October 2023

Welcome back to The Current!

As the first edition of the 2023-24 school year, this marks the beginning of our third full year of operation as Oregon Charter Academy's digital newspaper. It’s been amazing to see our growth throughout the years, from what started as a small group of writers to a fully-functioning student-run newspaper and one of the biggest clubs at ORCA. 

But The Current wouldn’t be where it is now without our readers and the immense support from our school. To all students, parents, and staff of Oregon Charter Academy, thank you for your support in facilitating and contributing to The Current from its beginning to now. 

However, this is just the beginning of many bigger plans we have this year. And for that, we’ll need your help. 

It all starts by doing exactly what you’re doing now: reading The Current. 

In this edition of The Current, we wanted to include articles that can help get students old and new to engage in the school community. This month, you can find a great selection of news about the latest happenings at ORCA, summer movie reviews, student life pieces, and even a fun contest. We have more great content planned, so stay tuned for our monthly issues throughout the year. 

Each month, we feature a wide array of articles on our website, with fun-themed crosswords, reviews of the latest movies and TV shows, student success tips, interactives, and so much more. Reading and engaging in our monthly issues is a great way to contribute to our community, stay informed with the latest ORCA news, and spread school spirit. It really helps give purpose to our staff who have worked hard each month to put together our newspaper. 

One of our focuses this year is to increase coverage of student-interest features to spotlight all the clubs, programs, and amazing things ORCA students and teachers have accomplished. It’s important for us to connect with our student body in further uniting our school community. 

But with ORCA being such a vast school, we need your help. If there’s something fun happening in your class or club, share it with us! Have you or a classmate recently accomplished something you’re proud of? Let us know! The Current is a great place to share about all the exciting activities and programs ORCA has to offer. 

You are more than welcome to reach out to us via our contact form, which can be found under the “Contact” dropdown menu on our website. Please use this to share your feedback with our staff, whether it’s letting us know you enjoyed a particular content, sharing an idea for an article, or providing constructive criticism. Any and all feedback will help us improve our future editions and fine-tune our articles to what you want to read. 

If you have a story or artwork you’re proud of and want to have it recognized with a wider audience, sharing it on our Showcase section is a great way to do so. Over on our contribute form (located under the same “Contact” menu), you can submit articles, stories, photography, art, and other such content for an opportunity to showcase your talents. 

You could even join our monthly contests – from art, music, writing, and photography – or participate in our fun polls for another chance to be featured in an edition and get involved. 

If you’re someone who’s interested in journalism or writing or just wants to make a positive impact at our school, Newspaper Club is a great group to join. Our club offers a creative and collaborative environment where you can develop your skills as a writer, accomplish a lot, impact our school, and make some friends. 

As a student at a virtual school, I’ve been at ORCA since kindergarten, but took for granted the opportunities to get connected at ORCA and make friends. I was never one to join clubs or participate much, but in my sophomore year, I decided to try something different: I joined Newspaper Club.

The Current was the first club I’ve ever been a part of. As someone who’s a bit more on the introverted side, especially being a home-based student my whole life, I was nervous to step into new waters and join a club with most people I’ve never met before. 

Fortunately, I was introduced to a welcoming and incredibly supportive group of students, where I have been able to learn from my peers and grow as a writer myself. It gave me an amazing opportunity to grow outside my shell and try something new. Pretty soon, I realized I found a passion for journalism and writing and even made some best friends along the way. 

Joining The Current was the best thing I did in high school. 

Hopefully being a part of the school community – whether it be joining a club, doing something you are passionate about, or even getting involved in the newspaper yourself – will help you as much as it helped me and many others. 

With another school year starting, our team is looking forward to making the most out of a fantastic year at ORCA, and we are excited to share it with you. 

Oregon Charter Academy, thank you for reading The Current!

ORCA offers a wide range of extracurricular options to get involved in the school community and explore various interests. If you are interested in signing up for ORCA clubs, there are many great options that might interest you. 

As of October 1, club signs up are officially opening schoolwide. If you are interested in signing up for one, you can do so by filling out this form. Club sign ups will remain open until the end of the school year. 

Many clubs will be open on October 1 immediately, such as National Honor Society/NJHS, Newspaper Club, Music Club, Esports, and others. To find a full list of available clubs for each grade, check out the ORCA clubs page.

At ORCA’s Open House event on September 16, students had the opportunity to propose new club ideas at the club booth. 

Students are also able to request a new club through this form until November 3. If the application meets a few requirements, such as following the school guidelines and having an advisor willing to supervise the club, it can be added to ORCA’s club roster. 

Students should still check the club pages after October 1, as many additional clubs will be added in the following months. There should be plenty of new and exciting options on ORCA’s club page this year. 

“We are excited that our student-driven clubs have opened in October,” says Dan Vasen, ORCA’s high school assistant principal. "There are so many opportunities for ORCA students from all grade levels to get involved in extracurricular activities.” 

Cultivating friendships is important, but building these relationships can look a little different in an online school. Fortunately, ORCA offers many opportunities to stay connected with friends throughout the year. Here are a few tips that can help you:

Live Class Engagement

Sharing in class is a great way to connect with classmates and make new friends. Be willing to get involved in live classes by going on mic, sharing in the chat pod, and even going on camera if you’re comfortable. It’s a great way to engage in class and get to know your teachers and classmates. 

Field Trips

ORCA offers many in-person and virtual events to attend each month. It can be fun to see teachers, fellow classmates, and administrators at these events. From school dances to hikes, tours, and monthly hangouts, there are a wide range of field trips in your region to fit your interests. You can refer to the Field Trip Central website to see what events are coming up near you. 

Check out this article for upcoming field trips this month. 

Email

Emailing classmates is a great way to stay in touch with friends. Students can email each other in their grade band through their ORCA Gmail account. To find out how to email other students, check out this article.

ORCA Clubs

A  fun way to connect with friends is through ORCA clubs. There are many great clubs available for a variety of interests, and could possibly offer some fun activities, discussions, and games that you might like. Even if there’s a club that ORCA doesn’t have yet, you could always start your own. 

Check out this article for more information on club sign-ups. 

Making friends and getting connected in the ORCA community is a great way to make the most out of the school experience. 

Get ready to show off your comedy chops with The Current’s second meme contest!

Until October 22, all ORCA students and staff are welcome to create their own meme relating to fall or the back-to-school season. Memes can include a funny image with a humorous commentary about fall or being a student at an online school. 

To keep entries original and within copyright guidelines, meme images must be selected from a free-use website or non-copyrighted source, such as Unsplash. You are also welcome to create your own image. Submissions will be judged on how they relate to the topic, originality and creativity, and most importantly, how hilarious they are. 

Top submissions will be featured in The Current’s next issue. You can use this form to submit a meme. 

Meme submissions must follow a few simple guidelines:

• Entries must be school-appropriate and positive about school.

• Entries must be your own original idea and related to the prompt. 

• Images must be from a non-copyrighted source.

• Submissions must include a link to the original image.

• Please submit your entry by October 22.

Please be sure to follow these guidelines and submit your meme through this form. Have fun!

Every day, one in five students are bullied, according to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, but this month at ORCA, the fight against bullying takes center stage, as the school hosts events to promote awareness and support victims. To promote these events, students are encouraged to wear blue for anti-bullying awareness and orange for World Unity Day. 

Shannon Churchill, one of ORCA’s high school counselors, encourages students and teachers to attend and “wear blue in live class and school events the month of October" to show unified support for this issue. Middle school will also feature information regarding anti-bullying in Advisory and Health classes. Ms. Churchill and other counselors encourage students to visit STOMPOUT Bullying’s website and check out their anti-bullying campaigns for strategies.

Additionally, ORCA also features World Unity Day on October 18 to promote healthier bonds within communities through kindness and inclusion. Wearing orange that day sends the message that no student should be the victim of bullying.

ORCA counselors are here to help and raise awareness during Anti-Bullying Awareness month this October. “At ORCA, we strive daily to create a safe and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” Ms. Churchill says. “Standing together through unity, we hope we can have a real impact on putting a stop to bullying, promoting acceptance, resiliency and kindness.”

ORCA counselors and Student Government will host a high school anti-bullying assembly on October 20 at 9 a.m. More details will be coming soon from a principal's announcement and the Student Government website. 

For additional information regarding anti-bullying statistics and World Unity day, please checkout the STOMPOUT Bullying website and the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center website. More details about Bullying Awareness month for middle school and high school will be announced in the coming weeks. 

On Friday, September 15, students and families from across the state gathered in Mill City to attend ORCA's Open House event, which marked the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. 

Open House is an annual event where students and families can meet teachers and peers, participate in extracurricular activities, collect ORCA merchandise, and take student portraits. 

During the event, students enjoyed exploring the book fair, learning about new clubs and programs, and meeting teachers and friends in person, some for the first time. 

The Scholastic Book Fair showcased books of various genres, ranging from science picture books to teen reads, graphic novels, and posters. The photo booth was another popular attraction, with a crowd of students lining up to take their student portraits. Outside, students visited the “swag” booth for ORCA t-shirts and wristbands. 

The AVID booth offered plenty of resources about the program and college prep, while the ASCEND booth included displays for some of the pathways and a CPR dummy for students to practice real-life medical exercises.

“The best part of Open House 2023 has been the amazing conversations with students who stop by the ASCEND booth to learn about all the amazing pathways we offer,” said ORCA teacher Summer Highfill. “The weather has been beautiful, and my favorite part has been explaining our awesome math program to students at ORCA.” 

The event also featured a club booth with a large selection of extracurricular activities available at ORCA, including NASA Club and Student Government. There was also a place for students to nominate ideas for future clubs and programs.

The ORCA Cares Club hosted a clothing drive to support the community by giving away clothes and shoes to families. 

“We are hoping to distribute enough of what was donated last year so that we may be able to accept donations again this upcoming Spring Celebration,” said ORCA teacher Erin Wooten.

Families were “really enthusiastic about giving donations for future events and helping to grow it,” she added. “I’m just blown away by the generosity of our families.”

The event’s in-person socialization was notably the biggest draw, as many students and teachers mentioned that meeting each other outside of Zoom and making new friends was the highlight of the day.

Eleventh-grade student Kassie shared that she had seen a lot of her teachers during the event and appreciated the helpful resources for learning from teachers. 

Meanwhile, ORCA teachers Mark Cralen and Paula Leifer continued their debate about whether a hotdog is a sandwich. 

Mr. Cralen argues that a hotdog is, in fact, a sandwich. But Ms. Leifer contends otherwise, offering a mathematical explanation: “It has to do with a geometrical prism,” she explains. “If all four long sides are all away around, it is a sushi. If it’s just three sides, it’s a taco. And if it’s top and bottom, that’s a sandwich.”

“A hotdog, therefore, is a taco,” she concludes. 

After a fun afternoon at Open House, many students expressed excitement for new clubs and meeting more friends at ORCA events in the future. 

“I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my final Open House as a Senior than to sport our iconic ORCA sandwich board to advertise The Current, Student Gov, and NHS,” says Student Government Co-Vice President Ahnalya De Leeuw. “I had a lot of great conversations with former teachers and my classmates, and it’s always a great opportunity to meet my teachers for the year. The club booth got me excited for the groups launching this October. See you in clubs and regional meet-ups!”

2023 was a big year for summer blockbusters. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular movies of the season. 

Barbie

Barbie was the blockbuster of the summer, sweeping over $1.4 billion at the box office and quickly becoming a pop culture phenomenon. 

The film is a dazzling spectacle of visuals and design, paying homage to the iconic original while subverting expectations. While many initially thought the pink flick would be a silly movie with no substance, director Greta Gerwig didn’t have the same idea. The film instead tackles powerful messages while keeping it easily accessible for audiences of all ages. Its social commentary is on the chin and filled with meta humor, focusing on themes of friendship, acceptance, and the struggles and triumphs of growing up.

Barbie packs a powerful all-star cast. Margot Robbie is the perfect embodiment of the iconic doll, with an aura full of charisma and charm. Her excellent performance brings the doll to life while providing more depth and relatability to the character. Ryan Gosling is Barbie’s fun-loving sidekick, full of charm and humor. Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, and Will Ferrell also stand out in their roles. 

The film has plenty of references to pop culture and cinema, most notably 2001: A Space Odyssey in its opening scene. Music producer Mark Ronson curates a brightly exuberant soundtrack of disco pop hits – with the likes of Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and Billie Eilish – that serves not only as an excellent companion piece to the colorful movie but also as a fun and energetic album on its own. 

The movie stands out in its impressive set and costume design. Barbie herself has forty different costume changes throughout the movie – from bright disco jumpsuits to an all-pink cowgirl ensemble. The wide assortment of fashion all bring out each character's personality. Jacqueline Durran, the costume designer, said she wanted the outfits to feel “timeless,” which is why she didn’t stick with any specific trends or styles to keep the style relevant. 

However, as great as the movie is, the story still suffers from plot holes and inconsistencies. Some narrative elements tend to fall on gimmicks and plot conveniences, which can hurt the flow of the film. 

The Barbie movie is still turning heads beyond just the silver – and pink – screen. Director and writer Greta Gerwig shows her skill in creating a modern reinvention full of heart and humor. It is also the first female-directed film to rack up over one billion dollars at the box office. Much of the success is credited to its large influence on pop culture and widespread audience. It has an impact not only in cinemas but also in culture, sparking conversations, community, and pink attire. 

The verdict: 9/10

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is widely praised as one of the best animated movies of recent times, matching bold storytelling with striking animation for an enjoyable adventure with heart, humor, and plenty of superhero action. 

But how do you top that? By being its sequel. 

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is everything great about its predecessor and more, effectively capturing the magic and intrigue of the first film while building upon its strengths. 

This film is a visual tour de force. With its dazzling visuals, magnificent soundtrack, and colorful comic-styled animation, Across the Spider-Verse is a masterpiece dripping in art and style. Each character has a moment to shine with their own individual art style and personality, bringing an interesting depth to the story. The movie features a variety of locations offering their own unique twist on the animation design, with some of the best action sequences on-screen.

The movie makes the best out of its talented cast. Shameik Moore, Hailey Steinfield, Oscar Isaac, and Jason Schwartzman stand out in their roles, portraying their characters with warmth and humor. Dialogue is full of witty banter and fun gags.

Many recent superhero movies have tried to explore the idea of alternate universes – with Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and The Flash – but none have done it better than Across the Spider-Verse. This movie does the multiverse concept justice through effective worldbuilding and well-rounded character development. With this, the interdimensional setting allows the movie to pay homage to the other Spider-Man characters – with numerous easter eggs and references – while offering something new. 

However, its action-packed story is held back by its overstretched runtime. Running over two and a half hours, the story starts to feel tedious and repetitive at times. Character arcs and plot points get repeated without adding anything new, and the excessive focus on supporting characters at the expense of the protagonist starts to take a toll on the narrative and screen time. 

As the first half of a two-part story, a lot of the focus is on setting up content and characters for future payoffs. However, the movie lacks a satisfying resolution or climax sequence, leaving a cliffhanger ending that feels rushed. 

None of these flaws are enough to derail the movie, but they do hold it back from reaching its full potential. Even so, it still leaves audiences satisfied and excited for a promising sequel. 

The verdict: 8.5/10

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is the seventh and penultimate sequel to the Mission Impossible franchise. For the first film of a two-part finale, director Christopher McQuarrie returns to the series to deliver another impressive sequel.

This film is a two-hour 43-minute adrenaline rush that boasts some of cinema’s most stunning stunt work and choreographed action sequences. From intense car chases to jumping motorcycles off cliffs, Tom Cruise is an action star who knows how to make a thrilling adventure full of suspense, humor, and stakes higher than ever. 

The ensemble cast all bring their A-games back to their roles. Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson remain the best IMF team, and Esai Morales’ charismatic yet terrifying character proves to be one of the best villains in the franchise. However, it is Hayley Atwell who shines in her role as a new addition to the series, bringing charm and wits to a likable character. 

There’s never a boring moment in the film. Nearly every scene is filled with action-packed sequences and quippy dialogue. However, some scenes tend to drag on a bit longer than needed, stretching out the 163-minute runtime. It’s a long movie with a lot going on, feeling like it’s in a perpetual third act, but manages to balance out its fast pacing with effective character development and subtle plot twists. 

The film pays homage to Brian De Palma’s original, while still developing its own style established by McQuarrie's previous entries. Lorne Balfe’s score does an excellent job of elevating the film and hammering home the emotional beats. The film doesn’t overly rely on CGI but instead blends smartly choreographed stunts to pack a more powerful visceral experience. 

Occasionally some dialogue and exposition grow too chunky telling rather than showing, and a few quips and gags don’t quite stick the landing. At times, plot points tend to fall to gimmicks or just simple plot conveniences, but it's not enough to derail the story. 

Despite a few missteps, Dead Reckoning makes the most out of its grand blockbuster budget, talented cast, and production. It’s a movie best seen on the big screen to truly feel the grandeur of the action. With its compelling story and high-stakes stunts, Dead Reckoning sets the stage for an exciting part two while still being a satisfying adventure on its own.

The verdict: 8.5/10

Asteroid City

Asteroid City is Wes Anderson’s most distinct film yet. 

With his unique blend of quirky characters, madcap humor, vibrant colors, and whimsical narratives, it’s not hard to name him as one of the most influential modern filmmakers. 

His latest cinematic offering is Asteroid City, a movie stylistically undifferentiated from most of the filmmaker’s recent output. This retro sci-fi tale of a UFO sighting in a 1950s desert town certainly delivers Anderson's expected whimsical charm.

Stylistically, the movie’s set design is visually striking, from its perfectly symmetrical frames to vibrant pastel colors that pop on screen. Each shot shows immaculate attention to detail, with precise cinematography and meticulously crafted costume design. 

However, the film falls short as it fails to pair the visuals and auteur elements with an engaging, emotionally impactful plot and character development.

The star-studded cast includes actors ranging from frequent collaborators like Jason Schwartzman, Adrien Brody, and Tilda Swinton to new additions like Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson, all of whom deliver solid performances. Despite its large ensemble, the story doesn’t allow most of them to leave a lasting impression, with only a handful of truly memorable characters. There are few standout scenes among the new faces, and instead, most of the supporting cast is reduced to forgettable cameos without enough screen time to fully develop. 

The film is a true ensemble piece without a clear main character. This would have worked well if the wide array of characters were more compellingly written, but the screenplay treats their motivations as second fiddle to style, world-building, and more abstract themes. As a result, the film tends to feel emotionally distant, as its full weight has been sacrificed for visual storytelling. 

The movie is structurally similar to Wes Anderson’s more recent work, most notably The French Dispatch, in its use of black-and-white scenes, meta-commentary, and unique framing techniques – a story within a story within a story. At times the screenplay tends to get lost in its own convoluted, meandering narrative, but on occasion, bursts forth with interesting new angles to the story and its characters. Its deep inquiries about art and existentialism are tinged with a subtly thoughtful and poignant tone but are too buried under the film's multi-layered narrative and visual style. 

Although the film maintains its signature visual flair and quirkiness, it fails in its most important aspect: the ability to emotionally connect with its audience. In the end, Asteroid City would still be appreciated by dedicated fans of the director’s work but may alienate any potential newcomers. 

The verdict: 6/10

Author’s note: Some ratings seem too low? On this rating scale, anything with a 5/10 or above is a decent movie, or at least worth a watch. A 10/10 is reserved for the select few pieces of media the ranker would view as perfect. This is to avoid cheapening the value of a great movie by giving it the same score as a good movie. A 10/10 is hard to achieve. 

ORCA offers a great opportunity for high school students to earn free college credit. You can get free college credit for certain classes, and it’s worth the bit of extra effort it takes to register. 

College-bound students can save a lot of money on tuition by earning credits in their high school years. When you take a dual credit course at ORCA, it saves you money and time from the classes you won’t have to take in college. 

“Taking dual credit courses is a great way for you to challenge yourself in a familiar, supportive environment that will also pay dividends in the next phase of your education,” says High School Principal Joe Mogford.

Dual credit classes range from Honors English to Precalculus, Health Occupations, and more. The majority of these courses are for juniors and seniors, but there are some exceptions. Dual credit opportunities are available in almost every subject. If you are wondering which classes offer this, you can ask your teachers individually or check out this document, which is ORCA’s official dual credit guide.

In order to earn dual credit, you have to register through the college website that ORCA is partnered with. Taking the course is the first step, but you have to go through the registration process to earn college credit. Some registration periods don’t begin until October or November.

“Dual credit is a simple process, one that allows extra credit for the same amount of work,” says ORCA student Cara Stasiewicz. “It's a way to lessen your college workload by putting in the work ahead of time, and allowing you more time in college for gaining other skills. Really, there’s no good reason to not do dual credit. I’d recommend it for anyone who has the option to apply.”

It’s important to take advantage of this great opportunity and get yourself some free college credits. If you are interested, talk to an advisory teacher or counselor about adding dual credit classes to your future course schedule.

Over the summer, ORCA’s school library page got a major revamp. It is currently open to elementary through high school students in the Principal’s Corner within the Student Center section. 

“Oregon Charter Academy has a virtual library that students can access anytime in Sora,” says Rachel Tullar, ORCA’s digital librarian. “Within Sora, there are over 11,000 ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Students can also place requests for books they'd like to see in the virtual library that we may not offer and effort will be made to add them.” 

“Each month there are featured collections that students can easily access as these collections will be displayed at the top of Sora,” she adds. “This month's featured collection is Hispanic Heritage Month as it runs from September 15-October 15. Happy reading!”

Students can participate in monthly reading challenges and check out the latest trending books on the #BookTok page. The school library also includes a button to ORCA's newspaper, The Current, for easy access.

In addition to all the reading resources, there are also buttons to join the Oregon Battle of the Books or ORCA’s Book Club. 

For students interested in poetry, the library features a “Poetry Out Loud” page for high schoolers, with tips on how to write poetry and activities to practice your writing skills. There will be additional information on the upcoming Poetry Out Loud Contest.

Coming soon to the page are research tools to assist with course studies.

Whether you’re a reading machine or an aspiring bookworm, ORCA’s school library offers titles and genres for everyone. 

Before the age of online movie rentals and streaming services, Blockbuster was the place to find all your favorite movies. 

With every selection, from old favorites to new releases, the quintessential video shop brought a classic experience for families and movie fans alike. At the height of its popularity, there were more than 9,000 stores.

Now, there is just one. 

The last Blockbuster is located in Bend, Oregon. 

A rather modest-looking store from the outside, this shop is filled with icons and souvenirs found nowhere else in the world. Walking into the store is like taking a step back in time: rows of DVD rentals line the yellow walls, snacks and candy stack the counters (including “popcorn” scented candles), and there’s even a familiar “Blockbuster” smell. 

Now the last one of its kind, the store has become an iconic tourist attraction. The people who work there put great effort into keeping the place running, using a combination of nostalgia and merchandise to preserve its legacy. Although the occasional customer still stops by to rent DVDs, most of the business’s revenue comes from its unique selection of “Last Blockbuster on the Planet” merchandise, including locally made postcards, caps, t-shirts, and mugs. 

“We still rent out movies, more than you would think, but our revenue is like 80 percent merchandise,” says Travis, a store employee. 

The Bend store still has a large selection of new releases, but mostly sells souvenirs to fans of the once-ubiquitous franchise from all over the world. 

ORCA teacher Devon Johnson is a frequent patron. “I love going to Blockbuster,” she says. “I usually go once a week and we are always able to find something to watch. Blockbuster rentals are almost always cheaper per day to rent than Redbox or renting something on a streaming service.” 

“The only downside is remembering to return the DVD's on time,” she adds. “I've had a late fee or two that ended up costing more than the rental!”

As a long-time Blockbuster employee, Travis shares his experience working for the store. “It’s a lot of fun,” he says. “If you like movies, there’s no better place to work.” As a college student, the job allows a lot of flexibility and a “stress-free” work environment. 

Travis has been working at the company for several years, with previous jobs at two other Blockbuster locations that later closed down. 

For many frequent movie-goers, Blockbuster is a great place to bring back the classic movie experience. Its wide selection of DVDs allows easy browsing of all the aisles to find what you’re looking for and explore new movies. However, the biggest highlight for many is bringing back memories of Friday nights at the movie store. 

As Ms. Johnson explains, “I grew up renting videos (VHS tapes, because I'm that old) and I loved going with my parents to find a family movie so it brings back memories every time I go. Sometimes going into a Blockbuster makes me feel like the world hasn't changed and we still live in simpler times. I'm just glad I don't have to rent a VCR like we did growing up.”

However, since the rise of online streaming services, video rental stores are now obsolete in the modern movie landscape. 

In the 80s and 90s, video rental stores were in every neighborhood and a part of daily life. Nowadays, Blockbuster is full of tourists who want a nostalgic experience. The shop is more of a museum now, where tourists visit to show their kids how watching a movie at home used to involve a trip to the store. 

“When we first moved to Bend in 2017, I was the same way,” Ms. Johnson explains. “But now it's just normal for me to go to Blockbuster on a regular basis so I can't laugh at the tourists... too much.”

“I kind of do wish there were still video stores, but at the same time it is really fun living ‘behind the times’ in Bend,” she adds. “I think if video stores were common, it wouldn't feel special to get to go any time I wanted to watch something that isn't streaming or on Redbox!”

As for her own taste in movies, Ms. Johnson shares that her favorite movies at Blockbuster are the 90s comedies. “Although, I might not need to rent any of the 90's movies because I have them all practically memorized!” she jokes. 

While Friday nights at the movie store are becoming a distant memory, the Blockbuster in Bend is the last place you can bring it all back. 

“I'll leave you with this Blockbuster gem... ‘be kind, rewind!’" 

October is the month when bullying gets brought into the spotlight. In support, ORCA is hosting assemblies to encourage students to wear blue in honor of bullying awareness. Furthermore, many authors have lent their pens to this cause to bring to light the impacts of bullying. 

Here are some books to read to raise awareness about anti-bullying month this October:

Restart by Gordon Korman

• As a New York Times bestseller, this novel shows the point-of-view of a boy who made all the wrong choices. After hanging out with the wrong friends and bullying his classmates, he gets a fresh start after losing his memory. As he uncovers the mysterious surroundings of his past, he starts to realize the true impacts of his actions and begins to decide who he wants to be.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

• After being struck by lightning, twelve-year-old Lucille Fanny Callahan gains genius-level math skills, but isn’t without her quirks. Diagnosed with OCD and grapheme-color synesthesia, her grandmother encourages her to associate with other kids her age, enrolling her in East Hamlin Middle School. There, she faces unexpected challenges, meets new friends, and finds the true meaning of love. 

Almost American Girl by Robin Ha

• In her memoir and graphic novel, Robin Ha tells the story of her journey immigrating from Seoul, Korea with her mother. During their trip to America, they are met with new challenges, from learning a different language to meeting her new family and fitting into a strange place. As she tries to understand her new life, she must also restore her faith in her mother. Will Robin ever regain her trust in her mother and her new life?

The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake

• Criticized, discriminated, and polemically attacked – that is the unchosen life of Maleeka. Whether it's about her grades or the clothes she wears, her classmates always have a plan: to taunt her for the color of her skin. However, Maleeka is challenged when her teacher shares a more positive attitude, encouraging her to overcome her struggles. Will Maleeka learn to stand up for herself and prevail?

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

• In this New York Times bestseller, Melody Brooks is an eleven-year-old girl who wishes she could be like everyone else. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, she is unable to walk, talk, or write, but has a photographic memory. Despite the odds of her limitations, she is the smartest person in her class and strives to reach her fullest potential.

Reading about anti-bullying is just one way students and teachers can raise awareness about this issue and learn to help others.

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome the holiday than baking spooky treats? Whether you celebrate by watching scary movies, hosting a party, or going trick-or-treating, you’re bound to enjoy these five easy-to-make recipes to elevate your Halloween. 

Oreo Bat Cupcakes

A staple at every Halloween party, Oreo Bat Cupcakes are cute but can easily give anyone with a fear of bats the creeps. For this recipe, you can buy pre-made cupcakes, use a cake mix, or simply make them from scratch. 

Ingredients:

Cupcakes – 

2 ½ cups flour

2 cups (414g) sugar

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 cup milk

½ vegetable oil

1 tbsp extract or flavoring powder of choice

2 large eggs

1 cup water

(Can use cake mix or pre-made cupcakes as substitute)

Frosting – 

1 cup unsalted butter

4 cups powdered sugar

1 ½ tsp extract of flavoring powder of choice

2-3 tbsp milk or water

Pinch of salt

(Can use frosting as substitute)

Pack of Oreo’s 

Edible candy eyes

Instructions:

1. Have pre-made cupcakes ready to go or bake cupcakes. If baking cupcakes, start by combining the dry ingredients in a stand mixer or with a whisk. Once combined, add wet ingredients. If no clumps are in the batter, transfer to a cupcake baking sheet that has been covered with liners, parchment, or oil. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or if using a larger cupcake pan, 15-18 minutes. 

2. Whip together homemade frosting or use a tube from the store. If making homemade, whip the butter until light and spreadable, then add the powdered sugar, mixing it together completely. Add the rest of the ingredients and spread or pipe on cooled cupcakes. 

3. Perhaps the hardest part, break one side of an Oreo in half (as evenly as possible) and place it with the flat side facing down on the cupcake. You should have two half moons touching each other horizontally to get the desired bat wings shape. 

4. Add the candy eyes on the connecting parts on the tops of the Oreos with some leftover frosting. 

5. Enjoy!

Frankenguac 

The most savory item on this list, Frankenguac is an amazing appetizer for a pre-trick-or-treating snack. It takes little assembly and can even be minimized further by buying pre-made guacamole from the store.

Ingredients:

3 soft avocados

¼ cup finely chopped onion

3 tbsp minced fresh cilantro

2 tbsp lime juice

Pinch of salt

Bag of blue corn tortilla chips

Optional: Ingredients to assemble eyes and mouth. (Suggested: sour cream, refried beans, and olives)

Instructions: 

1. Smash the avocados with a fork until turned into smooth consistency. Mix in vegetables, lime juice, and salt. 

2. If under-seasoned after a taste test, consider adding some chili spice, pepper, or more salt. 

3. Spread guac mixture on a square plate or bowl to create the shape of Frankenstein’s head. Assemble tortilla chips on the top third of the guac to create his hair. 

4. If desired, use sour cream and olives (or substitute ingredients) for eyes and nose and refried beans for zigzag mouth and stitches on head. 

5. Enjoy!

Witches Pretzel Fingers

A salty and sweet treat, Witches Pretzel Fingers are truly a great choice when organizing fun and food for your family and friends. 

Ingredients:

Bag of melting chocolate wafers (green and black)

Bag of thick pretzel sticks (suggested - Snyders brand)

Pack of blanched almonds

Instructions: 

1. Melt black-colored chocolate wafers in the microwave in 10-second increments. Start with 20 seconds, and continue adding 10 seconds until fully melted. Stir the mixture before dipping the almonds until completely coated. 

2. Set the chocolate-covered almonds aside on parchment and proceed to melt your green wafers. Dip the pretzel sticks ¾ of the way into them and let dry on another parchment sheet. 

3. It shouldn’t take long to dry, so if desired, before they do, use a toothpick to draw lines on the pretzel stick to resemble the creases in a human hand. 

4. Use a small bit of melted chocolate to connect the almond to the end of the finger and there you have it!

5. Enjoy!

With school back in session, the autumn months are upon us. Whether you celebrate by drinking pumpkin spice lattes or decorating your house with Jack-O-Lanterns and scarecrows, this season influences us all. To commemorate the occasion, here are some hidden gems to add to your autumn-inspired playlist. 

“Rockland” by Gracie Abrams 

Before releasing her upcoming album This is What It Feels Like, Abrams released “Rockland” as a single detailing the process of overthinking and reminiscing past endeavors. Her harmonies in the bridge section truly show a feeling of self-reflection. 

“Je te laisserai des mots” by Patrick Watson

The lyrics of the song detail a lullaby to a loved one in French. Released in 2010, the song was featured in the soundtrack of a French film titled Meres et Filles, which translates to “Hidden Diary” in English. 

“Sunburn” by Ed Sheeran

Sheeran sings about the struggle of moving away from a first love. The guitar tune that plays consistently throughout the song adds to the aching energy of the lyrics.

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak 

His most popular song in his album, Heart Shaped World, became a global phenomenon when it peaked at six on the Billboard Hot 100. Although, the haunting tune did not become an instant classic. The song later gained popularity in 1991 when it was used in the movie, Wild at Heart.

“The Alcott” by The National (ft. Taylor Swift)

Recently released with their album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, the ballad perfectly demonstrates the use of layering vocals to elicit a dreamy feel while simultaneously feeding the listener with gorgeous lyricism.  

“Autumn in New York” by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong

As a part of a joint album between the music artists released in 1957, this song showcases Armstrong’s incredible trumpet playing, producing a spooky, yet beautiful tone in its lengthy six minutes. Commemorating the season in the Big Apple, it has been sung by many other artists, including Billie Holiday and Bing Crosby. 

“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton

Quickly becoming a classic in the 2000s genre, Carlton details the excitement of meeting someone during her time in college. The string instruments added to the song provide many joyful, danceable orchestral climaxes (or just moments).

“Lovefool” by The Cardigans

A decade and a half after the 80s, the Cardigans channel the disco era of pop with their song, “Lovefool.” This musical piece launched them into superstardom and with their new album, The First Band on the Moon, they started to reach international charts and radios.

“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star

Released in 1993, the band created a hopelessly romantic and understated song to add to their record. Lately, it has had a resurgence of popularity through the TV series, Gilmore Girls. “Fade Into You” hit an accomplished peak of #44 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Linger” by The Cranberries

On their debut album, Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, The Cranberries had multiple radio singles that put their Irish band on the charts. Because of their delicate take on the 90s era of alternative rock, many other artists, including Enimem, have sampled their music.

“The Scientist” by Coldplay

Coldplay wrote this masterpiece in 2002 about neglecting their loved ones when getting too caught up in work. The nostalgic piano melody is perhaps one of the key components of the song and is inspired by an Oasis song, “Don’t Look Back in Anger." 

“Mind Over Matter” by Young The Giant

The title track of their most popular record, this is the perfect song for lying down and staring at the ceiling. While having a primarily melancholy undertone, the lyrics encourage the thought of making a mark on the world and overcoming obstacles.

“Miserable Man” by David Kushner

Released in 2022, Kushner constructed a striking alto ballad about the fear of staying in the same place forever. It initially became popular on social media before traveling to Ireland to debut on their radio. It has since spread to America and many other countries. 

Whether you like rock, pop, or anything in between, it’s the perfect time to get in the fall mood with these songs. 

October 16 is Global Cat Day, which is a perfect time to celebrate our favorite pets. Whether you are a cat person or not, this is a good way to raise awareness and support for animal organizations. 

In honor of cats, purrpare for some pawsitively hissterical cat jokes:

What club would a cat join?

Meow-sic club

What is it called when a cat wins a contest?

Cat-has-trophy

Why would a cat join the Whale Pod?

To be in a pawdcast

What do you call a cat teacher?

A purrfessor

What treat would a cat eat on a hot day?

A mice cream cone

Why did the cat go to the vet?

She wasn’t feline very well

What is a cat's favorite day of the week?

Caturday

What movie did a cat see this summer?

Mission: Impawsible

What TV show would a cat watch?

Claw and Order

What is a cat’s favorite inorganic compound?

Sodium Purroxide

Why did the cat join Meowspaper Club?

He wanted to be a news-cat-ster

What does a cat say after making a joke?

“Just kitten!”

Cats are certainly a pet full of purrsonality. Give a kitten some extra love this month on Global Cat Day! 

It’s time to grab some black polymer glasses and head outside. This time, instead of star gazing, watch the world switch from day to twilight as the moon glides between the sun and us.

On October 14, the moon is set to phase in front of the Earth, partially blocking light from the sun, in an even known as an annular eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the sun, moon, and Earth are in perfect alignment in that order. While that order happens very often, it rarely happens in perfect form where it casts a shadow that trails over the planet. 

For hundreds of years, people have gathered around to watch these brief astronomical events, with or without glasses. This year, the path of totality will be going through Southwestern Oregon, passing over towns such as Eugene, Albany, and Crater Lake National Park. 

Make sure to get some specialty glasses to protect your eyes while watching the moon slowly shift over to avoid eye damage, such as solar retinopathy.

The light is expected to shift at around 8 to 9 a.m. so pick up some breakfast and take a seat to enjoy the marvel of the cosmos.

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

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

Historic Champoeg State Park Townsite Tour (10/6)

Grade Level: 9-12

Join Ms. Comstock and Mr. Bundy on a guided tour of the Champoeg State Park Townsite. While touring the visitor’s center, students will learn about the historic flood that swept through the area and examine artifacts. Aside from sight-seeing, students can also birdwatch at the park, hosting more than 130 bird species.

Dream Job: Hospital Administrator (10/11)

Grade Level: 6-12

At this virtual event, students can meet a current Hospital Administrator and learn about the training and skills required to join the field. The field trip runs from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. and will have a Q&A section after the presentation.

"Discover which employability skills (writing, speaking and working on a team, etc.) are critical in the role," reads the event description. "Come prepared with questions about this fascinating career field."

Computer Hardware Lab (10/20)

Grade Level: 9-12

From 10 a.m. to noon, students interested in learning about hardware electronics can work with a team of classmates to reassemble computers and learn about the functions of different components. There will be hands-on activities where they can practice with troubleshooting skills and professional tools. Students with sensitivities to metals or plastics are asked to inform the instructor prior to RSVPing.

ORCA Hangouts (10/20)

Grade Level: K-12

Join ORCA teachers Jeremy Vandenboer and Nikki Coleman for a fun hangout session with friends. This event is open for elementary and middle school students in the morning and high school students in the afternoon.  Students will have the chance to socialize, play games, and make friends. 

Johnson Farms Pumpkin Patch (10/27)

Grade Level: K-12

For a fun morning in Eugene, students of all ages will have the chance to explore a pumpkin patch and scavenge for the biggest pumpkin. There will also be other attractions, such as a hayride, corn maze, and bungee pumpkin launching. 

Day of the Dead Arts & Crafts (10/27)

Grade Level: K-12

This fun Portland event will give students the opportunity to learn about the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de los Muertos. ORCA teachers Lisa Rollot, Jen Champlin, Erica Hand, and Bridget Villanueva will show all attendees how to paint and decorate styrofoam “sugar skulls” with rhinestones, glitter glue, and an array of fun paints.

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

Portland Fashion Institute Career Day

Turn your passion for fashion into a career at the Portland Fashion Institution. On October 4, students can hear from current fashion students about their experience, get career coaching from a working apparel designer, and engage in a fun hands-on sewing project. 

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

Be sure to fill out the student interest and parent/guardian form on the PWA website to register as soon as possible. 

Kaiser Permanente Career Day

Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Oregon’s leading healthcare providers at Kaiser Permanente. Students can spend a morning engaged in a hands-on simulation, get career and college advice from field professionals, and learn about a high-tech simulation lab for medical training. 

Join this fun field trip on October 5 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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

KGW Career Day

Interested in a career in broadcast journalism? KGW News is a great place to start. 

Go behind the scenes at this Portland news outset to explore sets and control rooms and hear from industry professionals about their experience working in a fast-paced environment. 

Don’t miss this fun field trip on October 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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

Nike Career Day

Head to the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton to explore one of the world’s most recognizable sports brands. Students can tour the headquarters, get career coaching from professionals, and hear from engineers and designers about how they create new products for athletes. 

This field trip runs from 9:15 a.m. to noon on October 18. 

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

Portland Fire & Rescue Career Day

Join an action-packed career day at Portland Fire & Rescue to learn about what it takes to work at Oregon’s largest fire and emergency services provider. Get a chance to suit up and try out physical agility tests and learn about public safety services, including emergency medical training.

This event runs from 8:45 a.m. to noon on October 20. 

Sign up by filling out the student interest and parent/guardian form on the PWA website. Be sure to register as soon as possible since there are limited spots available.

Business/Real Estate Career Day

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in commercial real estate? Join this fun field trip on October 20 to explore careers in construction, property management, design, development, and more. 

From 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., students can talk with industry professionals and participate in a hands-on activity simulating how to develop and market property. There will also be a tour of the Field Office building in Portland to learn about how it is designed and leased. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

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

Holst Architecture Career Day

Spend the morning with Holst Architecture to learn about what it’s like to work at one of Portland’s leading firms. Students can connect with architects and industry professionals, design a building with a team of other students, and learn about the skills and education needed to start an architecture career. Students will also visit an active job site of a building that Holst designed.

This field trip is on October 26 from 8:45 a.m. to noon. 

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

Physical Therapy Career Day

Learn all about what it’s like to be a professional physical therapist at Mt. Hood Community College. Join a fun career day to meet practicing therapists, participate in hands-on learning, and discover the skills and education needed to get started. 

Check out this field trip on October 27 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 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 Gen Z Slang Part 2 Crossword HERE. The clues are listed below:

ACROSS

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

3. Describes someone who is audacious

6. A sharp and witty response to criticism

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

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

9. Describes something that is exciting and fun

11. When someone does something great

14. Blindsided, shocked

15. Something that grosses you out

16. Car

17. Excitement

DOWN

1. A female who is ambitious or successful

3.  A devoted and obsessed fan

4. Improving in confidence or attractiveness (2 words)

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

7. To keep information to yourself 

8. Low quality or mediocre

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

12. Quiet or casually

13. Describes someone who is muscular 

14. Exceptionally good

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

Below are the answers to The Start of Summer Crossword from the June issue of The Current.

ACROSS

1. Summer break = Three months off from school (2 words)

2. Camp = A place with tents and temporary shelters

6. Finals = Tests assigned and taken at the end of the semester

7. Road trip = A journey in a vehicle often with family and friends (2 words)

9. Swimming = Michael Phelps’ Olympic sport 

13. Relax = Chill 

14. Graduation = Where you receive a diploma or degree

15. Hot = Very warm

16. Volunteer = Doing something for someone else for free

17. Hobby = An enjoyable pastime

DOWN

1. Spring Celebration = ORCA’s K-12 end of the year event (2 words)

3. Garden = A place where vegetables, fruits, and flowers can grow

4. Watermelon = A large fruit in the gourd family with green exterior and a red interior

5. Lemonade = Sour and sweet summer drink

8. Paradise = An ideal place where everything is wonderful

9. Sunset = When the sun disappears

10. Diploma = Proof that you graduated high school

11. Vacation = A trip away from home

12. Fireworks = A colorful explosion used for celebrations