March 2022

“Poetry is the opening and closing of a door, leaving those who look through to guess about what is seen during the moment.”

With this Carl Sandburg quote, ORCA teacher Stephanie Imig opened up the school’s 2022 Poetry Out Loud Competition on February 11th. 

ORCA senior Elena Morris won first place in the contest, advancing to the state competition.

“Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country,” reads the organization’s website. “This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.” 

ORCA Poetry Out Loud program coordinator Ms. Imig was joined by several teachers in the school’s Language Arts department as judges. Three high school students competed in the competition: freshmen Senna A. and Lillea Hillstrom, and senior Elena Morris. 

Each contestant performed two poems. Senna A. went first in both rounds, with recitations of “The Echoing Green” by William Blake and “The Well Rising” by William E. Stafford. Hillstrom went second with performances of “The Good-Morrow” by John Dunn and “Cartoon Physics, part one” by Nick Flynn. Morris went last with the poems “Semi-Splendid” by Tracy K. Smith and “a song in the front yard” by Gwendolyn Brooks. 

Elena Morris’ emotive performance won first place.

“Both poems I chose because they really speak to me, but each in their own way. ‘Semi-Splendid’ describes the complexities of love and emotions--something that I have first-hand experience in--in such a beautiful way,” said Morris. “I also really relate to ‘a song in the front yard.’ While my life until now has been very fulfilling, I am so excited at the notion of going to college next year in a completely new place and experiencing the world in a different way.

“I definitely feel that my life is going to change so much within the next year, and this poem reflects my feelings about the whole situation in an unconventional yet accurate way.”

Last year, then-ORCA-senior and school Poetry Out Loud champion Tabarjah Neal went on to win the state competition. Elena Morris will be the next ORCA student to represent the school at the state level.

“While February 11th was technically a competition, and ORCA did crown its 2022 Poetry Out Loud champion, the day is actually far more of a celebration,” Ms. Imig said. “It marks the culmination of months of hard work, practice, facing fears… and more practice. Every student who participates in the competition is a true champion, showcasing tremendous determination, courage, perseverance, and beautiful support of others.” 

“I am in awe of each of them,” she continued, “and am so grateful to share this journey with them. I am also tremendously proud of Elena. She will represent ORCA so beautifully at the state competition.”

The state competition will be streamed on March 11. 

“Winning the competition just felt so validating. Knowing all of the time and effort I put into learning, memorizing, and performing these poems helped me accomplish something feels really amazing,” said Morris. “Sharing the beauty of poetry with others is something you need to experience to understand.”

The 94th Academy Awards are just around the corner, meaning that it’s a perfect time to find out what films and shows Oregon Charter Academy enjoyed the most in 2021. 

The Current is proud to announce that the first annual Charter Academy Awards, the Orcas, will be taking place this year. Our team of writers will make the nominations, and the rest of the school will decide the winners. Which films and shows will be taking home the first Golden Orcas? 

Criteria include that the piece of media has a school-appropriate rating and has been first released some time in 2021. Nominees are listed below: 

Best Picture

Ryland Bickley: Dune 

Directed by one of the top filmmakers in the business, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune simply deserves credit for adapting what was previously considered unfilmable source material. The final result is an objectively great piece of cinema. The scale of Dune is unmatched and its breathtaking special effects are easily the most impressive of the year, while the star-studded ensemble cast provides convincing performances. The complicated storylines of the source material are well explained with the film’s slow pace as tension slowly builds throughout the 155 minute runtime. Dune is an epic in every sense of the word, well-deserving of a nomination as one of the best films of 2021. 

McKenna S.: Cruella

Based on the 1961 101 Dalmatians antagonist Cruella de Vil, this riveting film stars the illustrious Emma Stone as Cruella. This film does a phenomenal job of showing the chaos of the fashion and design world, as well as the dynamics of working for a luxury brand. Set in the 1970s in London, the film follows Estella Miller, a talented and aspiring fashion designer, and the path she takes to become the glorious Cruella de Vil. The rise of this witty villain is full of bold fashion statements and a devious plot that will stump you from guessing the ending. It's been nominated for 13 non-Charter Academy Awards this year.

Leah Gneiting: Encanto

Disney’s Encanto has taken the world by storm with both its movie and soundtrack. In the Madrigal family, each member gets a gift of magic when they come of age that helps their town, Encanto. All members of the family received a gift, except for Mirabel. Mirabel shows us all character, courage, and love for others, as she embarks on a journey to try and save her family and their miracle. Winning many awards and being nominated for many more, Encanto will make everyone cry happily as it demonstrates what family truly represents. 

Dave Yanowitz: 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible

Sometimes students tell me they are bad at things (like math). I always challenge them to use language that doesn't make goals sound impossible. We think in language and the words we use to describe our goals have immense power. Psychologists call this framing. When Nepali climber Nims Purja decides to summit the 14 largest peaks in the Himalayas in seven months – two weeks each – he is testing what is possible. The last guy to do this took seven years. But Purja knows a little bit about challenging goals. He made it into the Gurkhas, a legendary unit of Nepali fighters in the British military, and then he earned his way into British special forces. When his plan is called impossible, he dubs his plan Project Possible, and then he begins taking steps to make it happen. This is in a mountaineering world where Nepali climbers have often been seen as secondary to the wealthy foreign climbers who hire them. There are distractions along the way: a mother in the hospital, other climbers to rescue, and some seriously big mountains. But he doesn't lose sight of his goals or his humanity. We can all learn from Purja’s tenacity in reaching his goals as well as the words he uses to describe his objectives.

Keagan S.: Luca

Luca is about two kids who are really sea monsters seeking to see the world outside of the ocean, get a Vespa and ride forever. Disney and Pixar have done another great job animating and creating the backstory of Luca. The film gets better as the story progresses. As Luca and Alberto explore Portorosso, a seaside town in Italy, their friendship grows. The film resolves with a satisfying conclusion after many enjoyable twists and turns. All in all, Luca deserves a nomination as one of the best pictures of 2021.

Best Show  

Keagan S.: WandaVision

WandaVision is a mysterious TV show featuring Wanda and Vision, first seen in Marvels’ Avengers: Age of Ultron, as the main characters of this Disney+ series. Director Matt Shakman does a great job of raising tension and keeping the audience interested. Shakman also does an excellent job raising the stakes throughout the series' runtime. Overall, Shakman did an amazing job directing WandaVision and the TV show has a well-built storyline and a cliffhanger ending. WandaVision is a great TV show and deserves a nomination as one of the best series as of 2021.

Hannah M.: Shadow and Bone

Based on the bestselling novel by Leigh Bardugo, this riveting show is the perfect adaptation of a fictional world full of magic and mystery. Shadow and Bone crafts an exciting, fast-paced adventure filled with action, mystery, and pitch-perfect romance that keeps viewers sitting on the edge of their seats. With Bardugo as executive producer of the show, she brings to life an intriguing and well-crafted world of the Grishaverse through dynamic, multiple-perspective story-telling. With its stunning visuals, exhilarating plot twists, and an excellent cast, Shadow and Bone stays true to its original and creative story. 

Ryland Bickley: The Beatles: Get Back

This three-part miniseries on Disney+ follows one of the greatest bands in history just weeks before their now-iconic 1969 rooftop performance – which would be their last ever as a band. With the band pressured into putting together an album in less than a month, Get Back is an incredible look into The Beatles’ creative process, even capturing the very moments some of their greatest songs were born. Director Peter Jackson deserves credit for condensing and restoring over 200 hours of largely unreleased video and audio recordings into such a cohesive and engaging documentary. Viewers see both the genius and dysfunction of the legendary group, and despite the band’s penchant for light-hearted jam sessions, some incredible emotional moments shine through. It’s an honest look into the dizzying highs and lows of The Beatles’ history, and the chance to be a fly on the wall amongst such brilliant musicians is something that will be a treat to both superfans and casual appreciators alike. 

McKenna S.: Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Fans of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, an animated series, were looking forward to the release of Star Wars: The Bad Batch and it did not disappoint. A year after the conclusion of The Clone Wars, Disney+ streams the story of a clone force made of genetically modified clones. The show starts when Emperor Palpatine sends “Order 66” to all the clones and they betray the Jedi. There is a malfunction, and the genetically modified clones don’t receive the order. Throughout the season they go on an amazing journey and befriend characters from The Clone Wars show and beyond. The show’s creator, Dave Filoni, touches hearts while displaying the action and brotherhood between the protagonists.

Vote in this form (open to both ORCA students and staff) to decide which nominated movies and TV shows are most deserving of winning the first Orcas! 

ORCA’s chess club is a community where students can improve their chess skills, make friends with other students who like chess, and compete in tournaments. 

The Chess Club is advised by Mr. Justin Turcotte and Mr. Shawn Bundy, both high school science teachers.  According to Mr. Bundy, the club has a “great community” of players at all skill levels, ranging from 6th-12th grade. “We have recently seen a spike in quality play from a few of our 8th and 9th graders and we are looking forward to competing in live high school tournaments in the coming years…we have a great group of players who only continue to improve.” He adds that his favorite part of advising is “watching players improve and have fun with each other in our live meetings and tournaments.”

Mr. Bundy created the club in the 2020-2021 school year, when ORCA became an independent charter school. He had previously helped run the Connections Academy national chess club before the change.

Club meetings are every other  Wednesday at 2 p.m.. During club meetings, activities range from playing online games against teammates and coaches to chess puzzles. The club also studies tutorials on improving play.

The Chess Club is available for high school and middle school students to join and have fun playing chess. If you want to join the Chess Club, click here.

Want to share your photos? The Current is opening a photography contest for grades 6-12. All you need to do is find your best photo and submit it via the form below.

This photography contest is open to all ORCA middle school and high school students. Any type of photo is accepted, but you do have to follow the guidelines below for your photo to be considered. You may use any technique you like. Filters are accepted.

The top submissions will be featured in The Current’s next issue. Click here to submit your photo.

Please be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Your entry must be school appropriate.

• Your entry must be a photo taken by you.  

• Your entry must be submitted by March 20.

• Add your name. 

  • (Keep in mind that The Current is a public site, so please note whether you want your full name or first name and last initial noted.)

• Only one entry per person.

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

It was a privilege to be able to interview Ms. Leifer, who has an eclectic background in teaching and is one of ORCA’s amazing mathematics teachers. She joined the ORCA staff after moving back from the U.K. in 2008, where she taught for five years. She was born in Germany, which is what drew her back to Europe.

Ms. Leifer began showing her love for teaching when she was young. She would help her three younger sisters with school and loved it, especially when they needed help with math. She says, “It feels like I’m being a translator and I’ve always loved teaching math as a language.” She believes that every student can understand high school math. What matters is how they are presented with the material and the effort level of the instructor and the learner.

Ms. Leifer says her students keep her motivated when teaching gets hard. “There are some days where it is really tough and it’s exhausting. You’re trying to get everything done and you’re trying to reach those students who’ve been struggling or the students who won’t pick up the phone,” she adds. “Then you have a really good one-on-one with a student where all of a sudden the ‘Ah-ha!’ moments just keep coming.”

In addition to being a certified math teacher, she is also certified to teach English Language Arts. Not only can she instruct in America, but she is licensed in England as well. Ms. Leifer has also been editing books since 2010. She was in jazz band in high school, too, and loves music.

One of her students, Ryland Bickley, praises Ms. Leifer’s teaching methods, saying, “Ms. Leifer is great at making the topics she’s teaching interesting and building an awesome classroom environment.” He also adds, “Math has never been a subject I’ve liked that much but her Pre-Calculus class is my favorite this year.”

Oregon Charter Academy’s 2021–2022 Book Battle is now in session, as teams of ORCA middle school and high school students prepare for competition.

This year is relatively different from last year’s ORCA Book Battle. Each team consists of seven or more members. Each team member has to scan, if not read, each book. This year, the number of books has been raised to an average of seven books due to the increased number of team members. This new book average has been implemented throughout all grade levels. 

In this year’s middle school tournament, eight books were picked, with genres ranging from fantasy to biography. The points assigned to each book range from zero to eleven, which is how the advisors determine how many points each team will earn if they are able to correctly answer questions about each book.

For more information regarding the books for this year’s middle school tournament, please click here: ORCA's Middle School Book Battle Book List Overview

In this year’s high school sector of the ORCA Book Battle, there are currently six books featuring a wide array of genres. Each book ranges from zero to seventeen points, which can be earned by answering each question correctly. The team with the most points will advance to compete in the Oregon Battle of the Books.

For the whole list of books currently being studied for this year’s high school tournament, please click here: ORCA's High School Book Battle Book List Overview.

The ORCA Book Battle tournaments are a great way for students to work together and strategize towards victory. 

After some hard work by students and staff, Oregon Charter Academy will issue yearbooks for all grade levels this spring. 

ORCA sent students a message in their school Gmail accounts in January requesting a yearbook-friendly photograph. Organizers also asked clubs to submit pages with photographs and club info. 

The due date to submit content is March 4, so there are still a few days left to get into the 2021-2022 yearbook. 

To submit a photograph as a student, use the search bar in your school Gmail inbox to locate the message from “My Yearbook Photo.” Follow the instructions in the message to submit your photo. 

If you’re part of a club, contact your club advisor and fellow members to coordinate your entry.

The yearbook is planned to be a physical copy and cost a small amount. 

This Google Slides presentation contains all of the information on how to submit a photograph. 

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. 

5. 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.

6. 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.

As a part of the Portland Workforce Alliance, the NW Youth Careers Expo is hosting a field trip open to all Oregon Charter Academy high school students. 

The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 15 and 16.  It will feature hosted exhibitor booths and presentations for students to meet with leading employers, colleges, and training programs. Students will hear from top professionals in each industry about experiences and tips for success. 

The NW Youth Careers Expo is a virtual career exploration experience for high school students to explore a broad range of career fields – including business, healthcare, engineering, public services, military, and more – as well as a way for students to gain knowledge of essential work-related skills and experience in each industry. 

“Our shared mission [is to] help students develop informed, inspired plans for life after high school and help employers connect with their future workforce,” according to the PWA website. 

The Careers Expo will feature a virtual exhibit hall where students and educators will have the opportunity to “visit” booths to learn about different career organizations and pathways. Exhibitors can share materials and videos about their workplace experience and host live chats to answer questions. The virtual auditorium will allow students to attend presentations and engage with professionals. 

Students can also participate in a virtual scavenger hunt for an opportunity to win prizes from Amazon, Adidas, Nike and more. 

The field trip is limited to a one-hundred student capacity. Check out Field Trip Central  for information on how to RSVP for this event. 

It is never too early to start planning for life after high school, and the Oregon Career Fair is a great place to start. 

From March 7 to 11, Oregon Connections is hosting a free virtual fair open to all ORCA middle school and high school students. 

“Oregon Connections is a web-based platform where industry professionals share their expertise with teachers and students, bringing real-world, authentic learning opportunities to all students,” according to the description on the Oregon Connections website. 

The career fair has 24 sessions featuring six of the main career clusters – including business management, health sciences, human services, and engineering – hosted by the five STEM hubs across Oregon. Through live virtual chats and presentations, students will have the opportunity to explore new career fields, hear from top professionals about their industry, gain essential work-related skills, and start planning for their future. 

To sign up for the fair, click here. The event’s schedule can be viewed through this link. 

Oregon Charter Academy has announced the formation of a school esports team with plans to compete this year.

Esports function as a school-sanctioned sport within the medium of video-gaming. Currently, ORCA plans to field teams for playing the titles Rocket League and League of Legends. 

In a school board meeting in November of 2021, K-8 Assistant Principal and ORCA Esports Director Todd Shaffer noted that the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) is “seeking to certify esports as an officially sanctioned school competitive event.” 

“In the US alone, there are several college opportunities for esports, along with scholarships,” said Mr. Shaffer in a February message to students. “We want to provide our students with the opportunity to access those programs as well as provide the opportunity for students to connect and enjoy their passion for gaming.”

With the application for joining the program ending on February 11th, it appears that ORCA’s esports teams are set for the school year. The dates of competitions have yet to be announced. 

In his board meeting comments, Mr. Shaffer concluded, “Developing this program puts ORCA ahead of the game as a school that is pioneering esports programs in Oregon.”

The Military Leadership Club, which is advised by Ms. Massey, is open to all ORCA middle school and high school students.

Ms. Massey, the club advisor, announced, “The Military Leadership Club, which meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 2:30, inspires its members to live a life of honor, discipline, teamwork, and leadership.” 

The club provides an introduction to the U.S. Military. They have tons of community service opportunities, and the Military Leadership Club has opportunities for leadership growth outside of NHS or Student Government. They also study for and have opportunities to take the military aptitude test (ASVAB).

She also described what they do in the club: “To achieve our goals, we host military guest speakers and student presenters to hear about military life, careers, and history.” She said, “As we return to in-person events, we plan on meeting for hikes, close order drills (marching and facing movements), and community service. This is our fourth year, and we'd love to have you join us to make this the best year ever!”

If you are interested in joining the military leadership club, then click this link.

In the pantheon of schoolhouse memories, few events can compare to the festive, bestickered carnival of literacy that is the Scholastic Book Fair. Now that the Scholastic Book Fair has transitioned to virtual, it continues to make its mark on a wide variety of schools, including Oregon Charter Academy. 

Starting on February 28 and running through March 13, ORCA will be holding our own Scholastic Virtual Book Fair. During the virtual book fair, students will have the opportunity to freely browse a wide variety of books within many different genres through the lens of a 360-degree environment.

Students can click and drag the screen to view the colorfully decorated room full of books in 3D, giving the impression of being at a real-life Scholastic Book Fair. Students can even narrow down their choices by target age, leading to their own dedicated section with a variety of titles and authors. 

Similar to how an in-person Scholastic Book Fair would go, if a student finds an interesting book, they can click on an "open book" icon where information regarding the book will appear. These include the name of the book, the author, a short blurb about the plot, reading level and price. Students can also add books to their cart for safekeeping, so they can order some later with permission from parents or other adults.

While the books at the fair do cost money, a portion of the proceeds collected from those books purchased will go directly to ORCA for further development of the school’s supplies and more.

The link to ORCA’s Scholastic Virtual Book Fair site will be posted on the Principal's Corner on February 28 for middle school and elementary school students. To find out more regarding the Scholastic Virtual Book Fair, please visit Scholastic’s website or view ORCA’s middle school newsletter here.

As a part of Gen Z (Generation Z, born 1997-2012), today’s teenagers are the most advanced forms of humans that our species have ever seen. Take a look at this very informative graph of their psychological brain functions. 

By following these essential tips, you will learn the secrets to being an intelligent and mature specimen of this generation. 

Tip #1. Make Your Screen Your Number One Priority

Your device is an absolute. Necessity. To live. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse or being abducted by aliens—as long as you have a phone to post it on social media, you will be just fine. Having a steady stream of views, likes, and followers is essential to survival. 

Before this age, our ancestors didn’t even have TVs or phones. They survived by hunting for food, building shelters, and sewing their own clothes. As you can see, life before the social-media era was horrific, as our ancestors lacked the technology that teens now have with Tiktok and YouTube. Sure, Isaac Newton invented calculus, but did he have any subscribers? No. Not even one.

Tip #2. Learn the Gen Z Language

Gen Z teenagers have created an advanced form of the English language through the use of deep, and philosophical words in their sentences. Words such as “yeet,” “bruh,” “skrrr,” “oof,” and the overuse of “yo” can be used to express your high form of intelligence. By using one-word retorts, teens can show their efficient communication skills.

Tip #3. Talk Like a Pro

As a Gen Z'er, you must hone your linguistic skills to the point where you don't even say actual words. Instead, say letters that stand for words. For example, FYI, BTW, LOL, or IWLSHMDTIHAHA* to name a few. 

It is a form of spelling that doesn’t require actual knowledge of knowing how to read. This suggests that you put so little effort into saying what you’re saying, that you don’t even say the words that you’re saying; you just say the letters that say the words that you’re not saying. It’s like an intelligent form of illiteracy. 

*Stands for “I was laughing so hard, my dog thought I had a heart attack.”

Tip #4. Socialize Without Socializing

As a teenager, your social life is a big priority. There’s no question that the best way to create a deep, heartfelt connection with someone is through their online persona. The best way to socialize is to meet up with your friends, then sit around staring at your phone and messaging other friends that aren’t there. This way, you can ensure that you are building strong communication and people skills. 

Tip #5. Be Self-Centered

Think of yourself as the sun – the world revolves around you, and everyone else is just a part of it. It’s important to be self-absorbed while also being insecure about yourself. Expect that everyone else should conform to you. Then, throw a fit when things don’t go your way. This way, you can better develop your maturity and emotional stability the right way.

Tip #6. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy diet of dino nuggies and pizza is an integral part of your daily routine. There is no better way to start your day than by filling your plate with nutritious foods full of succulent fat, energizing carbs, and pure sugar. 

The most productive way to spend your day is to sit on your couch, eating Cheetos crumbs off your shirt while binge-watching every show on TV until 3 a.m. Plus, who needs exercise? It takes an excessive amount of physical exertion to work out, which is a complete waste of energy that you could have used to stay inside and watch Netflix instead. 

Therefore, it is best to avoid exercise completely and maintain a well-rounded diet of junk foods to ensure that you are living an active and healthy lifestyle. 

By following these six simple tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a true Gen Z teenager.

What has happened to pop music? What used to be the most happy and upbeat genre has turned into melancholy central. What we listen to affects our spirit, and this moody music has become a large influence on teens. Instead of bobbing their heads, they are lying on the floor and staring at the ceiling with the volume set way too high.

All you have to do is turn on the radio, and Olivia Rodrigo will blow your ears up with a bunch of randomness about driving to Malibu and spitefully screaming “Good for you!” It’s chaos. Not to mention the return of the Jonas Brothers post-puberty, which everyone saw coming. 

Everyone misses the storm of 2013-2014 with hits like “Classic“ by MKTO and “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift. Who can forget that this was when One Direction peaked with one of their most popular songs, “Story of My Life?” Also at that time, Meghan Trainor was just entering the pop scene and brought the genre to a whole new level with vibrant girl power anthems.

And baby, baby, who would've thought that Justin Bieber would turn out to be the more positive side of pop, taking over what One Direction left behind after they went in separate directions. The takeover of smooth singing male singers has begun, with Charlie Puth and Shawn Mendes topping the charts. Where are the Backstreet Boys when you need them the most?

Finally, this genre is falsely advertising its content. Pop should formally change its name to “Flop” so people know what they are getting into.

Disclaimer: The author of this article has nothing against pop music and happens to enjoy Olivia Rodrigo and the Jonas Brothers, but she fears it’s warping the minds of our youth.

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.

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.

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 March:

Oregon’s Black History: 450 Years in 45 minutes (3/10)

At an accelerated pace of 10 years a minute, this field trip will be a crash course of Black History in Oregon. 

“Since 2008, Oregon Black Pioneers has shared its historical research primarily through its original exhibitions,” states the field trip description. “Through collaborations with nonprofit partners, OBP has been able to share stories that are seldom told anywhere else.”

“OBP continues to develop content for engaging new online and in-person experiences, connecting audiences to the African American individuals and communities that have shaped the cultural identity of Oregon from 1788 – present,” it adds. 

This event will be open for high school students. Information regarding the date and time, as well as how to RSVP, can be found on Field Trip Central. 

NASA Space Center Houston Live Stream on Newton's Laws (3/11)

ORCA’s next NASA field trip will focus on the physics of space. 

“During the plague of 1665, Isaac Newton was outside in his yard when an apple fell from a tree,” reads the event description. “The falling apple set his mind in motion. His thoughts on gravity, mass and force developed into explanations of the movement of the Moon, planets, and all objects.”

“Join our interactive presentation and explore Newton’s world of motion and how his laws are still used today to describe and calculate rocket trajectories, the orbits of satellites, and the International Space Station,” it concludes. 

This event will be open to all grade levels. Make sure to check out Field Trip Central to find information on how to RSVP. 

Choose Your Own Adventure! (3/11)

This middle school field trip will provide an interactive adventure for attending students. 

“Come and have an adventure! Vote to make choices to find out if you will find success, failure, or even SUDDEN DEATH!!!” the event description promises. 

As always, all of the important information for this event can be found in Field Trip Central.

Pi in the Sky! (3/14)

This field trip will provide students with the unique opportunity to create art using mathematical concepts. 

“Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world,” reads the event description. “Pi (π) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, approximately 3.14159. This field trip is an art project to create a Pi landscape.”

This field trip will be open to both middle and high school students. Make sure to check out Field Trip Central to learn the list of supplies needed for this field trip, as well as information regarding how to RSVP. 

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

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. 

A large portion of the world is of Mexican or Latin descent, yet there is still so much to learn about Latin American culture, one of these things being music.

To raise awareness, Spanish Buddies and Music Club are collaborating on a field trip on March 2 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., designed to engage and educate students about traditional Latin American music and how it ties into Spanish and Latin culture.

Students can learn about famous Latin American musicians and performers, along with an introduction to musical instruments and styles related to the genre. They can also learn more about Spanish vocabulary and the geography of Spanish-speaking countries.

Hosts and attendees will also get a chance to learn a traditional Spanish song, participate in a talent show, and play a fun game of Kahoot.

This field trip will take place in Ms. Pfenning’s Zoom room and is available to middle school and high school students. To RSVP and learn more about the event, visit ORCA’s Field Trip Central document.

This year’s annual Doodle for Google contest is accepting submissions until March 4th and is a great way to get your art nationally recognized. The 2022 theme revolves around mental health awareness and is encapsulated by the statement “I care for myself by…”

Doodle for Google is an art contest that is held every year by Google with many winners. There is one national winner who gets a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 tech package for their school or non-profit organization. Their winning artwork will be featured on Google.com for an entire day.

Each year, four national finalists will receive a $5,000 scholarship, and 54 state and territory winners are gifted Google hardware and fun Google merchandise with their artwork featured in the Doodle for Google gallery.

This year’s judges include Selena Gomez, Elyse Fox, and Juliana Urtubey, who was the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. The guidelines are open, but your art should be in line with the theme and must be your own work. Due to copyright infringement, no logos (other than the Google logo) are allowed.

Students from grades K-12 can use any medium, but all artwork must be entered through this form or mail (packaging details on the same entry link.) Only one application per student is allowed, and any additional submissions will not be considered.

Congratulations to our top artists, Linn McCormick, Faith Piowaty, and Arabella Mullanix, for winning The Current’s Art Contest with their skillful and detailed artworks! All contestants showed exceptional talent and creativity in their work. 

The Current would like to thank all entrants for their artistry and participation. The winning art pieces are featured in the image carousel. 

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

I'm struggling with submitting my assignments on time. I always turn in late assignments and I am always super stressed out about getting things done on time, because some assignments have a lock. - Late N. Stressedalot

Dear Late N. Stressedalot,

If you’re struggling to get your assignments done on time, you can try creating a schedule. A schedule will allow you to efficiently budget your time so you can get your assignments turned in on time. It may even allow you to have free time at the end of the day. There are many different ways you can schedule your time. You can find the various methods online. It is very important to not try and complete big assignments all at once. Instead, break it down into segments and work on one segment at a time.

If your assignments have been locked, take the time to reach out to your teacher so you can make a plan moving forward. The teachers at ORCA are very helpful, and reaching out will give you the best chance to pass the class if you're behind. 

Best of Luck,

ORCA NHS & NJHS

NHS, HELP!!!

I have 30 assignments overdue and I have to do all of them by the end of the semester. I already am feeling drained due to the heavy workload. How can I keep myself motivated and focused while organizing all those assignments into a month and a half? - I. M. O’Verwhelmed

Dear I. M. O’Verwhelmed, 

We suggest that you complete each assignment one at a time and start with the assignments worth the most points or most important to your grade and learning. Continue in chronological order. If you are feeling tired or unmotivated, then you should take a 15-30 minute break to take a walk, relax, or listen to some music.Then you can come back and complete more assignments with a fresh mind. To help yourself stay focused, you should avoid distractions, such as disrupting sounds, non-school related activities, social media notifications and so forth. You can also communicate with your teachers to form a catch-up plan. They can not only support your situation but also make things clearer for you.

Sincerely,

ORCA NHS & NJHS

Have a question about academics? Ask the NHS advice column! All submissions will be anonymous. 

You can submit your questions here. Questions must be submitted by the end of the first week of the month to be able to appear in The Current. Entries submitted after the deadline may appear in later editions.