Esports’ Final Games Before Playoffs
Lily Dixon
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
With the final regular season games before the playoffs, ORCA Esports teams showed up and showed out, clinching playoff spots and preparing to go all the way. Let’s check in on each of the teams before they head into their first postseason games.
Overwatch 2
The Confuzzled Crusaders ended their season 3-5 and did not qualify for the playoffs, as they were ranked #61 out of 83 teams.
ORCA’s other Overwatch 2 team, the Stardust Crusaders are currently ranked #6 and are looking to make a playoff run. They ended the regular season with six wins and only two losses, that came to the #3 and #4 ranked teams. Their first playoff game will be against the #27 ranked, NTO OW.
Super Smash Bros.
The school’s only Super Smash Bros. team, the Edge Guards finished the regular season 3-5 and ranked #66 out of 101 teams. They did not qualify for the playoffs.
League of Legends
The Silly Gooses ended up ranked #10 out of 35 teams, and they will be looking to upset #6 Organ Mountain High School in their first-round matchup.
Rocket League
“The GGS” finished the regular season 2-6 but fell short of qualifying for the playoffs. Their ranking was #50 out of 88 teams.
ORCA’s other Rocket League team experienced more success, heading into the postseason ranked #4 out of 88. Their only two losses came to top ranked teams, further cementing themselves as championship contenders. They’ll be matching up against #29 Cibola High School soon.
For the past two weeks, Cody Carter, an ORCA student, has blown competitors in Score Per Game out of the water. In the first week of November, he scored 919 points, leading the second place finisher by a large 183 points. The second week, he trailed the first place competitor by only five points.
The Stardust Crusaders, The Silly Gooses, and ORCA Rocket League 1 will be looking towards the trophy, hoping to take the crown of the Fall 2024 season.
Stay tuned for more updates to come in The Current next month.
ORCA's Big Trip: 40 Students Set to Explore Washington, D.C. and New York City
By Mo Damtew
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
In just four months from now, a piece of the ORCA school community will embark on a memorable journey on the East Coast.
Mathematics Instructor Paula Leifer, who taught the Exploring Travel elective last school year, is leading a group of 40 high school students to explore Washington, D.C. and New York City in late March. The trip is organized through EF Explore America and joining is still possible. Here is a sign-up link.
The estimated cost for each student is $3,500, which will include travel, lodging, and meals. Included in this experience is access to a dedicated app, which will provide resources for college exploration.
“It is my personal hope that this trip gives all of our students the travel bug and will be the start of a life-long desire to travel and learn and experience different places, cultures, and people,” Leifer said. “I want students to come away from this trip with a new appreciation for the manifoldness of our nation.”
Stops on the itinerary include the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Times Square, and the Smithsonian Museums. There will not be much self-guided time as the schedule is packed.
Beyond sightseeing, Leifer emphasized the invaluable life skills students can gain from travel. “Travel is an excellent way to gain skills of fortitude, patience, flexibility, and confidence,” she said.
Looking ahead, a similar trip is already being planned for the 2025-26 school year for a new group of students, with further details coming soon.
Stay tuned for more updates from The Current as we get closer to departure day this spring.
Winter Recipes to Keep You Warm
By Zavonna Coppernoll
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
*Disclaimer: Safety is an essential part of cooking. Please get adult supervision when using kitchen utensils, tools, and gadgets.*
With the cold, winter weather imminent, there’s nothing better than a warm, delicious meal. Here are some tasty dishes to help you stay toasty all season long.
Parmesan Chicken Bake
This is a common winter recipe; refer to this link if you’d like to check out the original https://thecozycook.com/chicken-parmesan-recipe/
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 cup of all purpose flour
1 cup of panko or homemade breadcrumbs
¾ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons of milk
¼ cup of vegetable or avocado oil (more if needed)
4 cups marinara sauce, warmed (interchangeable with tomato or spaghetti sauce)
½ bunch of basil leaves
½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Ground salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning or seasoning salt
Steps:
Set aside a baking sheet and a couple of paper towels.
Place a chicken breast on the cutting board and cover with parchment paper. Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of ½ inch using a rolling pin, heavy pan, or meat mallet. Repeat with each piece of chicken.
Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and cajun and/or seasoning salt.
Gather three shallow dishes; or casserole dishes work well. In one dish combine flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ tablespoon cajun and/or seasoning salt. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until frothy. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, half of parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon of cajun.
Dip each chicken breast into the seasoned flour, then the egg mixture (let any excess egg drip off). Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat fully. Place the coated chicken onto the baking sheet.
Choose a skillet or pan large enough to fit all the chicken or cook it in small batches.
Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan and turn on medium heat. Once simmering, add the chicken to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Place paper towels on a baking sheet and set chicken on the sheet to drain excess oil.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Spread a layer of marinara or tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan (make sure to save four tablespoons of sauce to put on top of the chicken).
Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
Top each chicken breast with a tablespoon of the leftover sauce and a few basil leaves. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken, and finish by evenly spreading the mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown but not too crispy.
Your thermometer should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Let the dish cool and enjoy!
Berry Cobbler
Original recipe https://www.driscolls.com/recipes/mixed-berry-cobbler
Ingredients:
1 package (16 ounces) of frozen strawberries
1 package (6 ounces) of frozen blackberries
1 package (6 ounces) of blueberries
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
½ cups of sugar plus 4 tablespoons, divided
3 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 ½ cups of all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
6 tablespoons of butter, chilled and cut into pieces
¾ cup of heavy cream
Whipped cream or ice cream
Steps:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Combine berries and lemon juice in a medium sized bowl, set aside.
Mix cornstarch with ½ cup sugar in a small bowl.
Pour cornstarch mixture over berry mixture.
Stir the berry mixture gently until smooth and combined.
Pour the berry mixture into a 9x9-inch baking dish and set aside.
Place flour into a large bowl and add three tablespoons sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder.
Mix in butter with a pastry blender or with two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the cream to make a soft dough.
Evenly spread dough over the top of the berry mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining four tablespoons of leftover sugar over the dough.
Bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is browned and the filling is bubbly.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
Brady Jacobs–Spotlighting Musical Talents at ORCA
By Lily Dixon
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
Brady Jacobs, a middle schooler at Oregon Charter Academy, is making (sound) waves in the music composition field, becoming one of 17 finalists for the National Young Composers Competition.
After hearing famous composers' work like Chopin and Mozart, he was inspired to create his own compositions, leading to a love of classical music, and the process of creating it. “I took inspiration from Chopin and Mozart in the piece I submitted to the competition because those are who I look up to most,” Jacobs says.
He is currently waiting for the judging panel to decide whether his piece is worthy of a top three finish, which would grant him $500, and the chance to hear his composition played by a professional orchestra.
“I wrote the melody on my piano at home, but I continued the rest of the piece on a notation software (noteflight.com). I made the piece [and] added the realistic sounding audio,” Jacobs describes. “I only play piano and violin so I couldn't do all of the instruments. I could not record this one, but I do look forward to recording some of my own compositions in the future.”
He hopes to continue his musical journey in the future, looking towards post-secondary education with music colleges and programs tailored to classical composition. He says being at ORCA has enabled him to have notation software, and that has helped him grow in his composing.
“The biggest takeaway I had from this competition was that if you work hard and learn, then you can achieve anything.”
Fun Fact: December Used to Be the Tenth Month
By Lily Jacobs
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
The month of December is significant for numerous historical events and inventions, including the first airplane and the electric light bulb. But did you know December was once the tenth month of the year? This change reflects the evolution of our calendar, and enriches our understanding of timekeeping.
The original Roman calendar identified December as the tenth month, consisting of only 29 days. This designation is consistent with the meaning of the term “December,” which originates from the Latin word for “ten.” In order to enhance the alignment of the calendar with the lunar cycle, which averages approximately 30 days, the months January and February were added.
It is also noteworthy that the prefix “octo” in October signifies eight, alluding to its historical role as the eighth month of the year. The Roman senate changed the calendar to start in January, and end in December in 153 BCE.
The original calendar was developed through careful observations of the changing seasons, and the movement of celestial bodies, specifically the stars. However, over time, the focus shifted to a lunar-based calendar.
Numa Pompilius, a Roman king, is credited with reforming this calendar system by establishing the 12-month year. This significant change helped standardize the way time was measured throughout the Roman Empire and laid the foundation for the calendar systems used in many cultures today.
The Waves: Literary Magazine Submissions Open With the Theme of Lost
By Avery Khoury
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
This month, The Waves is opening their submissions, encouraging students to submit literary pieces inspired by the writing prompt of Lost. Students are welcome to turn in their finished pieces starting December 1, and ending December 26.
The Waves releases an issue every other month, each focused on a different theme. Every theme gives a short blurb to assist students with writing, as well as an article with 3 tips to help with the writing process.
“I enjoy running The Waves. The amount of creativity I see when collecting submissions is absolutely wonderful,” shares Taylor Byrne, one of the magazine’s editors. “I enjoy reading through each submission I get for the theme that month. Everyone who has submitted has incredible talent and I can't wait to see more submissions for this month's theme!”
Students are encouraged to submit finished stories with a theme of Lost for this month, up until the deadline of December 26. For more writing inspiration, The Waves offers this expanded blurb tied to the Lost theme: “Overlooked, hidden from the world. Long gone memories and buried secrets. Adrift and forgotten.”
Roundup: ORCA’s New 2024-25 Clubs
By Lily Dixon
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
Up until November 1, students were asked to head to the drawing board and propose ideas for new clubs they’d like to see a part of ORCA’s roster. In addition to the many returning ones, students introduced four new clubs this year, ranging from mountain biking to math.
Here is the full list.
The Good Deeds Youth Research & Advocacy Club
Students interested in making an impact on the world by advocating for change are encouraged to join The Good Deeds Youth Research & Advocacy Club.
Attendees can expect to participate in workshops focused on elevator pitches, policy writing, and research methods, and collaborate or do work for organizations such as Good DeEds (global STEM issues), Our Future (climate justice/action), Youth HPV Champions (HPV-related cancer prevention), and the Oregon Based Health Alliance (student health).
Mathmatica Club
“Math isn’t only a homework assignment, but it’s also an adventure,” states the club description. “With puzzling complexities that are near infinite, unknown angles that need the x-pertise, and with some answers that can go undefined, a whole other world awaits.”
The leaders of Mathmatica propose the question, “Where will your problems take you?” By joining their club, you can expect to cultivate math readiness, consider the usage of math in applications both real and theoretical, as well as games and activities such as Kahoots and other competitions.
Mountain Biking Club
ORCA’s new mountain biking club encourages students passionate about riding to connect with like-minded individuals and share their experiences in the MTB world.
They will explore XC, Enduro, Gravity, Road, Gravel, Track, BMX, and other styles of biking within the club through a variety of activities like Quizlets and Padlets.
Cubers Club/Puzzlers Unite
Everything related to puzzles is what the Cubers Club hopes to promote. From different Rubix cubes to Jigsaws, the intention is to connect students through thoughtful activities and a focus on strategy.
Plans include online escape rooms, completing difficult cubes and puzzles, and strengthening critical thinking skills.
Discontinued clubs include:
Animal Club (K-5)
MS STEAM Lab (4-8)
MS Baking Club (6-8)
MS Adventure Club (6-8)
Scrub Club (9-12)
Runners Club (9-12)
Biomimicry Design Club (9-12)
Philosophy Club (9-12)
Science Olympiad (K-12)
ORCA Cares Club (K-12)
For elementary students, returning clubs include:
ORCA NASA Club
K-8 Coding Club
The ORCA Bakers
Yearbook
Broadcasting Club
Chess Club
3rd-5th Book Club
Arts & Crafts Club
Garden/Farm/Homesteaders Club
Readers Theater
For middle school students, returning clubs include:
ORCA NASA Club
NJHS
Newspaper Club
K-8 Coding Club
MS Yearbook
MS Writing Club
Chess Club
Spanish Buddies
Broadcasting Club
Book Battle
Garden/Farm/Homesteaders Club
GSA Club 2.0
Craft & Chat Club
Military Leadership Club
Gamers “R” Us
Drama Club
Photography & Film Club
Music Club
For high school students, returning clubs include:
Breakfast Club 2.0 QSA
Music Club
ORCA NASA Club
NHS
Prayer Club
Newspaper Club
Chess Club
Yearbook
Spanish Buddies
Broadcasting Club
Book Battle
Drama Club
Garden/Farm/Homesteaders Club
Pens & Prose
Military Leadership Club
Speech & Debate
The Book Thieves
Photography & Film Club
Gamers “R” Us
To join any of these check out the clubs page and refer to The Principal’s Corner for student resources in the future.
Teacher Feature: Mr. Mark Cralen
By Lux R.
Image courtesy of Mark Cralen
December 2024
Mark Cralen is a chemistry and physics teacher at ORCA who also co-advises Music Club. He is a DJ in his free time, pursuing his passion for music outside of teaching science. Additionally, he takes every opportunity to deepen his knowledge of sciences and his career.
Recently, Mr. Cralen received a grant funded by M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust program. The grant began in the summer 2023 and ran for two summers. The grant gave him the opportunity to work alongside undergraduates with the guidance of Portland State University's Dr. David Stuart and a PhD student, Riley Roberts, who guided him day to day.
The grant gave him the opportunity to work with the Stuarts Lab Group and in Dr. David Stuart's lab for two summers. The summer of 2023 they were able to get the results they wanted, whereas 2024 didn't go quite as smoothly.
They were trying to make a carbazole, a functional group that contains two benzene rings connected by a direct bond and another bond to a common amine, which is commonly found in biologically active compounds and could be used to assist in development of any drugs that contain that carbazole structure.
“It was really valuable for me to see the process of science play out first hand. The lab experience has definitely changed the way I teach my course and empowered me to talk about science in a clearer way,” Mr. Cralen explained. In the end, he wasn’t able to get that process to work as well as they had hoped, but he learned more techniques and strategies than he knew going into the program.
“Doing science is hard,” he mentioned. “Generations of brilliant minds building on each other have pushed the edges of scientific knowledge very far. More brilliant minds than ever are continuing to push the edges of knowledge even farther. It's a process that is both inspiring, intimidating, and a very stimulating challenge.”
NASA’s October Internship Webinar
By Taylor Byrne
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
In October, NASA hosted a webinar for those interested in working for them as a paid intern. The webinar offered information about what the agency looks for in applications from prospective students, and current interns gave speeches containing tips on applying.
NASA offers paid internships as a way to bring in a new generation of leaders and workers to further advance their knowledge of the universe. These internships can be offered as in-person events at one of NASA’s facilities, completely virtual, or a hybrid of the two, in which you would expect to go to a facility at least 2-3 times a week.
Most believe those who attend brick-and-mortar schools would have an advantage with these internships, but that is not always the case. When it comes to students at less traditional schools, they look for the same traits in students, no matter the way they received their education. Key details that make one’s resume stand out is involvement in organizations, leadership roles in clubs or sports, and success in competitions.
However, even with no previous experience in work or leadership roles, you still have a chance of being accepted to one of their many programs. Prior jobs or internships aren’t always necessary for the offered positions, as many of NASA’s interns are working for the first time.
All three coordinators and speakers at the webinar emphasized, “Be passionate, be personable.” NASA not only looks at qualifications and skills on applications, but personal projects and significant life events that define the individual and show them as more than just another resume to sift through.
Attention Seniors: It’s Time To Order Your Cap and Gown
By Annalaina Yip
Image courtesy of Annalaina Yip
December 2024
Graduation is the next chapter in a student’s academic career and the time to order your cap and gown is now.
Seniors are encouraged to order their cap and gown by November 20, but an extension can be requested by contacting a senior capstone teacher.
“Our current suggested order date is Wednesday, 11/20,” Heidi Warneke, one of ORCA’s senior capstone teachers says. “This is a suggestion and not a hard cut off date, but it is best to order as soon as you can.”
Students can order their cap and gown directly from Jostens website, but are encouraged to contact Brian Coushay, a Jostens’ representative, to clarify details on how orders are conducted. Cap and gown orders are held until graduation day; however, students will be given the opportunity to request their cap and gown to be sent to their home address.
“All [c]ap and [g]own units are shipped directly to our Jostens rep, Brian Coushay. Brian will bring all of the caps and gowns to ORCA on graduation day, so students will receive them…,” Warneke says. “We do this to ensure that no one forgets anything on that important day. If you have a special circumstance that may require other options, please connect directly with our Jostens rep, Brian.”
Here are the steps to ordering a cap and gown:
Go to Jostens’ website here.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Shop all graduation products.”
Then, scroll down the page and click on “Cap and gown unit.”
Follow the rest of the instructions to add accessories and/or other items, and to checkout.
“This is the only package you must order, as it includes a cap, gown, and a tassel. Anything else you want to order is completely optional,” Warneke says. “Please note that additional shipping costs apply and they may vary.”
Senior cap and gowns are $39, without shipping. Shipping is $11.99, with an additional $2.99 for handling. Additional items and extra fees are not covered by ORCA. Students can pay for their order using online banking, credit or debit card, PayPal account, and PayPal Pay Later.
For low-income families, resources are available for students to buy their cap and gown by contacting their assigned graduation advisor.
For more information regarding how to order a cap and gown, please contact Jostens’ Representative Brian Coushay or a senior capstone teacher. To contact Jostens’ Representative, please check out November’s Senior Newsletter located in the Principal's Corner.
NHS/NJHS Club Fair Recap
By Lily Jacobs
Image courtesy of Oregon Charter Academy
December 2024
National Honor Society and its junior branch, NJHS, hosted their 4th annual club fair giving ORCA students and staff a chance to show off their unique clubs and recruit new members.
“We were very excited to see so many students find new ways to connect. We are big fans of all of the clubs here at ORCA and we encourage students who couldn't make it to the event to still go check out the list of clubs and see if there is one they would like to be part of,” stated Daniel West, the NHS/NJHS club advisor.
The club fair started in the Zoom session held by Mr. West, where he explained the purpose of the event and how it works. Students then received a document with links to all the current and newly offered clubs, like Mountain Biking Club, Cubers Club/Puzzlers Unite, and many others, which were visited through their personal Zoom rooms.
Spanish Buddies discussed starting a multi-cultural and language club next year. They also talked about the similarities between Portuguese and Spanish. Meanwhile, Speech and Debate started off strong with a debate about whether a hot dog is a taco or sandwich. Student Government also had a small debate about whether black is a color or a shade.
One student stated that “Black is a shade, every color that's not in the rainbow is a shade of a color in the rainbow.”
“Black is a color,” countered another. “For example, if you were wearing a black shirt and someone asked you ‘what color is your shirt’ you would say black.”
In Cubers Club/Puzzlers Unite Club, students were given Rebus puzzles to enhance their abstract thinking skills. The Good Deeds Youth Research & Advocacy Club discussed ways to get involved in the many organizations they partner with, and also shared about opportunities to research at in-person labs.
Clubs are great extra-curricular options to meet new people and make friends. Look through the clubs your grade has to offer here and be sure to fill out this form if you find a club you would like to join. Curious about other events coming up? Be sure to check out Field Trip Central.
This Season’s Book Recommendations
By Lily Jacobs
Image via Unsplash
December 2024
As the weather gets colder, nothing is better than snuggling up in a blanket, drinking hot chocolate, and reading a good book. Whether you enjoy action, fantasy, or even a touch of romance, here are some choices. Be prepared to grab the next installment if it's part of a series, as these stories are sure to leave you eager to find out what happens next.
Spy School, Stuart Gibbs (series, 12+):
This adventure fiction book follows 13-year-old Ben Ripley, who is recruited to a spy school that is cleverly disguised as a science academy. He has only met one other student, Erica Hale, and is immediately smitten with her. Erica Hale is the top student at Spy School, outshining everyone, including the adults. Hailing from a long line of spies, she is exceptionally skilled. At first, Ben imagines that being a spy will be like a James Bond movie. However, after an intruder sneaks into his room on his very first night, he quickly realizes that reality is far more dangerous than he anticipated.
The Cruel Prince, Holly Black (series, 14+):
The Cruel Prince is a fantasy novel with some romance infused. It follows Jude Duarte, a 17 year old whose parents were murdered, leading her to be taken from the human world. She now lives among the fairies in Elfhame as one of the few humans in that realm. Jude longs to become a knight and fight for the High King, but her father figure, Madoc, insists that she is not a killer like him. She often finds herself bullied by the handsome Prince Cardan and his friends, all because she is human. Desperate to prove herself and gain some power after all she has endured, Jude embarks on a journey to assert her place in this magical world.
Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi (series, 14+):
Shatter Me is a young-adult fiction novel that combines elements of dystopia and romance. It follows Juliette Ferrars, a 17-year-old girl whose touch is lethal—anyone who touches her for too long will die. After accidentally hurting someone at the age of 14, she is held in an asylum for 264 days. Throughout this time, she learns that the outside world is in chaos, stripped of all greenery, and no one has seen a bird fly in years. The powers that have imprisoned her soon realize that she could be a valuable asset and decide to move her to a luxurious building. However, Juliette has other plans; she is determined to get away and live her own life.
Better Than the Movies, Lynn Painter (single, 13+):
This young-adult fiction romance follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school student who fills her days with romantic comedies. She often watches these films to cope with the death of her mother, who was also a huge fan of the genre. Throughout the book Liz goes through milestones in her life without her mother while trying to live a normal life. Liz dreams of finding her happy ever after, and when her childhood crush, Michael, moves back to town, she starts to believe that it might be within reach, but she also finds herself reluctantly drawn to the boy next door, Wes. Now, Liz must decide who she wants to be with and who she wants to become.
Masterminds, Gordon Korman (series, 12+)
Masterminds is an adventure fiction novel that follows the main characters Eli, Tori, Malik, and Amber as they gradually come to realize that their seemingly perfect town of Serenity, New Mexico, is not what it appears to be. Serenity is celebrated for having the least crime, no murders, and generally being a pristine town where every lawn is mowed, every child is kind, and nothing ever goes wrong. However, as the friends uncover clues, they discover a shocking truth that links their ideal community to notorious criminal masterminds. Now, they must try to escape the tragic simulation of life they have been living.
Immerse yourself in a selection of books available through ORCA’s Sora Library, which you can access through the new course on your Canvas dashboard. Whether you're curled up by the fire or taking a break from holiday festivities, these stories offer an excellent escape from boredom while also helping you sharpen your reading skills. Spend some time letting these intriguing titles accompany you through your day, providing both entertainment and enrichment.
With the holiday season around the corner, Student Government is back for another year of Deck the Doors, with submissions opening this December. Whether students celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, another holiday, (or none at all) in this chilly time of year, ORCA’s Student Government invites students to decorate their doors with winter symbols to submit until December 31st.
Submissions for Deck the Doors open on December 1st, with the winner getting a prize and recognition from Student Government and in school announcements.
“It is an extremely fun and exciting event that we love hosting each year in Student Gov at ORCA!” says Student Government President Emily Pennington. “We love seeing the incredible submissions of ORCA Students decked out winter and holiday themed doors! Make sure to submit a photo of your decked out door for a chance to win a fun prize!”
This is Student Government’s fifth year of doing Deck the Doors and submissions are sure to delight. Check out the Student Government website for more information about the event.
There are many in-person and virtual field trips that ORCA has to offer for students, giving them opportunities to socialize with their peers.
Here are some of the field trips that are happening in the month of December:
Poetry Out Loud Workshop (12/9)
Designed for students who are going to participate in the Poetry Out Loud Competition, this virtual event is for high schoolers who would like to advance their poetry writing and presentation. It will go from 3-4 p.m, and if time allows, there will also be an opportunity for students to share their work and get constructive criticism from their peers and teachers. Poetry Out Loud is a long-time ORCA tradition, so get involved if you are interested!
Ornament Making at Pottery Co. (12/13)
All students in grades K-12 are invited to this in-person event where students will be able to decorate ornaments with their peers. It will last an hour and a half from 12:30-2 p.m. Families will have to pay a small fee of $5 at the event for each ornament, and an additional fee will be added if shipping is requested.
ORCA Hangouts (12/13)
This monthly event offers time for students to hang out with friends and make new ones, along with playing board games and ping-pong. For elementary and middle schoolers, the event runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and for high schoolers it will go from 1-3 p.m.
Dream Job: Physical Therapist (12/18)
This virtual event lets students explore the field of physical therapy. Come learn about the skills that will help you be successful in this job. The event is open to middle and high school students and goes from 10-10:45 a.m.
These are all of the field trips happening in the month of December, so check out the Field Trip Central and be sure to RSVP if you are interested in attending any of these events.