November 2023

Each year on November 11, we celebrate a holiday called Veterans Day in the United States. On this day, we honor active-duty military and all veterans who have served and protected our country. 

According to a 2021 census survey, over 6% of our population is made up of veterans, and more citizens continue to enlist in the military every year. Most likely, you know or have met a veteran before. Even within our school community, we have teachers and staff who have served the United States. These teachers include Mary Massey, James Pollnow, Michael Jones, and John Meyer. 

“I proudly served in the United States Navy,” says ORCA Administrator John Meyer. 

He shares his experience serving in the Navy and how it shaped the person he is today. “My time in the military has played a significant role in shaping my character,” Mr. Meyer explains. “It instilled in me a strong sense of service and servant leadership. Moreover, it broadened my perspective by exposing me to various cultures around the world. Whether enduring the pressures of conflict or reveling in the exploration of remote Pacific islands, my service in the U.S. Navy has driven me to continually strive for personal growth and achievement.”

ORCA teacher Michael Jones is another former military veteran. After four years in college as an ROTC cadet, training to be a military officer, Jones spent eight years on full-time Active Duty as a U.S. Army-commissioned officer flying helicopters. He spent his last two years serving part-time in the Oregon National Guard as a warrant officer flying search and rescue missions. 

“Managing stress and persevering when things are toughest are some of the biggest things I learned from the military,” he adds. “Oh yeah, and also how to fly at rooftop level at 120 mph while using five radios and evading gunfire, all at the same time. I actually miss that.”

James Pollnow himself started as an army engineer. “I did everything from drive trucks to operating big machinery,” he explains. A highlight was helping to “break ground for an airport in Kurdistan.”

In encouragement to students who wish to join the military, Mr. Pollnow concludes, “If it is something that you want to do, then go for it. However, look at all the opportunities (different Military departments and jobs) that are provided. Find a job that is connected to what you want to do later in life to gain valuable knowledge.” 

As Mr. Meyer adds, “The military is like a vast, extended family, and you'll forge lifelong bonds with comrades who will remain there for you, even decades after your last encounter.”

Make sure to wish ORCA teachers who have served in the military a happy Veterans Day. Take the time to thank veterans for their service to this country and for protecting its citizens not only on the 11th of November but every day.

Are the Ducks better than the Beavers? Maybe. Is Android better than Apple? We’ll see about that. If you want to change that, contribute to this month’s poll: Fun Controversial Debate Topics Part 2.

Discussions are a fun way to bring people together by sharing ideas and connecting with friends. However, a few topics can easily spark a friendly – though heated – debate, like the controversial question: “Which Spider-Man is the best?” 

Get ready to have some friendly debate with these fun, controversial (but non-political) questions. At The Current, we’re determined to find out what you think – and you can help us by filling out this poll. If not, we will find some other creative way to learn your opinion in a completely and totally legal way.

To fill out the form, simply select an answer for each question and click “Submit.” You can also include an explanation behind your reasoning as to why your answers are the only correct ones. All responses are anonymous, and the popular results will be featured in The Current’s December issue. 

For the results of last year's debate poll – including whether a hotdog is a sandwich or if pineapple belongs on pizza – check out this article. 

At a statewide virtual school, team sports can be hard to come by. But Oregon Charter Academy offers a great opportunity for students to get involved in online sports through the high school esports club. 

Esports are a form of competitive video gaming that helps students engage with classmates, work as a team, and highlight their school’s talent in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. 

The ORCA esports club was created in Spring of 2022. What started as a small group of about six students, with advisors Gabriel Elliott and Todd Shaffer, the esports club has now grown to a team of 18 players and 47 members. 

ORCA’s esports team started only competing in Rocket League in their first year, but now has teams for Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and Super Smash Bros. 

Members play games competitively, learn interactively as a community, and support each other’s skills as a team, explains eleventh grader Nova Hughes. As esports' Public Representative and Relations Manager, she helps oversee club operations and makes sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. 

“From homework, to getting better at a game, or even general advice, esports is a community oriented to bettering ourselves and each other,” adds Elijah L., the League of Legends team captain. “I love the community that esports has created. My favorite part about esports is meeting new people and watching my peers grow.”

This club offers members an opportunity to participate in a competitive format, developing teamwork, communication, and accountability to be successful. In addition, esports is a great way to introduce STEM topics to students interested in game design, software engineering, and coding.

However, esports is more than just the competition. The club also provides students with an opportunity to socialize with peers who share a passion for gaming. 

“I really enjoy esports and it has helped me be much more social,” says Berry C., a dedicated League of Legends player.  

As a team, community is an important aspect of the club. Members of esports each have their own roles and work together to practice and compete in competitions. 

“I have had the honor of seeing this club grow so much, witnessing the evolution of the culture and comradery amongst its members,” says Coach Elliott. “My favorite part about this club is the incredible personalities of the club members. There is such a diversity of background and personalities amongst the team members, and seeing them all work together for a common goal in competition is amazing to witness!” 

As club advisor, Mr. Elliott explains that his initial role was a traditional coach, in charge of running practices, coordinating games, and developing strategies. As the club expanded in student members and the number of teams, his role has shifted to more of a team manager, primarily acting as an administrator for student enrollment, coordinating team rosters and roles, recruiting for future seasons, and representing the club to school staff and board members.

“I love being in esports,” says Lucy Dias, esports’ moderator and Overwatch co-captain. “I've made many friends and gotten significantly better at the games I play with my team. I'm very proud to have made it to the playoffs last season and I'm excited to see how the club progresses this year!”

The team competed in various competitions and playoffs last year in two different games, sharing many accomplishments and development as a team. 

“I enjoy being able to use my passion for esports to be able to support the school,” says Cody C., a top Rocket League player. “My favorite part is, of course, the competitions. I haven't been here for long enough to have any major accomplishments, but if I had to choose one thing it would be our RL Team's perfect sweep over our opponent [in an October competition].”

Hughes feels pride when thinking back on how the club almost made it to the playoffs last season and notes how well the teams are doing this season. “I personally am proud of the way our Discord server and community is functioning now that I, along with Coach Elliott, have reworked it to be the safest it possibly can be, and also as inclusive as possible,” she adds. 

The team’s next playoff runs from November 27 through December 8. Esports will be streaming the playoffs on their Twitch channel, TheTeenageeSports. 

“I'm super excited for this year because I feel like I have really improved in my main game,” adds Berry. “I'm hoping we make it back to the playoffs and win at least one game there!” 

Esports experienced significant growth in recruitment and expansion over the past three seasons, with plans to expand further this year by recruiting new members and exploring new games. 

“I am really excited to see how our team leaders continue to effectively coordinate, motivate, and hold themselves as well as their peers accountable throughout the competitive season,” Coach Elliott says. He explains this is the first time the club has implemented a robust expansion of leadership to students, hoping to provide opportunities for growth in teamwork and competitive achievement. 

“I joined the eSports club because I wanted to meet people, and engage with people over a common interest,” adds Elijah. “As a result, I've made some of my closest friends and [it’s] an awesome community.”

On October 16, ORCA’s Student Government announced the newly appointed middle- and high school senators. Congratulations to Student Government’s 2023-24 student leaders. 

Here are the fifth grade and middle school senators listed by lowest to highest grade level, respectively:

• Ellwood E.

• Lily H.

• Norah R.

• Milleah N.

• Heloisy M.

• Kainoa R.

• Jager G.

• Solange G.

• Adele K.

• Emma D.

• Michael R.

• Julia M.

• Sofia D.

• Madeleine G.

• Lyla M.

• Arabella M.

• London S.

• Braden P.

Here are the high school student senators listed by lowest to highest grade level, respectively:

• Keagan S.

• Chelsia H.

• Owen E.

• Steliana S.

• Avery K.

• Sophia B.

• Nova H.

• Abigail D.

• Senna A.

• Halli L.

• Felix B.

• Aiden B.

Any student in grades 5-12 can apply for Student Government senator positions. Student Government holds yearly senator applications at the beginning of the year for students to have a chance to join their leadership team. 

As senators, students will have the chance to represent their grades, support ORCA events such as Prom and Spring Celebration, and serve as positive role models in the ORCA community. 

“I feel very excited and honored that I get to be a senator on Student Government representing eleventh grade,” says Halli L. “I think participating in Student Government is a great way to connect with other students at ORCA… I hope to make more opportunities for people to feel connected and included in the virtual environment of our school.”

For more information regarding Student Government, how to get involved, or connecting with your senators, please check out their website, which is located in the Principal's Corner.

In early October, students were invited to propose club ideas for the 2023-24 school year. After some significant changes to the roster, ORCA students are welcome to join a diverse set of clubs through this homepage. Without further ado, here are the new clubs that will be available for students to join this year.

ORCA Reader’s Theater (Elementary)

Students in Reader’s Theater will practice their reading and comprehension skills while putting on a theatrical performance. 

Starting with reading from scripts, students will practice their parts, create puppets or dress up, and put on a final performance for ORCA teachers. 

“It gives students a shared purpose for reading that shows students that reading is meaningful and fun,” says the club’s description.

MS S.T.E.A.M Lab (4th-8th Grade)

Students with interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math are welcome to join the middle school S.T.E.A.M club and participate in bi-weekly meetings, hands-on STEAM activities, and virtual escape rooms.

According to the description, the club helps students “learn more about S.T.E.A.M. while having fun and participating with others.” 

MS Adventure Club (Middle School)

“MS Adventure Club is an opportunity for students who are passionate about adventure, hobbies and skills, to come together and share their past and present goals and experiences,” reads the club description. 

Students in this club will have the opportunity to attend bi-weekly meetings and participate in arts and crafts, virtual scavenger hunts and escape rooms, cooking, baking, and more. 

Photography & Film Club (Middle & High School)

Photography & Film Club is a space for all middle and high schoolers to socialize with peers interested in photography or cinematography and grow their abilities behind the camera.

Students who join will partake in bi-weekly meetings, monthly themed prompts, and course discussions to share their work.

“Whether you are a casual picture-taker or a committed director, Photography & Film club is a place for everyone,” says their description on the clubs page.

The Book Thieves (High School)

Open to high school students, The Book Thieves aims to bring a space for book lovers of all kinds to socialize and discuss books the members choose to read together. 

The Book Thieves encourages you to “join a super supportive community of book readers and lovers who want to share their love of reading.” 

Scrub Club (High School)

For students interested in medical science, Scrub Club is the place to be. By being a part of the club, you’ll engage in medical science-based games, watch presentations from medical providers, and connect with students interested in similar careers. 

Whether you just enjoy learning about the human body or are committed to being a future medical provider, Scrub Club welcomes everyone.

HS Runners Club (High School)

According to ORCA’s club homepage, “Anyone who loves being active should join!” 

Students in the high school Runners Club will play games, discuss future races and training, and chat about running with peers. The goal of Runners Club is “to make friends who enjoy being active and running/walking/hiking.” 

For elementary students, returning clubs include: ORCA NASA Club, K-8 Coding Club, The ORCA Bakers, Yearbook, Science Olympiad, ORCA Cares Club, Broadcasting Club, Chess Club, 3rd-5th Book Club, Arts & Crafts Club, Garden/Farm/Homesteaders Club, and Animal Club. 

Returning clubs for middle school include: ORCA NASA Club, NJHS, Newspaper Club, K-8 Coding Club, MS Yearbook, MS Writing Club, Chess Club, Science Olympiad, Spanish Buddies, ORCA Cares Club, Broadcasting Club, Book Battle, Garden/Farm/Homesteaders Club, MS Baking Club, GSA Club 2.0, Craft & Chat Club, Military Leadership Club, and Gamers “R” Us Club.

For high school, clubs returning include: Breakfast Club 2.0 QSA, Music Club, ORCA NASA Club, NHS, Prayer Club, Newspaper Club, Chess Club, Yearbook, Science Olympiad, Spanish Buddies, ORCA Cares Club, Broadcasting Club, Biomimicry Design Club, Philosophy Club, Book Battle, Garden/Farm/Homesteaders Club, Pens & Prose, Military Leadership Club, and Speech & Debate.

For more in-depth descriptions of each club, visit the ORCA clubs page and stay tuned for future club spotlights in The Current.

It's not fall without a warm blanket and a good movie.

As the weather cools down and the colorful leaves swirl outside, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a night in with some apple cider, a bowl of popcorn, and a good movie. Whether it’s a chilling drama, a heartwarming romantic classic, or a tale of gridiron glory to celebrate football season, consider checking out these six movies that perfectly encapsulate the essence of autumn on screen.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

In this heartwarming tale, Tom Hanks perfectly embodies the spirit of everyone's favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers. Based on a true story about Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel, this story brings a unique insight into the life of the beloved children’s TV personality.

The movie is an underrated gem filled with warmth, humor, and plenty of nostalgia for those who grew up watching the classic show. Beautifully written and wonderfully directed, this film packs a heartwarming message that will inspire audiences for generations to come. 

Coraline (2009)

Understated, imaginative, and deeply entertaining, Coraline is a modern classic perfect to watch during the chilly fall season. 

Henry Selick’s adaptation of the classic novella takes the story to new heights with its creative storytelling and immaculate visual detail. Blending elements of whimsical fantasy and suspenseful horror, Coraline creates a smartly crafted, atmospheric story that is both haunting and heartwarming. 

The film's imaginative story is paired with stunning stop-motion visuals, making it a delight to watch and an even better rewatch. The movie was also produced by Laika, a studio based in Oregon. 

Dead Poets Society (1989)

If there’s one movie that brings back the essence of the school season, it’s Dead Poets Society. This coming-of-age classic tells the story of a teacher at an all-boys preparatory school whose unconventional teaching methods embolden his pupils to find their passions. 

The film is true poetry on the screen, both gripping and thought-provoking in its social commentary, rich dialogue, and touching performances. Peter Weir’s excellent direction puts together an original, well-crafted story with an incredible performance by Robin Williams, who delivers some of the best acting of his career, and a talented supporting cast. The atmospheric setting, paired with its muted color palette, brings back the homey feel of autumn. 

Dead Poets Society is a movie that packs plenty of laughs and a fine dose of tears, but at its core, it’s an inspiring reminder to seize the day and live life to the fullest. 

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

With its seasonal color palette and whimsical charm, Wes Anderson’s first animated feature draws as much inspiration from autumn’s essence as it does from the beloved classic novel it was based on. 

Fantastic Mr. Fox remains a gold standard in stop-motion animation, bringing its characters to life with unique quirks and a sense of realism that couldn’t be replicated with traditional animation. The all-star cast also delivers excellent performances with warmth and humor. 

With plenty of family, friends, and feasting, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightful treat anyone can enjoy. 

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the beloved literary classic is timeless, compelling, and full of heart. The story follows four sisters as they navigate themes of love, grief, and self-discovery while trying to find their place in the world. 

The movie is filled with incredible cinematography, rich dialogue, and a talented cast, with the likes of Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet, all delivering standout performances. The movie comes to life with its gorgeous set design and costume work, bringing out the intricacies of the period setting. 

Warm, poignant, and bittersweet, Little Women is a classic that stands the test of time, highlighting the importance of family, love, and the pursuit of dreams. 

Rudy (1993)

A football drama for the ages, Rudy is a classic sports movie that never fails to inspire. 

Based on a true story about Rudy Ruettiger, Sean Astin delivers a memorable performance as a young man with a dream of playing for one of the best teams in college football. The movie is beautifully directed, with a well-written script and a score that perfectly captures the emotional tone of the story.

Rudy is a classic tale of beating the odds, sharing an inspiring message about perseverance and pursuing dreams. A film that hits all the right emotional beats, it is a wholesome, sentimental drama that leaves audiences cheering on their feet. 

This list features some of the many great movies to watch during the fall. However, any films rated R were left out of this article to ensure a school-appropriate list of movies rated PG-13 or lower. 

Whether you love a chilling thriller or a heartwarming drama, fall is a great time to enjoy your favorite comfort movies. So grab a bowl of popcorn and get ready to cozy up with these favorite seasonal classics. 

October is the month of suspense and mystery, but November is the afterparty. As fall brings chilled winds with shorter days and darker nights, cozying up on a couch with some mysterious plot twists is a treat. 

Here are some of the many mystery series and books to read in the month of November:

Series:

The Natures Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Born with the special ability to profile every person in sight, Cassie Hobbes isn’t like most teenagers – but she isn’t the only one with these unique powers either. Seventeen years old and able to piece together the smallest details about people, she gets recruited by the FBI to join their group of the gifted. Surrounded by others with gifts unlike her own, yet still mysteriously eccentric, Cassie and her team must work together to solve crimes. 

The Inheritance Games Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

In this New York Times bestseller and four-part series, Avery Grambs has laid out all her plans for the best future she can dream up and she only needs to do two things: survive high school and earn a scholarship. However, everything changes when she inherits a mysterious fortune from Tobias Hawthorne. Avery has no idea how she became part of his inheritance, and his family is suspicious of who she is and why she inherited it. As Avery and the Hawthorne brothers work out their differences, the question remains: will they work together to win the fortune or will one of them betray the others?

One of Us Is Lying Series by Karen M. McManus

Bayview High is filled with an assortment of students that range from the most high-profile to the wallflowers. The series follows five students who were sent to detention, but after a mysterious incident, only four came out. Everyone has a motive, and everyone is a suspect. How much time will they have until Bayview’s secrets come spilling over?

Theodore Boone Series by John Grisham

Thirteen-year-old Theo Boone has always dreamed of becoming a lawyer – he knows about every personnel that makes up the law. But that is all about to change as he gets his wish of being in a courtroom for many of the wrong reasons. As Theo gets questioned and provides some incriminating details, all of a sudden he becomes a suspect.

Greystone Secrets Series by Margaret Peterson Haddix

With the same names, interests, and personalities, Chess, Emma, and Finn are confronted with mysterious look-alike siblings who are mirror images of each other. Left in the care of their mother’s friend, the three siblings are determined to find answers. In this trilogy, readers will follow the Greystone children as they work to uncover the strangers’ origins. As they struggle to uncover the mystery behind their doppelgangers, they can’t help but wonder if their mother was keeping a secret. Were the strangers that resembled Chess, Emma, and Finn their twins or are they something else? 

Singles:

Come Find Me by Megan Miranda

Sixteen-year-old Kennedy Jones and seventeen-year-old Nolan Chandler never knew their lives could be intertwined until they discovered a mysterious signal. Kennedy promised to continue her brother’s search of the cosmos, but she is unaware that Nolan has been searching for his own brother since his disappearance. Having never crossed paths before, they are both baffled by the signals they intercept from space. As they follow the clues, they find that the answers redefine both of their pasts. However, as they decrypt the messages, a few questions still remain: is the frequency a message or a warning?

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Ed Kennedy is a humble, underaged cab driver who is still finding his purpose in life. As he struggles to survive amid many missteps, he inadvertently stops a bank robbery in progress. Soon, a message is sent for him to go on his first mission. Can he figure out who is behind it all?

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This New York bestseller revolves around a beautiful and distinguished family that’s full of liars and many juicy secrets. The story follows a group of four friends whose friendship turns destructive, as they uncover the truth about a mysterious accident. With a suspenseful plot and shocking twist, readers will be hooked from start to finish.

The Emperor’s Riddle by Kat Zhang

Adventures are the process and treasure is the result. For Mia Chen, both are her calling cards. When Mia reluctantly visits her aunt during a summer vacation in China, she discovers her aunt is missing. Suspecting that her disappearance is related to her aunt's old nemesis and an ancient map, Mia and her brother crack the codes that appear on the map. However, they need to work fast to save her aunt and get their hands on the treasure.

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau, also known as Mo, is a natural-born detective. So when Mr. Jesse turns up murdered, she begins investigating with the help of her good friend Dale. And if the murderers weren’t enough, a hurricane is coming to Tupelo Landing. After Moses takes charge, her adoptive mother and father unexpectedly go missing, and her quest gets more complicated. Can she solve the mysteries in time?

November is a great month to enjoy the fall season with a fresh stack of books to quench your thirst for adventure, suspense, and mystery. 

The monthly ORCA Hangouts returned this October for its second year, and UNO has never been more intense.

Last year, the Hangouts were fun events for only middle and high school students, and now it’s available to all grades. 

“This is the first year we are having Elementary Hangouts and the turn-out was great!” says ORCA teacher Nikki Coleman. She mentioned that the Hangouts originally started for high school, but have grown enormously since then and that she is honored to have a new focus with elementary students. 

The October Hangouts were the first of the 2023-24 school year and were packed with fun games and attendees. Introductions started with a game of Would You Rather, then groups later dispersed to play a variety of fun games, including UNO, Connect 4, Apples To Apples, Go Fish, and more. 

One student was even playing multiple games at once, simultaneously playing UNO and winning Connect 4 during the HS Hangouts. Other students were participating in Hangouts traditions like Chicken Challengers. It was clear that all attendees were enjoying themselves and making friends old and new. 

“It was the highlight of my week,” says Jeremy Vandenboer, one of the teachers leading the event. “Nothing like some intense board games to help build memories and provide laughs.” 

“My favorite thing about Hangouts has been to watch the friendships that have formed between students who were strangers when they first started attending,” Ms. Coleman adds. “I'm blown away by the connections that have formed, and each time I'm excited to see our attendance growing.” She encourages all students to attend the monthly events. 

The next Hangouts will be on November 17, and all students are encouraged to attend for their grade level. For more information, check out Field Trip Central. 

It’s time for girl dinner! 

Girl Dinner is a social media trend that showcases strange and random mixes of food combinations. The best girl dinners are classified as snacks that don’t seem like they would make sense, but taste weirdly good together. The main attraction for girl dinners is the fact that they are simple to make, easy to enjoy, and effortless snacks that can satisfy any craving. Enjoy this list of girl dinner snack options and try them if you’re feeling brave!

Snack #1: Doritos And Whipped Cream

Nothing can go wrong with chips and dips. The flavorful crunch of Doritos with the creamy and sweet whipped cream creates a unique combination in your mouth. The salty and sugary sequence is an original take and definitely worth trying. For a more mild approach, you can swap the Doritos with corn chips or try it with Taki’s for a spicy punch.

Try a similar dish with corn chips and smoothies. Blueberry and strawberry smoothies taste best, with the fruity flavors accenting the saltiness, but any smoothie would work.

Snack #2: Pickles And Cheese

Yes, pickles. No, not cheddar cheese. Pepper Jack cheese wrapped around pickles may not be a snack for everyone, but it’s certainly an experience. For the best texture, dry the pickle with a paper towel and warm the cheese up. You can also dip it in ranch for a further flavor journey.

Snack #3: Crab Puffs And Nacho Cheese Dip

Crab puffs are delicious by themselves, but you can elevate the flavors with a dip in nacho cheese. Any store-bought crab puff will do, just make sure to follow cooking directions. Dipping it in nacho cheese elevates it to a carnival flavor, perfect for those missing the summer.

Snack #4: Olives And Salami

Wrap an olive with a small slice of salami for a sophisticated flavor. The olives and salami have a complimentary taste and are downright delicious with each other. Black olives would typically work best for this, but any olive will do. The savory and saltiness of the combination is one for the books and complements the flavors perfectly. You can also substitute the salami with any kind of sandwich meat, or even dress it up by adding cheese or serving it with rice crackers.

Snack #5: Rice And Ground Beef

This one is definitely more of a meal than a snack, but it’s just as delicious and perfect if you need to use up some leftover ground beef. Cook the ground beef until brown and well done (ask an adult for help if you need it) and make some rice. Once both are done, mix them together and add sweet soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or any other topping. 

Snack #6: Bacon And Honey

Sweeten up some bacon by adding a honey drizzle. The bacon, savory and smokey, contrasts deliciously with the sweetness of the honey and combined is an absolute powerhouse of taste. For something more breakfast-themed, try syrup and bacon. 

Snack #7: Ice Cream And Fries

Chocolate or vanilla ice cream can be boring, so dress it up with some salty fries. French fries have the best flavoring and length, but tater tots or steak fries will be just as good – any fried potato goes perfectly with ice cream. Mix it up with milkshakes or even with melted ice cream. 

Snack #8: Apples And Caramel

Craving caramel apples, but don’t have the materials? Any caramel candy and slices of apples can scratch that itch. For the best results, try tart apples such as Granny Smiths, so that the sweetness of the caramel doesn’t make the rest of the apple seem flavorless. You can also try chocolate bars to add an extra flavor punch. 

Girl dinners are the best things to make if you’re bored and hungry, so don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment. You might find your new favorite snack!

AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elective offered to middle and high school students at Oregon Charter Academy. In the AVID program, students focus on academic success and college preparation. 

“AVID has given me a multitude of opportunities to hone my group collaboration, leadership, questioning, organization, and communication skills,” says AVID student Sofia Dier. “Learning such things has allowed me to be prepared for my future academic career.”

The elective is made up of many key components tied to academic growth.

Tutorials 

Through a three-step tutorial process, students document a question or inquiry they have about a class topic and find a point of confusion. The documentation will happen through a Tutorial Request Form, or TRF. Through the pre-work process, each AVID student will find academic vocabulary related to their question and record the information they already know about their initial question. Through a critical thinking process, students work to find the answer to their question, and once they reach a roadblock, they’ve found their Point of Confusion (or POC). 

During tutorials, students are placed into groups that are run by an AVID tutor. The presenter will start with a 60-second explanation of their pre-work and then turn the responsibility over to their peers for questioning. The groups will work together to identify the issue and through the questioning process, they will come to a solution that provides the presenter with clarity. 

After everyone has presented their tutorials in the group, each student will work on post-tutorial work. They will answer questions regarding their learning and reflect on what went well in their tutorial group. 

"TRFs are very beneficial for students," explains AVID student Audrey Peterson. "They allow no students to get left behind in their learning and to understand their work from new and different perspectives."

College & Career Preparation

Did you know that 92% of Oregon AVID graduating seniors completed four-year college entrance exams? The AVID program strives to give students the resources and confidence to apply to post-secondary education and assist them in their preparation. 

“If you're curious about career options and future potentials, AVID is a great place to start,” adds eighth grader Julia Ma. “Through this program, I've met exceptional students with unique abilities and skill sets. I've learned important lessons from them, including teamwork, responsibility, and critical thinking.” 

AVID teachers encourage students interested in higher education to take rigorous courses like AP and honors in high school and maintain a passion for education throughout their academic careers. In addition to inspiring students to take higher-level courses, teachers also help students with study skills and methods of note-taking. 

SMART Goals

Students in the AVID program are determined and ambitious. A vital part of achieving their ambitions is creating goals. Through the SMART goal process, students take extra time to make their goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. By expanding on the goal itself and creating a plan in which you will accomplish it, you’re more likely to achieve your goals in a shorter amount of time. 

Philosophical Chairs

During philosophical chairs, students work in groups to support and defend their answers to critical thinking questions. Much like a debate team, there is no “right” answer, but rather a process of inquiry to develop deep understanding. Everyone is welcome to comment and students are often encouraged to make an agree or disagree statement about the topic.

WICOR Strategies

WICOR stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading. WICOR strategies are a wide array of exercises and strategies that teachers and students can apply to any course. Among other things, they can enhance note-taking, improve group work, and increase memorization.

Focused Note-Taking

During students' time in AVID, they will be equipped with many methods of taking notes and strategies to best retain information. To add the “focused” part to the note-taking, students follow certain routines with their notes. These include marking times to return to their notes, adding more information as their learning increases, and annotating their notes to highlight the key points and questions.

Much like the acronym, AVID students are individually determined to succeed and work towards the overall goal of pursuing post-secondary education.

“Teaching multiple grade levels of the AVID elective course has allowed me to see how the foundational skills of AVID – utilization of WICOR strategies, focused note-taking, and collaborative study groups – not only supports academic success, but builds confidence as well,” says AVID teacher Stephanie Vitro. “I often teach students who join the AVID program earning mostly B's and C's in standard classes early in high school, and by the end of their career in the program, they are enrolled in Honors and AP level classes, earning all A's. It's incredible to see students thrive both academically and personally, and it's evident that these foundational strategies truly do support student success.”

Are you interested in joining the AVID program? Check out this page on the ORCA website. 

ORCA's Student Government is reopening the Peer Tutoring Center this month, with the support of the National Honor Society. The program provides virtual tutoring to high school students for various subjects, giving them the opportunity to help each other with their schoolwork.

Once the program opens, a Peer Tutoring Canvas course will appear on students’ Dashboard like any other class or club. There will be a variety of times when students can meet in Zoom with peer tutors. 

The program currently offers tutoring for the following subjects:

• Language Arts 9-12 (Standard, Honors, and AP)

• Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus

• Chemistry, Biology (Standard and Honors), Health Science Education, Astronomy

• World Studies (Standard and Honors), U.S. History (Standard and Honors), Government & Economics, Psychology

The current roster of peer tutors includes Student Government members Ahnalya De Leeuw, Reagan Stanek, Kenna S., Grace Choi, and Cara S.

The program is an “amazing opportunity for students who need a little extra help to get some one-on-one time with other students who are more confident in that subject area,” explains Nikki Coleman, the Student Government advisor. “It's also a great experience for the student tutors, some of whom might be considering careers in education or the subject they are assisting with.”

“I'm so excited for this program to start back up,” Ms. Coleman adds. “We are so proud of these student leaders for making this program happen!”

Student Government has plans to expand the program this year to include more subjects. 

“I am super excited to see the impact of the program, as it seemed helpful for many students last year,” says Co-Vice President Reagan Stanek. “I think I can speak for most of Student Government when I say we are really looking forward to relaunching the program!"

Be sure to keep an eye out for the program in the coming weeks. 

October was National Anti-Bullying Month, and on October 20, ORCA’s Counseling Team and Student Government teamed up to present an Anti-Bullying assembly. 

Shannon Churchill, one of the counselors leading this event, said, “The anti-bullying assembly presented by the Student Government is a real reflection of our core values here at ORCA and the commitment we have to put an end to bullying.” 

Student Government members Grace Peterson, Ahnalya De Leeuw, Grace Choi, and Emily Pennington created and presented the slideshow. 

Pennington started off by defining bullying as if a person is being intentionally hurt, harmed, or humiliated with words or behavior, the behavior is repeated – though it can be a single incident – or the victim has a hard time defending themself.

She then showed a video the four of them created, featuring common bullying phrases and hurtful words that are often directed from bully to victim. The video pivoted to asking if someone would ever say those phrases to someone. For most people: no. But how often do you say those to yourself? 

De Leeuw emphasized that self-bullying is still bullying and is harmful for teens. After sharing statistics and facts, she and the rest of Student Government gave six tips for silencing your inner bully. The tips included: 

• Gratitude (acknowledging your positive actions or steps)

• Younger You (thinking if you would ever say this to your younger self)

• Self-Talk (reframing sentences and how you think)

• Awareness (stop from bullying yourself)

• Logic (focusing on facts and not emotions)

• Labeling (labeling what you’re feeling and why so you can find the root cause). 

Peterson then began the Motivational Mad Lib. With everyone filling in the blanks, the entire Zoom constructed positive affirmations and broke down the stigma. For a blank copy of the Mad Libs, click here. 

Choi shared all the wonderful anti-bullying photos submitted by students and staff, with everyone wearing blue to show their support for stomping out bullying. Photos ranged from graphic designs to blue T-shirts and even some pet pictures. 

ORCA’s Counseling Team shared their contact information to encourage students to reach out for help and support, noting that teachers, advisors, and administrators are all here to help. Peterson concluded that Student Government is also here to create a supportive school community.

The hosts closed out the meeting with their final words, “Self-bullying is still bullying.” 

Choi added, “It was such an incredible experience preparing for the Anti-Bullying Assembly, and there was so much that I learned from both the resources that were provided and the people who I was working with!”

Anti-Bullying month may already passed, but ORCA is still offering support and resources to anyone affected by bullying – any kind of bullying.

Benjamin Hanson is a sophomore at ORCA with a passion for wildlife photography. Below is a Q&A between Keagan S. and Benjamin Hanson.

Q: What gear do you use? EX: Camera, Lenses, Tripods

A: For wildlife photography I use a Canon Rebel T7 with a 75-300mm lens attached. To help with performance, I use an aluminum lens hood to block glare. When photographing something else, say a landscape, I use my 18-55mm lens. I also have some filters and tripods, but I almost never need them.

Q: How long have you been taking wildlife photography?

A: I’ve been taking photos of wildlife for around three years.

Q: Where do you usually go to take photos?

A: There isn’t really a specific type of place where I usually take photos. I’ve taken photographs in many places like wildlife refuges, city streets, and my backyard. No matter the location, I try to capture whatever wildlife is nearby.

Q: What’s your favorite animal to photograph?

A: My favorite animals to photograph are birds. They were and continue to be my main motivation for going out and taking photos.

Q: Do you do videography as well?

A: I’ve tried videography, but it takes a special set of gear and experience. Until I can afford the right setup, I’ll stick with photography.

Q: Do you prefer landscape or portrait?

A: I prefer portrait photos. While landscapes are cool, they don’t give you as strong of a connection to the subject as portraits do. 

Q: Is wildlife photography more of a hobby or job for you?

A: Wildlife photography has always been just a hobby for me. 

Q: Do you sell your photos?

A: I don’t sell my photos, but I’ve been looking into ways that I can. I’m thinking of selling them someday by printing the pictures onto a large canvas. 

Want to see more of Benjamin’s photography? See the Showcase section of The Current.

Thank you everyone for participating in the Back to School Meme Contest! The Current received a number of excellent submissions last month and it was great seeing the creativity and humor students showcased in their work. 

The top three submissions by Cara S., Riley Mullanix, and Audrey Peterson are featured in the image carousel. 

Congratulations to our winners! Be sure to stay tuned for another fun contest coming next month!

Most people would agree that cookies are a fantastic way to fill a sugar craving. They’re small and bite-sized, which makes them perfect for a quick snack… that turns into eating way too many. Good gluten-free and dairy-free cookie recipes can be a challenge to find, but these recipes have been tested many times.

Peanut Butter Cookies

It can be a challenge to find a good peanut butter cookie recipe that is gluten-free and dairy-free, but if you’ve been searching, look no further.

Ingredients:

½ cup creamy peanut butter

⅓ cup almond flour/gluten-free flour blend

¼ cup granulated cane sugar

¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 egg or egg white

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.

2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and form into balls about one inch in size, then roll them in a thin layer of extra cane sugar.

3. This is optional, but you may use a fork to create that classic peanut butter cookie look.

4. Bake the cookies on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, let cool for 10 minutes, and serve.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

If you like chocolate peanut butter-flavored treats, then this recipe is for you. It doesn’t use any eggs and has a flavor as rich as brownies.

Ingredients: 

¼ cup butter (vegan butter works perfectly as an alternative option)

1 cup granulated cane sugar

½ cup almond milk

¼ cup cacao powder

⅓ cup peanut butter

1 tbsp vanilla extract

3 cups quick oats (may use whole oats as a substitute)

A pinch of salt

Directions: 

1. Combine the milk, butter, granulated sugar, and cacao powder in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and there are no lumps. Bring to a boil and let it boil without stirring for about one minute.

2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Once they are combined, stir in the oats and salt.

3. Allow the mixture to sit with a lid on the saucepan for five minutes so the oats can soak up the moisture and soften.

4. During these five minutes, prep a baking sheet or a few plates with or without parchment paper and make sure there’s enough room in your refrigerator for them.

5. Next, use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to drop about a tablespoon of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or plates. Make as many cookies as your dough allows. You can adjust the size for preference and make them large or small cookies.

6. Finally, put the cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they can cool and harden, but they are ready to eat whenever you want.

Disclaimer: Includes mild spoilers.

On September 9, 2019, Bluey made its grand debut on Disney Junior. Bluey is a kid’s cartoon featuring an anthropomorphic six-year-old Blue Heeler named Bluey and her family, who get up to imaginative adventures. The reason this show is so popular is because everybody has a way they can relate to it. From parental issues to kid things to middle schoolers transitioning to high school, everybody can see a part of themselves in these cartoon characters.

And in the seventh episode of season one, a little gray-colored Blue Heeler named Muffin made her first appearance.

For those who don’t know who Muffin is, she is Bluey’s cousin. She could be the best character on the show. Sometimes she is funny and sometimes she is a bratty toddler who just wants her way. Nonetheless, she is definitely taking over!

Ever since her debut, Muffin has been one of the most beloved characters. She is blowing up the internet and becoming a main attraction, appearing in fanart, memes, and YouTube videos starring the toddler. Her best-known and most adored appearance is the episode 39 of season one, also known as "The Sleepover."

In "The Sleepover," Muffin has "skipped a sleep" and is spouting out all sorts of hilarious sentences, like "I hate plants!", "My name is Bububabu!", and her most famous line: "Coconuts have water in them!”

Muffin is also known for her spoiled type of personality that brings her character to life. In the 11th episode of season two, Muffin, Bluey, and Bingo (who is Bluey’s sister) are going to their grandmother’s house. They decide to play Charades – which is also the name of the episode. Muffin wants a certain card: the ballerina card. She said the following during her turn: "I don’t want the frog card! I want the ballerina card!" She also demanded a tutu and "ballerina music."

Another well-known episode is the 43rd episode of season two, called ‘Muffin Cone.’ This episode begins with a drive to Bluey’s house. Muffin and her mother, known as Aunt Trixie, are in the car. Muffin sneakily raises her thumb to her mouth, watching her mother. When Trixie doesn’t notice, Muffin starts sucking her thumb. Trixie asks Muffin to stop sucking her thumb and Muffin says she "wants to do what she wants!"

Just as the episode’s title suggests, this results in the  “cone of shame,” which refers to the punishment or misbehavior of a pet.

When Trixie and Muffin reach their destination, Muffin attempts to play "sandwich shop" with her cousins. Bluey and Bingo repeatedly correct Muffin on what she is doing, especially when she makes a "baby sandwich" with Bingo’s stuffed toy. It’s guaranteed there’ll be at least an inner chuckle when you watch this episode.

The final episode that will be referenced is "Bumpy And The Wise Old Wolfhound," the 32nd episode of season one. In this episode, Muffin is filmed as the cook, using the "good vase" as a bowl, which she drops later on. This is another example of Muffin’s extraordinary hilarity.

Incidents like these have made Muffin one of the most popular Bluey characters by far. Sometimes she is funny and sometimes she is a bratty toddler who just wants her way. Either way, Muffin has definitely taken over the internet and charmed many viewers with her stickler personality and energy.

If you need more Muffin, take a look at the selected Bluey episodes located on Disney Plus.

ORCA Teachers Design New Holiday To Replace Thanksgiving

ORCA teachers are concerned about how much fun kids are actually having during Thanksgiving. So they decided to design a new holiday celebrating math instead.

“We’ll call it ‘Quad-mas,’” ORCA high school teacher Laurie Cantu explained. “It’s four holidays wrapped in one! So you open presents, eat a huge meal, hunt for eggs, and love everyone you celebrate with!” 

You might be wondering, what is the math component of this all? Before opening those presents, make sure to calculate the area of them first. Or, simply add up all the calories from your huge Quad-mas feast.

ORCA teachers absolutely adored the idea and have already begun spreading the word throughout their classes with slideshows, Nearpods, and more. 

However, ORCA students have a different perspective. “It’s getting annoying,” claims one student. “Every class I have focuses around this ‘Quad-mas.’ What even is that?”

“This is ridiculous,” another student says. “We already have Pi Day, why do we need more?”

The Current is debating whether or not to ask which beloved holiday will be replaced next, but are worried they might get stuck with something along the lines of ‘Fractionween.’

Monday Morning HSS Class Becomes Debate

High School Success became a debate one early Monday morning when a student introduced a new controversial topic.

“We should remove the letters K and S from the English alphabet,” he announced. This sparked a deep ten-minute conversation on the alphabet.

“Why should we have two letters that both do the same job as C?” another student agreed.

“Without K and S, we can’t spell lots of things, like ThanKSgiving,” argued one student who’d gone on mic.

This conversation almost died down, but then continued when a different student claimed that the letter X should go instead.

Teacher Tries New Turkey-Flavored M&M’s On A Dare, Immediately Regrets The Decision

We all love high school algebra teacher Devon Johnson. Or so everybody thought.

An ORCA teacher decided one day, out of the blue, to dare poor Johnson to eat a bag of M&M’s. How bad could that be? Everybody knows that Johnson loves the iconic chocolate candies. But as she once said in her own words, “There is a limit to the M&M’s I will actually eat.”

So, Johnson went and bought a bag of newly flavored M&M’s. The thing is, the M&M’s inside the bag were turkey-flavored. And she ate one of the little chocolate pieces. And promptly spat it out again.

The Current reached out for a quote, but the teacher was too busy stuffing her mouth full of Peanut M&M’s in an attempt to get rid of the taste of turkey.

ORCA Student Turkey-Rolls Her Friends For Thanksgiving

An ORCA student has taken rickrolling to a whole new level.

She used her incredible tech skills to combine a rickroll video and a picture of a cartoon turkey, thereby creating the “turkey-roll.” She used it on each of her friends, all at the same time, in her sixth grade math class and got herself banned from the chat forever.

“It was after-class social time and she kept asking to put a special Thanksgiving video she made in the chat. Nobody expected a rickroll with turkeys,” one student told The Current. “It was hilarious and really, really dumb at the same time.”

“I decided to take away her co-host rights. And then I banned her from the chat pod for all eternity,” the teacher of the ‘roll-ed class explained with a shrug. “She knew the risks, and she shall now pay the price,” 

“They knew the rules, and so did I. But it was totally worth it,” the turkey-roll creator said with a mischievous smile.

There are a multitude of field trips available to ORCA students, both in-person and virtual. They help students stay connected and provide real-world opportunities and experiences. Here are some field trips ORCA is offering this November.

Live from Antarctica (11/9)

Visit this fun virtual field trip to meet ORCA teacher Michael Rodriguez in Antarctica with a group of researchers. Check out these slides or Field Trip Central for information on the Zoom link. This event starts at 12 p.m. and finishes at 1 p.m. 

Meet a Wildlife Biologist (11/16)

Tune in at 10 a.m. to meet Carissa Turner, a wildlife biologist from Tennessee who studies a variety of mammals. Some animals she studied are endangered black-foot ferrets, pygmy rabbits, nine-banded armadillos, and black bears in coastal North Carolina. Open to all high school students, this virtual field trip is a way for students to learn about career opportunities and different types of animals. Come prepared with questions!

NASA Live Stream with NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center - Mission Explorers: Design a Spacecraft (11/17)

Join the Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center staff at this virtual field trip to learn about how NASA uses robotic spacecraft technology to explore the solar system. Students will engage in a fun activity to receive a solar system exploration mission and design their own spacecraft prototype. This event runs from 11 a.m. to noon. 

ORCA Hangouts (11/17)

Join teachers Jeremy Vandenboer and Nikki Coleman at the ORCA Hangouts to make new friends, play games, and socialize with fellow classmates in person. This event goes from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for elementary and middle school students, and 1-3 p.m. for high school students. 

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

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. 

Under Armour Career Day 

Spend the morning at Under Armour to learn about what it’s like to work at a leading sportswear company. On November 9, students will go behind the scenes at the Under Armour office to explore footwear design concepts, talk to field professionals, and learn how to get started in the industry. 

The event starts at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m.

Don’t forget to fill out the student interest and parent/guardian form on the PWA website to attend. 

AWS Elemental Tech Career Day

Interested in working in the tech industry? Come meet the engineers, designers, and architects at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Portland to explore the world behind the internet. Students will get the chance to tour the office and connect with industry professionals for job insights and career advice.

Don’t miss this fun field trip from 9:00 a.m. to noon on November 15.

To attend, fill out the student interest and parent/guardian form on the PWA website. 

Microchip Career Day 

Visit Microchip, a leading electric parts provider, to learn all about a career in cyber security. Students will learn about embedded control solutions, explore the labs, and engage in hands-on learning with Microchip employees. 

Check out this field trip on November 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

As with any other career day event, please be sure to fill out the student interest form and parent/guardian form on the PWA website. Available spots are limited. 

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 Movie Quote Crossword HERE. Quotes are the clues and movies are the answers. The clues are listed below: 

ACROSS

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

5. “Wilson!”

8. “What are you doing in my swamp?”

9. “The suit’s a gold-titanium alloy. But, it’s kind of evocative of the imagery..”

10. “To infinity and beyond!”

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

14. “I’m the king of the world!”

15. “Toto, I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore.”

DOWN

1. “Just keep swimming.”

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

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

4. “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.”

5. “Speed. I am speed.”

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

7. “I feel the need – the need for speed.”

11. “Keep the change, ya filthy animal.”

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

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

Below are the answers to the Gen Z Slang Crossword Part 2 from the October issue of The Current.

ACROSS

2. Rizz = Short for “charisma;” the ability to flirt 

3. Savage = Describes someone who is audacious

6. Clapback = A sharp and witty response to criticism

7. GOAT = Someone who is the absolute best at what they do

8. Mood = Shows that you relate with another person’s feelings

9. Bussin = Describes something that is exciting and fun

11. Slay = When someone does something great

14. Shook = Blindsided, shocked

15. Ick = Something that grosses you out

16. Whip = Car

17. Hype = Excitement

DOWN

1. Girlboss = A female who is ambitious or successful

3. Stan = A devoted and obsessed fan

4. Glow up = Improving in confidence or attractiveness (2 words)

5. Hits different = When something is better than usual (2 words)

7. Gatekeep = To keep information to yourself 

8. Mid = Low quality or mediocre

10. Noob = A video game term used to describe someone who is new or has poor skills

12. Lowkey = Quiet or casually

13. Yoked = Describes someone who is muscular 

14. Slaps = Exceptionally good

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. 

How can I get involved in clubs at ORCA and find ones that fit my interests?

- Ex. Tra Curricular

Dear Ex. Tra Curricular, 

All clubs offered at ORCA are listed on their website with descriptions of what each club offers! There are many clubs in each grade band that vary from music to writing. If you aren’t sure which clubs to join, you can ask your classmates what clubs they are a part of and what their experiences have been. Certain clubs are also chapters based within the ASCEND program or a chapter of the National Honor Society. Some clubs can also help academically, from honing public speaking skills in Speech & Debate to practicing reading skills in Book Battle. Another way to discover clubs is the National Honor Society’s annual Club Fair which will take place in December of 2023. The Club Fair is a great opportunity to meet club advisors and see which students are in clubs. 

Good luck,

ORCA’s NHS & NJHS

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