December 2023

Get ready to step up to the ballot box!

In the week of December 4-8, students K-8 will have the opportunity to vote for their new Student Government President and Vice-President. The election results will be announced the following week. 

The new Student Government roles for middle schoolers are similar to those in the high school Executive Board. Presidential roles are open to seventh and eighth graders, while the lead roles of Secretary, Activities Director, and Public Relations Officer are open to grades 6-8 and will be appointed. Fifth graders will remain senators and participate in committee work. 

The Student Government President serves as the leader of the Executive Board for middle school, with the responsibility of organizing school events, planning and speaking at assemblies, hosting weekly student government meetings, and serving as a positive role model for ORCA students. The President works closely with the High School Junior Senator Representative to coordinate K-12 school events and bring student issues to the attention of the school administration.

The Vice President also plays a critical role in supporting the Student Government President, assisting with planning school events and assemblies, overseeing tasks, and occasionally appearing in the monthly newsletters. 

This change in Student Government aims to give middle school leaders a voice in the school community while also bringing positive change at ORCA. This is the first year that middle school is implementing this change.

“We realized that originally the ORCA Student Governments were combined,” explains Tianna Sigloh, the MS Student Government advisor. “Now that they are separate, it is really important to establish leadership roles so that students are able to hone their skills. At the core, creating strong leaders and giving students a platform is what student government is all about.”

Middle School Student Government has plans to have future Executive Board elections in the spring. Stay tuned for more upcoming details featured on the Student Government website. 

Show off your musical talent by participating in The Current’s second song contest! Whether it’s your first song or you’ve been making music for years, this contest is a great opportunity to write and record your own original composition for the whole school to appreciate.

Students can submit their entries for the contest using this form. The winning song will be featured in The Current’s January issue.

Please review the rules of the contest before submitting your song:

• Submissions must be under 3 minutes in length.

• Submissions must be original work. Covers are not allowed due to copyright issues.

• Submissions must include instrumental music with no lyrics.

• Songs must be submitted before the deadline of December 15.

Students can record themselves playing a musical instrument or use a copyright-free digital tool, such as Soundtrap, to create their songs in any genre. Students who join the ORCA Music Club gain access to a premium membership of Soundtrap. 

Check out this article for last year’s song contest winner. 

Looking for an impressive way to greet your holiday guests? Or perhaps you've got friends or family coming to town for the week? Don’t worry about baking that delicious holiday feast or decorating your tree in a perfect fashion; home-crafted decorations are just as welcoming to your guests. These three winter-inspired crafts are fun and easy to make.

#1) Sock snowman

With a plain white sock and a little bit of creativity, you can easily add a captivating centerpiece to any given tabletop. You can also use your snowman as a paperweight, pin cushion, and lots more. With some everyday supplies, this is a great craft for your creativity to shine.

You will need:

• 3 cups plain white rice

• 1 white sock

• 1 colorful old sock

• Hot glue gun and sticks

• Funnel (or piece of paper to roll into your own funnel)

• White embroidery floss

• Scissors

• Black marker

• For the nose: Orange pipe cleaner

• Optional: googly eyes, fun decorative ribbon, two buttons, pom-pom

For instructions, visit this pdf including full details and images for guidance. 

#2) Festive hand warmers

We know how chilly winter can be. Literally “warm up your winter” with this one! Made of microwave-safe and inexpensive materials, this sewing project is fun and inspiring. Make your hand warmer in whatever shape you would like. Ideas include but are not limited to: Christmas tree, gingerbread man, candy cane, circle, present, etc. Make sure not to microwave your Sharpie, scissors, or needle though.

You will need:

• Felt (color of your choice; will be used to make a holiday shape)

• Embroidery floss (to sew up your felt, plan color accordingly)

• 1/4 cup of rice

• Sharpie

• Scissors

• Large needle

For instructions, visit this pdf including full details and images for guidance. 

#3) Polymer clay candy canes

These little clay candy canes can be hung on holiday tree branches, scattered on tables, placed atop presents, and so on! They are super inexpensive and easy to make.

You will need:

• Red polymer clay

• White polymer clay

• Scissors

• Baking sheet

• Oven

For instructions, visit this pdf including full details and images for guidance.

And there you have it! Hopefully these three holiday crafts will help make your winter extra special this year. Happy crafting!

Interested in performing arts and poetry? Want to grow your public speaking skills? Looking to find community and support? If so, check out ORCA’s Poetry Out Loud. 

Poetry Out Loud is a national program dedicated to spoken poetry as well as the pursuit of students’ public speaking skills and personal growth. 

ORCA’s Poetry Out Loud club is currently open for high school students to join. It’s run by Stephanie Imig, a language arts teacher. She has been managing the program for the past nine years and is extremely passionate about poetry. 

“It's an inspirational celebration of incredible poetry, but it is also an enormous challenge that tests students' memorization skills and bravery,” Ms. Imig explains. “I think that is why I have such awe and appreciation for every student who chooses to participate. It is so easy to say no, to let an opportunity pass, to continue on in comfort. But, I have never had a student regret their choice to participate.” 

“That is the power of taking a risk and doing so with other students who have chosen to step up in the same way,” she adds.  “It is a powerful community, built around a love of poetry, and founded on courage.” 

Through the program, students learn stronger stage presence and public speaking tricks, both valuable skills in and out of school. During club meetings, participants practice reading aloud and receive constructive feedback from teachers and peers, preparing them for Poetry Out Loud competitions. 

ORCA’s school Poetry Out Loud competition is January 19, and participating students will be able to attend in person and read poems. According to the slideshow, participants are judged based on “accuracy, physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, level of complexity, evidence of understanding, and overall performance.” From there, the winner qualifies for the regional Poetry Out Loud competition. 

Last year, ORCA student Tempus Hillstrom competed in the State Championships for Poetry Out Loud. 

Beyond the competitions and skill growth, Poetry Out Loud is an excellent way to build community and create lasting friendships. Poetry can be raw and vulnerable, and presenting it can connect students with each other and their feelings. 

For more information on ORCA’s Poetry Out Loud, check out this slideshow or Poetry Out Loud’s website. 

An ORCA student is climbing the Rocket League leaderboards. Up through the week of November 13, ORCA esports player Cody Carter secured the third leading scorer position for individual points per game. He won 628.08 points overall, competing against over 165 players in the league, and became the first ORCA esports player to make it on the list.

The ORCA Rocket League team finished their season in strong form, with a score of 6-2 against 65 total teams. The team qualifies as #9 in a 16-team playoff, which starts on December 1. 

Carter has seen strong progress in ORCA’s Rocket League team this season. “I feel since joining we've all been more motivated to improve and put more time into practice because of the accomplishments and competition we have faced this season,” he says. “I’ve seen a lot of improvement in both myself and every one of my teammates.”

For the esports team, it has been rewarding to see their progress improve from last season and begin to see greater success. 

As of the same week, ORCA esports also made strides in their other games. The Overwatch 2 team finished the season 5-3, qualifying as the #13 team in the playoffs starting December 1. The League of Legends crew also made it to the December 4 playoffs as the #10 ranked team, finishing the season 5-3. The Super Smash Bros. group also performed well in their first season with a record of 3-5, but will not be joining the playoffs this year. 

The playoffs are running from December 1 to December 14, depending on the games and how well each team does. 

“I hope we can win the entire tournament this season,” Carter says. “I don’t know if we are at that point this season yet. But I think we have the skill and motivation to get ourselves to a point of realistically winning it all next season.”

The Current’s second debate poll in November sparked a fun debate throughout ORCA over some controversial topics. 

Students and staff shared their opinions on a number of incredibly controversial but non-political subjects. Questions ranged from whether the Ducks or Beavers are a better football team to who is the best Spider-Man and many more widely disputed topics. 

The two Oregon state football teams were brought to a civil war with the debate: are the Ducks or Beavers better? Amid the last rival game between the two colleges in November, this question sparked an intense dispute among fans. Both teams came close with the results, with the Beavers emerging as the late winner with 52.5% of the votes. 

Some fans voted for the Beavers to represent the university and Oregon’s state animal. But many Ducks fans argue that theirs is the better football team. 

“I come from a history of OSU graduates,” a student explained. “If I don't say Beavers I will not survive.”

“Let's be real, you see a lot more avid Ducks fans out there than Beavers,” argued another voter. “Plus, it never rains in Autzen stadium!”

The Apple versus Android comparison is another never-ending debate. After a close tie, 52.5% of respondents agreed that Apple is the better phone.

Many Apple users argue that the brand comes with better products, such as iPads and Airpods. 

One student offered a technical take on it: “I like Apple not only because of the better design, but also the software,” she explained. “The apps are better synchronized within the same software for easy access, such as contacts and messages. However, iPhones tend to be at a higher price range, but there isn’t much difference between the latest model compared to one that’s a couple years old. It sure isn’t worth $500 more.”

However, a respondent who particularly disliked iPhones said, “If I wanted to be controlled by meaningless restrictions from one of the world's biggest companies, I'd get myself tangled up in some 3M duct tape. At least it would not announce itself in every email I send.”

There were several topics that the majority agreed on, including Star Wars being a better movie franchise than Star Trek, with 92.5% of the votes.

“Anyone who says Star Trek is old,” retorted a student. 

“What even is Star Trek? Never watched it,” another voter added. “Star Wars is newer and more relevant in pop culture and media. Plus they got Yoda. Best character Yoda is.”

Marvel and DC fans were brought together for an intense debate over which is the better superhero team. The Avengers was far and away the most popular choice, beating the Justice League with 87.5% of the votes. 

“The Avengers has Iron Man, and Iron Man is the best!” one student said. “They’re the power team of the MCU!”

“Marvel and DC both have low stakes, but one has better heroes and bigger threats, and that's Marvel,” added another respondent. 

The question on the best Spider-Man was another fun Marvel discussion. Tom Holland was without doubt the most popular choice, garnering 67.5% of the votes. Tobey Maguire was second place with 20% of the votes, while Andrew Garfield received 12.5%. 

“Tobey Maguire is the one true Spider-Man, and don't you ever forget it,” a student asserted. “He is the only real Spider-Man, all the rest are poor imitations of his perfection. The Rami trilogy is the golden trilogy, even with Spider-Man 3.”

“Andrew Garfield got so much hate for literally no reason!” another argued. “He was the best Spiderman, goofy yet serious, and was so slept on when the movies came out. Justice for Garfield!”

“I chose Andrew Garfield because of Garfield the Cat,” a student added. 

One respondent offered an interesting take on both sides. “Honestly though, all the Spider Mans are great in their own right (even Miles Morales and his spiderman crew),” she said. “Overall, Toby Maguire is the best Spider Man, Tom Holland the best Peter Parker, and Andrew Garfield is the best at both.”

Many movie-goers preferred popcorn as their favorite snack, while candy was a second popular choice. 

“Who wants to eat either copious amounts of sugar, or a small amount slowly, when they could eat a giant bucket that'll last them through the whole movie?” a respondent commented. 

“Candy has no kernels to get stuck in your teeth!” argued another voter. 

However, a student pointed out, “Might I add, candy mixed in with the popcorn? 10x better!” 

When asked if they would rather have the ability to fly or become invisible, many respondents offered interesting takes on both sides. 

“Flight for sure,” a student responded. “Saves money on gas and it's a much faster and efficient way to travel. Plus you get all the weather reports before the news does.”

However, many agreed that invisibility was the better choice. 

“It's cold in the sky,” one student contended. “Best you can do is fly around in circles, very obviously, and become a new cryptid.”

“I could spook my friends and make things appear to float,” added a voter who chose invisibility.  

Another split debate was whether the countryside or the city was better. After a close tie, country was the winning choice, with 56.4% of the votes, for the nature and slow, peaceful pace. 

“I love both the country and city,” explained a student. “You got the nature, sunsets, and peaceful life of the country, whereas city life is more fast-paced and has everything to do there. I'd like a nice balance of both. But as a cowgirl, I am obligated to choose country.”

The full results of the poll are shown below: 

• Ducks or Beavers?

  • Beavers: 52.5%

  • Ducks: 47.5%

• Apple or Android?

  • Apple: 52.5%

  • Android: 47.5%

• Star Wars or Star Trek?

  • Star Wars: 92.5%

  • Star Trek: 7.5%

• The Avengers or The Justice League?

  • The Avengers: 87.5%

  • The Justice League: 12.5%

• Which Spider-Man is best?

  • Tom Holland: 67.5%

  • Tobey Maguire: 20%

  • Andrew Garfield: 12.5%

• Movie theater food: popcorn or candy?

  • Popcorn: 65%

  • Candy: 35%

• Would you rather have the ability to fly or become invisible?

  • Invisibility: 64.1%

  • Flight: 35.9%

• Country or city?

  • Country: 56.4%

  • City: 43.6%

Michael Rodriguez, an ORCA high school science teacher, spent this fall researching the biology of Antarctica with three Oregon State University scientists: Dr. Andrew Thurber, Dr. Rowan McLachlan, and Jacob Wynn, a PhD student. Over part of their time there, the team has treated ORCA students to three virtual field trips from one of the coldest places in the world. 

Their first field trip on October 20 covered all the details about life at the McMurdo Research station, where the team was living during their time there. Students also learned about the geography of Antarctica, the four basic ice landforms in the region, and the research station.

During the second field trip on October 26, students watched as divers slipped under the ice to do their work and learned about the marine ecology of the Antarctic. The scientists showed students the wildlife hiding below the thick ice and taught them the importance of layering.  

The last field trip in the series was on November 9 and featured details about Robert Falcon Scott’s doomed 1911 expedition to the South Pole. Students studied the grim history of this expedition, which involved explorers pushing themselves past the limits of human endurance, and learned about survival foods from a hundred years ago, including familiar staples like cocoa, mustard, butter and the less well-known pemmican, which is a long-lasting mixture of meat, fat, and dried berries.

Mr. Rodriguez also showed students images of Scott’s hut, which still exists in well-preserved form due to the cold environment. According to Mr. Rodriguez, the hut, which was the last residence for Scott’s team, is “frozen in time,” and features a blubber stove and a “slightly smelly” heap of frozen seal meat. He concluded that it is amazing to be “in the place where this epic story began.”

In addition to their live virtual events, Rodriguez and his team have also posted about their trip on this blog, where they recount details about their scientific work in the Antarctic, with topics including diving, sea stars, coral and sponges. There are also dozens of images taken by the scientists during their trip. 

Mr. Rodriguez has since returned from the Antarctic and resumed his ORCA teaching work.

In November, high school students in ORCA's biology class participated in the third annual Biology Microscope Contest. Each student in the class had received a microscope at the beginning of the school year.

The contest received a number of great submissions, and the top three winners have been chosen. Breanna S. won third place for a micrograph of decorating sugar. Nick W. got second place for a micrograph of a butterfly wing. First place went to Vince W. for a micrograph of a Balisong aluminum insert. 

The first place winner of the contest, Vince W., described the process behind making his micrograph: “It was a fun competition, especially since we were using a microscope which I've rarely ever used,” he says. He explains that he initially tested pictures from things in nature, but discovered interesting micrographs from random objects. “I started finding random stuff and trying them out under the microscope and eventually got what I got. And overall it was a fun contest and great experience!”

"I really enjoyed participating in the contest," adds third place winner Breanna S. "It's cool to see what various things look like under a microscope!"

ORCA biology teacher Jessica Heisley explains that every year, biology students receive a digital scope to assist with their learning, and the class holds an annual Micrograph Contest. “This was our third year and we had so much fun viewing everyone's images,” she says. 

“There are always new and different items that students choose to view with their digital scopes and it's always a fun experience to go through the different rounds of voting to reach our top three amongst all biology students,” Ms. Heisley adds. “Congrats to this year's winners!”

Winter is coming... the time of the year to slow down and appreciate the festivities of the season. And what better way to do that than by cozying up to a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite movie?

Whether you love a good sci-fi flick, a coming-of-age classic, or anything in between, winter is full of great movies that bring out the best of the holidays. As winter break begins, consider checking out these eight movies that perfectly capture the spirit of the season: 

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Frank Capra’s holiday classic remains a gold standard of the season. Often hailed as one of the best movies ever made, this beautifully written and directed film is a timeless masterpiece that never loses its magic. 

The story is filled with poignant and inspiring moments, all brought together by a wonderful script and music. The film features warm, funny performances from some Hollywood greats of yesteryear, including James Stewart and Donna Reed. 

With a heartwarming message of kindness and family, It’s a Wonderful Life is a memorable story that will live with audiences for generations to come. 

The Apartment (1960)

Billy Wilder’s iconic movie The Apartment is not one to miss out on this season. 

The movie’s clever script is full of witty dialogue, likable characters, and plenty of laughs. The cast, featuring John Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, also brings out their best performances. This holiday gem full of lighthearted comedy and heartfelt moments makes this the perfect watch for winter. 

Groundhog Day (1993)

Groundhog Day is a timeless classic that fully captures the essence of the snowy season. The story follows a cynical weatherman traveling to a small town during Groundhog Day who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again.

The story is equally charming and witty, thanks to a well-written script and Bill Murray's excellent performance. There are plenty of clever and genuine moments, as well as thought-provoking themes that give the story depth and perspective. The quaint and snowy small-town setting also brings out the homey feel of the holidays, making this a classic movie worth revisiting multiple times. 

Gattaca (1997)

Gattaca may be one of the best scientific films in recent history, with an original premise that skillfully explores themes of scientific advancement and free will. Intelligent and thought-provoking, the story offers a deep inquiry into the question: what would society be like if genetics determined the fate of people’s lives? 

All aspects of the production serve the story well, from the artful style and direction to cinematography and music. It’s excellently scripted with rich dialogue and balanced pacing while boasting some star power with the likes of Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law, all of whom deliver stellar performances. 

Though many futuristic sci-fi movies tend to fall to quickly-dated special effects and technology, Gattaca is a modern classic that remains relevant in its social commentary and introspective themes. 

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Clever, upbeat, and immensely entertaining, Catch Me If You Can is based on the true-life story of con artist Frank Abagnale, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Director Steven Speilberg takes this intriguing story and makes a captivating film out of it. 

Rich with fascinating details, memorable characters, and engaging performances, the film is endlessly compelling from its iconic opening credits to its satisfying ending. This period piece boasts flawless set design, bringing the 60s to the screen in a colorful and vivid way. John Williams' score also adds to the suspenseful and lighthearted tone of the movie. 

Catch Me If You Can is an excellent winter popcorn flick, effortlessly enjoyable and full of heart and humor. 

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, benefits greatly from David Fincher’s incredible direction. This epic fantasy tells the story of Benjamin Button, a boy born as an old man and ages backward. 

The movie is wonderfully crafted with rich storytelling and fantastic performances. The production, from its stunning cinematography, magical score, and detailed set and costume design, is nothing short of spectacular. The film is brilliant in keeping a sense of realism while bringing out a magical feel. It’s a masterpiece often forgotten in Fincher’s filmography, mostly due to the fact that it's unlike his usual style of filmmaking, but impressive all the same. 

Warm, poignant, and bittersweet, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a magical classic full of adventure and a reminder of what makes life special. 

Hugo (2011)

An homage to classic cinema, Hugo is an underrated gem directed by Martin Scorsese, one of cinema’s greatest auteurs. 

While it may be different from his usual style of filmmaking, it is equally impressive. The film is well-directed and made even better by the cast’s outstanding performances. Every detail, from the immaculate set design to the stunning cinematography, seems to enhance this film’s beauty and charm. Howard Shore's haunting and whimsical score also does a great job elevating the film’s emotional tone.

While Hugo may not be considered Scorsese's best film, it’s certainly one of his most overlooked masterpieces and a wonder to be appreciated by families and movie lovers alike.

The Fabelmans (2022)

A coming-of-age drama and homage to making art, The Fabelmans is, at its heart, a love letter to cinema. 

Though slow at times, the brilliant storytelling and direction offer a nostalgic and deeply personal story inspired by Speilberg’s own childhood. The talented cast, featuring Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams, and Paul Dano, delivers stand-out performances. A short appearance by another director known for more offbeat films, David Lynch, is a highlight of the movie. 

A film that hits all the right emotional beats, The Fabelmans is a wholesome, sentimental drama about family, art, and the magic of movies. 

The movies in this list are just some of the many great films to watch during the holidays. Any movies rated R were left out of this article to ensure a school-appropriate list of movies rated PG-13 or lower. 

From epic fantasies to romantic dramas, the cozy winter season is a great time to turn on the TV, get a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy your favorite comfort movies.

ORCA’s National Honor Society is hosting its annual Club Fair on December 15 from 12-1 p.m. This virtual event is open to grades K-12, where attendees will be able to meet with different clubs or support their own clubs, all while learning about the new and diverse programs at ORCA and get involved in the school community. 

ORCA has over 50 clubs, and the Club Fair is a great opportunity to try out different ones if students are unsure of what to join. With a wide spectrum of topics – from writing to robotics, virtual sports, and career-driven focuses – there is something for everyone. 

“Joining clubs has helped me expand my role in the ORCA community and I’m so excited for you to hear more about them,” says NHS member Ahnalya De Leeuw. “And if you’re already in some clubs, it’ll be a great way to represent your group and recruit new members!” 

Students will start off in the main room, where NHS will begin with introductions and give an overview of the clubs available. From there, students can visit different breakout rooms to meet the club advisors and members and learn about the program. Check out this document for a list of all the clubs at the fair. 

It is required that all attendees RSVP, so be sure to fill out the form on the Field Trip Central. 

Get ready to build up your leadership skills at ORCA’s first Presidential Workshop.

On December 15 at 10 a.m., Student Government President Grace Peterson will host a workshop for students to learn about leadership skills and how to get involved in their community. 

“As President, I think it’s very important for me to take this position and use it to elevate my fellow students,” Peterson says. “I am here to support ORCA’s student body, and this is just another way to foster a positive environment of growth and leadership for both middle and high school.” 

With a Taylor Swift theme, titled “Better Than Revenge,” the workshop will cover tips for communication with the Pinch-Crunch Method for problem-solving and applying these techniques in real life. 

“Leadership and communication are two key subjects I think all students should learn at any age,” she explains. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to host a workshop for ORCA students.” 

Peterson has previously presented leadership workshops for the Oregon Association of Student Councils (OASC) at statewide and international events, aiming to bring that same level of leadership and learning to the ORCA community. 

The workshop structure is designed to encourage student engagement and participation. The event will feature an activity for students to ask one-to-one questions and engage in their learning. Students can also find resources after the event for additional information and support. 

The Zoom link will be in an upcoming principal's announcement. For any questions on the event, please don’t hesitate to contact Student Government or President Grace Peterson. 

Make a splash with your writing! ORCA’s literary magazine is gearing up for its second issue.

The Waves: Literary Magazine is ORCA’s primary location for publishing student creative writing. The debut issue was published in May 2023 and is now collecting submissions for its new edition. 

Erica Hand, the advisor, says she is very glad the magazine could return for its second year. “I can’t wait to read the amazing writing from ORCA students this year,” she says. Ms. Hand has spent over twenty years teaching language arts and also teaches ORCA’s high school Creative Writing class. 

The Waves will accept any genre of writing from all high school student, as long as it conforms to the theme and the guidelines. Submissions must be Times New Roman or Ariel, in 11 or 12 font, and must be school-appropriate. To view their full guidelines, click here. 

Issue II’s theme is “rare.” According to the website, rarity is an intentionally broad prompt, saying, “the small perfections, the great boons, the little moments or the unusual flare. Rarity can be defined by many or just the nod of one. The choice is yours.”

Grace Peterson, one of the managing student editors, expressed her excitement at the return of the magazine. “We here at The Waves are very excited to read your submissions, and we look forward to publishing them on our site,” she says.

Submit through their website, or fill out the form here. For additional information, reach out through their contact form or check out this article.

The holidays are just around the corner! From December 1-30, Student Government is hosting ORCA’s fourth annual Deck the Doors contest where students can participate in school-wide holiday festivities by decorating a door in their home. Traditionally, students will festoon their door with streamers, pictures, wreaths, wrapping paper, and much more.

You can go with classic decor like lights, cranberries, tinsel, and the materials mentioned above, or you can think outside of the box and get creative with it. If you’re looking for some creative inspiration, click here to view last year’s winning submissions.

Photo submissions are accepted throughout the month of December and you can submit your decked door here.

Members of Student Government will judge the submissions, and winners will receive an ORCA water bottle as a prize and be showcased in the grade level weekly Principal’s announcements and Student Government website.

“Deck the Doors is a fun opportunity for anyone to get involved with!” says Leesy Lindsay, the Student Government Activities Director. “Anyone can submit photos of their door and five from each grade-band will be selected and will receive a prize. The competition is open all of December. Have fun and we can’t wait to see what you can do!”

May the best decorated door win. Good luck, ORCA, and happy holidays!

Music is a great way to celebrate with friends and family over the holidays. Here are five amazing holiday songs that you can enjoy with your friends and family this December. 

“Snowman” by Sia

“Snowman” is a great song about that special snowman you can’t bear to lose. This holiday hit is by Sia and was released in 2017. With a beautiful and unique voice, she describes in this song how she doesn't want her special snowman to melt away.

“Let It Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” by Frank Sinatra

This holiday classic has many different versions but one of the best is sung by Frank Sinatra. You know even though it may be cold outside, it is cozy right by the fire, so let it snow! This song was released in 1950 and has an enduring place on holiday playlists. 

“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” by Andy Williams

This festive song will help you realize how thankful we should be for the holidays and how we have so much to feel grateful for. This song was released in 1963 and is an iconic holiday music staple. 

“Candy Cane Lane” by Sia

This holiday hit is also by Sia, released in 2017. In this song, she shares how she takes a trip down Candy Cane Lane with special holiday friends right beside her. This festive upbeat song is truly magical.

These four songs will make your holidays better than ever, so plug in those earbuds, hop on your favorite music app, and try these wonderful songs that you and your family will love for this holiday season.

ORCA had a successful Hangouts event on Friday, November 17 with plenty of friends, games, and fun. 

The Elementary and Middle School Hangouts ran from 10 a.m. to noon, and the High School event was from 1-3 p.m. Both events drew a large crowd, with students from across the state visiting ORCA's Wilsonville office to play board games, chat, and hang out with friends old and new. 

The events started with group introductions as students and teachers got to know each other. Students then dispersed into groups, playing various games and activities, including Clue, Five Seconds, hangman, and drawing. 

“It is so great to see so many of my students having fun and interacting with their peers,” says ORCA teacher Kristin Brown, who hosted the Middle School Hangouts. “I love having this amazing opportunity to play games and socialize with my students. I think the funniest part this time was watching students and teachers compete at Simon Says. It cracked me up!"

Additionally, students shared promotional content for various clubs at ORCA. At the High School Hangouts, Student Government hosted a “Student Gov Takeover” on their Instagram to promote events and activities. Students were able to send in questions and learn more about Student Government updates. Some questions include asking about their favorite part of Student Government, a fun fact about themselves, and if they would rather be the president or an astronaut for a day. 

“It was great seeing my classmates and Student Gov friends at the event!” says tenth grade senator Avery Khoury. “HS Hangouts are always so fun and I am looking forward to more in the future!"

The Hangouts was as lively as ever, and the next one on January 26 is expected to be just as fun. Be sure to check out the event on Field Trip Central and RSVP to attend. 

Inflatable minions, leadership skills, and bananas of fun – who could miss out on that?

The Oregon Association of Student Councils (OASC) hosted its annual Fall Conference from November 5-6 in Seaside, providing leadership opportunities to schools across the state while holding elections for its student board. 

The two-day event had Zumba, keynotes from Monti Washington and Donovan Beck, leadership workshops, inflatable obstacle courses, and a dance, all with the theme “The Rise Of Leadership.” Minion decorations and bananas galore, all assembled by students from Hillsboro High School, kept the theme in focus. OASC’s program reiterated that, like in the Minions franchise, great power and leadership can’t come from just one person; it takes a strong team. Almost one thousand participants were in attendance and many dressed up for the theme. 

Oregon Charter Academy had three students attend with middle school Student Government Advisor, Tianna Sigloh. 

“[There was a] special energy to the event that made students feel safe and empowered,” says Ms. Sigloh. “I found it incredibly moving.” She spent the day finding new resources and alternatives to bring back to ORCA’s Student Government and would love to participate in the next OASC event. 

The Student Executive Board, or SEC, is formed of high school leaders from across the state to provide student support and perspective for the organization. 

Each position on the SEC was open and student leaders from across the state were hard at work for their campaigns. Positions include Regional Representative, At-Large Representative, and OASC State President. For details on what each position does, check out last year’s Fall Conference recap. 

The Midwest Regional Representative election had two candidates, Taylor Goodart from Taft 7-12 High School and Emily Pennington from Oregon Charter Academy. Goodart’s campaign focused on small movements creating big waves and Pennington’s was all about keeping Student Governments strong. 

In addition, there were three candidates for President, who all delivered a speech and spent the day networking. 

Annie Westover, a junior at Sherwood High School, started with her speech. She discussed the impact OASC had had on her, providing her with opportunities and friendships, and how she would use the Presidential position to give back to the greater community. In addition, she referenced “OASC magic,” and how she couldn’t wait to sprinkle it across the state. 

B Genduso followed with her own speech. A junior at Century High School, Genduso served a year on the SEC as Metro West Regional Representative. Standing as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she cited that she wanted to keep OASC accessible and inclusive, as leaders come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. They had many plans and ideas on the best way to do this, as they have been experimenting in their region for the best solutions. 

Caylie Grande, a junior at Ridgeview High School, was the last to present. Like Genduso, she also served a year on the SEC as the Central Regional Representative. Coming from a rural area, she knew how disconnected regions could be, so her goal as President would be to unite, support, and connect them. By having more Regional Events and promoting more open communication, she aims to bridge together schools across Oregon. 

All candidates attended panels, answering questions on how they would achieve their goals and what they would do with their positions if elected. Both Genduso and Grande highlighted their experience on the SEC board as Regional Representatives, citing that they knew what it took to hold the position and how to manage the board. Westover, who hasn’t served on the board before, pointed out she could learn quickly and provide fresh insight. 

The hard work of B Genduso paid off, as she was elected State President. Westover and Grande were appointed as At-Large Representatives. The rest of the Regional election results are as follows: 

• Midwest: Taylor Goodart (Taft 7-12 High School)

• Southern: Lilly Klumpp (North Valley High School)

• Metro-West: Emma Garcia (Mountainside High School)

• Metro-East: Gracie Carter (Canby High School)

• Eastern: Grace Winebarger (Hermiston High School)

• Central: Rihanna Gonzalez (Ridgeview High School)

• Northwest: Charlie Leader (Scappoose High School)

• Mid-Level: Kanak Patel 

It was a successful event and ORCA is proud of Pennington for representing the school. Pennington was the only candidate from a virtual school, and, while she did not win a position, she won the hearts of many. 

For more information, check out OASC’s social media or their website. 

Math is a universal language that has existed for thousands of years and its applications are endless. For some, creating art with functions or dabbling with the concepts is a hobby in and of itself.

Desmos is a well-known site and the home of the mathematical calculator that allows users to create visual representations of equations, as well as supplying educators with other services that can pique the interest of their students.

From December 1 to January 15, Desmos is hosting their fourth annual math competition, where participants will be able to use both classic and newly created tools to create art. One such tool that has made its debut is the ability to hear the tone of a graph. According to the Desmos website, the contest aims to reinforce “the connection between math and art and creativity…inspires wild new features and products…in our quest to make tools worthy of the incredible people who use us around the world.”

Entrants will be able to create math-based artwork in one or more of the following categories: graphing, geometry, and 3D. 

The contest is open to students aged 13 and up. 

Here are the requirements that are needed for the Desmos Math Competition:

1. Creativity and originality that tell a personal story, a pleasing visual design, and a varied array of mathematical motifs.

2. Delight in the form of animations, custom colors, precision, attention to detail, and sound effects.

3. Performance using simplicity of the lines to achieve the same outcome and fast rendering of the artwork.

4. Approachability to simple math applications, graph organization, and documentation, using simplistic techniques to create powerful pieces.

Prizes include $250 in cash and a $100 gift card to the Desmos gift shop. The winning artworks will be showcased on the Desmos website and on social media channels. If a submission is improved, the judges of the competition will only consider the final submission, so multiple submissions are allowed.

All submissions must be submitted by January 15 at 8:59 p.m. PST.

For more information regarding the Desmos Global Math Contest, please visit their information page.

Despite the chilly weather, the regional event days show no signs of stopping. These are days when multiple events happen in different parts of Oregon, so every student statewide has a chance to get involved. Here is a list of the various ORCA-sponsored events happening across the state on December 8.

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum (Salem)

Spend the morning at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum to learn all about the history of flight and space. There is a cost of $15 for students to attend. Chaperones and parents have free admission. 

OMSI (Portland)

Visit OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) for a fun morning of learning about science and technology. Students and families can find hundreds of exciting exhibits, participate in hands-on labs, and visit the planetarium and three large auditoriums. 

Note: The RSVP and payment deadline has passed. 

Eugene Science Center (Eugene)

Enjoy a morning at the Eugene Science Center, featuring a planetarium show and a plethora of educational exhibits. The planetarium show will be split by grade band to accommodate more visitors. The entry cost is $8 per person. Attendees are noted to arrive on time, as late visitors may not be admitted to the planetarium. 

Hatfield Marine Science Center (North & Middle Coast)

Study the marine biology of the Oregon Coast in Newport. Run by Oregon State University, this facility is one of only 22 Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers nationwide. Adults and students must pay $3 for entry. There is an attendee limit of 22, so be sure to RSVP as soon as possible. 

Baking Holiday Treats (Virtual)

Baking treats is always a fun way to celebrate the holidays. Come and learn how to make delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with ORCA staff and students. 

The virtual event is open to all grades and runs from 11 a.m. to noon. To participate, families must bring their own ingredients and have supplies ready. Those who RSVP will be sent a list of ingredients. 

Bowling (Central)

See if you can earn a perfect 300 at Sun Mountain Fun Center in Bend. Students will spend a fun afternoon bowling with their teachers and classmates. It costs $3.75 a game per person and $2.50 for shoe rentals per person. 

The Pottery Co. Ornament Making (South Coast)

Get in touch with your artistic side by making a gorgeous holiday ornament. Ornaments are $5 each, which includes painting the front and back side. 

Winter Craft Day in La Grande (Eastern)

Another artsy field trip, Winter Craft Day is a fun, hands-on experience for all grades. Students and chaperones will make festive creations out of yarn at four crafting stations. 

These December regional events are a great way to get involved in the ORCA community and meet your peers and teachers before winter break. Make sure to check out Field Trip Central to RSVP and find more information on the events.

Now is a great time to explore new careers and opportunities outside of school. The Portland Workforce Alliance, a non-profit organization partnered with Oregon Charter Academy, offers a wide array of programs for students to explore fast-growing careers in various industries. These in-person opportunities are available to all high school students and take place in the Portland metro area. 

The Oregonian Career Day

Interested in a career in journalism? Join this fun career day to discover the inner workings of Oregon’s largest media company.

Meet professional journalists as they talk about their experience in the industry and how they use video tools, photography and social media to tell stories. Students will participate in hands-on activities, including a mock press conference, and gain insights into the skills and education needed for a career in journalism, communications, and media.

Don’t miss this fun event on December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Be sure to fill out the student interest and parent/guardian form on the PWA website to attend. Available spots are limited. 

Elections Career Day

Step behind the scenes and witness democracy in action at the Multnomah County Elections office. On December 7, students can learn about the operations of Oregon's largest county's elections office and explore careers in public service. 

The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Interested in attending? Sign up through the PWA website by filling out the student interest and parent/guardian form. 

The career programs offered through the Portland Workforce Alliance are a great way to explore new fields and learn about different industries. Be sure to register through the PWA website and Field Trip Central accordingly for these events. Keep an eye out for many more fun PWA career programs in the future. 

You can print The Current’s Winter Crossword HERE. The clues are listed below:

ACROSS

2. A holiday based on traditional harvest festivals from various parts of Africa

6. The last day of the year (3 words)

7. An international sporting event held once every four years

8. A warm beverage associated with cozy winter feelings (2 words)

10. A holiday when Santa Clause leaves presents under a decorated tree

11. A feathery ice crystal

DOWN

1. A team sport with ice skates

3. The shortest day of the year and the first day of winter

4. A Jewish holiday that lasts eight days

5. Sliding down a snowy hill

9. The name of a talking snowman

The answers to the crossword will be published in The Current's January issue.

Below are the answers to the Movie Quotes Crossword from the November issue of The Current.

ACROSS

1. Forrest Gump = “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates.”

5. Cast Away = “Wilson!”

8. Shrek = “In the morning, I’m making waffles!”

9. Iron Man = “I am Iron Man.”

10. Toy Story = “To infinity and beyond!”

12. Casablanca = “This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

14. Titanic = “I’m the king of the world!”

15. The Wizard of Oz = “Toto, I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore.”

DOWN

1. Finding Nemo = “Just keep swimming.”

2. Mary Poppins = “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.”

3. Barbie = “It is the best day ever. So was yesterday, and so is tomorrow, and every day from now until forever.”

4. The Sound of Music = “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.”

5. Cars = “Speed. I am speed.”

6. The Godfather = “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

7. Top Gun = “I feel the need – the need for speed.”

11. Home Alone = “Keep the change, ya filthy animal.”

13. Jaws = “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

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. 

What’s a good way to find sources for my research paper?

- R. E. Search

Dear R. E. Search, 

The quality of your sources is key! A good way to start is to open a Google Document where you can throw links to keep track of them. 

Search for sources with domains of .org, .gov, and .edu. They are often more reliable than .com because they aren't commercial sites and are put together by an organization, the government, or an educational institution, respectively. Many .com sources are still trustworthy, but be aware of if they are selling something.

Use Boolean search terms. Every browser uses them differently, but putting “AND,” “OR,” and other words can help narrow or broaden your search. 

Also, read laterally! This means that you have several sources open at a time and jump between them to compare information and fact-check. This can help identify biases or ulterior motives of the sources that could affect the information found there. 

You may have heard certain sources aren’t trustworthy, like Wikipedia. It’s important to know each of your teacher’s expectations within your individual classes regarding sources. Even if you can’t use certain websites, always check the sources’ “Works Cited” page. These pages can lead you to other trustworthy sources. 

If you can, go to your library or a location relevant to your research (like a historic museum). These places can have many resources in-print that you can reference. 

Finally, remember your teacher’s expectations for citing your sources. A common citation format at ORCA is MLA format, but expectations vary per class. To help you make citations, you can use an online generator, research the general format and add it manually, or reach out to your English teacher on how they want citations formatted. 

Research is a large process, so best of luck breaking it all down!

Best wishes,

ORCA’s NHS & NJHS

I’m a senior and balancing deadlines in the season of postsecondary planning is getting to be a lot. How can I cope? 

- O. Ver Whelm

Dear O. Ver Whelm,

First of all, great job for balancing so much! Students have many responsibilities with each unique year of high school, and senior year is no different.

If you haven’t already, make a calendar. Put college/vocational school deadlines, the FAFSA, Oregon Promise, OSAC, and other opportunities on it so you don’t forget! Budget your time and plan ahead for the deadlines. If you write planners, try and budget an extra hour in your day for time devoted to college and career planning. 

Second, don’t be afraid to make lists or bullet journals. Have a place to compile scholarship sources, pieces of advice you hear, or questions you have about postsecondary plans. Whether that’s a folder in your Google Drive or just one document is up to you! 

Bring questions to your counselor during your senior call! Also, don’t be afraid to ask your favorite teachers about their experiences in college. They may have advice unique to your situation or goals.

Finally, be kind to yourself. The postsecondary planning process is rarely straightforward for everyone, and you’re allowed to make mistakes and grow now more than ever. 

Good luck with those applications! 

ORCA’s NHS & NJHS

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