April 2024

Which movies and TV shows were the best of 2023? After a record-breaking number of votes, Oregon Charter Academy’s students and staff decided in the third annual Orcas, The Current’s take on the prestigious Academy Awards. 

Which films and shows took home the distinguished Golden Orcas? 

Best Picture

Nominees: Barbie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Wonka, The Super Mario Bros Movie, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, Haunted Mansion, Miraculous: The Ladybug & Cat Noir Movie, Leo, Asteroid City

Winner: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

After an incredibly close race with Barbie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse emerged as the winner with 28.6% of the vote. 

“A thrill from its start to its cliffhanger ending, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse proves to be a pop culture phenomenon and one of the best animated features of the decade,” wrote The Current’s Hannah Ma, who nominated the film. 

Best TV Show

Nominees: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (season 1), The Summer I Turned Pretty (season 2), Erin & Aaron (season 1)

Winner: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (season 1)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians’s debut season was far and away ORCA’s favorite TV show of 2023, garnering 68.8% of the total vote. 

“Percy Jackson is a dramatic adaptation of a book, a great example of following the book for plot and worldbuilding, but not being afraid to adjust some moments for the screen and current events,” wrote a student who voted for the show. 

Congratulations to the winners, and a big thank you to everyone for your participation in our 2024 Orcas!

Get ready for an out-of-this-world prom on May 4! With a Star Wars theme, all high school students are welcome to join a night of music, dancing, and intergalactic fun. 

The Student Government Events Committee has been working hard this month to put together a special night for high schoolers, working with a professional party producer, Party Doctor. From 6-9 p.m., students can enjoy a memorable evening with friends, disco, snacks, and a photo booth. 

If you are in high school and are interested in attending prom this year, make sure to have your parent/guardian fill out the permission form. Students are welcome to bring a non-ORCA guest if they meet certain requirements – including being enrolled in a high school and providing valid photo identification. 

A prom announcement video will be featured in an upcoming video newsletter with more details. Stay tuned for the RSVP link coming up soon on Field Trip Central. 

Don’t forget to bring your lightsabers and dancing shoes for a special night at prom. May the fourth be with you!

Earth Day is just around the corner, which means there is no better time to go green and make eco-friendly choices to apply to your daily lifestyle this April 22. Below are 11 tips to enhance your life while simultaneously being world-conscious. 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The most widely known of all the tips, remember the three R’s and opt for products with minimal packaging and recycle whenever possible. A good start to executing the three R’s is minimizing your consumerism and reusing materials whenever possible.  

Choose Sustainable Modes of Transportation: If applicable, take advantage of public transportation and non-gas vehicles, such as electric cars and bikes. Avoid gas-running cars whenever possible, as they emit carbon dioxide into the air, contributing to climate change and pollution. During the warmer months, consider riding your bike or taking a walk to your destination of choice to save money and limit gas distribution. 

Use Reusable Products: Popularized in 2018, leading to bans in multiple larger cities, people opted for reusable straws instead of plastic. You can apply this to other items such as grocery bags, water bottles, and more. 

Composting: By composting your food scraps instead of throwing them in the trash, you can create a natural fertilizer for your garden or yard and commit to less trash heading to the landfill. 

Conserving Energy: Before leaving your house, always remember to turn off any lights, fans, and electronics. To take this a step further, you can replace your kitchen appliances with energy-efficient alternatives, like an electric stove instead of a gas-run stove.

Plant Trees: Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide, a potentially harmful chemical in the air that leads to climate change, and in turn releases oxygen into the air. Whether you are planting trees in your own backyard or using a walking app such as Treecard that plants them in correlation with your steps, it’s important to contribute to the goal of ongoing climate recovery. 

Use Vegan & Vegetarian Recipes: Vegetarianism is a diet of not eating meats, while veganism is avoiding the consumption of all animal products as a whole. Whenever possible, choose these types of recipes and organic produce. By eating vegetarian or vegan, you can support a healthier lifestyle and save animals while doing so. Consider opting for meat substitutes such as tofu, tempeh, and Beyond Meat whenever possible!

Support Local Producers: For almost every product available at a supermarket, with a little work, you can find alternatives from nearby communities, which saves the resources used to ship these items and the associated carbon footprint. You could visit a local vegetable grower who lets you pick your own food, saving plastic and other packaging, or consider getting meats and cheeses from local farms and dairies. 

Upcycle and Repurpose: Use materials that are no longer needed in your life and repurpose them into something new or unique. Think of your old items as an excuse for a crafting project and make an object you can use for another purpose. If you have items that don’t serve you anymore, such as old clothes, shoes, toys, and more, consider donating them to people in need.

Digital Usage Over Paper: Instead of using massive amounts of paper, elect to use digital devices to record notes, communicate ideas, and more. Instead of handing out fliers, you can go with the eco-friendly option of having people scan QR codes. 

Reduce Food Waste: Properly plan out your meals for the week, and don’t buy an excess of items. Buy what you need, eat what you can. If you have food waste and leftovers, remember the composting method and try to find a purpose for everything in your fridge. 

Whether you’re an aspiring green thumb or interested in contributing to our world’s wellness, make sure to make eco-conscious choices and support our world’s beautiful natural environment this Earth Day.

Ryland Bickley has certainly left a legacy at ORCA. 

As the founder and first Editor-in-chief of The Current, Bickley was the spearhead in leading and growing the newspaper from its debut issue in 2021 to the fully-functioning paper it is today. From movie reviews to breaking news, he has given ORCA some iconic writing – such as pieces on the existence of vegetables – over an accomplished high school career. He graduated from ORCA in 2023. 

Now a college freshman, Bickley sat down with The Current and shared about life as a college student, with an emphasis on student journalism. 

The shift from high school to college can be a daunting adjustment to make, especially when transitioning from an online school to an in-person classroom. But for Bickley, a student at Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC), the challenge has been well worth it. 

“During my last two years of high school, I was very settled and comfortable with every aspect of school," he says. "So diving back into not really knowing anybody and how anything worked, or how college journalism worked, was kind of exciting. It felt different and new.”

However, Bickley admits that the transition is not without challenges. "There's definitely a bit of a struggle going from knowing everybody and knowing everything about what you're doing to knowing absolutely nothing,” he adds. 

Despite all his classes being in-person, he also notes the surprising amount of reliance on online systems like Canvas, similar to ORCA, which is an aspect that transfers over to college seamlessly. 

Bickley is continuing his journalism career writing for LBCC’s student publication, The Commuter, and brings his high school journalism experience with him. 

As a sports editor, Bickley gets to write about his two favorite things: sports and music. While sports is his usual newsbeat, he also writes a monthly music review column. 

As an occasional song critic, he notes that covering music content has helped expand his music horizons. Instead of sticking with his usual rotation of songs – typically indie rock – he’s making an effort to explore new albums and releases, sometimes outside his usual genres. 

“As someone who's writing about [new artists and albums], you have to show your audience the ones that are worth checking out because they're not going to be able to listen to every single one,” he explains. 

There are some major differences between high school and college-level writing, beyond just genre shifts. In college, a newspaper is no longer just a school club. There is now money involved – and with that, more pressure to do the job well and on time. The fast-paced and competitive industry of journalism demands heavy workloads and a serious grind to stay ahead of the competition. But for Bickley, the experience is its own reward.  

Writing for a college newspaper certainly has its perks, like having a physical copy of your writing that feels more “real.” 

But with that also comes a new set of obstacles. “If there's a typo or an error, you can't just go back on the website and fix it – they're forever in print. So that the final week of the publication cycle is a little more stressful,” he admits.

Much of reporting involves meeting people in person and having face-to-face conversations about their work and day-to-day life. While this aspect of the job may be challenging if you have mild social anxiety, Bickley explains, talking in person makes interviewing easier.

However, when it comes to the basics, newsrooms are newsrooms wherever you are. Many of the skills learned in high school – including AP style and editing through Google Docs – still very much apply. 

Bickley also spoke about the changing landscape of the journalism industry, particularly with the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

There's no doubt that AI has become increasingly prevalent across businesses – that influence will only continue to grow in the future, and the journalism industry is no exception. Bickley realizes that AI's impact on journalism is inevitable, particularly for aggregating copy-and-paste-heavy content. 

However, as he explains, “I think that there will always be a place for well-written articles from people. I don't think that's going to go away anytime soon.” 

But unfortunately, for lower-level article gigs, especially in the blog industry, that may be more vulnerable to AI services, he adds. 

Still, Bickley recognizes that despite the drawbacks of the AI boom, it has its positive side, pushing artists and writers to strive for a higher quality of work. While this may seem like an optimistic outlook, "the idea, I think, is really sound, and that's something that kind of inspires me," he says. 

Outside of college, Bickley is making a name for himself in the world of sports journalism. As a writer for the Pittsburgh Steelers blog Behind the Steel Curtain, he gets to combine his two biggest passions: sports and journalism. 

“I love sports and journalism a lot, so to be able to combine the two is like the best of both worlds," he shares. "Sports are such a fun medium to tell stories through.”

As for why the Steelers is his favorite team, he attributes it to his uncle, who was a fan of them. “Sports is funny,” he explains. “You pick your team when you’re four, and then it affects the rest of your life.” 

Between juggling school work, writing for a college newspaper, and sports blogging, how does he manage to get sleep? 

“That’s the fun part,” he says. “I don’t.” 

Balancing eight classes, a job as a janitor, and writing for two papers, sleep became a secondary factor as Bickley juggled a stressful first term. Now, he is learning to prioritize his commitments. “This term, I've tried to put a bit more effort into going to bed before 1 a.m.,” he shares. “I've noticed I have better days when I have more sleep beforehand. Shocking, I know.”

But doing that can be easier said than done. As tempting as it may be to cram in midnight editing sessions before looming deadlines, it takes an effort to leave a project until morning instead. 

After a month-long winter break, Bickley switched majors to communications and found a better balance for himself. Although he is no longer majoring in music production, he is still taking some classes in that arena while minoring in applied journalism. 

There's only so much you can do with so little time, and because of that, Bickley has to balance what to say “yes” or “no” to – sometimes that means writing fewer articles at work or taking fewer classes because he doesn't have the time. 

“There’s always a part of me that wants to take one extra class because it looks cool – and then saying ‘no' because I’m taking way too many credits already this term,” he adds. “I was [asked by my Steelers blog editors] to write two more articles a week for some more money, and I really wanted to, but I just didn't have the time.”

While college life offers a lot more options, it’s essential to prioritize work and maintain a healthy work-life balance, he explains. “And that is something I'm still working on.”

Bickley credits his success in journalism to the valuable lessons he learned in high school, thanks to his former teacher, Dave Yanowitz. “If I had one word of advice, it's to listen to what Mr. Yanowitz tells you," he shares. "Everything he taught me in his journalism class and all the stuff that he edited on my articles has all applied to pretty much every other writing thing I've had.”

Once college came around, it wasn’t a matter of learning the basics, he explains – he already knew what was expected. 

With that, Bickley offers some words of advice for aspiring journalists: learn the foundational skills of journalism, which will serve you well in any newsroom. At the same time, try to become an expert in a few areas so you have more to offer potential employers. 

"Something that I'm working on myself is having multiple things that you can write about," he explains. "I like to write about sports, but I'm also trying to write music now. And I try to pick up some news stories here and there when I can just to have a very diversified portfolio.” 

Reflecting on his high school experience, Bickley credits ORCA for helping him prepare for success in college. Even in an in-person college setting, a significant portion of the coursework is still delivered online – from videos to quizzes and readings. Being familiar with the environment makes transitioning to college more manageable. 

Succeeding at ORCA requires effective time management skills with more free-flowing class schedules, he explains, so it's important to know how to take advantage of it and not procrastinate the time away. 

"College is very similar to that where you know they trust you to study on your own time and manage your own schedule," he adds. "If you're able to do that at ORCA, you'll be able to do that at college."

Looking back on his time in high school, Bickley treasures his many fond memories at ORCA. "I had a lot of great friends here, great clubs that I was a part of, and a lot of great teachers. I still miss that a lot,” he says. “There are so many good memories that I made here. That is a great part of my life.”

As for now, Bickley plans to get through his freshmen year while looking ahead to his post-college career plans. "With my major, it's pretty general," he says. "So I'm just trying to take advantage of the opportunities that come my way." 

After LBCC, he plans to transfer to Oregon State University as a part of the school’s dual enrollment program and is excited about the opportunities in that pathway, including OSU's student paper, The Daily Barometer. 

Bickley's fearless leadership in The Current and timeless pursuit of journalism has truly made an eminent mark at ORCA, leaving behind a special legacy to be proud of. 

As he moves on to greater horizons in college and journalism, one thing is certainly true: Bickley has a bright future ahead of him.

How can you tell if a pig is hot? It’s bacon! 

A dad joke is a cheesy joke or pun that is overly simplistic. It is meant to be predictable and is also called a groaner for its corny results. 

April is the month of jokes and silliness, so now is the best time to come up with the cheesiest puns to share with a classmate and teacher. As always, please keep responses school-appropriate, light-hearted, and, of course, fun!

Please fill out this form to compete in the Dad Jokes Contest. All responses must be submitted by April 26 to be entered into the contest. Responses will be judged based on creativity and humor.

Stay tuned for the contest winners to be announced in next month's edition. Please be sure to share this contest with other students and teachers at Oregon Charter Academy, and have fun!

Get ready to swing into spring for ORCA's first middle school Spring Social event coming up on April 26. From 4-6 p.m., students can enjoy a fun-filled evening of dancing, games, and music with friends. 

“Swing into Spring is the very first of probably many ORCA socials for the middle school grade band!” explains Wilder Kersey, the co-Activities Director for MS Student Government. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to plan it! Bella [Mullanix] and I are working on the playlist right now, and I can already tell this is going to be a fantastic night of fun.”

This event is semi-formal, but students are welcome to dress up or down as they prefer. 

The theme of the event is spring, so get in the mood by enjoying the blooming flowers and soaking up the sun.

In addition to board games and dancing, K-8 Student Government senators have also prepared a playlist for students to enjoy, featuring party staples from classics to chart-topping hits.

Nut-free light snacks will be provided, but the school asks that students refrain from bringing their own food to the event.

"The K-8 Student Government has been working on this project for weeks and we are really excited to see this dream become a reality!" Kersey adds. "The Swing into Spring event is a great way for ORCA middle schoolers to interact and bond outside of live classes, and I am delighted to have the chance to introduce the experience of a social to ORCA middle school students."

The attendee limit is 100, so be sure to RSVP before the April 17 deadline. For more event details, check out Field Trip Central.

Oregon Charter Academy’s Esports teams have been battling hard to maintain their rankings and records throughout the month of March. Let’s take a look at esports’ progress on their Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, and League of Legends teams. 

Overwatch 2 

The Stardust Crusaders won their third-week match against Hunter OW 2, defeating them 3-0. They went into the fourth week undefeated but moved to 3-1 after a loss to Storm Blue. They are currently ranked seventh out of 91 teams.

ORCA’s other Overwatch 2 team, Sly Kitsunes, lost to Horizon OW during their third matchup of the season but produced their first win the following week after an intense battle with ASE Overwatch, winning 3-2.

Super Smash Bros.

ORCA’s only Super Smash Bros team, The Edge Guards, defeated Mushroom Mafia, improving their record to 2-1, but moved to 2-2 after a loss to the New Sarepta Saints. They currently rank 44 out of 133 teams.

Rocket League

Unknown Skies (3-1) lost a battle to CCS Cougars, with two wins to the Cougars’ three, and beat the Salt Lake Academy Griffins. That victory boosted their ranking to seventh out of 73 current teams. 

Dalton Robbins once again was in the top five for the “Score Per Game” stat. 

ORCA’s Gas Guzzlers (0-3) lost to Rice Balls 0-3 and in week four of the spring season, lost to Northridge JV 0-3. Despite their losses, Sophia Brennan placed in the top five of “Goals Per Shot %” shooting a perfect 100. 

League of Legends

Silly Gooses improved their record to 2-1 after a blowout 2-0 victory against Jordan HS, and the next week, racked up another win, beating the Star Valley Braves 2024 2-0. They are ranked fifth out of 36 teams and have a 3-1 record going into the fifth week of League of Legends matches. 

ORCA’s other League of Legends team, Ugly Ducklings, fell to 0-3 after a loss to Scottsbluff HS, but their record moved to 1-3 at the end of the fourth week after a forfeit from Scottsbluff Senior HS #2. 

A big congratulations to all esports players and coaches for their strong efforts during March. Be sure to cheer on any friends or classmates you know who are competing, and stay tuned for more updates.

Student Government is hosting their second virtual open meeting of the year on April 18 at 3 p.m.

“Student Government is very excited to ring in this year's Executive Board elections and applications with another Open Gov Meeting,” says Reagan Stanek, Student Government’s co-vice president.

All students are encouraged to attend this open meeting to gain insight into the election timeline, the upcoming presidential debate, and how to get involved in Student Government (SG). Executive Board members will answer questions about their roles and discuss the senator applications that will open in the fall. 

“This will be a great opportunity for those interested in any Executive Board positions.” Stanek adds. “We'll be going over what each position looks like, and give a brief look into what an SG meeting typically entails.”

Student President Grace Peterson, who is hosting this month’s Open Gov meeting, hopes this event will drive student interest in joining Student Government next year. 

“I'm really thrilled to host this event, as I was unable to make it to the last one.” Peterson says. “We're hoping to have a strong turn out and we're really happy to start passing the torch off into next year's Student Government.”

Peterson hopes these meetings will encourage students to join Student Government to hone their leadership skills. She believes that by hosting these meetings, she can inform ORCA’s diverse student body and cultivate new leaders to reach their full potential by sharing her experiences. 

“The goal of the event is to make information about Student Government as available and accessible as possible, and provide students opportunities to reach out and get engaged in ORCA's community through leadership,” Peterson explains. “Six years of experience, you learn to know a thing or two because you've seen a thing or two. Students who attend will also get deeper information on upcoming events and have their questions answered in live time, so it'll be super informational and fun for them.”

“We hope everyone that has any interest in Student Government is able to attend, even if you will be applying as a Senator in the fall.” Stanek adds. Senator applications will open at the start of the 2024-25 school year. 

Applications for presidential and vice-presidential candidates are open from April 15 to May 6. Voting, open to grades 8-12, will run from May 13 to May 24. 

All other Executive Board positions are assigned by the Student Government advisor. The new Executive Board members will be announced by Spring Celebration on May 31.

For more information on the available roles and their duties in Student Government, please check out the details here. Stay tuned to the Student Government website for more details on the upcoming open meeting.

As election season approaches, Student Government is preparing for the next wave of student leaders. 

From April 15 to May 6, Student Government will be accepting applications for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. High school students who are interested in taking on a leadership role in the school community are welcome to apply. 

On May 9, presidential and vice-presidential candidates will present their speeches at the Student Government debate. All 8-12 grade students will have the opportunity to vote from May 13 to May 24. 

The presidential position is open to incoming seniors, and the role of Vice President is available to grades 11-12. All other executive board positions are open to incoming freshmen to seniors and will be appointed by the Student Government advisor. The complete list of roles and responsibilities can be found here. 

The results of the new Executive Board will be announced by May 31, during ORCA’s in-person Spring Celebration event. 

“Student Government is one of the most tangible ways that students can create change and a lasting positive impact on our school,” says Calla Mapel, who serves as the high school Student Government advisor. “It's an amazing opportunity for students to get involved in making our community stronger, whether that's through planning events to bring us together, like Prom, or pioneering new programs to support our students like Peer Tutoring. It's a lot of work to be a member of the Student Government, but it's also a lot of fun!”

“It's so inspiring and fulfilling to really see the positive impact you're making on ORCA. Students with leadership skills that want to get more involved in our school community should definitely apply,” she adds. 

On April 18, Student Government will host their next Open Gov meeting to discuss plans for the upcoming elections and how students can get involved. For more details, stay tuned to the Student Government website.

The 20th annual NW Youth Careers Expo on March 19 drew thousands of students from Oregon and SW Washington to the Oregon Convention Center for a day of networking with employers and hands-on learning. 

Led by the nonprofit Portland Workforce Alliance (PWA), the expo began with a breakfast for 500 students and employers. It featured special guest speakers Andrew Colas, President and CEO of Colas Construction, and Dr. Ann Cudd, President of Portland State University. 

ORCA sophomore Grace Choi has served this year on the Portland Workforce Alliance Youth Impact Council. As a member of that group, she helped with the pre-expo breakfast attended by local business, education, and community leaders, many of whom helped make this year's career fair a success.

“It was amazing hearing the stories of other students/speakers and how they got involved with PWA,” Choi shared. “All of us have different journeys, and it was fascinating to hear about their unique experiences.”

With over 6,000 students from more than 75 schools joining, the career fair featured a myriad of college and career booths organized into different industry zones – ranging from technology and construction to health, business, and the arts. More than 200 exhibitors were on hand to interact with students, including top employers from many major regional and global businesses – including LAIKA, Weiden+Kennedy, Howard S. Wright, Boeing, and Intel. 

Higher education, including Portland and Mt. Hood Community Colleges, had a big presence as well, offering students resources for a variety of career and educational programs. 

Several booths were there to promote the military and manufacturing. These included military tanks, commercial buses, construction equipment, and even a helicopter on site. At the Kaiser Permanente booth, students tested CPR and other medical procedures on dummies with the help of professionals. OHSU was another popular site, featuring lab and DNA-testing tables, as well as information on cancer research. 

A booth for The Oregonian was recruiting for their High School Journalism Institute. This no-cost, week-long program provides students with a unique opportunity to experience real-world reporting with mentorship from journalists at The Oregonian, which takes place at OSU’s campus. 

Nahla Hamilton-Pierre, an associate at Portland Parks & Recreation, shared that she enjoyed meeting young people from the community, saying it was "enlightening to see so many people excited about our opportunities."

For those interested in attending one of these events, she encouraged students to explore new pathways and make an effort to network and connect with employment opportunities. “At these events, it’s totally normal to feel anxious and scared,” she said. “But you’ve got to really push yourself past that and talk and meet people because you can get some great opportunities out of it and find some great employment opportunities... You never know what you might be interested in until you take a try.” 

She hoped to encourage students to find a job they like and get involved in the community. For students considering parks and recreation, she added, “We’re really flexible, we pay great wages, and we are excited to be a part of our community and give back.” 

Across the exhibit hall, another convention room held sessions for mock interviews and 25-minute career talks about job-readiness skills – including interviewing tips, networking essentials, and entrepreneurial advice.

Choi, who participated in a mock interview session, shared that it was a valuable experience and helped her prepare for an upcoming interview. “I left the mock interview with not only direct feedback on my interviewing skills, but also resources to improve my resume, a crucial part of career-exploration,” she said. 

ORCA senior Zainab Fatima shared that she greatly benefitted from learning about the diverse college and career options, connecting with job professionals and learning about different industries. While in the ASCEND Computer Science pathway, Fatima took an interest in forensic science and enjoyed exploring options in the healthcare pathway. 

Fatima also encouraged students interested in attending this event in the future to learn about different employers and industries, even if it's outside their usual pathway. “There’s so many opportunities... You can come to any [booth] to get internships, connections, and network to learn how that company works and get experience,” she added.

Choi echoed a similar sentiment, advising those who may consider the Careers Expo to make a list of the top exhibitors they want to learn more about. With only so much time to see so many exhibits, it’s best to make the most of the time there. 

This year had record attendance at the PWA Expo, with participation from students from various ASCEND pathways joining. 

“ORCA participation at the Youth Careers Expo was the largest it's been since COVID forced the event online,” noted Liberty Lacy, who served as the ASCEND advisor. “Grades 9-12 were represented almost equally and we hope even more students participate next year. Our teachers and leadership team were very impressed with how our students presented themselves and heard the same from industry professionals.”

In addition to the expo, PWA facilitates nearly 30 career days a year with employers such as Nike, AWS Elemental, Howard S. Wright, and Kaiser Permanente. With opportunities from mentorship programs to mock interviews, these events help students develop essential career-readiness skills and support the growing workforce by connecting them with the region’s top jobs. The next expo event is coming up on March 19, 2025. 

Katey Pedersen, an ORCA junior, shared that even though it may seem overwhelming at first to attend the event, she took a step outside her comfort zone to explore a new opportunity and was glad she did it. 

Encouraging others to do the same, she shared, “If you're either nervous or don’t know if you have time, try to at least look into this opportunity."

"If being nervous is what is stopping you from going, I can understand!" Pedersen continued. "I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and to take the time to observe and learn from other people who are taking the time to teach me about their job... If you go and don't like the event, then that's perfect! At least you took the time to explore and learn.”

HOSA is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) required for ORCA’s Medical Science CTE pathway. ORCA's HOSA is just one chapter of an international organization with over 4,500 branches, and it is a student-led association of future health professionals. 

Students interested in careers in the medical field would highly benefit from HOSA’s instructional content, increased leadership skills, and the challenge that comes with it. 

Members of the organization are invited to compete in 60 online, in-person, and hybrid competitions. The State Leadership Conference is a hybrid competition and by far the most popular. Depending on how students place, they can be invited to compete at the International Leadership Conference. In the past two years, an ORCA student has qualified and gone on to compete there. This year, it is hosted in Houston, TX.

“One of my favorite parts is attending the State Leadership Conference where I get to meet these students in person and watch them shine,” says HOSA advisor Amy Lee. “They never cease to amaze me!”

ORCA sophomore Grace C. adds that the best part of HOSA is getting to connect with peers while preparing and participating in a competition. “You are surrounded with so many like-minded students, making it easy to connect with others,” Choi comments. “Personally, I have been able to form deeper relationships with friends and acquaintances through a common interest, HOSA!"

The Oregon State Leadership Conference is coming up this April in Portland, and for many ORCA students, this will be their first time experiencing the electric medical environment that the Leadership Conference provides. The competition will start on April 1 and end on April 3. 

HOSA President Cara S. and Secretary Grace C. will present their social media mental health campaign during the State Leadership Conference as a part of the competition.

“I love watching students excel at HOSA!” Ms. Lee comments. She adds that students continue to step up to the challenge of leading the group and dedicating hours to studying, volunteering, and demonstrating their skills in front of judges. “They are exceptional and I know they will go on to do outstanding things!”

In addition to the learning perks, HOSA continues to be a great resource to put on college applications and resumes. The program also connects students with medical professionals and provides them with the skills to succeed in the medical science path beyond the classroom. 

HOSA President Cara S. encourages students looking to advance their careers to have fun and participate in competitive research. “HOSA is for everyone in the healthcare field. Join us next year!” 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be Hannah Montana, living the double life? For ORCA student Leesy Lindsay, that’s her reality. On one hand, she spends a significant portion of her day training for the crown of NICA state champion, and on the other, she’s just a regular high school student.

Lindsay, an ORCA freshman, has been riding bikes since she was three years old. Her brother, a long-distance runner, was often too fast for her to keep up with, so she resorted to riding her bike to match his pace. 

After joining her local bike team in 2020, she started racing a year later and racking up accolades in the sport. “[During] my first race, I was super nervous because I didn't know if I was fast enough, but I was – I got second!” Lindsay explains. “I am still super nervous at races because I don't know what will happen, but I am way more confident and excited to race!”

As an eighth grader, she raced with the freshmen class and often led the pack of bikers, putting her in peak position to join the Junior Varsity team at the start of her ninth-grade year.

When asked about her goals for her future career in mountain biking, she adds that she’s currently trying to get a better starting position for nationals and win state championships for NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association).  

In addition to her mountain biking accomplishments, she is a competitive basketball player and the Student Government Activities Director for the 2023-24 school year. “Being a part of Student Government has helped me communicate and get more involved in ORCA,” she explains. Her work as Activities Director includes planning ORCA’s western-themed Winter Social and this year’s high school Prom, which is coming up on May 4. 

Due to her intense training schedule, she adds that online school has given her the flexibility to ride and train for her big competitions and travel to further sporting events while simultaneously balancing her academics. 

While encouraging her fellow students to be active and get out of their homes, she adds, “It can be especially important for online students to be able to step away from the screens. If you are struggling with motivation, try taking a pet for a walk or read a book outside.” Lindsay reiterates that exercise will look different for everyone, but it is crucial.

During the summer of 2023, Lindsay traveled to Pennsylvania for Junior Nationals, where she was able to race the long and short-track courses and meet some of her cycling idols. She hopes to return to the East Coast for the second year in a row and hopefully place even better.

Recently she joined a racing team called “Avout,” with which she will race and train for future Olympics. “I am super excited to be one of the few girls on Avout's Racing Team this year,” she comments. “Joining this national racing team will allow me to travel to bigger national races.”

In a matter of four years, Lindsay went from joining her local mountain biking team to gaining the title of Oregon NICA state champ in 2021 and being placed on the junior varsity team while only in her freshman year. As she pursues her passion throughout high school, she hopes to inspire peers to stay dedicated to their hobbies and flourish within them.

She encourages students to find friends who enjoy the same hobbies, even if they aren’t at the same level. “If you always take the hobby seriously then it won't become fun to you anymore,” she says. 

Lindsay aspires to be a role model for other athletic students. “Shoot for the moon,” she finishes, referencing her favorite quote. “Even if it means landing amongst the stars.”

Roses are red, good syrup is maple, National Poetry Month is this April! 

As English writer W. Somerset Maugham said, “the crown of literature is poetry,” and there’s no better time to deep dive into poetry than April. National Poetry Month is a month-long celebration of the art, launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. As poetry has stood through time as a safe haven for free expression, National Poetry Month is designed to celebrate the critical role poetry plays in culture, politics, individuals, and more. 

Here’s how to get involved and celebrate: 

1. Read Poetry

Reading is the easiest way to get into the mood and most accessible. You can find any kind of poetry online, from haikus to sonnets, free verse, or whatever your heart desires. Poets.org is a collection of poetry from laureates and even features a poem-a-day, a bite-sized snack to get you into poetry. ORCA’s Literary Magazine, The Waves, has an entire poetry collection from high school students, which is another great read. 

2. Write Poetry

This one might be a little harder, but it can be super fun. Challenge yourself into writing poems, either by following structure or theme. You can find prompts online (Reedsy is a great place to find interesting prompts and helpful articles), or you can come up with your own. The Waves is open for submissions this month with the theme “Path,” and all high schoolers are encouraged to submit. 

3. Poetry Readings

Attending poetry readings can be a great way to immerse yourself in the poetry world while supporting local poets. You can search your area for local readings, or make requests at your library. ORCA has writing clubs for both Middle School and High School (Writing Club and Pens & Prose), where students have the chance to practice their writing skills and share their work. Join those clubs to listen to your classmates’ poems. ORCA’s Poetry Out Loud club, a chapter of a nationwide club, allows students to practice their poetry-reading skills and participate in annual state-wide events, which is a great way to support ORCA poets. 

4. Connect With Poets

Poetry is an invisible string that connects humanity with arts; it’s a way to work through feelings and express the deepest thoughts. Learn about the poetry process by connecting with local poets. While it may not always be possible to contact big-name poets like Amanda Gorman, there are many other poets who are one email away and would be delighted to make acquaintances. Connecting with the story, the poem, and the poet can expand mindsets and give strength to the very basis of poetry: humanity. 

5. Spread The Word

Encourage your friends and families to get involved with National Poetry Month. Poetry is meant to be shared; write poems together, recommend new poets to each other, or attend poetry readings. It can be great having a trusted companion join you in these spaces, especially if you're new to the poetry community. 

According to Bertrand Russell, “time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time,” so enjoy diving into poetry this month.

Bring on the sunshine, baseball, and blooming flowers. 

With spring comes the perfect time to warm up to the sun and enjoy your favorite comfort movies. From luminous sunsets in Pride and Prejudice to baseball glory on the fields in Moneyball, these seven springtime films capture the joy and brightness of the season on screen. 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

What happens when you get spring fever and a bad case of senioritis? 

For Ferris Bueller, that means plotting an extravagant plan to cut school and embarking on an unforgettable one-day journey through Chicago. 

John Hughes’ cult classic is endlessly entertaining with loveable characters, upbeat comedy, and moments of heart and genuineness. Matthew Broderick’s free-spirited and fun-loving protagonist brings a relatable and youthful spirit that charms viewers with his quotable lines and fourth-wall-breaking commentary. Ferris Bueller continues to appeal to viewers of all ages with its poignant reflections on living life to the fullest, lightened by a hearty dose of slapstick. 

Emma (1996)

In this delightful adaptation of Emma, Gwyneth Paltrow takes on the titular character as she attempts to play matchmaker, much to her own detriment. Paltrow shines as the poised and witty heroine, while Jeremy Northam provides an enigmatic counterpart as George Knightley. 

Writer-director Douglas McGrath's auspicious debut effectively captures the essence of the source material. With its muted color palette and breezy ambiance, spring is on full display in this classic love story. 

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

There is no better movie to capture the essence of spring quite like the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s literary classic, Pride and Prejudice. Keira Knightley’s sharp-witted and rebellious protagonist and Matthew Macfayden's stoic Mr. Darcy are portrayed with a wonderful dynamic on-screen. 

Joe Wright’s skillful direction, coupled with spectacular cinematography, brings out the beauty of the lush and rainy English countryside, effectively capturing the charm of the novel and dripping with social commentary. 

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

(500) Days of Summer is quite unlike your typical romantic comedy – but may just be one of the best movies of its kind. The film can be summed up in one of the first few lines: “This is not a love story.” Instead, it’s a story about love. 

The movie follows the lives of two characters and their relationship over time, with incredible performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. Despite its title, (500) Days of Summer fits the aesthetic of spring with its lighthearted, romantic atmosphere, featuring a perfectly curated soundtrack of The Smiths. Clever and offbeat, the movie offers a refreshingly honest perspective of life with a creatively original story. 

Moneyball (2011)

Sharp, witty, and thoroughly entertaining, Moneyball is the best sports movie to celebrate baseball season. 

As a sports film, Moneyball doesn’t revolve on just playing baseball but instead around the inner workings of building a great team. Statistics and deal-making are front and center. Featuring a big-league crew of actors, the movie is filled with snappy dialogue and smart storytelling without falling into clichés. 

A fascinating tale based on real events, this movie is a true crowd-pleaser for baseball and movie fans alike. 

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom is a heartwarming coming-of-age film that highlights the talent of its fantastic all-star cast and its director, Wes Anderson, the mind behind countless modern classics. 

This movie crafts an authentic story complemented by immaculately framed cinematography and a soundtrack of classic gems, giving it a timeless yet contemporary feel. The film's quirky style is so charming that it’s hard not to fall in love with it. 

Warm, whimsical, and poignant, Moonrise Kingdom showcases Anderson at his idiosyncratic best, with his unique style shining through in every frame. 

La La Land (2016)

Dance numbers in LA, an original soundtrack, and colorfully dazzling visuals... Every scene of La La Land makes this modern classic one of the best musicals of the past decade. 

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling bring out their best with sensational performances in the lead roles. Everything from its stunning visuals to the seamless choreography that transitions from scene to scene is mesmerizing. But what really makes this movie sing is its musical aspect. With classic-sounding jazz numbers, the film maintains a nostalgic atmosphere, referencing the 40s and 50s era of Hollywood history. 

The film may seem romantic and wistful but manages to balance reality and romance, portraying the characters’ dilemmas as they make sacrifices to pursue their dreams. With a beautiful story of love, ambition, and dreaming big, La La Land is a cinematic masterpiece from its magical opening sequence to its heartfelt ending. 

This spring, enjoy the sun-soaked weather and festivities of the season with these warm, lighthearted films. And as Ferris Bueller says, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Among the myriad of reasons students elect to join Oregon Charter Academy and pursue their education through an online school is traveling abroad. For students Barrett Spicer and Chelsia R., this means intense time zone changes and a need to adapt to life across the globe. 

Barrett Spicer, an ORCA freshman, has been living in Melbourne, Australia during the 2023-24 school year. She details her experience as amazing but also a struggle when it comes to homework due dates and live classes. The time change is extensive, with Melbourne being 19 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. “Yes, I am in the future right now!” Spicer adds. 

She mentions the majority of her live classes occur during the middle of the night, and instead of opting for the nocturnal lifestyle, she watches the recordings every morning. “At home, my Language Arts live class is at 12:00 p.m. each Tuesday. In order to join this class in Melbourne, I would have to be up at 6:00 a.m. on my Wednesday.”

As for homework, she has to submit an assignment or interact with her schoolwork by 11 a.m.; otherwise, she will be marked absent for the day. 

Spicer has been able to travel around while continuing her schooling and does it by tram. She says her favorite part about being in Melbourne is utilizing the free public transportation in the CBD (Central Business District), otherwise known as the downtown area. 

Another ORCA freshman, Chelsia R., has a similar experience, but instead of Australia, she spends part of her time in South Korea with friends and family. “One thing I can say, depending on what time zone you are in, is that it takes determination and discipline,” Chelsia comments. 

Her time zone in Korea is 17 hours ahead of ours, leading to a 10 a.m. live class in Oregon at 3 a.m. for her in South Korea.

She adds that it’s a struggle to keep on top of assignments and make sure they aren’t marked missing without her knowledge. Late penalties are also extremely important and are hard to avoid when overseas, leading to a need for adaptation to her new learning environment. 

By being in Korea, she’s learned to speak some of the language and honed her cooking skills by dabbling in the world of South Korean cuisine. “[My favorite part is] probably spending time with my family and friends there,” she finishes. 

Whether you travel around the state or venture into the wonders of the world, it’s important to keep track of your schoolwork, adjust to the time zones, and enjoy the experience! 

Nature enthusiasts, grab your hiking shoes and mark your calendars for ORCA's Outdoor School on April 26. This annual event in Oregon City is open for fifth graders to join their classmates and ORCA teachers to explore the great outdoors and learn about nature's beauty. 

This nature excursion provides an opportunity for students to learn basic first aid, nature art, and survival skills that can come in handy in emergencies and outdoor activities. Fifth graders can also enjoy walking through the forested setting while learning about the local plants and wildlife of the area. 

The field trip will start at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. It is advised to come prepared for any type of weather with layered clothing and shoes that can handle mud. Attendees should also bring a bag of lunch and a water bottle. There will also be potable water on site.

In addition, students in grades 8-12 have the chance to volunteer at the event to assist teachers and fifth-grade students with a variety of field study stations. The volunteering hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and students must fill out this form by April 5 to register as a volunteer.

“I'm excited to see older students bring their energy and support to the event this year as Student Leaders,” says Casey Comstock, an event coordinator. “As a history teacher, I'm also excited to get a closer look at the historic log cabin that's tucked away on site.” 

There is an authentic log cabin on site that has been relocated at least twice in its history and likely predates the foundation of the state of Oregon. It features hand-cut notches that fit together perfectly. 

Don’t miss this fun opportunity to explore the outdoors and log in your volunteering hours. To attend, make sure to RSVP on Field Trip Central by the April 24 deadline. 

Oregon Charter Academy’s Scrub Club is a community of high schoolers who share a passion for medical science and want to learn about the field, providing a great outlet for students to interact and support each other. The advisor of the club is Amy Lee, and the student leaders are Riley Mullanix and Aubrey C.

“Scrub Club has been a great place for me to learn more about health science with my peers,” shares Mullanix as co-leader of the club. “I have honestly learned so much and I continue to be fascinated by the medical field.”

Students often engage in hands-on medical science-related activities such as Jeopardy, Kahoots, and more. They sometimes feature guest speakers with experience in the medical field as workers or volunteers, offering insight into what a job in a hospital setting will entail.

“I would say Scrub Club is a lot of fun. I enjoy talking to my peers at our monthly meetings, and it's great to connect with others who are interested in a medical career,” shares club member Olivia F. “We've also had some presenters, including student presenters, come in to discuss various topics related to health and wellness. While Scrub Club is small, which I hope will change in the coming months or even the next school year, it is filled with great minds.”

Scrub Club meets twice a month, alternating between a presentation and a medical professional guest speaker who shares about their job and a day in the life of a hospital worker. 

“Co-leading this club with Aubrey has been a great experience for me,” Mullanix adds. “I always enjoy creating activities for club meetings and having fun with my peers! I can’t wait to see how this club grows and evolves over time as more people join and contribute.”

Ms. Lee also advises ORCA's HOSA club, which is centered more on competitions. While HOSA is similar, the Scrub Club offers a more relaxed environment for students potentially interested in a medical career. 

“I am very proud and thankful for Riley and Aubrey who have stepped up to lead this new club," she shares. "They have volunteered countless hours to organize games, create presentations, and recruit members. This club was requested by students who weren't ready to or couldn't commit to HOSA and these two have turned it into a reality. I couldn't have done it without them!”

Scrub Club is a wonderful place for ORCA high school students to enjoy socializing with peers and learning more about future medical pathways.

Why did the chicken cross the road? So they could submit their writing to The Waves: Literary Magazine! 

Submissions are open all month long for ORCA’s literary magazine, and high school students are encouraged to submit their writing.

This month’s theme is “Paths.” According to the website, “A bumpy road of unknown, or that familiar street turning home. Following the expected, or blazing your own trail.” With this theme, writers can take the prompt down their own path, going as far as they need. 

“As the semester begins to come to a close, it really begins highlighting the different paths each student will take,” one of the student editors said. “We here at The Waves wanted to showcase those different paths and celebrate them.” 

With April being National Poetry Month, The Waves editors also put out a strong call towards poetry, hoping to engage and embrace the celebration inside the submissions. Short stories and other works will still be accepted. 

Issue IV will be published in May. Students can submit their writing through this form. For more information regarding this issue of The Waves, please check out their website.

Heading into the fourth month of 2024, here are four albums and EPs to kickstart your streams in April. While the weather may be cold, these recommendations are bound to warm your heart and pique your interest.

minor - Gracie Abrams

Following the impact of her hit song “I Miss You, I’m Sorry,” which racked up over 200,000 streams, minor was released during the summer of 2020. With heart-wrenching songs like “Long Sleeves” and the title track, “minor,” Abrams relishes in the heartbreak of her teenage years. 

From start to finish, Abrams epically details the end of friendships, saying goodbye to a loved one, and growing up through her songwriting. With inspiration from Lorde and Taylor Swift, she manages to produce breathy performances and no-skip tracks.

Following the release of minor and her subsequent album, This Is What It Feels Like, Abrams has been on tour with pop icon Taylor Swift and performed at hit music festivals like Lollapalooza and ACL (Austin City Limits). 

Seven Shades of Heartbreak - Mimi Webb

British pop princess Mimi Webb was first popularized on the Gen Z app TikTok, and since then has been creating more bangers and touring around the world. 

With songs like “Good Without” and “Little Bit Louder,” Webb accurately depicts the ups and downs of love and being without it. With an optimistic outlook on her future, she sings that she doesn’t need anybody for pity’s sake.

With other tracks like “Dumb Love” and “24/5,” she showcases her soprano talents and strong vocals while illustrating her gorgeous songwriting that she still continues to tease on TikTok and other social platforms. 

vert1go vol. 1 - Griff

Boasting multiple opener gigs with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay, Griff is an independent music artist based out of a suburb of London. 

Home to multiple of her popular singles, vert1go vol. 1 is an illustrious demonstration of strong lyricism and vocals. 

While her track “Astronaut” may be one of those most painfully brilliant songs, there are only three other tracks on the EP, including “Vertigo,” the track that elicited a reaction out of her “fairy godmother,” Taylor Swift. 

Hopes and Fears - Keane

The only band on this list, and the oldest album as well, Hopes and Fears was released as Keane’s debut album in 2004, 20 years ago. Giving off an alternative indie rock vibe, Keane flaunts its piano and full band tracks, providing an easy-going tone. 

In addition to a billion streams on “Somewhere Only We Know,” they were able to perform at Abbey Road Studios, popularized by the Beatles, and lately, they’ve had a resurgence due to a social media trend involving that same billion-stream track.

Beyond being one of the best-selling chart toppers in the UK, they were nominated for two Grammys and won two Brit awards for Hopes and Fears.

Whether you enjoy rocking out to Keane, singing your heart out to Gracie Abrams, or anything in between, these are just a couple of the hundreds of thousands of amazing albums out there for you to try during the month of April. 

ORCA’s Science Olympiad team took to the University of Portland to compete in the 2024 state-wide competition on March 16. 

“I am so impressed with our Science Olympians!” Jill Johnson, leader of the team, remarked. “They were a small but mighty team of committed students who worked with tremendous diligence on their events.” 

The team was made up of two middle school students and one high school student. Grace Choi competed in the high school Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge Test, Audrey Peterson competed in the middle school Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge Test, and Taylor Schuch competed in the Roller Coaster Engineering Event and Ecology Knowledge Test. The team spent the entire year researching, studying, and training for the event.

“I’d always been a little curious about anatomy and Science Olympiad gave me the opportunity to dive deep into research,” said Audrey Peterson. “It also gave me a strong community to lean back on and learn with.” 

Science Olympiad is a state-wide competition with over twenty events for each grade group, which were diverse in the test types. There were hands-on labs, written tests, and constructional builds. The competitions change every year, and the top winner in each event advances to Nationals. Students can compete with teams or by themselves. 

“Other school teams competed in pairs, combining their skills to try and earn a top score in each event,” explained Ms. Johnson “Grace, Audrey and Taylor competed as individuals, which hands-down puts them in a category of their own as competitors!”

The team met at the campus at 8 in the morning and moved through different buildings and across the quad until the closing ceremony at 5:30 p.m., with events spread throughout the day. 

Taylor Schuch took third place in the Roller Coaster Competition, with a complex design made of wood, PVC pipes, paper plates, construction paper, and marble to run through the course. Schuch’s design landed roughly in the middle of the 30 to 60-second requirement and included both a loop and a gap. Its ingenuity earned it high marks and a bronze medal. 

“The Science Olympiad tournament was honestly stressful, but the fun kind of stressful and exciting,” Schuch said. “I loved it when we had to wait for events because we got to hang out and chat with each other.” 

Ms. Johnson expressed her pride and excitement for the team. “They showed extraordinary preparation, perseverance, grit, courage, and skill,” she commented. “What an unbelievable honor to support and encourage them in this endeavor! I couldn't be more proud of who they are, their accomplishments, and how they represented ORCA to the rest of the state!” 

James Pollnow, one of the Science Olympiad coaches, was absolutely hyped through the entire event. “It has been an amazing year with our Science Olympiad team,” he shared. “As a coach, I can't be more proud than what I am [now] with how hard our team worked. They balanced life, school, and competition to put themselves up against schools that are able to meet in person on a regular basis, and showed that we can do just as great! The excitement of hearing our school name called out is such a cool thrill and a testament of everything that went into the preparation for the event.”

This is not the first time ORCA has placed at Science Olympiads, and it surely will not be the last. Ms. Johnson and Mr. Pollnow were very excited to experience the event, and they look forward to next year when they will have even more resources in place and look to expand the team. 

“We are looking forward to a chance of growing our team more, allowing us to compete in more events, as well as a chance for the three teammates to come back with more knowledge on how to compete next year,” Mr. Pollnow said. He encourages all students to look into joining the Science Olympiad next year for a fun challenge and community.

On Friday, March 15, students were able to try out the brand new ping-pong table and compete with fellow classmates at the Wilsonville HS Hangouts, along with the usual games and fun.

In addition to a new way for students to rack up PE minutes for their exercise logs, battles got competitive, with some students teaming up to defeat champions and others observing the matches as spectators. 

Students also attempted to complete a jigsaw puzzle and engaged in intense games of Jenga and "Mean UNO."

“I definitely recommend going to HS Hangouts because you make so many great friends, you have a great time, you can challenge your teachers to games and make them regret the grades they’ve given you,” shares Grace Peterson, the Student Government President and a frequent HS Hangout attendee. “Or you can just make lasting bonds with your teachers and have them give you better grades because of it. There is no reason not to go to High School Hangouts.”

In addition to the festivities, NJHS/NHS and Student Government members were able to get their t-shirts and promote their organizations. 

This month’s HS Hangouts set a new all-time attendance record by a wide margin. These continual successes in HS Hangouts allow students and teachers alike to have fun and connect with one another outside the online classroom.

April’s Hangouts times have been changed to 10 a.m. to noon for high school students and canceled for elementary and middle school. In lieu of the middle school hangouts, they will be having their Swing Into Spring Social from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. that day.

For more information regarding the HS Hangouts, please check out Field Trip Central, located in the Principal's Corner, and RSVP to attend.

“Be there, or be square,” Peterson finishes.

Earth Day is April 22, a great time to try cooking up some fun vegetarian dishes. From creamy avocado pasta to fresh California rolls, these four vegetarian recipes offer a quick and healthy meal perfect for school days. 

Avocado Pasta 

This creamy and flavorful avocado pasta makes for a filling and nutritious meal. 

Ingredients for one serving:

• 1 ¼ cup noodles, preferably rotini

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 medium avocado

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ cup almond milk

• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Add boiling water to a pot of noodles. Cook on medium-high heat with the lid closed until the noodles are al dente. 

While the noodles are cooking, work on the sauce. Add avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, almond milk, and cheese to a mixer and blend until the texture is smooth.

After draining the noodles, add the avocado sauce to the pot and turn the stove up to medium-high. Add salt, pepper, and oregano (or other seasoning) to desired taste. Then, serve and enjoy a healthy and nutritious meal!

Spinach & Mushroom Scramble

A classic breakfast dish, these scrambled eggs are filled with your favorite healthy breakfast staples: eggs, spinach, mushrooms, and topped with seasoned garnishes. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 eggs

• ¼ cup mushroom, diced

• 1 cup spinach, shredded

• 1 tbsp milk, half & half or heavy cream

• Parsley or other garnishes

First, crack two eggs into a bowl, pour milk/cream, and stir until the consistency is mixed well. Pour the mix onto a pan preheated to medium-high heat, stirring gently as it begins to cook. 

In a separate pan, sauté diced mushroom and shredded spinach, then add it to the eggs. Afterward, season the eggs with parsley or garnishes to your taste. This recipe can also be made as an omelet. 

California Roll

California rolls are a fun, fresh, and easy-to-make appetizer that is great to share with friends and family. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 sheet of roasted seaweed

• Sushi rice (white rice works fine, too)

• Seasoned rice vinegar (sushi vinegar)

• 1 avocado

• 1 cucumber

• Roasted sesame seeds

Cook the sushi rice according to package directions – the ratio of the water and rice differs. After the rice is cooked, add sushi vinegar as desired, keeping the rice warm in a heated bowl. 

Then, spread the rice flat and evenly across a large sheet of seaweed. Slice avocados and cucumbers, then place them on the rice and seaweed. 

Using a flexible mat (preferably a bamboo mat), curl the ends of the sushi roll inward so the vegetables are covered. Press firmly to shape the roll into a cylinder, then slice the roll into sushi-sized pieces. Top it off with a pinch of sesame seeds to give it some extra flavor. 

Stuffed Mushroom Bites

This delicious stuffed mushroom recipe is an irresistible and quick treat, filled with a savory combo of eggs, spinach, and cheese. 

Ingredients for one serving (five mushroom bites)

• 5 mushrooms (preferably baby bella mushrooms)

• 1 egg

• ⅓ cup of shredded spinach

• ¼ cup of shredded parmesan cheese

• Cooking oil spray or olive oil

• Salt and pepper

First, grab out five mushrooms to wash. Clean them thoroughly by rinsing them under cold water or using a damp towel to remove dirt or debris. After pulling off the stems, the mushrooms will have a cavity in the caps perfect for stuffing. Next, place the mushroom cavity side up on a parchment sheet.

Now it’s time to make the filling. Crack one egg into a bowl, add shredded spinach and salt, then stir until the eggs are fully mixed. Pour the egg mixture halfway into the caps of the mushrooms and sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top. Make sure not to overstuff the mushrooms, as the filling will expand as it cooks. Drizzle the mushrooms with cooking or olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. 

Next, place them in an air fryer at a temperature of 375° F for 10 minutes (or longer as needed) until the egg stuffing is fully cooked. This will also work in an oven with slightly more time. Allow them to cool slightly, then enjoy!

It’s a normal day at ORCA. You are steadily and efficiently getting work done. You join class expecting a fun and interactive lesson about peer pressure and confidence. You relax in your seat, attentively listening as the teacher starts screensharing. Your eyes flick up to the screen. A familiar melody fills your ears. You involuntarily freeze in your chair as the chat pod erupts with protest. Your heartbeat quickens as a shiver runs down your spine. The realization hits you like a ton of bricks: You’ve been rickrolled.

To understand how to react to this cunning – and punning – trick, we must dive deep into the history of the rickroll and learn about this globally-known meme and how it evolved from an 80s club banger to a worldwide phenomenon bound to cause cringes. 

In a nutshell, rickrolling is a popular bait-and-switch internet prank that involves misleading someone into clicking a link that leads to the music video for Rick Astley's hit song "Never Gonna Give You Up." The joke is considered successful when the unsuspecting person clicks on the link expecting to see relevant content but instead is taken to Astley's music video. 

The term "rickrolling" originated from an earlier internet prank known as "duckrolling," where a person was tricked into clicking a link that led to an image of a duck on wheels. The first known rickroll occurred in 2007 and quickly spread across the internet.

Another precursor to rickrolling, one of the earliest recorded, was performed in 2007 by a resident of rural Michigan, Erik Helwig, when he called a radio station. Instead of conversing with the news anchor, he played “Never Gonna Give You Up,” leaving the DJs speechless.

Also in 2007, an episode of the TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia included the song, which led to the producers of the show mistakenly claiming that they had invented the trend.

In March of the same year, the highly anticipated trailer for Grand Theft Auto was released, with so many people watching it that the entire website crashed. When the link was clicked, instead of finding the promo for GTA, viewers were directed to the official music video for “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Chaos ensued.

Then, in 2008, during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rick Astley himself made a surprise appearance on one of the floats and proceeded to lip-sync the song, making that the biggest rickroll ever recorded.  

Today, the rickroll is so widely feared that there is now a word for it: ericopseudoaesthophobia.

Now that we understand the importance and history of the rickroll, it is time to take action. How do you get back at your friends for rickrolling you? This short video has all the information you need for revenge. 

State testing is coming up next month. In Oregon, state testing applies to students in grades 3-8 and high school students test in grade 11. 

For the 2023-2024 school year, ORCA students have the option to complete state testing virtually. Virtual testing is scheduled for Monday, May 6 through Wednesday, May 8. However, if you finish early, you will not have any assigned work, and you can feel free to enjoy your time off. Students will not be assigned significant work on those days, but there may be light activities available for non-testing students to earn attendance credit. To request to participate in virtual testing, parents/guardians will be required to fill out this form. Parents and guardians must fill this out for every student in grades 3-8 or 11. 

For those who wish to complete their state testing in person, testing will be held in Wilsonville on Wednesday, May 8. By answering “no” on the linked form, you will request to complete your state testing in person. 

Many students think of state testing as a stressful thing, but it really should not be, according to HS Principal Joe Mogford. He compares it to a recent event in which his daughter’s orchestra played. The musicians had to perform both the music they had practiced and the music they were seeing for the first time. Judges offered feedback after the event. 

According to Mogford, “She was stressed out going into it, but afterwards, she told me that it was really helpful, and she looks forward to seeing how much they are able to grow between now and next year.”

“I look at state testing as a very similar concept for students' academics,” Mogford continues. “It can seem stressful, but the results don't impact your grades or college eligibility, and it is a good way to get some feedback on your overall academic progress, see how much you've grown, and identify areas you might want to focus on.”

State testing is not a graduation requirement by Oregon law, but the participation rates and results are an important way the state measures ORCA as a school. All students in grades 3-8 and 11 are strongly encouraged to participate. Don’t worry about studying for the tests; your regular work in your classes is what prepares you for them.

Lights. Camera... Lead. 

OASC’s Spring Conference is coming up on April 28-29. Located in Seaside, this movie-themed conference will feature exhibits, guest speakers, and many opportunities to showcase middle and high school student leaders across Oregon. With workshops and networking sessions, the event also provides learning opportunities to support students in becoming stronger leaders in their school communities. 

The conference will include keynote speakers Heather Shultz and Ryan Stream to speak about their leadership experiences and support growing leaders. 

There will also be OASC Council Awards announced on April 28. The last day to apply for these awards is April 5. 

The cost of attendance is $90 per person for members if registered before April 5. For non-members and members who register past that date, the registration cost is $120. OASC also offers scholarship opportunities for students to attend.

Students and advisors must RSVP through OASC by the April 22 deadline to claim a seat. 

“This event offers many great learning opportunities for middle and high school students that want to build their leadership potential and connect with other young leaders in our state,” says Calla Mapel, the Student Government advisor. “It's also a lot of fun! If you can make it work, I highly recommend attending and getting to be a part of such an amazing community of students." 

OASC held a successful construction-themed Spring Conference last year with plenty of leadership workshops, games, Zumba, and Legos, and this year’s event is expected to be just as fun. 

Student Government President Grace Peterson looks forward to attending this year’s Spring Conference. “It focuses on the community aspect of leadership, and leadership in unlikely places – clubs, athletics, family, friends, work,” she says. “Leadership is an integral part of human development and Spring Conference is a safe haven for it. I've had the amazing possibility to attend two prior Spring Conferences, and those were a true treat. I cannot wait for this one!”

The wide array of field trips available to ORCA students, both virtual and in-person, helps everyone stay connected and reminds 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 April. 

SAT Prep Workshop for Math (4/5 and 4/19) 

This online workshop is available for juniors and seniors preparing for the SAT. Students will be able to take a Khan Academy prep course to practice for the math portion of the test. Meetings are held every two weeks on Friday at 2 p.m. 

Regional Event Day (4/12)

On this day, ORCA will host nine different interactive field trips, both virtual and in-person, across Oregon. These regional events provide students with the opportunity to connect with teachers and peers in their area. Be sure to visit Field Trip Central to check out what regional field trips are happening near you. 

ORCA’s “Willow in the Woods”: a Virtual Performance (4/19)

ORCA’s Drama Club has been meeting twice a month since October to plan their own creative production, “Willow in the Woods,” written and performed by ORCA students. This virtual play from noon to 2 p.m. is about friendship and filled with mystery and adventure. 

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Walk (4/19) 

Explore the great outdoors on a fun nature walk through the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Activities include breathing exercises, watching animals, and enjoying the scenery. This event is open to students in grades K-12. 

High School Hangouts (4/26) 

Join ORCA teachers and peers for a fun morning of games, friends, and socialization. This month, the times of the usual Hangouts events are changed: the elementary and middle school event is canceled, and the High School Hangouts will instead be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

FFA Chapter Meeting (4/26)

From 2-3:30 p.m., students in ORCA’s FFA program can join fellow chapter members to connect what they are learning about leadership and agricultural sciences in fun, interactive activities. FFA is a program open to students grades 8-12 in the ASCEND veterinary science pathway, and ORCA is the first and only online school to join the program. This field trip offers both a virtual and in-person option. 

These field trips are some of the many fun opportunities to connect with your peers and get involved in the ORCA community. As always, be sure to visit Field Trip Central through the Principal's Corner to find more events in your area. 

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. 

IT Cyber Security Career Day

Spend the morning at the Multnomah County Offices to learn all about cyber security and government. On April 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, students can go behind the scenes at one of the most innovative government IT organizations to explore technology and cyber security careers in public service. Industry professionals will also talk about the data systems and technology solutions they use day-to-day.

Interested in attending? Make sure to RSVP through the student interest and parent/guardian form on the PWA website. 

Oregon Anesthesiology Group Career Day

Learn all about careers in anesthesiology and health care at the Oregon Anesthesiology Group. Join this interactive career day on April 18 to explore the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and see what it’s like to work in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. From 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., students can engage in hands-on learning and hear from medical professionals about their experiences and how to get started in the field. 

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

These career programs offered through the Portland Workforce Alliance are a great way to explore new fields and learn how to get started in the industry. Be sure to register through the PWA website and Field Trip Central accordingly for these events. Keep an eye out for more PWA career programs in the future. 

The printable version of The Current’s Prom Crossword can be found HERE. All clues are listed below.

ACROSS

1. A place with a backdrop and fun props (2 words)

5. Person in charge of the music

7. ORCA’s 2023 prom theme (4 words)

9. A spherical decoration that lights up the room (2 words)

10. A fancy car you can rent for special occasions

11. The month that ORCA’s prom takes place in

DOWN

2. Both a type of pasta and an accessory that goes with a tuxedo (2 words)

3. A bundle of flowers

4. A popular singer known for his slow dance song “Thinking Out Loud” (2 words)

5. Common formal attire at a prom

6. A French decadent that was on the dessert table at the most recent prom

8. First name of the Student Government Activities Director who is in charge of planning prom

The answers to the crossword will be published in the May issue of The Current.

Below are the answers to the For the Love of Pi Crossword from the March issue of The Current.

ACROSS

2. Nine = 3.1415__

3. Life Of Pi = 2012 movie about a boy and a tiger stranded after a shipwreck (3 words) 

8. Irrational = A real number that cannot be expressed as a ratio or integer is __

9. Pi = Oh my, here comes…

10. Repeating = Non-terminating 

11. About = Approximately 

DOWN

1. Circumference = Pi is the ____ of a circle relatable to the diameter 

4. Infinite = Forever

5. Ratio = Fraction, decimal, irrational number, and…

6. Circle = A form of an ellipse 

7. Tau = Double of Pi 

12. Cosmology = A field that utilizes Pi to explore the stars

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

I am finding myself procrastinating a lot, and I was wondering how I can stop waiting until the last minute to do not only schoolwork but also chores and things I used to do on time.

- Pro. Crastination

Thank you for this wonderful question! Procrastination is a challenge many students face, so you’re not alone! The great thing is there are ways you can beat procrastination by organizing your tasks and creating systems for yourself. Here are a few ideas: 

• Reach out to your teachers. They are here to help hold you accountable for your assignments and give support if you’re struggling in a particular area. Asking for help early can prevent a cascade of procrastination in the future. 

• Reach out to your advisor to stay on track and find academic support. Talk with your counselor if any recurring issues inhibit your ability to participate in school. 

• The Peer Tutoring Center provides a great resource for anything, from schoolwork to studying support. Getting help from your peers is a good way to create a "buddy system" to stay accountable and get personal advice from someone who has mastered a particular subject you're struggling with.

• In addition to the "buddy system," find an accountability partner in a friend or family member. Schedule times to work together to bring an element of socialization to your schedule. 

• Create initiative and set up a reward system. While it’s important to always check in on yourself and know what you need as a student, framing tasks through a system like, “If I get this assignment done, I’ll go get a snack” or “If I finish this class for the day, I will take a walk” encourages self-motivation. Have something later in the day to look forward to, like a break, an activity, etc.

• Understand how you prefer to study. Some students work best by completing work uninhibited, while others may thrive by taking scheduled breaks.

• Use a time-blocking method such as Pomodoro to break your work time into small, manageable chunks. Outlining your work also helps to organize and prioritize important tasks. Even if you only do part of an assignment, it’s better than nothing. 

• Create a blurt list to put all impromptu tasks you’re expected to complete throughout the day and not let them distract you from your goal. 

• If you enjoy checking off tasks from your to-do, put all assignments from each class into color-coded groups. Close out tabs by the end of the day once the task is finished. Doing this will give you a sense of accomplishment after completing your work. 

• Use a calendar! Whether you prefer a physical or digital one (i.e. Google, Notion, or Canvas), make good use of this tool to help plan out your schedule. Utilize the To-Do list on your Canvas app for automated notifications on your phone. Find apps that hold you accountable or silence distracting notifications. 

• “Eat that frog” – try to do the hard tasks first to motivate yourself and get it out of the way.

• Eliminate distractions to help you focus and get your work done. Consider muting your phone of distracting notifications or setting aside electrics such as TVs or cell phones until the work is done.

• Find a healthy balance of work and life to manage stress effectively. Take breaks between classes, plan how many hours you want to study, and account for life events and appointments. Allocate time for hobbies and extracurriculars, and be realistic about the timelines needed for each activity. School-life division is key, so make sure to prioritize both but keep them separate. 

• If you like to have a particular time of day off, plan out your schedule and look ahead so you can limit the amount of work you have during that period. Give yourself some extra time for the things you want to do. 

• Take a look at why you’re procrastinating. Maybe you’re trying to put off a big assignment or have fallen behind on schoolwork. No matter the case, it’s important to find new methods to get the work done that will make the task easier to approach and accomplish. Remember that procrastination is human; even if you struggle with it, do not break the pattern of progress. 

Good luck,

ORCA’s NHS & NJHS

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