March 2023

ORCA’s Student Government has opened an Instagram profile under the username of @orcastudentgov and will be frequently posting updates on the social community site.

There will be a process of application for following the account, which is private. This process is only offered to high school applicants for the time being. Here are the steps you will need to take to be able to become a part of the community:

• Fill out a submission form under this link: apply to follow Student Gov. Instagram.

• If you wish, submit your own photos to possibly be featured on the account using this link: photo submission.

“Student Government's new Instagram account has been a wishlist item for our Executive Board members over the last few years!” said Student Government Advisor Stephanie Vitro. “We are thrilled to have access to a new avenue to reach ORCA students and promote school events.” 

Based on a long-standing interest in opening a Student Government Instagram account, ORCA Applied Programs Administrator Daniel Vasen and ORCA Student Government Vice President Ahnayla De Leeuw “worked together at the OASC Fall Conference to bring this to fruition,” added Ms. Vitro. 

Student Government is working on forming a new Instagram committee, which will be led by the new Social Media Coordinator, Emily Pennington.

“We’re so excited for ORCA to have the opportunity to connect through social media in a safe way that’s more student-driven,” said De Leeuw.

Committee Leader Emily Pennington elaborated, “This account is for students to be able to connect with each other and their Student Government in a way that is not just through classes or emails.”

This account will be a great way to keep students updated on school events, connect with peers, and learn more about the ORCA community through the representation of Student Government. 

The 95th 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 2022. 

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

You can check out last year’s winners here. 

As always, this year’s criteria include that the piece of media has a school-appropriate rating and was first released some time in 2022. Nominees are listed below: 

Best Picture

Ryland Bickley: The Fabelmans

The Fabelmans is in equal parts a coming-of-age drama, an autobiographical film, and a homage to creating art – all put together by one of history’s greatest directors. Steven Spielberg’s mastery and experience are evident in every scene he films; the pacing is engaging, the sets are charming, and there are some scenes that rise to instant-classic territory immediately. The script has drama but balances it well with warmth and humor, while the actors bring their A-games across the board, from the headliners down to the short cameos. The Fabelmans’ message is one that is grounded in pain and realism, but there’s an undercurrent of youthful optimism throughout. For anyone who appreciates art, and especially those who wish to create it, this film is essential viewing. 

Hannah Ma: Top Gun: Maverick

A classic summer blockbuster, Top Gun: Maverick is a fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional ride. It somehow delivers a long-belated sequel that surpasses its predecessor in an entertaining way. The movie stays true to the original 80s blockbuster format while bringing Maverick’s story full-circle in a way that adds more depth and meaning to the original, but still tells a new story. Star Tom Cruise and the rest of the solid ensemble bring a genuine, heartfelt performance that holds the movie’s emotional and nostalgic core. Maverick’s impressive air sequences are shot with real F/A-18s and bring intensity and realism to the action scenes that cannot be replicated with CGI. Beautifully filmed and well acted, Top Gun: Maverick is a true modern classic and one of the best movies of the year. 

Dave Yanowitz: The Batman

Since 1989, modern film adaptations of the Batman universe have had varying levels of camp and cartoony-ness. That camp factor arguably peaked with 1997’s Batman & Robin before our hero entered a new era with Christopher Nolan directing 2005’s Batman Begins. Even with the late Heath Ledger’s legendary turn as the Joker in Nolan’s second Batman film, The Dark Knight, and an increasing level of grit and realism, the Gotham universe remained somehow hard to take seriously. Villains remained a little exaggerated and our hero was a little too perfect, too coiffed, too in control of it all, even when making a joke. The Batman offers a new direction. Robert Pattinson’s turn as the titular hero offers something moodier and more relatable for a new generation of fans. And the villains are vastly more rooted in our world than before. Compared to the exaggerations of Jim Carrey, the Riddler is terrifying in a more frank way, and Colin Farrell transforms into his role as the Penguin, who displays neither flippers nor flocks of flightless minions when we meet him. The Batman is a surprisingly realistic direction to take this franchise and the writing, acting, and directing make it all work very effectively. 

Kenna Stewart: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

After the passing of Chadwick Boseman, the former Black Panther, this movie is a tribute to his life and the life of his character King T’Challa. The majority of the main characters from the first Black Panther return for the sequel including Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, and Danai Gurira. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is centered around Shuri’s mourning over the loss of T’Challa and the introduction of a new villain, Namor. The acting is superb and the soundtrack is one of Marvel’s best. With more underwater scenes than we’ve seen in a MCU movie, the CGI doesn’t disappoint. 

Keagan Stewart: Samaritan

Sam, an average teenager, believes his reclusive neighbor is the hero Samaritan who is supposed to be dead after a battle with his nemesis went south. The legendary Sylvester Stallone stars alongside Javon Walton and does an excellent job at portraying his transformation from garbage man to hero. The directors also found a good balance in the action scenes throughout the film. The originality of this movie makes it stand out against other hero movies that have lost that sense. Overall, this movie deserves an Orcas for its quality and the top grade acting.

Grace Peterson: Avatar: The Way of Water

The second installment of the Avatar series follows Jake Sully and his family, aliens who live on the distant planet of Pandora. Forced to leave their home because of the “sky-people,” they take residence in a tribe of water Na’vi. The film is a beautiful depiction of cinematic wonders, found family, and the threat of colonization. It’s an incredible film that spent years in development. The CGI blue aliens will find a special place in anyone’s heart. 

Best Show  

Ryland Bickley: Light & Magic

Industrial Light & Magic, for those who don’t know, is perhaps the most legendary movie effects studio in existence. Founded in 1975 by George Lucas to help with the visuals for Star Wars, ILM continues to be an essential ingredient for the success of Hollywood blockbusters up to the present. Name your favorite movie and they likely had something to do with it. Light & Magic, a six-episode docu-series on Disney Plus, takes the time to shine the spotlight on the ILM employees who have stood behind it for most of their careers. The show covers the history of the studio and the many people involved in it quite well, but it shines the most when it dives into the technical aspects of their work. There was and is an incredible melding of engineering sensibilities and creative genius at the studio that has given it such a legendary status, and Light & Magic gives its viewers all the interesting background details regarding ILM’s greatest achievements. From both a human-interest angle and the perspective of behind-the-scenes curiosity, Light & Magic is top-notch television. 

Keagan Stewart: Andor

Andor is based on the character of the same name from Disney’s 2016 Star Wars film Rogue One. However, for a 12-episode miniseries based on one of the franchise’s lesser-known names, Andor delivers in a big way. The tone is far more gritty and realistic than anything Disney Star Wars has released in years. There’s a lack of the usual magical feel audiences get from Disney products, but that space is filled in with an excellent character-driven plot. Andor is as much a sci-fi show as it is a drama. The result is a compelling, entertaining series that is one of the best offerings available on Disney Plus. 

Hannah Ma: Stranger Things (season 4)

Stranger Things is one of Netflix’s defining series and a pop culture staple, with its quirky but effective mix of horror, sci-fi, adventure, and coming-of-age wrapped up in 80s nostalgia. After a three-year hiatus, the 80s horror pastiche returns with a bigger and better season four. The show’s balanced tone is the perfect blend of a fun teen dramedy and chilling Stephen King-like horror, with some lighthearted humor and heartfelt, genuine moments. The new season introduces a band of quirky, likable characters and an even bigger and darker villain – all of which succeed in large part to the ensemble cast’s genuine, emotional performances. Its soundtrack of catchy 80s hits is also worth a listen. For classic sci-fi horror fans, film enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to stay in tune with pop culture, Stranger Things’ season four is worth the watch. 

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 second ever Orcas! 

The MCU needed a new Thanos. 

Marvel films post-Avengers: Endgame (known collectively as “Phase Four”) had felt aimless and largely unnecessary. There was no Avengers-esque team-up to look forward to, and that was mainly due to the lack of a villain worth teaming up against. 

Marvel Studios’ head executive Kevin Feige noticed exactly that, confirming at 2022’s San Diego Comic-Con that the villain “Kang the Conqueror” would become the MCU’s next overarching antagonist for the studio’s upcoming slate of films. Kang, played by Jonathan Majors, was first introduced to the MCU in the 2021 Disney Plus series Loki as a multiversal being with infinite variants, posing a new type of threat to Marvel’s heroes. 

Kang’s movie debut (as a different variant, of course) was announced as being February’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which would also kick off the start of Marvel Studios’ “Phase Five.” 

Quantumania is tasked with establishing a new phase of MCU films, introducing a massively important villain, and continuing the Ant-Man storyline. These are some big, multiversal shoes to fill, and unfortunately, Marvel’s smallest hero isn’t quite up for the task. 

Quantumania’s biggest issue is its tone. The first two Ant-Man films happened on a very small scale by MCU standards, so their lightheartedness and wisecracking characters fit right in. In this movie, entire universes are at stake, but the script can’t get out of its own way with one-liners and comedic relief. A number of the jokes do land, but the majority of Quantumania is a ridiculous cheese-fest that lacks the winking-at-the-camera charm that has let past Marvel entries like Thor: Ragnarok and Guardians of the Galaxy get away with it. 

Outside of one creative scene, there are no meaningful emotional beats to balance out the barrage of humor. The cast is full of big-name talents, but the movie makes it hard to care about any of its main characters, even the ones viewers have grown to love over the course of previous films. Paul Rudd brings his usual charisma as Ant-Man/Scott Lang, but he’s lacking in depth more than ever. The recasting of Scott’s daughter, Cassie, as Kathryn Newton is largely disappointing as well, as she lacks chemistry with Rudd and is written as a somewhat annoying character. Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Evangeline Lilly also have starring roles, but their characters are underwritten and bland. Pfeiffer’s Janet van Dyne often falls victim to the infuriating cliché of withholding information from the other characters just to create more tension in the story.

Worst of all, Michael Peña’s character Luis is completely absent from this film, which is a shame as he was the best part of the first two Ant-Man films. 

If there’s one bright spot, it’s the aforementioned Jonathan Majors and his portrayal of Kang. He’s effortlessly formidable in the role and he conveys the villain’s immense power and knowledge subtly but in an effective way. The story doesn’t show this quite as well, but Majors knows how to be an intimidating screen presence no matter what he’s working with. Quantumania isn’t the Phase Five introduction most wanted, but Majors’ performance shows some hope for the future of the MCU. 

Visually, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is a schlocky mess with some hideous, overdone CGI and cheap-looking lighting. The parts of the film set in the Quantum Realm, which take up most of the runtime, will have viewers missing real trees and blue skies in no time. Nothing feels real in Quantumania, which hurts its immersion, especially when it comes to the action scenes. 

An all-encompassing example of Quantumania’s shortcomings would be the introduction of M.O.D.O.K., a popular comics character making its live-action debut in this film. Apparently the adaption is accurate to the source material, but this is a character that should’ve stayed in print. In this film, M.O.D.O.K. is a ridiculous and unfunny VFX abomination who serves as the poster boy for the critique that MCU movies are becoming parodies of themselves. 

If it isn’t clear already, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is a bad movie. But aside from a few elements here and there, it isn’t offensively bad. Rather, if you can separate it from its sky-high MCU expectations, you’ll get a somewhat mediocre but still entertaining mid-level action flick. Don’t get the wrong idea – this movie can be very funny when it wants, but it just can’t be serious when it needs to be. If you can deal with that, you might have a good time in Quantumania. 

Of course, for a big-budget film that is supposed to have massively high stakes and usher in a new era of the MCU, Quantumania falls woefully short. It isn’t worth a watch in theaters but it’ll probably be worth seeing for most when it drops on streaming. 

Is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania an up-to-par entry in Hollywood’s biggest cinematic universe? Definitely not. Is it an acceptable way to spend two hours on a weekday night? Sure.

The verdict: 4.5/10

Thank you to everyone who participated in The Current’s first poetry contest. It was a great success with an impressive 36 submissions. 

Below are the three winners chosen for this contest, listed in alphabetical order by last name:

Rosy Red

By Caidynce Cann

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

When I look into your eyes,

I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you

Your rosy red cheeks,

I can feel my heart swell,

For every moment with you,

Is a moment in which I wish to dwell

It may not be easy

The way not always clear,

But with you by my side,

We can get through anything my dear

The storm may be rough,

The thirst may be dire,

But no need of mine,

Could ever quell my desire

And as we take our last breath,

Always together,

'Til death do us part,

From now until forever

Serendipity 

By Charlie Droege

Roses are red violets are blue

The moon falls as the morning dews

The birds shout for you to rise

So you put on your disguise

The songs they sing of salutation

Echo throughout the nation

You glance to the clock 

And note the time

You must exit haven and begin the climb

The radiant sun comes out to play

Thus begins another day

Roses are Blue, Violets are Red 

By Jalecia Roscoe

Roses are Red, Violets are blue

What a cliche poem for you

Overused, boring and dead

Why can’t it be Roses are blue, Violets are red?

In a new world, so colorful and bright

Giving our planet some fun and light

Roses are blue, Violets are red 

Awake at night and spend the day in your bed

A switched fantasy of our current world

Turn big to small and straight to curled

From sweet to salty or alive to dead

Roses are blue, Violets are red 

Kids would be parents and adults would be fed

Roses are blue, Violets are red

Say hello to savory candy and some sweet meat

The world you once knew has now been beat

Roses are blue, Violets are red 

Put away all your worries and words that you said

Be in the moment, the colors, sounds and scent

For you are lucky to share this special event 

A great escape, from problems and hardships

Cherish it all, from your eyes, ears and lips

Roses are blue, Violets are red

Truly a blessing has now been bred 

Here is an honorable mention:

Lucy

By Jasper Harlow

Roses are red

Violets are blue 

Another year rolls around

and I still can’t remember you

All the memories

We shared throughout your days

Have all washed up,

and ran away

You weren’t here for long, 

You were taken too soon

You left not too long ago

Yet I can’t remember you

The only thing I have

Are the pictures framed on the wall

Your dogtags, your blankets, and your toys scattered across the hall

Your presence, your comfort and all has fallen

The endless amount of joy, you have all broughten

Somedays I wonder

What is wrong with my head?

How were you so important 

Yet my memories have fled?

I know you were here

My head noticed your presence is gone

I feel so bad, how has my heart not longed?

I love you so, do not forget

You were the greatest pet

A guy could ever get

I feel so bad, that I had to let you go

It was for the best, even though it hurt me so

You would have been in pain, me in sorrow

To watch you decay slowly

Clearly you did not have a tomorrow

You deserve the world, you were only 3

And now you are in the sky, happy and carefree

Catching all of the bugs, digging all the holes

You were always such a whimsical soul

They like to say

“She was just a dog.”

However you and I?

We had so much more of a bond

You were always there for me

I repeat again

You really were,

My greatest friend

If only I could go back to then

Take back all the things I foolishly said

I said some things I didn't mean

I wish the present me could have intervened 

The sun shines bright, the air is cool

The ocean waves, resemble our summer pool

Breathing in the salty air, slow and deep

My mind wanders, and falls off suddenly

A mountain of feelings, all so steep

The night has fallen

The fireworks explode

The colors shine bright 

As the tears flow

You used to be here

Right next to me

On the left, secured at my hip

Comforting and seen

I can still feel you there

A Ghost? So fair

So calming, so soothing, and yet so rare

I may feel lonely

But don’t you worry about me

I am healing, constantly dreaming

and concealing my feelings

The sun rises yet again

and so do my feelings about you my friend

This story is almost over, it's almost told

but just you wait, until my emotions fold

Your side of the bed lays empty and cold

Just like my heart, the holes are plentiful and bold

My emotions are clear, I start the day great

The picture of you on my bedside table glows

What a bittersweet fate

I am healing, however without you by my side

You’d be proud of me I hope

You’d gleam with pride

Spring is here

The flowers bloom

I’m sure you would have loved to see them

So I’ll bring them to you

This one reminds me of you, the one I picked as it floated down

From the dogwood tree in our yard, the only one in town

It floats down to me, swirling through the air

I cradle it gently, so silky and fair

She hears my words and my thoughts, I know

Right by my side, sitting in the powdered snow

Her astral presence is beyond this world

Friendly, comforting, as the icy wind swirled

I smile, I’m proud, I stand tall

She’s right next to me

Even though I cannot see her at all

I miss you severely 

My wounds are now healing

Love and Sincerely,

Yours Dearly

- Jasper L. Harlow

ORCA students are skilled poets and that made this decision difficult. The Current enjoyed reading your poetry. 

On February 3, Oregon Charter Academy hosted the school’s annual Poetry Out Loud competition at their Wilsonville facilities. 10th grader Senna A. was named the winner. 

“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.” 

At the school competition, three students participated, performing two poems each for the judges. Sophomore Senna A. recited "Invisible Children" by Marianna Llanos and "Bereavement" by William Lisle Bowles. Sophomore Tempus Hillstrom recited "Holy Sonnet: Death, Be Not Proud" by John Donne and "I am Trying to Break Your Heart" by Kevin Young. Senior Dani Traber recited "I felt a Funeral in my Brain" by Emily Dickinson and "Planetarium" by Adrienne Rich. 

Senna A. won the competition, and both she and Tempus Hillstrom earned the honor to represent ORCA at the State Semi-Finals, which occurred virtually on February 22. 

Hillstrom advanced further, moving on to the Oregon State Finals. The state winner will go on to the national competition, where the top nine winners will be awarded cash prizes. 

ORCA Language Arts teacher Stephanie Imig serves as the advisor for the school’s Poetry Out Loud program. “This year's Poetry Out Loud crew was small yet phenomenal,” she said. “Three students showed the endurance and commitment to make it all the way to our school competition… [They] began practicing with each other in Zoom every Friday in mid-November, and put in countless hours on their own. Each week they showed up and filled our Zoom space with joy – joy in poetry, in doing challenging things, and in supporting each other.”

“It was one of the closest competitions we have ever seen,” Ms. Imig added. 

Oregon Charter Academy has had quite the history when it comes to Poetry Out Loud. In 2021, then-ORCA-senior and school Poetry Out Loud champion Tabarjah Neal went on to win the state competition. 

Ms. Imig provided even more details regarding ORCA’s past with the program. “ORCA joined Poetry Out Loud in 2014, becoming the first virtual school to ever participate,” she said. “In this way, from the beginning, Poetry Out Loud has been about an adventure, about saying ‘yes’ to the unknown, and opening oneself up to unimagined possibilities. Saying ‘yes’ takes courage, curiosity, and commitment; it is scary, but the rewards are immense.”

“I remember the first year of our competition, a student recited Wendell Berry's poem, ‘The Peace of Wild Things,’ and all I could think was, ‘How did I not know this beautiful poem existed in this world?’” she continued. “Every year, Poetry Out Loud delivers a moment just like that, when I am so struck by something I did not previously know existed, and feel so much more complete for learning of its existence. It sounds like hyperbole, but it is not; it is the wonderment of Poetry Out Loud, and of the brave students who say 'yes' to the adventure every year.” 

After bravely saying “yes,” ORCA’s Tempus Hillstrom will be continuing the school’s already impressive legacy at Poetry Out Loud. The State Competition will take place on March 11 in Salem, Oregon. 

ORCA’s annual Capitol Day field trip will be taking place on Tuesday, March 14 in Salem. Open to all grade levels, the event aims to educate with interactive activities while also teaching students and families how to advocate for school choice. 

“Capitol Day is an important event for ORCA students and families for many reasons,” said ORCA Executive Director Allison Galvin. “Of course, there is significant value in learning about the legislative process and how the bills that get passed at the capitol can greatly impact our lives. Being able to be an informed citizen helps grow our capacity in being an impactful citizen.”

“For those of us who value access to school options in our state, in particular virtual schooling, it is critical to know how our voices can make a difference,” she continued. “[In] every legislative session there are bills that can compromise equitable access to school options, specifically hindering access to virtual public charter schools. This can be done through limiting enrollment (like the three percent law) and reducing funding.” 

For more information on ORCA and the three percent law, check out this article here. 

“Events like Capitol Day provide awareness and knowledge to our virtual school community that their voice can make a difference,” added Ms. Galvin. “But it also provides awareness and knowledge to our state lawmakers that this community of virtual school students and families are thriving because of their experiences in virtual public charter schools.”

“Regardless of your political beliefs, coming together to understand the legislative process and how people are impacted by this process will support the growth in building a community focused on making a positive difference for the future,” she concluded. 

For information on how to RSVP and attend the Capitol Day field trip, go to the Field Trip Central website, which can be found on the Principal's Corner/Office in Canvas. 

Congratulations, you’ve gotten your permit (and if you haven’t, check out this article here). But what comes next? That would be becoming a licensed driver, of course. 

The steps between permit and license might be overwhelming or even a bit confusing. But don’t be worried. Below, you’ll find a list of everything you’ll need when taking the biggest step in learning how to drive: getting your driver's license. 

What is a driver’s license? 

A driver’s license is what you’ll need to legally be able to drive on roads in the United States, with or without passengers. In Oregon, you can get your license as early as 16 if you can pass the required criteria. A license is valid for eight years, and its expiration date will be listed on the front of the card. 

What are the criteria for getting a driver’s license?

As mentioned above, you have to be 16 or older to test for a driver’s license in Oregon. But that’s not all. You will also have to have had a permit for at least six months beforehand as well as 100 hours of supervised driving practice (when you get your permit you’ll be given a booklet to log these in). If you can do all of that and pass the test, you’ll only be a vision test and some paperwork away from being a licensed driver. If you take a state-approved driver’s education course, the process will be a little different (more on that later). 

Keep in mind that if you plan to get your license after you turn 18, you won’t need experience hours but you will still have to take the driver test as well as a knowledge test. And even though experience hours aren’t required for those over 18, practice is still important for anyone hoping to get their license. 

When should you start practicing? 

You may not feel ready to drive yet, and that’s okay. But start to think ahead about when you’ll need a driver’s license some day. Don’t feel pressured to sit behind the wheel right away, but make sure you leave yourself ample time to learn how to drive before it becomes a necessity in your life. You don’t ever want to feel rushed in that process, so plan accordingly. 

Similarly, you’ll want to start thinking about when you’ll need a vehicle of your own some day. The Current is not a car magazine so we won’t bother giving advice on how to purchase a vehicle, but you will want to keep an eye on the market and seek advice from those who do know what they’re talking about. If you won’t be receiving a hand-me-down car from friends or family, you may want to start saving up for your first vehicle sooner rather than later. 

Finding the right practicing environment

To start practicing driving, you’ll need three things: a vehicle, an instructor, and a wide, open space free of obstacles. 

In terms of vehicles, your options will likely be limited. But make sure the car you learn to drive in is safe and has controls you can easily learn. Automatic transmissions are much easier to pick up at first, but driving a manual, despite the greater challenge, can be a helpful life skill. Also, make sure that once you sit in the driver’s seat, you adjust the seat and mirrors to your height and preference. 

You’ll need an instructor with you at all times as you can’t drive on your own until you get your license. Legally, this person will need to sit in the passenger seat and be an adult aged 21 or over who has been licensed for at least three years. You may be limited in options here as well, but you’ll want to have your instructor be an adult you trust and who can give clear instructions, even under pressure. You’ll also want to make sure they can answer any questions you might have about driving and know how to give navigational instructions ahead of time (i.e. “Turn at the next light” instead of at the last moment). The less stressed your instructor is, the less stressed you will be when learning to drive. 

Finally, you’ll need a location to learn to drive for the first time. And for that, empty parking lots are your best friend. Generally, the best places to find these are at high schools during the weekends. In parking lots, you can start your driving career like everyone else has – very slowly in circles while familiarizing yourself with the vehicle’s controls. You can also get a head start on learning how to park. 

Parking lots are also the best place to start building responsible driving habits like turning on your blinker and checking your blind spot before every turn. By familiarizing yourself with the basics of driving from the very beginning (and at a very slow speed), you’ll have less to worry about when you finally hit the road. 

Don't forget you'll need to have your permit with you at all times when driving until you get your license. 

Diversify 

After a while, you (and hopefully your instructor) will build up the confidence to move on from the parking lot to actual roads. Residential streets are a great place to start due to their slow speed limits, low traffic, and wide lanes. You’ll still want to be very aware of pedestrians and cyclists, however. From there, you can move on to town and country driving, which will include more intersections and traffic, higher speeds, and narrower shoulders. 

At this point you’ll also want to start practicing parking, both parallel and perpendicular to the curb. Learning how to go places is no use if you don’t know how to stop when you get there!

Eventually, you’ll grow comfortable driving in the town and country and be ready to diversify even more. City driving can be chaotic and confusing and freeway driving can be terrifying at first, but you’ll want to start to learn how to drive in these challenging environments. Beyond that, getting some driving practice in after dark as well as in the rain can be a great way to learn how to be safe in different situations while also gaining experience using controls such as high beams and windshield wipers. 

Don’t rush through learning how to drive in all of these different locations and conditions. You’ll need a lot of practice hours before you can even apply for a license, so take your time getting comfortable at each step before moving on to the next. 

Don’t ever willfully drive in dangerous scenarios or ones that are beyond your skill level. That being said, do keep in mind that experiencing challenging roadway situations for the first time while your instructor is in the car with you is far better than all by yourself later in life. By the time you get your license, you want to be competent in as many aspects of driving as possible. 

Incorporate driving into your everyday life 

Don’t just go on drives for practice with no destination in mind. Start offering to drive your family whenever they need to go to the store, a doctor’s appointment, or any other places you might go yourself after you get your license. Incorporating driving into your everyday life will make it less intimidating and prepare you for the future. It’s also easier to motivate yourself to practice when you are driving for a practical reason. 

Furthermore, by driving yourself and others to various locations around where you live, you’ll familiarize yourself with the area and start to improve your inner sense of direction and navigation. You don’t want to be wholly reliant on the maps app on your phone when you start driving alone. It’s important to know by heart the routes you take to your most common destinations. 

To driver’s ed or not to driver’s ed… that is the question

At this point in the process, you’re probably feeling like a very competent driver who’s ready to get your license. But the required 100 hours of driving is a lot. Is there a way to speed up that process? 

Yes and no. 

By taking a state-sanctioned driver’s education course (which many local high schools offer), you can reduce the required practice hours from 100 to 50. And some courses will even present you with a completion card that you can use to waive the drive test at the DMV when you go to get your license. Sounds great, right? 

The catch is that driver’s ed is very expensive, and the course itself can be rather time-consuming. And although driver’s ed can waive 50 hours of driving practice and the DMV test, it is still a challenge in its own right. There will be hours of class time, supervised driving time, and a number of quizzes and tests. It’s essentially like enrolling in another class at school. 

There are plenty of positives to consider as well, however. Despite the initial price, proof of taking driver's ed can lower your eventual car insurance costs. The course will also ensure that you get an extremely thorough education when it comes to driving, something you’re not guaranteed to get in your practice hours. Also, depending on your schedule, you might find that taking a multi-month class will still take less time than gaining an additional 50 hours of practice driving. 

Driver’s education isn’t a legal requirement, and it may or may not be what you want to do. But its pros and cons deserve to be considered, and you should definitely discuss them with your parents/guardians when you learn to drive. 

Taking your license test

Whether or not you take driver’s ed, you’ll still have a driving test to take at one point. For some, it will be at the DMV the day you get your license, and for others, it will be the final of your driver’s ed course. The tips to succeed are the same for both. 

The drive test can seem stressful, but it’s really nothing to worry about. Just drive like you normally do, following the rules of the road and checking your mirrors and blind spots when you’re supposed to. Scan your Oregon Driver’s Manual beforehand for the full list of everything you should legally do when driving. You don’t need to have a perfect score to pass, either. You need to drive safely the entire time but there is leeway for mistakes. 

Also, remember that failing the test isn’t the end of the world as you can always retake it later. Even if you take your driving test through driver’s ed, there should still be a way through which you can schedule a retake. 

If you take your driving test at the DMV, it will cost an additional fee and you will have to schedule ahead of time. 

Getting your license

Once you’ve passed your driver’s ed course or the DMV’s drive test, you’re all set to get your license. Congratulations! Just make sure that before you go to the DMV you have all the paperwork you need. You will also have to pay a $60 fee for your license, and an additional $30 if you’d like a Real ID. A full list of the requirements can be found here. 

After getting your license 

Getting your license may feel like the end of your driving journey, but it’s only the very beginning. Always remember that learning is a lifelong process, so even though you may be legally allowed to drive on your own, that doesn’t mean you have to right away. Also, for the first year of owning a license (or until you turn 18 – whichever comes first), certain restrictions will apply. You can view those here. 

When the hard copy of your driver’s license arrives in the mail, make sure to keep it in a safe place and have it with you whenever you drive. And don’t forget to take a moment to congratulate yourself. Getting your license as a teen is no easy task, and learning to drive is an important milestone in your life. 

Enjoy your new freedom! You can now go into town to buy tacos whenever you like. Just make sure you drive responsibly there and back. 

In March, ORCA’s Student Government will launch a new “Peer Tutoring Center” for students with help from the National Honor Society. It will be an opportunity for high school students to have access to virtual tutoring and help one another with schoolwork. 

Once students sign up for peer tutoring, a corresponding Canvas course will appear on their Dashboard like any other class or club. There will be a variety of times when students can meet in Zoom with peer tutors. Currently, the schedule is Wednesdays and Fridays in the afternoons, but this availability is expected to expand. 

“I can’t wait for the Peer Tutoring Center to become available to students,” states Student Government President Brady Cruse, one of the main advocates for the peer tutoring program. “The goal of the Peer Tutoring Center is to provide resources for the students to help them understand the core concepts of their classes.”

Math will be the first main subject offered to students for tutoring. There are plans for other subjects to become available in the future. Here is a form where you can give your thoughts on the new Peer Tutoring Center. Look for more updates on how to get access to peer tutoring and how you may be able to tutor others.

There’s only one movie genre that gives you a true heart-pounding experience. 

Thrillers are the perfect movies if you like a bit of everything – drama, horror, action, and sometimes a bit of comedy – wrapped into one bone-chilling film. Over the years, the genre has grown to be quite expansive, but a great thriller only needs three key elements: a twisting plot, a complex character, and enough mystery to keep you guessing. 

From thriller classics like Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window to twisty murder mysteries like Knives Out, there is a wide range of psychological and spine-chilling movies out there to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

Rear Window (1954)

Truly suspenseful and masterfully crafted, Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window is a riveting thriller that is both witty and serious, and all the more entertaining as a result. 

The simple setting in an apartment complex is developed into a world filled with intriguing and sometimes unsettling possibilities. The film’s apparently average neighborhood comes to life with a wealth of lavish visual detail and interesting characters. The engaging performances by James Stewart and a solid supporting cast bring a harrowing and gripping mystery with a well-balanced tone. This Hitchcock classic is an enthralling and entertaining film that will be enjoyed by thriller fans and casual moviegoers alike. 

The Sixth Sense (1999)

The Sixth Sense is more than just a typical ghost story. It’s a truly chilling and suspenseful thriller with a touch of horror that doesn’t rely on excessive violence or cheap scares. Instead, its spectral atmosphere brings a more dark and cerebral touch to a haunting story. 

The movie is well executed with M. Night Shyamalan’s solid direction and incredible performances from a talented cast, especially from Bruce Willis, who delivers some of the best acting of his career. Haley Joel Osment, however, is the true star of this movie, giving one of the best child performances in screen history. 

Intelligent and poignant, The Sixth Sense is a truly touching story with an iconic ending that will linger with viewers for some time. 

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

There are few movie remakes that succeed the original – but the 2001 Ocean’s Eleven is one that effectively takes a classic 1960s caper and turns it into a slick and stylish modern film full of suspense and charisma. 

Although the film might be more clever than it is cerebral, it has more than enough fast-paced action and edge-of-the-seat suspense to keep it a thrilling ride. Ocean’s Eleven’s witty humor and engaging plot make the best out of its all-star cast. Sure, at times it may be light and with little depth beneath its glamor and scenery, but it’s still a film that is effortlessly entertaining and remains a gold standard in both the series and genre itself. 

The Bourne Identity (2002)

This film stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a highly trained assassin with no memory of his past. The viewers follow Bourne as he is reintroduced into a vicious world of black ops and soulless government officials. As could be expected, the action and settings are dark, gritty, and realistic, but there’s an unexpected heart to the film as well. Bourne’s memory wipe gives him the chance at a new start despite his sinister past.  

With engaging world-building, gripping conflicts, and a slowly-unraveling plot, The Bourne Identity is a well-made action thriller from start to finish. If you enjoy this film, you’ll likely appreciate the rest of the franchise – that is, if you can stomach the shaky-cam that takes over the following installments. 

Minority Report (2002)

From legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Minority Report is a rousing film-noir suspenser set in a world of futuristic technology, with a thought-provoking inquiry into the theme of fate and free will. 

Based on the book by Philip K. Dick, Minority Report is an intense, exciting thriller thanks to Spielberg’s brilliant cinematic vision and great performances by the cast, including Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell.

Minority Report is a timeless movie. Its practical effects still hold up well today, and they are brought to life by the compelling story, award-worthy production design, and talented cast. Despite a few holes in the movie’s grim, dystopian setting, Minority Report remains one of Spielberg’s most underrated yet impressive films. 

The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige is storytelling at its best. With remarkable sleight-of-hand direction, director Christopher Nolan takes his signature style of broken timelines and intricate plots to a new level, spinning an elaborate thriller full of passion, intrigue, deceit, and obsession.

This movie is a tapestry of twists and turns as it creates a mind-bending, cerebral atmosphere through its magic acts and bitter behind-the-stage intrigue. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale deliver equally enthralling performances with an impressive on-screen dynamic. David Bowie, although with a short appearance, also stands out in the film. 

Like a brilliant magic trick, this movie makes the pledge, takes the turn, and delivers an absolutely thrilling prestige.

Knives Out (2019)

Combine a mysterious death with a multimillion-dollar inheritance, and drama is bound to ensue. This comedic take on the classic whodunnit follows a dysfunctional wealthy family vying for their share of a millionaire crime novelist’s money. 

Smartly crafted and brilliantly acted, Knives Out sharpens old murder-mystery tropes with a keenly assembled and intricate plot that makes great use of the stellar ensemble. Its effective mix of sharp-witted comedy and compelling mystery makes this a modern classic in the thriller genre. 

The Batman (2022)

It’s not too common to find a superhero flick that could fit right into the suspense and grittiness of the thriller genre, but The Batman brings a fresh twist to the caped crusader in this ambitious detective thriller that transcends the usual “comic book movie” genre.

Stylistically, this new take on the titular character works surprisingly well as a mix of psychological thriller, neo-noir, and David Fincher-esque crime drama. Robert Pattinson delivers a brooding and compelling performance as Batman, and Paul Dano’s role as a creepily disturbing villain is equally impressive. 

The movie does well portraying the gritty, ominous tone and corruption of Gotham City, as most of the film is shot in dark, rainy settings. On top of the spectacular visuals and cinematography, Michael Giacchino’s score makes for some epic and memorable scenes. All of this delivers a darker and more realistic take on the character while building on the strengths of previous Batman films. 

Thrillers are a wide genre that encompass the best of psychological mysteries, spine-chilling horror, and fast-paced action. Although there are many classic thrillers throughout the history of cinema, any films rated R were left out of this article to ensure a school-appropriate list of movies rated PG-13 or lower. 

If you’re looking for an exciting, suspenseful thriller to watch, with this list, you might just find some new great films for your next movie night. 

When it comes to movies and books, there are many great stories to enjoy. Sometimes a good way to start reading is to find a familiar genre or story to get invested in. Some great novels may even be similar to some of your favorite movies or TV shows. 

If you like the genres of coming-of-age or romance, you might just find your next great favorite read from this list of novels.

Downton Abbey (TV series) → Pride and Prejudice (novel) by Jane Austen

Jane Austen is known for her classic romance novels that never miss the mark. Pride and Prejudice is her most well-known work. Although it takes a more advanced reader to get through the slow paced, old-English style, this book is worth the time and effort. It takes place in early 1800s England. With a witty main character and a great plot, this book is interesting, surprisingly humorous, and very well written. Downton Abbey is a popular dramatic English television show full of romance, and if you enjoyed that series, you’ll love reading Pride and Prejudice, which has a similar tone.

Gilmore Girls → The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey

Gilmore Girls is easily one of the most well known television series for teenagers. The novel The Library of Lost Things has a similar main character to Rory in Gilmore Girls named Darcy. Darcy loves literature and has read hundreds of books. She escaped the worries of her home life in a thousand happy endings. Things start to change for her when she becomes friends with Asher, a charming former pilot with his own struggles. They might just be perfect for each other.

Tall Girl→ Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

You may recognize Nicola Yoon as the author of The Sun Is Also a Star and Everything, Everything – both very well known young adult novels. Her third book, Instructions for Dancing, is a unique romance novel about a girl named Evie who doesn’t believe in love. She gets a strange power to see how every romantic couple’s relationship ends. She’s able to see all the ups and downs of relationships as she starts to fall for her new dancing partner, X. This novel has a romantic and heartfelt feeling that’s similar to the movie Tall Girl.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before → Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

In this rom-com about rom-coms, Better Than the Movies is a lighthearted, comical tale that takes the reader into the life of teenager Liz Buxbaum as she navigates a senior year full of emotional, momentous events and a chance to find her happily-ever-after. Like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, this book is full of charming and loveable characters and themes of family, friendships, and growing up. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty → Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride is a coming-of-age romantic drama that revolves around themes of family, growing up, and finding personal freedom. It’s about two teenagers at pivotal points in their lives who find harmony with one another as they try to move beyond the past and carve a path for the future. The summertime beach setting of the book is similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty, and its heartwarming – sometimes bittersweet – story makes it the perfect beach read. 

Wonder → Restart by Gordan Korman

Based on a bestselling novel, the movie Wonder is an inspiring, heartwarming tale that has captured the hearts of many around the world. Its passionate, lovable characters and theme of friendship and courage matches perfectly with the tone of Korman’s novel, Restart, which is a must-read for students of all ages. 

Where the Crawdads Sing → To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, Where the Crawdads Sing is a profound and captivating coming-of-age film that is easily a modern classic. Its themes of justice and law, strength of character, and community are similar to the literary classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Lee’s profound tale about courage and the importance of doing good is an inspiring story that has left a mark on innumerable lives. 

Marley and Me → A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Sometimes you need a movie that will touch your heart and make you shed a few tears, and nothing can make you weep, laugh, or smile like a classic movie about a beloved family dog. Marley and Me is based on John Grogan’s book about his own family and their pet, and similarly to Cameron’s novel A Dog’s Purpose, it is a beautiful, poignant story filled with adventures and heartfelt moments. 

With this list, you might just find your next favorite book – or movie – to enjoy. Stay tuned for the second part in this series, which will cover sci-fi and fantasy books.

At ORCA, Prom is one of the biggest events of the year for high school students. But there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into making it such a magical event. Each spring, seniors get to vote for their favorite ideas for a prom theme. 

“Traditionally, prom is an event for upperclassmen only. We wanted to allow our seniors to participate in some of the fun that comes with being a senior, while also allowing the entire high school to attend this very special event,” explains Student Government’s Activities Director, Reagan Stanek. “We hope they take this opportunity to let Student Government know what they would like one of their final high school milestones to look like.”

This year, the theme options are “Head in the Clouds,” “Night In Paris,” and “Deep Sea.” ORCA seniors can vote using this form. The voting deadline is Friday, March 24. The winning theme will be announced shortly after. 

Student Government’s Dance Committee put together some examples of what each concept might look like in this slide show.

“We can’t wait to see everyone at Prom!” Stanek says. Set your calendars because Prom will be on May 6.

ORCA math interventionist and AVID teacher Linda Weatherford brings vibrance and energy to every environment she enters. 

Math may not be known as the most colorful class, but Mx. Weatherford always brings life and joy to her classes through her bright personality and creative sense of style. Mx. Weatherford’s favorite subjects in school have always been math and language arts, followed by science and art. “I love math because it follows patterns,” she explains. 

Mx. Weatherford has known since a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher. At the age of six, she would invite over the kids in her neighborhood for lessons, give them homework, hand out snacks, and host recess. As a teacher one day, she wanted to provide a similarly safe and encouraging space for her students. Now at ORCA, Mx. Weatherford likes to help those who don’t catch on to subjects as fast as others. She has ADHD and had to find her own ways to understand and organize information, which helps her discover unique ways of helping those who might be having similar issues. She loves finding new ways of teaching and exploring new ideas. 

Mx. Weatherford decided to start a career at ORCA because she wanted to work on her own schedule and spend more time with her children. Mx. Weatherford has been teaching at ORCA for three years now. She loves to act, experiment with makeup, paint, hike, fish, exercise, and read in her free time. “Schools gave me safe space as a kid and I wanted to be able to provide that for others.” she adds. Mx. Weatherford also likes to visit the coast, look for waterfalls, and be in nature. 

Mx. Weatherford was born and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon. As a teenager, she worked for McDonald's and Apple before deciding to go back to school to be an educator. Mx. Weatherford earned an Associate's Degree at Klamath Community College, then continued on to get a Bachelor's of Science from Oregon Tech. She also received a Master's in the Art of Teaching from Southern Oregon University.

She began her first teaching job in 2012 at Klamath Falls Ponderosa Middle School and has continued to work in education since. 

Mx. Weatherford concludes, “This position at ORCA teaching AVID and math is by far my favorite, because there's always something new to learn.” 

This February, Katie Souza, ORCA's outreach support and field trip coordinator, created and helped launch the new Field Trip Central (FTC) Google Site for students and teachers. The site presents improved options to browse through in-person and virtual field trips from different regions, grade levels, teachers, and more. 

ORCA’s recent announcement comes as the previous FTC Google Document was replaced to become more user-friendly. “The old Google Docs Field Trip Central worked but it was restrictive in its navigation, took a bit of scrolling, and was boring.” Ms. Souza said. “In creating the site, I made sure there were multiple ways to find field trips - by region, by date, and by grade level, and you can search for a teacher to see what field trips they are planning.”

Ms. Souza added that the new interface is equipped with tools to navigate the new site properly and to understand the needs of students and families. Users that are familiar with viewing ORCA’s school newspaper will notice that The Current uses the same platform that the new FTC is made from. The old Field Trip Central document is now archived and contains a link to the new website.

The latest version of Field Trip Central includes some major changes to the previous user interface. The new site boasts a tidy, single-page visual appearance and improved navigational features. A new “Suggest A Field Trip” Google Form has also been added for students to recommend a field trip that could pique some interest for future attendance.

This new, flexible layout helps students and teachers find new field trips across the state. The Field Trip Central website can be found in the Principal's Corner/Office course in Canvas.

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, but do you know as much about the holiday as you think? Let's find out with these interesting facts you probably didn’t know about.

• St. Patrick’s Day is not officially recognized as a national holiday, but it is considered a religious Irish holiday.

• An estimation of about 54% of Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

• An estimation of about 10.2% of Irish people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

• To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130 dyes the Chicago River green. 

• The most popular dish for St. Patrick’s Day is corned beef and cabbage.

• St. Patrick himself wasn’t even born in Ireland – he was born in Britain.

• Legend has it that St. Patrick rid Ireland of all its snakes.

• Leprechauns are mythical creatures that love their gold.

• People wear green on St. Patrick’s Day because wearing green is believed to make you invisible to leprechauns, who love to go around pinching anyone they see.

• The St. Patrick’s Day “symbols” are shamrocks and leprechauns.

• You should never trust a leprechaun because they are known for their tricks and grumpiness.

• Finding a four-leafed clover is so rare that it is sometimes associated with having good luck. 

Hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about St. Patrick’s Day! A few of these facts were used from History.com.

In the past few months, Zoom has released a series of updates to improve their user experience. These features can be enabled and disabled through host settings and students are encouraged to use these new features responsibly. These updates may vary with the device and how recently you’ve updated the Zoom application. 

Most of the features mentioned in this article can be accessed by clicking the icon that looks like a ‘T’ with a pencil on the bottom left of your chat pod unless specified otherwise.  

Here are a few of the updates that Zoom has recently added for their users:

Copy and Paste

Students can copy chat messages directly from the chat pod and paste them back. This allows users to copy important information such as math equations and quotes to input into their notes.

Emoji Reactions

Anyone in the room can hover their cursor over a specific message in the chat pod and see an image containing a small emoticon with a “plus” symbol over it. People can click on this image and be provided with a wide variety of emojis to respond with, whether it be a thumbs up, sunglasses, or cowboy hat.

Threads

Upon hovering over a message, participants also have the ability to respond to a specific thread, enabling contained conversations within one general space. However, it does make the chat harder to navigate so be sure to follow class rules when using this feature.

Text Customization

It is now possible to change the appearance of the text itself in Zoom chat messages. Words can be different colors, bolded, italicized, and more. 

Paragraphs and Bullet Points

Formatting long chat messages has gotten much easier with the addition of bullet points and paragraphs. This can help with organizing when needing to add multiple questions or points. 

All of these additions can be managed by the meeting host in Zoom’s settings. Students are expected to use these newfound abilities responsibly and respect class rules. For more information about the new Zoom meeting chat features and how to update them, click here. 

Student Government hosted its first ever virtual Open Gov. Meeting to connect with the student body on February 27. The goal was to answer questions students might have about Student Government’s elected student leadership, receive feedback, and show a bit of Student Government’s brainstorming process. 

Brady Cruse, Student Government’s President, started with greetings and a brief rundown of the meeting’s purpose. Next were introductions from each Executive Board member, discussing a bit about their role and what they do outside of school. Then, Cruse opened up the floor for questions. 

The meeting included open conversations about marketing, peer tutoring, RSVPs, and events. Student Government received much feedback, and it will be discussing possible changes and plans to address the responses. 

"It was fun to get together and reach out to the ORCA community,” says Kenna Stewart, who leads the Dance Committee. “I hope more people can make it to our next open meeting.”

Student Government is interested in hosting more open meetings in the future. If you were unable to attend the meeting but still have questions or feedback, Student Government encourages you to contact them by filling out this form. 

Many studies suggest that listening to music can improve your ability to focus on a task at hand, but results are mixed and one thing is for sure: not all music gives the same results. There are certain songs and genres that can be distracting. The goal is to keep your music upbeat but not too fast-paced. Classical music is considered the best type of study music, but that may not be your ideal genre because everyone’s brain functions differently.

Here are some ideas for non-classical music that may improve your focus while studying.

Movie Soundtracks

Movie soundtracks are a fun way to listen to instrumental music that keeps your energy level up. You can even find loops of certain songs online like the theme from The Mandalorian. Luckily, the music that plays in movies is very accessible through streaming services. These well-paced and lyric-free songs might be just what you need when studying. Listening to music that you recognize is better because your brain doesn’t have to focus on listening to a new song.

Instrumental Covers

There are so many different instrumental covers of popular music. Some artists like The Piano Guys have covered a multitude of songs, from “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran to holiday classics like “Let It Snow.” You can easily find non-lyrical covers of most songs.

Other Languages

Listening to music in a language you are unfamiliar with gives a similar effect to listening to an instrumental. “Je te laisserai des mots” by Patrick Watson is a song in French that’s mainly instrumental with only a few lyrics. It’s very pleasant to listen to even though the French language is much different from English.

Slow Lyrical Songs

Songs with lyrics are not out of the option, but it’s best if they aren’t too catchy and distracting. For example, artists like Coldplay and John Mayer have many songs that are slower, but still fun to listen to. Fortunately, there are many diverse types of slow lyrical songs like classic country, folk, downtempo hip hop, and more.

Lo-fi

Lo-fi is down-tempo music that’s known for its relaxing feel. Many of the songs in this genre have little to no lyrics at all. These songs tend to have more of an atmospheric feel than other genres. As an example, the song “Snowman” by WYS is very relaxing. The album it is from is even called 1 Am. Study Session. Lo-fi might just be your new favorite type of ambient music.

Music is a great tool when it comes to studying and you should use it to your advantage. Picking the right tunes can help you tailor a study session that works right for you.

Pizza is a major part of U.S. culture. From parties to family dinners, pizza consistently ranks among Americans’ favorite foods. Fortunately, it’s easy to make pizza at home with the ingredients around you.

Seek parental guidance when using kitchen equipment.

Tortilla Pizza

Homemade dough takes a while to make and can be tedious. Here is a recipe for delicious pizza on tortillas that you can alter according to your topping and dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

Flour tortillas (gluten-free optional)

Pizza sauce (Marinara, BBQ sauce, etc.)

Shredded cheese (optional)

Pepperoni, olives, bacon bits, etc.

Oregano (optional)

1. Set the oven to 450° broil or bake.

2. On a baking sheet, place uncooked tortillas and spread the sauce of your choice. 

3. Then add cheese and toppings to your taste. Add oregano on top.

4. Put in the oven until the edges are browned for about five minutes.

5. Let it cool, serve, and enjoy!

Classic Pizza Sauce

This recipe is a good alternative to store-bought pizza sauce. It’s very flavorful and goes great on any type of pizza.

Ingredients:

1 can tomato paste

1 clove garlic

1-2 tsp oregano

1-2 tsp basil

1-2 tbsp olive oil

1. Add olive oil to a frying pan, then add garlic and herbs. Sauté diced garlic without burning. Once the garlic is browned, you can remove it if desired.

2. Add tomato paste and stir well until the sauce is warm throughout.

Pizza Crust

This is a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe and is a great alternative to store-bought pizza dough.

Ingredients:

4 tbsp vegetable oil

¼ tsp salt

½ cup rice flour (white rice flour preferred)

¾ cup gluten-free flour blend

1 tbsp tapioca flour

1 packet yeast

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp psyllium husk powder

1 cup warm water

Olive oil

Garlic salt

Oregano 

1. Combine all the ingredients except for garlic salt, oregano, and olive oil, then mix thoroughly in a mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for the dough to rise. 

2. Set the oven to 425°. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured baking sheet. It’s best if the dough is about ¼ inch thick. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with garlic salt and oregano. Use a fork to poke some holes in the dough.

3. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. 

4. Add pizza toppings, sauce, and/or cheese to your crust and bake for about 15 minutes or until desired crispiness. Watch the browning on the bottom. You can broil the top if the bottom is cooking faster than the top, but don’t take your eyes away or it might burn.

ORCA’s popular High School Hangouts found a silver lining in the storm clouds last Friday. 

Due to inclement weather, ORCA canceled the hangout event on February 24 as it was an in-person field trip. However, that didn’t stop high schoolers from getting together. 

“We know that having time to socialize with your peers is very important,” said High School Principal Matt Lacy in an announcement that morning. “So we have moved the event to a virtual offering.” 

ORCA teachers Jeremy Vandenboer and Nikki Coleman hosted February 24’s hangout in Zoom. The usual in-person environment was definitely missed, but the virtual setting opened up High School Hangouts to students who can’t usually make the trip. 

From 1-2 p.m., students talked about life and school, played a 90s trivia-themed game of Jeopardy, and enjoyed friendly banter with classmates and teachers. February’s High School Hangout served as a great preview for students interested in attending in-person ones in the future. 

The next High School Hangout will be held in-person on March 17. Students interested in attending can find out how to RSVP for that event and others on the Field Trip Central website. 

You can print The Current's Math Vocab Crossword HERE. The clues are listed below:

ACROSS

1. A math student’s favorite website

2. Third angle of a triangle with two 45° angles (2 words)

5. ___ theorem: solves for missing sides of right triangles

7. Separates dollars from cents

8. You would use this to solve 7 × (8 + 9)

10. Contains a numerator and denominator

11.  f −1 is the __ of  f

13. The sum of all side lengths

14. The solution to a division problem

17. Statistics collected that can be analyzed

18. 1. Across is an online ____

19. Two lines that intersect at right angles

20. A value of measurement

21. Equation in this form: y = mx + b (2 words)

DOWN

1. Radius × 2

3. Commonly length × width

4. E.g. X, Y, or S

6. In which you’ll learn about the unit circle

8. y = x2 

9. Equations with constant slopes

12. The power of a number

14. Quarters of a graph

15. Fraction of 100

16. Mathematical term for a circle or oval

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

Below are the answers to the Valentine’s Day Crossword from the February issue of The Current.

ACROSS

2. Cupid = Someone who shoots love arrows

6. Red = The color of passion

7. Friend = A close companion

8. Candy = Confections known to contain sugar

10. Adore = To love and admire someone/something

12. Heart = Symbol of love

13. Roses = Commonly red flowers with thorns

DOWN

1. Teddy bear = Common Valentine’s stuffed animal (2 words)

2. Chocolate = Made from cacao

3. Poem = A form of literature used mainly to express feelings

4. Pink = A light red color

5. Gift = Something you give to someone

7. Flowers = Often are gifted in bouquet form

8. Card = A decorated and folded piece of paper with a note inside

9. Doves = Pure white birds

11. Dear = Used in the greeting of a letter

14. Hug = Embrace

The wide array of field trips available to ORCA students, both virtual and in-person, help everyone 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.

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (3/2)

Join ORCA teachers Tara Porter, Rebecca Hammer, and Bridget Villanueva for a work-at-your-own-pace tour of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. 

Open to grades K-5, this field trip is a self-guided tour through the world of space and aviation. Students will need to pay for a ticket in advance after responding to the RSVP form. 

COCC College Tour & Why COCC Presentation (3/3)

Join ORCA teachers Kelsey Stone, Devon Johnson and Lisa Methvin as they tour Bend’s Central Oregon Community College. Whether you envision yourself pursuing a two-year degree or a transfer to a four-year college, COCC might just be the place for you to begin that journey. 

According to the event description, attendees will learn about how COCC includes “award-winning faculty, small class sizes, an on-campus residence hall, and vibrant student life – not to mention the incredible natural beauty and proximity to diverse recreational opportunities our area has to offer.”

This field trip is open to students in grades 9-12. 

CMA: Behind the Scenes of Country Music's Biggest Night Virtual Field Trip (3/10)

In this field trip open to all grade levels, students will have the opportunity to learn about what goes on in the production of the Country Music Association Awards, the longest-running annual music awards program on network television. 

“Find out how STEM skills and collaboration help make this event an epic success,” reads the event description. “Students will dive into the action with diverse country music professionals all working in harmony to create Country Music’s Biggest Night.”

This event will be virtual and take place from 10:00-10:45 a.m. in Zoom. Interested students should check out the Field Trip Central website for information on how to RSVP. 

Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum: Virtual Forces of Flight Demonstration (3/17)

Students in all grades are welcome to join this field trip organized by ORCA’s Applied Programs Administrator Dan Vasen. Students will have the opportunity to learn “what a force is, test their strength against air pressure, explore Bernoulli's principle, and investigate different forms of propulsion,” according to the event description. Attendees will also learn about the science behind how things fly.

This event takes place via Zoom from 10-11 a.m. and students can RSVP on the Field Trip Central website.

NASA Live Stream #6 from Goddard Space Flight Center (3/24)

In this virtual field trip from 10-11 a.m., students can learn about NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, “a place where a mission can go from start to finish: from planning to building to testing and even launching,” according to the event description. 

There will be an overview presentation on NASA’s current missions with Goddard, as well as a Q&A session where students can ask questions and be provided with self-guided resources. 

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 Field Trip Central website in the Principal’s Office/Corner for a listing of every available field trip, location information, and how to RSVP.

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 am struggling with staying focused. My school piles up when I don't pay attention in class.

~ Anita Focus  

Dear Anita Focus,

Staying focused can be challenging for most people. However, there are a few solutions you can try. For some people, working non-stop until your work is done can be great. In order to focus, some people need to start the school day and not stop until all their work is done or if they need a lunch break. This strategy can give you lots of free time and get your schoolwork out of the way. Some people find that stopping midway through a school day can easily get you sidetracked from school, leading to you not finishing your work. Another technique you might want to try is listening to music while you complete your homework. A playlist of chill music (without words is best) can really help eliminate outside distractions. 

For other people, you can finish a few assignments, then take a 5-10 minute break to do a hobby you like doing while setting a timer so you don't get distracted. It helps you focus on something besides assignments for a bit, so after the break, you can go back to focusing on schoolwork – kind of like a recharge.

If you need any more help, contact your advisory teacher. They will be the best source of support and information when you are struggling with managing your school work.

Check out this past NHS Advice Column for more information on how to best communicate with your teachers. They are always happy to help!

Hope this helps!

NHS/NJHS Team

Have a question about academics? Ask the NHS Advice Column using this form. All submissions will be anonymous.