from George Fox University.  

The Current: Would you like to tell us about your military experience? The Current also wants to thank you for your service.

Ms. Massey: Aww, yeah, so I was in my twenties, working full time and going to night school. Everyday on the way to work, there is this Air Force recruiting station, and one day I decided to stop in to talk to them because I really wanted my degree. What was happening was night school was just taking forever, so anyways, after I talked to them, they told me that if I took this test (and I did very very well), I could join the Air Force with a good job and they would pay for my education. So I took the test, and I scored very high and was offered the job of my choice. I took computer programming, went to school, and that was one of my degrees: computer programming. So that’s what started it and then I absolutely loved the military, it changed my life. I was patriotic before, but after that it was love for country, love for people, that’s where I became a Christian as well… I was accepted to officer training school, but I had a child and I could not serve both my family and the military, so I chose family.

The Current: Was teaching your main career choice? If not, what would you have done?

Ms. Massey: I didn’t become a teacher until I was in my 40’s, and before that I was in the military, and even before that I had various other jobs, so it wasn’t my career choice until after…volunteering at the church. That’s when I finally decided what I wanted to do with my life. 

The Current: How long have you lived in Oregon? 

Ms. Massey: Twenty-one years, because we moved here in 2000 so that’s always easy to compute. 

The Current: Have you taught at any other schools besides ORCA?

Ms. Massey: Yeah, I taught at Arthur Academy, which is a charter school, and I received one of the highest charter school awards, called the “Epic Teacher Award” or ETIC. That was an amazing school, and I think that there is still an article out there on the web. They taught me how to teach very well. 

The Current: Why did you choose to teach at ORCA and why did you choose middle school? 

Ms. Massey: I’ve always known that I would be a middle school teacher. That’s actually my degree, in middle school. 7th grade is my choice because I just love 7th graders. Anyways, I came to this school because well, I taught my kids through Connections Academy when I was a homeschooling mom, and I loved it. So to be honest, when I got my degree I tried every year to get a job with Connections Academy, because ORCA at the time was named Oregon Connections Academy, not Oregon Charter Academy, but every year there were no openings. People just loved the school, but then when I saw a job opening, I applied right away and I was hired. 

The Current: How long have you been teaching?

Ms. Massey: When I end this year it will be 12 years of teaching. It’s just gone by so fast, it’s crazy…This is my 7th year teaching at ORCA. 

The Current: Is teaching math easy for you?

Ms. Massey: Well if you are in my group 2 class, you would know the true answer to that question, but I put my heart and soul into it, and it’s my pleasure everyday to make sure that you guys are successful in math. 

The Current: In what other ways are you involved at ORCA? 

Ms. Massey: I'm the club advisor of the Middle School Military Leadership Club. I’m the advisor, and I’m also the curriculum coach for MS Math and Advisory. 

The Current: Did you teach other subjects, other than math?

Ms. Massey: Yeah, so when I first came to ORCA I taught sixth grade self-contained, and then at Arthur Academy 5th grade self-contained, and what that means is you teach all the subjects. I’m actually highly qualified to teach Language Arts or Math, but I teach math because it’s easier to grade, but that’s one of the reasons. I love Language Arts...

The Current: What sorts of things do you do in your free time, when you're not working hard as a teacher? 

Ms. Massey: Taking care of my family. I volunteer at various places. I am very active in my community, and I am a very good cribbage player, too. 

The Current: This is a random question, but how many notebooks do you have that are full of math notes? (Fun fact: Ms. Massey loves for her classes to take notes and shows them how to take math notes efficiently)

Ms. Massey: Hold on… Probably well over 20.

The Current: Thank you so much for answering these questions about your teaching career!

Ms. Massey: As I told you, I am honored that you guys would interview me. Thank you. 

The SAT is going digital. 

On January 25th, the College Board announced that the longtime standardized test will be moving to a digital format by 2024 in the United States. Other major changes will include the test length shortening from three to two hours and calculators being allowed during the math section. 

“A digital SAT test day is much faster,” said a pilot student in a quote listed on the College Board’s website. “The highlight for me is at the end of the test day, no packaging of paper and tests, no forms to fill out and I didn’t have to spend another half hour at the test center just to make sure that things are done.”

Despite moving to a digital format, SAT tests will still be held at proctored test sites and graded on the 1600 point scale. 

“I'm excited for future SAT takers but disappointed for those of us who are missing the changes,” said Elliot Glenn, a junior at Oregon Charter Academy. “The SAT has always seemed this huge thing that's been waiting for me my entire high school career, but the transition to an online format makes it more manageable.”

“I also think that having the whole math section open for calculator usage is a fantastic change,” Glenn added. “Technology is everywhere now, and most of us have calculators with us at all times, so it's more realistic to allow the use of them on the test. The length change is something I doubt anyone would complain about and the whole ordeal will be less stressful, which could improve scores.”

The changes to the SAT format come less than two years after Oregon public universities announced they would no longer be requiring SAT and ACT scores for admission. Other schools, including a number of universities in California and Washington, have made similar announcements, signaling part of a larger trend of moving away from requiring standardized testing for college admissions. 

For many students, the SAT is becoming more accessible, and more optional, than ever before. Make sure to check your school counselor’s Canvas page for more information regarding SAT prep as more information comes out. 

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?

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!

Congratulations to Hannah Smith, who won The Current's Short Story Contest with a relatable and funny story! Every submission was great and the competition was difficult to judge. 

The prompt was a fictional (or nonfictional) comedic short story about a student finishing the semester.

Read Hannah’s story “The Test” below.

“The Test” by Hannah Smith

I’m sitting in the back of physics class, doodling a picture of a vicious, man-eating bird. It’s a new species I’ve invented which I call the MeepBloop bird. The teacher’s talking about something I don’t understand. I mean, I didn’t mean to not pay attention, my mind just wanders like that. I decided that I have to listen to what the teacher is saying, so I can understand the homework. I’ve only just begun listening to what she has to say when she says one word that stands out. Test. The word ricochets around in my brain for some time. 

When I get home, I run straight to my room and flop down in the chair at my desk. My mind whirls as I think of the end of semester test that I didn’t study for. Well! I think, Better late than never! I glance up at the clock. 

“So I have t-minus…” I mumble, counting on my fingers, “Why do the math anyway? T-minus some amount of hours to study!” I open my laptop, and, fingers flying, type in one of the subjects the finals is on. Perfect! The whole screen is filled with great, reliable resources I can use for my notes! I click on one of the links and am instantly transported to a separate page. I begin reading the first sentence and then the room goes dark. The computer screen flashes “No Internet” across it. 

“ARGH!” I yell, searching for a flashlight, “THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING!!” I switch on the bright orange flashlight and suddenly I get an idea. My eyes travel to my backpack and desperately I dig through it for my physics books. 

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!” I yell, remembering the fact that I forgot them at the school, in my locker. 

I spend the next hour searching the house for physics books, finding a grand total of zero. Finally I give up and look out the window. Maybe I can go over to Paul’s house. I think. He lives in town, maybe he has power. I snap my fingers and jump up. “That’s it!” 

“What’s it?” my mother asks, from where she’s standing in the kitchen, cooking potatoes over a camp stove. 

“Can I drive over to the library to study for my finals?” I ask. 

“Gee, Tom, I’m sorry.” she starts, “Your older brother took the car to pick up his friend from work.” 

I’m getting desperate now, but not nearly out of hope. “I can walk.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yes. I’ll be fine. I can get Jim to drive me home.” I state. Jim is my best friend who conveniently works at the library. 

“Ok.” she replies, “Just be careful.” 

“I will!” I quickly rush out the door. 

It’s a nice day out. It’s about 4:30 in the evening, but it’s still relatively warm. It’s starting to get dark, so I quicken my pace, not wanting to get to the library after closing.

When I’m about halfway there, I feel something hit my shoulder. Then my other shoulder. Then the top of my head. I look up and a large raindrop falls in my eye. “GREAT!” I yell. I look down at my arms, exposed by the t-shirt I’m wearing. I take off on a run. Gravel crunches under my feet as I walk onto the library parking lot. I look in the window and see my friend Jim, putting things away and starting to shut down the computers. I make the horrifying realization that he’s closing the place up for the night! 

I dash over to the glass door and pry on the handle. He’s already locked it! I pound on the door, 

“JIM!” I shout over the deafening sound of pouring rain. He’s wearing earbuds and can’t hear me. “JIM OPEN THE DOOR!” Now he’s dancing with the broom. I give up and slump against the door, raindrops slowly splattering onto me, running down my face. He has to leave some time, I think bitterly. 

Suddenly the door opens. I whip around. 

“Hey bro! I didn’t see you out here in the rain! You shoulda said something man!” he says, letting me into the library. 

“Heh, yeah.” I laugh grimly. 

Luckily, there’s one computer left that Jim hasn’t turned off. He helps me take notes for the test and then drives me home. By the time I get home, the power’s back on. 

“It came back right after you left.” my mother tells me. 

Though it isn’t recommended, I stay up well past midnight, poring over my notes, trying to memorize every word. Once I’m satisfied that I have enough memorized, I go to bed. Just as my head hits the pillow and I shut my eyes, an obnoxious sound fills the room. I bolt up and realize it’s my alarm clock! I hit a button and shut it off, and get up to get ready for school. 

The entire day, I’m like a zombie. I stumble around and can’t focus on anything. Finally it’s time for physics. Time to show off my brand new knowledge on the test. As the teacher walks into the classroom, I prop my head up with my left hand. 

“Okay class, today’s going to be pretty light.” the teacher begins, starting to write something on the chalkboard. I raise my hand. 

“Yes, Thomas?” the teacher asks, smiling at me. 

“I thought we had a test today.” 

“Did you check your email?” 

“No.” 

“Well I sent out an announcement that, as a special treat, the test was canceled.”

The Current would like to thank each entrant for their participation and creativity. 

The wide array of field trips available to students, both virtual and in-person, help ORCA students stay connected and remind us how online school translates into real-world experiences.

Let’s take a look at some of the field trips ORCA is offering for the month of February:

Explore the World of Sports Medicine (2/8)

Interested in the field of sports medicine? This February field trip is a great place to start. 

“Join an insightful, live conversation with a Sports Medicine Specialist,” reads the event description, adding that attendees can “learn about the training and skills needed” in this career field. 

Although the field trip is part of ORCA’s ASCEND pathway, it is open to all 8-12th graders in the school. With limited space available, make sure to go to Field Trip Central and RSVP soon if interested. 

Poetry Out Loud School Contest (2/11)

ORCA’s own Poetry Out Loud competition will be taking place on February 11th. 

“During this field trip, ORCA high school students who have memorized poems for Poetry Out Loud will compete to become this year’s school champion and earn a spot at the State Competition in March,” reads the field trip description. “Students who are not part of Poetry Out Loud are invited to attend and cheer on our Poetry Out Loud competitors.”

The school already has a big footprint in Oregon's Poetry Out Loud competition. Last year, ORCA student and then-senior Tabarjah Neal bested 11 other competitors to be crowned state champion.

Open to all ORCA students in grades 9-12, this event will be held virtually with a Zoom link provided in Field Trip Central. 

NASA Space Center Houston Live Stream on Journey Through The Solar System (2/18)

In ORCA’s upcoming NASA field trip, attendees will experience  an “interactive presentation” of the solar system. 

“The planets, named from the Greek word for ‘wanderers,’ have long captured our imagination,” reads the event description. “But what do we know about these celestial bodies, and how do we study objects so very far away?”

Open to students of all grade levels, this field trip should be a popular destination. Make sure to RSVP with the link provided in Field Trip Central. 

CTE Workshop: Scholarships (2/25)

If you’re planning on going to college, understanding how scholarships work will be an important part of the progress. 

ORCA’s Career Technical Education program has announced a new field trip open to 8-12th graders to help with that process. 

“Come find out how to locate and research [free money] for college,” reads the event description. “Find 7 ways to support your success in earning scholarships to pay for post-high school college or training.”

Like always, the links to RSVP and attend this field trip can be found in Field Trip Central.

The field trips listed above are just a few of the many field trips offered by ORCA this February. 

Make sure to check out the school’s constantly updating Field Trip Central, which can be found in the Principal’s Office, for a listing of every available field trip. 

Do you have a school-related question or need some academic advice? ORCA’s National Honors Society is here to help with a new column intended to provide answers to all of your educational inquiries. 

Q: I’m struggling to understand the material in my Algebra class. What should I do?

Sincerely,

Math Madness

A: Hi Math Madness,

You might have heard your teachers say that math builds upon itself, and it does! Identify what mathematical skills you are struggling with no matter how long ago you learned them. You can then use free online services like Khan Academy to get a deeper understanding of the material. It is also very important to reach out to your teacher and the ORCA student tutors. You shouldn’t be embarrassed by asking for help from your teacher or the ORCA tutors. ORCA is a very supportive place, and the best students always reach out for help when they are struggling. The math teachers here at ORCA will be very supportive and help you get on track and stay on track. They can also provide you with more resources and tips to succeed in your Algebra class. It will take some work, but with dedication and perseverance you will be able to succeed.

Best of Luck,

NHS

Have an academics-related question? Ask the NHS advice column! All submissions will be anonymous. 

You can submit your questions here.