June 2024

During the month of May, The Current appointed their new editorial leaders for the 2024-25 school year. 

Current freshman Lily Dixon is leading the newspaper as the next Editor-in-chief, a role formerly held by ORCA senior Hannah Ma, who is graduating this year. Dixon has been a writer for The Current for the past year and is bringing her experience with her. 

“I'm excited to step into the role of E-in-C and grateful for the amazing team of writers, editors, and contributors who make our newspaper outstanding,” she says. “We're looking forward to expanding our coverage on Esports, SG, NHS, HOSA, and school news next year, and to grow within Newspaper Club as well. Thank you, ORCA, for a fantastic year with The Current. We're eager to continue next year. Yeehaw!”

Avery Khoury is transitioning into the role of Managing Editor, replacing former editor Keagan S., who has stepped down from The Current’s editing team. 

“I'm so excited to work with Lily as a wonderful Editor-in-Chief, and alongside Annalaina as Managing and Layout Editors!” Khoury says. “I am so happy to be able to expand on my role, and while I have less experience than most of the rest of the editorial board, I can't wait to work hard to write, edit, and help out in general wherever I can. I truly appreciate this opportunity that Newspaper Club has given me to expand my writing and be in this awesome group of people that The Current has become."

Annalaina Yip will be taking on the position of Layout Editor after 2024 graduate Grace Peterson. Yip has been a long-time member and writer of Newspaper Club, bringing the most experience to the editorial board. 

“I’m honored to have a position on the editorial board as the Layout Editor, since I’ve humbly only been a staff writer for the whole three years that I’ve been in the newspaper, but it was by choice,” Yip says. “Although I have the keys-to-the-kingdom by managing the website alongside Lily Dixon and Avery Khoury, I’m more delighted by the fact that I get to continue to work side-by-side with the rest of the The Current team next year, in hopes that we can make our founders proud with our work in and outside of the club. I hope these positions will allow us to wield our strengths and balance one another’s weaknesses to tighten the quality of our articles and how we report ongoing events that are currently happening in the ORCA community. I also hope this will be an inspirational calling to help students become more involved in the newspaper in the coming years.”

Joining the copyediting crew are Wilder Kersey and Riley Mullanix, with Grace Choi and Arabella Mullanix returning in their roles. 

Along with Ma and Peterson, The Current’s seniors Zachariah M., Kenna S., and Ahnalya De Leeuw are graduating in 2024. As the veteran members of Newspaper Club move on to life after ORCA, this year brings in a new generation of student leaders to the editorial board. 

Reflecting on their year at The Current, the former editors are proud of the work the newspaper has accomplished this year, introducing a sports section to the site, expanding news coverage in our monthly issues, and growing the team for the next generation of writers. 

“The Current has been such a special part of my life over the past few years, and it means a lot to me being able to contribute to the growth of our club,” shares Hannah Ma, the former Editor-in-chief. “It's been truly incredible to see the growth of our newspaper over the years, and I couldn't be more grateful for all of ORCA's support since its beginning. It feels very bittersweet moving on from ORCA, but I'm confident that our new fearless leaders of The Current will lead the club into greatness next year. Thank you ORCA for a wonderful year, and to Mr. Yanowitz, who has been the greatest club advisor, teacher, and mentor.” 

“I'm beyond honored to be a part of such a special team at The Current,” she concludes. “I wish everyone the best of luck. Best believe I’ll remain a loyal reader in the future and can't wait to see where The Current goes next!”

The 2023-24 school year is coming to an end, which means saying goodbye to graduating students as they continue to the next chapter of their lives. It also marks the introduction of a new Student Government Executive Board. 

Grace Peterson, the 2023-24 SG President, will be passing the baton to Emily Pennington, and is planning to continue involvement in community government in college. “It has truly been an honor serving as the Student Government President!" Peterson comments. "Working with my Executive Board and the senators has been the experience of a lifetime. I'll never forget it, and I'm looking forward to carrying that with me as I depart for college. Excited for Pennington to step into the role!”

Pennington, previously the Senior Senator Representative and Social Media Coordinator, is moving up to the role of President in her senior year at ORCA. “​​Thank you so much to everyone who came to the speeches and voted," she says. "I am thrilled to have been elected President and I am so excited to work with this incredible new 2024-2025 executive board team!"

“I am going to work hard to make sure that this year, Student Gov hears the voices of all ORCA students, and that next year's events and new programs started are ones that all ORCA students would like to see!” Pennington adds.

Grace Choi, a copyeditor at ORCA’s newspaper, The Current, HOSA President, and former NJHS President, will be shouldering the role of Student Government Vice President. “First of all, thank you to everyone who voted this year!" she says. "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Student Government Vice President. I'm so excited for next year, and there is so much to look forward to this fall! I hope I can create a positive impact on the wonderful ORCA student body."

The rest of ORCA’s 2024-25 Executive Board, appointed by the Student Government advisors, can be viewed below: 

This is a tentative list, and subject to change.

• Secretary: Cassie Rogers

• Activities Director: Reagan Stanek

• Public Relations Officer: Senna Alnasser

• Social Media Coordinator: Leesy Lindsay

• Senior Senator Representative: Avery Khoury

• Junior Senator Representative: Arabella Mullanix

• Newsletter Committee Leader: Lily Dixon

• Marketing Committee Leader: Steliana Strugar

• Event Committee Leader: Bali L.

Returning Executive Board members include Emily Pennington, Grace Choi, Reagan Stanek, Leesy Lindsay, and Lily Dixon.

On May 9, the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates gave their speeches and encouraged students to exercise their voting rights and ask any questions they may have related to their campaigns. 

Annalaina Yip was the first presidential candidate to present, outlining her appreciation for the school and the friends she’s met throughout her 12 years at ORCA. Her goals included expanding the MS Kindness Campaign to high school, initiating personal development courses like incoming freshmen adjustment and mental health resources, increasing in-person and virtual field trips, and streamlining club advertisements.

In addition to her campaign, she has also co-founded clubs like Spanish Buddies, Biomimicry Design Club, and The Book Thieves. 

Emily Pennington was the second candidate and ran for both president and vice president. She outlined her experience on the Executive Board, previously holding the Social Media Coordinator and Senior Senator Representative positions. 

She aims to encourage student voices and create systems to amplify the student body’s thoughts. She also hopes to increase collaboration between SG, ORCA clubs, and ASCEND, and initiate a student suggestion form.

Pennington is a part of the ASCEND Business & Management pathway and has helped to create a student leadership program within the program. She has also run for the OASC Midwest Representative and has been in Student Government for all three years of her ORCA school career. 

Grace Choi was the last candidate to present and ran solely for VP as a rising junior. She previously held the position of Social Media Coordinator and is also a competitive fencer. 

Her objectives were to support youth mental health, create a resource center for students, and strengthen a system that is efficient for the student body and senators. She has experience with tackling mental health through her HOSA campaign earlier this year.

After the initial speeches, attendees were invited to ask questions regarding improvements and initiatives they’d like to see during the 2024-25 school year.

One student asked the candidates about their intentions to increase the promotion of senator application advertisements and involvement in the fall. Yip was the first to answer, highlighting her interest in utilizing the Canvas global announcements to push out ads more often than the once-weekly updates students receive. 

Pennington hopes to advertise via the Student Government website, govgram, and global announcements. She also emphasizes to the student body that in SG, you can make a difference and your voice will be heard.

Using the influence of clubs and programs was one of Choi’s suggestions. She wants more advertising at the beginning of the year because students may not know where to look.

Next, the candidates discussed their ideas in response to, “How will you bring Student Government into the school at large and clue the student body as a whole into the work you’re doing?”

All three candidates highlighted having more assemblies where student body members could share their thoughts and ask questions when needed. Yip additionally wished for greater mental health advocacy and bridging the gap of communication during those events. Pennington hopes to empower students to talk with their Student Government and have resources to get involved in the future. Choi would like to see transparency between SG and students, talking about her hopes for meeting notes to be public on the site so every student is aware of what their leadership team is doing.

Now addressing just the presidential candidates, one attendee asked about their plan to juggle the heavy workload and responsibility of being the SG President. Yip emphasizes having trust in the team of people around her. Pennington agrees and adds that her consistent love and passion for Student Government, joined with the exceptional team on the Executive Board and the senators, will ease the load and create a balance.

Talking about future programs and events created by Student Government, all candidates outlined their priorities for the 2024-25 school year. 

For Annalaina Yip and Grace Choi, it’s mental health promotion and awareness. Yip talks about the domino effect, with mental health as the first domino, and everything else falling into place after. Choi discusses plans for a resource center and monthly sessions where students can gain knowledge about mental health and be heard. 

Pennington wants to spotlight student voices and start forms where thoughts and ideas could easily be addressed. 

Next, questions rolled in specific to each presidential candidate. Pennington’s question revolved around her ASCEND involvement, and she presented her work of creating a leadership team within the program where students from each branch could bring their ideas to the table for course offerings, field trips, and work. Yip’s question focused on the current Student Government processes and what she’d like to continue in the future. She praised the presidential workshops and voiced her thoughts on how a leader should develop within their role.

Here are the final thoughts from the candidates.

“You’re original, unique. Pursue what you want to pursue. You are your own leader and have the ability to change things,” Yip says.

“Everybody has a voice and everyone should have the ability to voice their opinions freely," adds Pennington. "The betterment of ORCA is for everyone, not just one person."

“Leave today with the thought that you’ll be cared for and a part of the student body," Choi concludes. "SG cares about other people, teacher’s opinions – and we want to hear that."

To get involved in Student Government and support your school community, look out for advertisements on the SG website and govgram (@orcastudentgov) and announcements on senator applications in the fall.

In The Current’s May poll, ORCA students and staff shared songs for our third ORCA playlist. The school community contributed 50 responses over a variety of genres. 

From newly released hits to classic gems and everything in between, The Current is proud to announce the 2024 ORCA playlist: 

 “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

“White Horse” by Taylor Swift

“I’m not there yet” by MALINDA

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police

“Pompeii” by Bastille

“Ends of the Earth” by Lord Huron

“Spiderwebs” by No Doubt

“The Archer” by Taylor Swift

“Let’s Get Lost Together” by Loudhouse, Distant Cousins

“Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations 

“hope alaska national anthem” by glaive

“Am I Dreaming” by Metro Boomin, A$AP Rocky, Roisee 

“Lose You Now” by Lindsey Stirling, Mako

“Stricken” by Disturbed

“Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac

“The Prophecy” by Taylor Swift

“In a Week” by Hozier, Karen Cowley

“Real Friends” by Camila Cabello

“Good Time” by Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen

“When the Sun Hits” by Slowdive

“figured u out” by thuy 

“From The Start” by Laufey

“She’ll Come Back to Me” by CAKE

“Fix You” by Coldplay

“La Vie en rose” by Edith Piaf

“Can’t Catch Me Now” by Olivia Rodrigo 

“Honestly, We Just Need Jesus” by Terrian

“Please Mr. Postman” by Carpenters 

“Risk” by Gracie Abrams 

“Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone

“Reality” by Vladimir Cosma, Richard Sanderson

“Tattoo” by Loreen

“Revolution Radio” by Green Day

“Everything Stays” by Adventure Time, Olivia Olson

“Meet in the Middle” by Home Free

“catch me” by JVKE

“Roar” by DiaBak

“SKINNY” by Billie Eilish 

“Hakuna Matata” by Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella 

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor 

“I Stay Away” by Alice in Chains

“The Kids Are Alright” by Barns Courtney

“Quarantine Baby” by Kamaki

“Painted Towns” by Sarah Nathalie

If a song you submitted is not featured, it is because your submission was unable to fit our school-appropriateness guidelines. 

Don’t miss our previous 2022 playlist and 2023 playlist, as well as other fun music-related content in this month’s issue.  

Thank you to everyone who shared a song for the 2024 ORCA playlist! Happy listening!

The 2023-24 school year has been a big one for ORCA! Let’s recap all the important events that impacted Oregon Charter Academy this year.

MS Student Government Executive Board

2023 was the very first year middle school students voted for their president. After realizing that ORCA middle school lacked an upper leadership structure for their student legislative body, the MS Student Government was given their own Executive Board. With Emma Davis as President, Milleah N. as Vice President, Solange G.G. as the Public Relations Officer, and Arabella M. sharing the role of Activities Director with Wilder Kersey, the very first MS Executive Board is paving the way for others to gain experience in leading roles. 

Swing into Spring

The MS Student Government hosted its very first middle school social this spring. Students from all across Oregon came to the Wilsonville office on April 26 to participate in this fun event. The first of many, the social event boasted dancing, Apples-to-Apples, drawing contests, board games, and intense ping-pong matches, leaving both teachers and students alike excited for future events.

Kindness Campaign

On February 26, the Middle School Student Government initiated the Kindness Campaign. Elementary and MS students were invited to give props and shout-outs to their fellow peers by submitting messages of appreciation through a Google Form that would send the message to the person’s Gmail inbox. 

MS Peer Tutoring

This was the first year that middle school students could volunteer to offer their peers expert academic advice. A similar program was already available to high school students.

HS Student Government Executive Board 

The high school Executive Board was led by Grace Peterson as President this year, and for the first time ever, both Ahnalya De Leeuw and Reagan Stanek shared the weight and responsibility of Vice President. The rest of the Executive Board, appointed by the advisors, was as follows: Isaac Choi as the Secretary, Leesy Lindsay as the Activities Director, Kenna S. as the Public Relations Officer, Grace Choi as the Social Media Coordinator, Emily Pennington as the Senior Senator Representative, Lily Dixon as the Junior Senator Representative, Cara S. as the Newsletter Committee Leader, Hannah Ma as the Website Committee Leader, and Alexis Ridders as the Event Committee Leader.

Prom 

With Party Dr on the wheels of steel and an intergalactic Star Wars theme, this year’s Prom was a night students will remember even if they travel to a galaxy far, far away. The event featured a soundtrack of iconic party hits, snacks varying from macarons to fruit snacks, and star-studded decor of stormtroopers, Baby Yodas, and droids. Attendees boasted their best prom attire, with some dressed up in Star Wars-themed costumes, and cut a rug on the dance floor. May the Fourth Be With You!

Western Winter

ORCA’s annual Winter Social brought new excitement with a western theme where students dressed up in their cowboy hats and brought their yeehaws, dancing the night away and chatting with their friends while enjoying an assortment of snacks. 

Esports

Esports is on a winning streak this season, breaking school records and advancing to the playoffs. This spring season, four ORCA teams qualified for their respective playoffs and The Stardust Crusaders continued their playoff run through to the semi-finals in Overwatch 2. They were ranked #5 going into the playoffs, marking the highest an ORCA team’s ever been ranked going into the tournament. 

Senior Scholarships 

The class of 2024 is full of overachieving students. 

ORCA senior Ahnalya De Leeuw received the 2024 ACTE scholarship, awarded to students in CTE programs across the state. As a student in the ASCEND Business & Management pathway, she shares that the program has “truly made me feel supported in my college and career search,” supporting her educational pursuit in communications and entrepreneurship. “This path will help me continue the marketing and leadership experiences I engaged in at ORCA during my college life and career,” she says. 

Isaac Choi is another scholarship recipient this year, winning the highly competitive National Merit Scholarship. This is an impressive accomplishment only attained by a small percentage of students across the nation. 

Hania Mhamdi was also awarded the QuestBridge scholarship and matched with Wesleyan University, where she will attend with a full-ride scholarship in the fall.

K-12 Hangouts & Ping-Pong

This is the first year ORCA brought the monthly Hangouts to grades K-12, previously opened for middle and high school levels. Additionally, a ping pong table was added to the Wilsonville facility, creating endless entertainment for student attendees. 

Regional Event Days

This year, ORCA students, staff, and families met across the state for large events at major regional attractions such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, and the Tillamook Cheese Factory. These events occurred on a roughly monthly basis.

2023-2024 at ORCA was a time of many firsts, and it is hard to believe that it is over. Maybe you’ll suggest the great idea that makes next year even more memorable. 

‘Tis the season for graduation caps to fly and students to get all teary-eyed reminiscing on their time in high school. Discussing future plans, sweet memories, and tips for the next generation, here are some thoughts from ORCA’s class of 2024.

From living on the coast of Tunisia to owning a salon, ORCA seniors have clear and big dreams for their future.

As former Student Government President Grace Peterson forecasts for her future, “I see myself stable in my career, working at the state Capitol, happily happy with my dog.” Peterson will be attending Portland State in the fall to major in Political Science, hoping to use her talents and degree to make a difference in her community.

Other students are looking to pursue a degree in the arts. Lucille Dias, an aspiring entrepreneur, plans to minor in photography and says she hopes “to take professional photos at concerts as a side job.” To make a steady income, she hopes to open up her own laundromats and vending machines.

Another ORCA senior, Ava Chandler, plans to go into film production. “I plan to attend Emerson college in Boston, majoring in Film and Media Production,” she says. “I was honored with their Trailblazer Merit Scholarship.” 

The list of plans is truly diverse. Some seniors will be majoring in rhetoric and media, studying to become a phlebotomist, going to automotive trade school, and more. Reminiscing on their days at Oregon Charter Academy, students divulged how online school has prepared them for their future education and careers. 

“Being in a virtual school provided the flexibility and resources I needed to create my own schedule, develop organization and time management skills, and become self-sufficient, all of which are skills that will serve me well in college and a job,” comments Hannah Ma, the former Editor-in-chief of The Current. She hopes to continue her path of journalism, but will also be studying Business Management at Portland Community College soon.

Other students have programs like AVID and ASCEND to thank for their success and skills. “The ASCEND CTE program helped me get in-depth learning in Computer Science and challenge myself through rigorous coursework,” says future forensic scientist Zainab Fatima.

Bryan Osmon adds, “AVID's emphasis on critical thinking and organization enhanced my ability to navigate online learning and take ownership of my studies.” Now, he’s seeking a degree in computer engineering at Portland State University.

Additionally, seniors advise the younger generation of students to value their Senior Capstone projects, teachers, and classes that build the foundation for future endeavors.

“First, be kind to yourself,” Danielle Mannion advises. “Try your best, but don't beat yourself up if you don't quite do as well as you'd like.” Though she’s not quite sure where she’ll end up ten years from now, she knows she’ll be doing what she thinks is right, surrounded by her friends and family.

Furthermore, ORCA seniors encourage younger grades to ask for help and take advantage of the resources provided to them like peer tutoring, teacher guidance, and note guides. “There's no shame in needing some extra guidance,” Nora Fox encourages. Applying their learnings to the future, they hope to live life to the fullest and spend time adventuring. 

Other seniors place importance on their freshman and sophomore years of high school. “Work hard as a freshman and a sophomore; you'll want more free time as a senior and a junior,” Grace Peterson advises. “You won't actually have free time, but that time will go for a job, clubs, or other activities, so do as much as you can as a freshman or sophomore.”

Though the class of 2024 is looking toward the future, getting ready for college, apprenticeships, and their future careers, they’re still taking the time to remember the fond memories of their past at ORCA and helping those nearing the end of high school.

Former Student Government Vice President Ahnalya De Leeuw thinks back to all the fun she had in high school: “Being passed the mic to sing Journey at prom, dressing up every day during spirit week, talking to astronauts through NASA club, making each other laugh in Pens & Prose, and Dr. Rollot bringing us beignet at high school hangouts are all lifelong memories.” 

In addition to spending her time majoring in Rhetoric Science at Lewis & Clark College, De Leeuw hopes to travel, continue painting murals, present at local open mics, and continue her journey in government, this time in her local community.

Hania M., a recipient of the QuestBridge scholarship, reminisces farther back to her eighth-grade GT Lit class. “That group of nerdy kids who obsessed over our next read has been something I constantly think back to, because I feel like I learned a lot about myself once I found my little nook in ORCA.” She adds that they still keep in touch and are all amazing friends.

Many ORCA seniors made their literature class an honorable mention, discussing Denny’s and more fun. One senior comments that their favorite memory was “eating Bilbo with my literature class and all our other inside jokes and deep discussions.”

Change may be inevitable, and the class of 2024’s experience will surely be different than the class of 2028 or 2031, but ORCA seniors have learned this change through their experience. Addressing past generations and the differences from back in the day, students share what they’d tell adults about Gen Z. 

“Our world is very different than it was when you were a kid. Change is hard, but important. Be flexible, ask questions, and be open-minded to new things,” says Elijah L., the captain of ORCA’s League of Legends Esports team and soon-to-be a Linn Benton college roadrunner.

Some students point out the differences technology has brought, specifically in relation to our school. “Well, for one, I'm graduating from an online school which I feel like wasn't that normal for our parents or grandparents,” says Emily Graham, a future psychology major at Chemeketa Community College, and dedicated babysitter.

“We're not just floating through life. We're taking the initiative and we're going to fight for our place here,” Felix Bullock states. Bullock believes that online school has a lot of similarities to how college functions, both in how students attend classes and in how they’re forced to be self-reliant on time management and structure.

The 2023-2024 school year was an eventful one for ORCA seniors, from Western Winter to Spirit Week and Prom. Looking back, here are some things students want to share about their final year of high school. 

Desirae Hastings, an aspiring cosmetology student, states, “There [are] so many things. Right now I am thinking probably the northern lights.” Hastings hopes to open her own salon or at least work with good clientele in ten years.

“I will be telling future generations how grateful I am for having had the opportunity to be part of the ORCA community,” says Desirée King, an aspiring veterinary assistant.

Many ORCA seniors thanked their teachers for making their high school experience so valuable.

“I will be telling future generations about the important lessons I learned in Mr. Keene's Language Arts classes," a student comments.

“Special shout-out to: Beth Washak, Devon Johnson, Mark James, Amy Lee, Kelsey Stone, Erica Hand, [and] Susanne Eide,” Mannion adds. “You're the best!”

“I always got help back from every educator, and I am forever grateful for that,” says Aubrey Chaides, who sees themselves happy in ten years' time.

“No matter how small you might think of yourself in the world, you always have a place in the classroom,” shares Zahraa Taha, an aspiring professor. “You are important, always.”

“This wasn't High School Musical, and it wasn't easy, but my goodness it was worth it!” Peterson concludes.

Summer in Oregon means swimming in shimmering lakes, road trips down the coast, and devouring triple scoops of ice cream on a sunny day. 

The great state of Oregon is home to a number of rich gardens, magnificent waterfalls, exhilarating hiking trails, and art-filled museums that make for some unforgettable summer adventures. From the sandy coast to the majestic mountains, our state offers a plethora of attractions that showcase its natural splendor and cultural richness.

Here, you can find some of the best places to add to your summer itinerary, organized by region:

Central Oregon Area

Black Butte Ranch

A wonderful vacation stay for anyone looking for a laid-back resort, Black Butte Ranch is a great place to rent a vacation home for a few nights, where people can experience activities such as horseback riding, several sports, and an assortment of restaurants. Located near Sisters, it is one of the best places in Central Oregon for people to take a few days off and relax.

Rowena Crest

The scenic Rowena Crest Viewpoint is a picturesque spot offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Columbia River gorge. Take a drive down the historic Columbia River Highway and the Rowena loop, a famous horseshoe road that curves around the rock cliff just below the viewpoint. There are also plenty of hiking trails varying in difficulty and length to explore the clifftop plateau overlooking the gorge. 

Smith Rock State Park 

One of the most picturesque hiking spots in not only Central Oregon, but the whole state, Smith Rock State Park is home to walking trails varying in difficulty, and rock climbing areas for those who dare not to look down. Ironically, one of the best hiking trails is Misery Ridge, offering panoramic views of Central Oregon as you ascend the ridge. It is also adjacent to Monkey Face, a rock that got its name from its distinct monkey-like features.

The Last Blockbuster

Centralized in Bend and well-known as the last of its kind, Blockbuster is the perfect place for families and movie fans alike to enjoy the last of the disks and learn about the ways of home entertainment in the late 1900s. 

Eastern Oregon Area

John Day Fossil Beds

Colorful rock formations at John Day Fossil Beds are a monument for all to behold. Its prehistoric terrain and sedimentary rock formations showcase Oregon’s geological origins.

Pendleton Rodeo 

If you’re out in Eastern Oregon looking for something fun, checking out the Pendleton Rodeo is the thing to do! This rodeo is very unique, with a large arena with a grassy patch in the middle. It features all the typical rodeo events, but also some originals, like racing. Complete with an array of vendors and delicious food, this is one rodeo you won’t want to miss. 

North Coast Area

Astoria Column 

The grand Astoria Column is an art-covered pillar that showcases a spectacular view of the Columbia River and its historic towns. Standing 125 feet high, this tower serves as a monument to the Great Northern Railway as it was a century ago, featuring paintings of historical artwork. The ascent to the top of the tower is 164 steps, but the breathtaking panorama is absolutely worth it. While in Astoria, you can learn about the famous city that became the setting of movies like The Goonies, Free Willy, and Kindergarten Cop. 

Tillamook Creamery 

Whether you want to learn about the magic behind cheesemaking or grab a tasty bite, the Tillamook Creamery is the destination for any dairy lover. With self-guided tours around the factory, visitors can see how cheese is made and packaged, treat themselves to free samples, enjoy a scoop of quality ice cream, and explore the gift shop. The factory with its variety of cheese choices and diary classics is a great visit anytime you’re on the North Coast. 

South Coast Area

Florence Historic Old Town

With waterfront dining options and cute boutique stores, Florence Historic Old Town is a great place to stop on a South Coast road trip or for a day trip. It is also home to Lovejoy’s, a spot for those who want a proper British afternoon tea without having to go across the pond to get it.

Southern Oregon Area

Crater Lake

Tucked away in the vast landscape of southern Oregon, Crater Lake beckons adventurers with its mesmerizing azure waters cradled within a volcanic caldera. Surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests, visitors are invited to explore nature's grandeur through hiking trails that reveal panoramic vistas at every turn. Discover the pristine beauty of Crater Lake, where the tranquility of the wilderness and the majesty of geological wonders converge to create an unforgettable experience for all who journey here.

Oregon Caves

Take a unique tour through the Oregon Caves, where you will enjoy a trek along an asphalt trail complete with low limestone ceilings, narrow passageways, and an occasional tight squeeze. 

Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari’s wild side will intrigue many visitors to appreciate some of the most exotic and rare animals found in nature, all in one place. From petting an elephant in an exhibit to visiting its gift shop, the possibilities are endless.

Portland Metro Area

End of the Oregon Trail

Trail Museum is an outdoor historic area in Oregon City that contains a multitude of old buildings from when Trail Oregon first came to be. Originally a Native American settlement, the old town area contains many historic items. The museum is open on Saturdays from 12-4 and has the old Trail post office, blacksmith, tavern, and more.

International Rose Test Garden

Developed in 1975 and located at Washington Park in Portland, the International Rose Test Garden holds colorful palettes of 650 types of roses, with delightful smells and impeccable arrangement. Free for all ages to visit, it is a hot spot for exploring nature’s queen flower.

Lan Su Chinese Garden 

Articulating the importance of Asian culture, the Lan Su Chinese Garden utilizes the originality of decorative stonework and plants, while also housing a tea shop for visitors to experience the richness of Chinese tea.

Mill Ends Park - World’s Smallest Park

The world’s smallest park, consisting of one tiny tree, sits nearly hidden in the middle of downtown. The Mill Ends Park is now even accompanied by the world’s smallest website. 

Molalla Buckeroo 

The Molalla Buckeroo is the event that puts this small town on the map. It’s a multi-day rodeo that has lots of booths and vendors, as well as some incredible sporting fun. The whole community comes together to put effort and heart into the rodeo, and it’s a passion project. The event has been going strong since 1913, offering something memorable to do if you’re looking for some small-town energy and western fun! 

Mt. Hood

With breathtaking heights that can sweep anyone off their feet, the marvelous snow cap is a sight that no one will forget. Mt. Hood is a great place for snowboarding adventures, hiking excursions, and road trips exploring the magnificent terrain. 

Multnomah Falls

Oregon’s tallest waterfall is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore the natural beauties of the state. The site features a short trail to get a close-up view of the waterfall and a magnificent vista of the lush green scenery.

OMSI

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or OMSI, attracts all ages with exhibits, events, and engaging scientific wonders that keep visitors coming back for more. From natural science and astronomy to industrial applications and technology, the museum serves as a reminder of how science undergirds so much in our lives.

Pittock Mansion 

Built in 1914, the Pittock Mansion tells the story of Portland’s history and transformation from a pioneer town to a bustling urban city. This French Renaissance-style château in the West Hills of Portland was home to The Oregonian Publisher Henry Pittock, characterized by impressive architecture and rooms packed with art and antiques. While touring the mansion, you can explore its spectacular gardens and take in the cityscape. 

Portland Moda Center

Home to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Moda Center features the home court of Oregon’s most iconic sports franchise. Large concerts, events, and venues are hosted here, and there’s always something to check out. 

Providence Bridge Pedal

Unified by the bicycle riding community and celebrating the bridges that link Portland together, Providence Bridge Pedal offers many the opportunity to celebrate the interconnected bicycle routes through a fun and exciting experience. With events in August, each ride takes place over Portland’s Willamette River bridge to commemorate each bridge’s importance.

Wailua Shaved Ice in Portland 

Harnessing the roots of its Hawaiian origins, Wailua’s take on shaved ice creates a whole new dynamic. Featuring delicately cut fresh fruits, the possibilities of snow cones are endless. From Orange Cream to Pina Colada, every taste will make anyone feel like they are basking near the waters in Hawaii.

Did you know? Portland is home to a number of sportswear company headquarters, including Adidas, Columbia, and most famously, Nike, which has a worldwide headquarters stationed in Beaverton. Nike founder Phil Knight also owns LAIKA Studios, the Portland-based production company behind animated films like Coraline and The Boxtrolls. 

Salem-Keizer Area

Oregon Garden

This Silverton garden is home to a collection of plants and beautiful landscaping and hosts a display of holiday lights each year. The 80-acre botanical site has 20 specialty gardens showcasing a diverse array of vibrant flowers, gorgeous water fountains, and more from the region’s rich horticultural heritage. While you’re there, you can explore the Oregon Garden Resort and the gift shop, which offers a collection of souvenirs, painted rocks, jewelry, and other handmade crafts. 

Silver Falls

Packed with history and beautiful waterfalls, Silver Falls is a gorgeous state park. With many hiking trails and stunning views, folks will enjoy hiking around and appreciating nature’s scenic beauty. While exploring iconic landmarks and helpful information scattered around the site, you’ll have fun and learn great facts about Oregon’s forests. 

Oregon is a state of boundless beauty and endless adventures. As summer begins, it’s prime time to start exploring the abundance of state parks, landmarks, and natural attractions that make our state a unique wonder. 

What are you doing this summer break? Feel free to share your seasonal adventures with us via our contribute form!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

ORCA brought high schoolers an out-of-this-world prom on May 4. With a space theme to commemorate Star Wars Day, the ORCA facility was transformed into a galaxy of neon, disco, and lightsabers. 

Everyone showed up in their best attire for the occasion, some dressed in formal gowns and tuxedos, with others boasting Star Wars-themed costumes. 

Students were greeted with black-gold stars and balloons hanging overhead as they walked up to the second floor, where the party venue was held. Walking into the prom room was like stepping into a Star Wars galaxy – fairy lights lined the ceilings, drapes of clouds and stars decorated the walls, and even stand-up props of stormtroopers and Baby Yodas were present. 

As prom went on, the dance floor filled up, and conversations grew louder as students made fast friends, joined dance circles, and crowded the photo booth, which showcased space-themed backdrops and props. 

The snack table also offered a colorful display of cookies, popcorn, chips, crackers, and fruit snacks, which many attendees enjoyed while hanging out around the tables. The macarons were a particularly delectable hit. 

The DJ and professional party producer, Party Dr, turned one of the rooms into a galactic dance floor, illuminated by freedom lights and neon lightsabers. The Star Wars atmosphere was brought to life with a soundtrack of the iconic movie theme songs and a mix of classic party hits. 

The Party Dr brought a spirit of zest and energy to prom, initiating dance circles, limbo lines, and hula hoop activities that made the festivities all the more lively. 

“As a producer of events, this is one that I must say [is] the top of the top for proms,” said the Party Dr. “You know why? Because everyone allowed themselves to be themselves.” He shared his excitement about how everyone had a good time, adding that putting together these events is his job and passion.  

This year’s prom was notably one of the most lively events yet. 

Students gathered around dance circles singing along to “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” while showing off their disco moves in a vivacious dance battle. An epic rickroll, courtesy of Student Government’s senior prank, even had many singing and dancing along. 

Among the vigorous dance-offs and party songs, students were to enjoy a slow dance to “Perfect,” later ending the night off with a final song of “Party in the USA.” 

ORCA senior Cara S. shared that her favorite part of the event was meeting new people and having fun conversations. “And no judgment for bad dancing,” she added jokingly. 

While socializing in the other room, many students and chaperones spent their time playing board games and buzzing with animated conversations, including debates over the best Star Wars movie. 

Revenge of the Sith and The Empire Strikes Back were among the most popular contenders for Star Wars fans. 

Prom attendee Felix Bullock mentioned that A New Hope was his favorite. “I think it’s nice to see the beginning of where it all started, but at the same time, knowing that it was supposed to be a standalone and that there were so many things that changed in the process in the second movie... It’s very obvious that the creative process was in flux and that was very cool.” 

Meanwhile, Ahnalya De Leeuw, the Student Government Co-VP, shared her thoughts on Rogue One: “I love a good sad movie, but at the same time it has a lot of action and it’s got a lot of the heart of the universe, but still a very interesting standalone.”

Prom’s social aspect was certainly a highlight for many, as students and chaperones alike shared that meeting each other in person was one of their favorite parts of the event. 

“The best part of prom was getting to see the decorations all up and everyone having a great time,” commented Leesy Lindsay, the Student Government Activities Director. This was her first year being in charge of prom planning. 

De Leeuw mentioned that she had a great time planning prom with the Student Government team – and that they only went “two hours over schedule” while decorating, she added with a laugh. 

The three-hour party was a blast, leaving all attendees and chaperones abuzz with energy and filled with new memories. Many seniors mentioned that prom made their last year even more special, feeling like the rebellion after the battle on Endor. 

“I’m a little bit in denial about the fact that it’s my senior prom,” De Leeuw said. “But looking back, this will always be the one I remember... It’s a wonderful night and so beautiful.” 

As the night came to a close, Student Government’s Nova Hughes gave a closing speech, thanking attendees and chaperones for coming while congratulating the Dance Committee and the Party Dr for their hard work planning a successful prom. This year was ORCA’s biggest prom yet. 

For some attendees and first-time prom-goers, the thought of attending such a large social gathering might seem daunting at first. But these events help us appreciate the sense of community and connections we can build at ORCA.

With this sentiment, Student Government advisor Calla Mapel recounted an anecdote about helping a nervous student who initially didn't know anyone at prom.

“As many of you can imagine, and have experienced, it's really scary to find yourself in a social situation in which you know absolutely no one,” Ms. Mapel said. “And double that if you're all dressed up in clothes you wouldn't ordinarily be wearing, feeling a little silly and exposed!”

“Within moments of walking in the door, another student complimented my student's dress, and I could see her visibly relax a little bit,” she continued. “Then, as I started to introduce her to a few members of our amazing Student Government and she was met with such warmth and kindness, I saw her relax more.”

Finally, cut to the end of the night, the student was cutting a rug on the dance floor, surrounded by many members of her school community and feeling joyful and comfortable enough to get into the prom spirit.

“We may not all know each other, but events like prom remind us that we are still all connected,” Ms. Mapel concluded. “We are all members of ORCA – one of the most unique, special, and generous communities that I have ever been privileged to be a part of.”

Student Government

During the week of May 13-24, high school students voted in their new Student Government president and vice president for the 2024-25 school year. The election results, along with the new Executive Board, were announced at Spring Celebration on May 31. 

A tentative list of the 2024-25 Executive Board is featured below: 

• President: Emily Pennington

• Vice-President: Grace Choi

• Secretary: Cassie Rogers

• Activities Director: Reagan Stanek

• Public Relations Officer: Senna A.

• Social Media Coordinator: Leesy Lindsay

• Senior Senator Representative: Avery Khoury

• Junior Senator Representative: Arabella Mullanix

• Newsletter Committee Leader: Lily Dixon

• Marketing Committee Leader: Steliana S.

• Events Committee Leader: Bali K.

For more details on the Student Government elections, check out this article. 

NHS & NJHS

Members of the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society voted for their next student leaders on June 5. 

Here is the 2024-25 leadership board: 

• NHS President: Reagan Stanek

• NHS Vice President: Grace Choi

• NJHS President: Wilder Adele Kersey

The NJHS Vice President will be confirmed soon.

HOSA

On April 30, HOSA selected their new student leaders for the 2024-25 school year. 

The 2024-2025 HOSA officers are featured below:

• President: Grace Choi

• Vice-President: Gracey Pennington

• Secretary: Riley Mullanix

To see the nominations and voting, please check out HOSA’s slideshow here. Check out this presentation for more information regarding the club and how to get involved.

Interested in joining HOSA? Be sure to fill out the student interest form. 

The ORCA Esports Club is a force to be reckoned with. 

In their recent spring season, ORCA Esports has been on a winning streak, with their teams achieving chart-topping records and dominating the playoffs as the club continues to expand. Behind the force of the teams is high school teacher and Esports Coach Gabriel Elliott. 

Before his role as Esports Coach, Mr. Elliott started his career as a teacher four years ago when he began his first teaching job at ORCA. In 2020, he taught 7th-grade Humanities before switching to the high school level after a year. He now teaches American Government & Economics and U.S. History. 

Describing himself as a “student of history,” Mr. Elliott is always up to learning something new for his classes, whether from fellow social studies teachers, online resources, or his own students. 

“While history is something I find incredibly interesting, I know quite a lot of students don’t share my enthusiasm, so I love trying to make the content as engaging and geared towards their interests as often as I can,” he says. 

As a social studies teacher and Esports coach, Mr. Elliott finds that both roles call for a need to make connections with his students and players, motivate them, and ultimately set goals for them to work on throughout the semester and season. 

While adjusting his style from in-person instruction to online teaching posed a learning curve, Mr. Elliott learned to love it with the support of mentors and the social studies department. The unique experience of connecting with students from across the state made teaching at ORCA a rewarding opportunity.

“The administration I have worked under has been so supportive and gives me great feedback I can use to constantly improve my teaching,” he says. “I love the content we cover in U.S. History and Government and how we can integrate a lot of current events to make the content of the courses feel even more relevant.” 

"I love the ORCA community and how incredibly kind the students and parents are to each other, always being supportive and creating a really inclusive and welcoming environment anytime they interact with each other and staff," he adds.

Community and inclusiveness have also been the cornerstones of building the Esports club, he explains. While competition is the core of Esports, ultimately, its sole purpose is to create a collaborative environment for students to connect with those who share a passion for gaming. Building team cooperation, collaboration, and management are all crucial to further developing their teams. 

“Winning games is great, but the last thing I want is for that to come at the cost of our community's growth and welcoming environment,” he says. 

An athlete in high school, Mr. Elliott has greatly benefited from the experiences and opportunities to learn about leadership, strategy, time management, self-sacrifice, and preservice. 

“All of these students in the club are learning and experiencing the same things,” he says. “I do my best to facilitate these experiences and challenge our players.” The importance of balance is a theme he hammers home to his club members. “I do my best to instill in them ideas such as prioritizing school, encouraging physical and mental health, and taking necessary breaks to prevent burnout.”

Esports players internalize these lessons as they compete in seasonal playoffs and continually strive towards setting new records. 

ORCA Esports has come a long way since its founding in spring 2022 and has experienced exponential growth throughout its history. 

Before becoming the successful and fast-growing club it is today, Esports began with a group of six founding members, with advisors Todd Shaffer and Mr. Elliott on board. Since then, Esports has expanded to include 28 active members participating in seven teams across four different titles.

Mr. Elliott credits Esports Director Mr. Shaffer for initiating the creation of the Esports program. “If it was not for him, and approaching Allison Galvin and Susan Pollnow to search for a coach, I never would have found myself in the position I am in today!” 

He was brought into his role as coach in the winter of 2022, and the team had its debut season in Rocket League with the six founding members. Since then, the club has doubled its number of titles, seeing a substantial increase in members and team development.

Spring of 2023 saw Esport’s first winning season with a playoff berth. Now, five teams have made the playoffs, with two in quarterfinals with their prospective tournaments, continually breaking new school records and advancing in competitions.  

“Our accomplishments are due to the leadership system we have created in the club teams,” he adds, “with captains doing an incredible job of managing game strategies, practices, and even reviewing game film and scouting opponents.” 

As a club advisor, Mr. Elliott initially functioned as a traditional coach, responsible for organizing practices, scheduling games, and devising strategies. As the club grew in membership and number of teams, his role evolved into more of a team manager. He now primarily handles administrative tasks such as managing student enrollment, coordinating team rosters and responsibilities, recruiting for future seasons, liaising with other teams, and representing the club to school staff and board members. A significant part of his role involves overseeing the club's operations.

Although he may not have extensive experience as an esports player, Mr. Elliott leverages his skills to develop game strategies, scout opponents, study film, mentor new players, and create opportunities for experienced players to take on leadership roles.

“The best part for me is getting to see the players invest their time and effort, and watch it pay off in their performance improving, making friends, learning from their mistakes, and watching them challenge themselves by trying new things,” he says. 

In anticipation of the club's future, Mr. Elliott is eager to see the teams grow and progress even further.

Outlining his goals for the teams next year, he emphasizes his aim to establish a more inclusive and welcoming environment for new members.

“While we have an amazing group of experienced players who have been together for two seasons or more, I want to begin investing more in the future success of the club, creating more engagement and mentorship for our new players,” Mr. Elliott explains.

He hopes to achieve this by establishing a more consistent process for welcoming new players and having mentorship with more veteran players. This also means creating more opportunities for them to engage with the community and participate in training.

He also plans to implement a more stringent student code of conduct to uphold ORCA's standards, which includes introducing grade requirements to emphasize the priority that club members are students first.

“My goal is to have veteran players lead by example to cultivate a more healthy and standards driven community,” he says, “And represent our school and its values when competing against other schools.” 

He encourages any students interested in joining to fill out the esports interest form to learn about the game titles and platforms available.

“I am more than happy to answer any questions from students and parents, and my ultimate goal is to find a place for every student who is interested in the club regardless of skill level or game preference.” 

The full interview transcript is featured below: 

The Current: How did you start your teaching career? 

Mr. Elliott: I applied and got my first teaching job here at ORCA in the fall of 2020. I began teaching 7th-grade Humanities and made the switch to High School the year after. 

The Current: How long have you been at ORCA for? What classes do you teach? 

Mr. Elliott: This has been my fourth year here at ORCA. I teach American Government with Economics, sharing live classes with Mrs. Stone, and U.S. History at the high school level. 

The Current: What do you like most about teaching U.S. Gov/Econ/U.S. History and social studies in general? What tie-ins do you see between those and esports?

Mr. Elliott: As a student of history, I love learning new things to teach in my classes either from my fellow social studies teachers, online resources, or my students. While history is something I find incredibly interesting, I know quite a lot of students don’t share my enthusiasm, so I love trying to make the content as engaging and geared toward their interests as often as I can! I find I have a lot of tie-ins between being a content teacher and a coach because I am ultimately trying to make connections with my students or players, figure out how I can motivate them, and ultimately set goals for them to work towards over the course of a semester or a season.

The Current: What has your teaching experience at ORCA been like? 

Mr. Elliott: It has been truly unique as we are an online-based school and have the opportunity to teach students from all over the state. While there was definitely a learning curve at the beginning, coming from in-person experience, the amazing mentors and social studies departments I have worked with made the integration into online teaching a joy! The administration I have worked under has been so supportive and gives me great feedback I can use to constantly improve my teaching. I love the content we cover in U.S. History and Government and how we can integrate a lot of current events to make the content of the courses feel even more relevant. Lastly, I love the ORCA community and how incredibly kind the students and parents are to each other, always being supportive and creating a really inclusive and welcoming environment anytime they interact with each other and staff.

The Current: You are one of the first advisors to start the esports club. Can you tell us a bit about how that started? 

Mr. Elliott: I would like to start off by recognizing Todd Shaffer as the one who had the original idea to create this Esports program, and if it was not for him and approaching Allison Galvin and Susan Pollnow to search for a coach, I never would have found myself in the position I am in today! I was brought on to be the coach in the Winter of 2022, and we played our first season in Rocket League with a founding 6 members. Since then, we have doubled our numbers and the number of titles we offer for them to play. Now, I am incredibly happy to report we are sitting at 28 active club members, playing in 7 teams across 4 different titles, and I am so excited to continue our growth into next year! We did not have our first winning season with a playoff berth until the spring of 2023, and now we had five teams make the playoffs, with two in the quarterfinals in their prospective tournament. I have to credit Todd with the continued support of the program, providing weekly reports on the club to The Current, and acting as the middleman between myself and the administration. Last and certainly not least, our accomplishments are due to the leadership system we have created in the club teams, with captains doing an incredible job of managing game strategies, practices, and even reviewing game film and scouting opponents. 

The Current: Can you tell us about your role as an esports coach? 

Mr. Elliott: While I have the title of “coach” I very much see my role as more of the team manager, making decisions on rosters, creating leadership roles for the teams, introducing and helping to recruit new players, being the final say in any disciplinary or moderation issues, being the point of contact on other teams with PlayVS and communicating with other coaches, and a lot of other small administrative and bureaucratic tasks to help the team and community run smooth. The reality is I am not an experienced player in any of the games our club members play, and so I prefer to create opportunities for players with experience to hold leadership positions, create game strategies, scout opponents, study film, and mentor new players. 

The Current: Athletics are often seen as benefiting students beyond sports. Do you see that in esports? How?

Mr. Elliott: I played high school sports and absolutely loved the experience, teaching me a lot about leadership, management, friendship, cooperation, strategy, time management, self-sacrifice, and perseverance. All of these students in the club are learning and experiencing the same things in our club, and I do my best to facilitate these experiences and challenge our players. One of the most important themes I hammer home to our club members is the importance of balance. I do my best to instill in them ideas such as prioritizing school, encouraging physical and mental health, and taking necessary breaks to prevent burnout. 

The Current: What is the best part about being in esports?

Mr. Elliott: The best part for me is getting to see the players invest their time and effort and watch it pay off in their performance improving, making friends, learning from their mistakes, and watching them challenge themselves by trying new things. 

The Current: What would you like to see next from ORCA esports in terms of growth areas? 

Mr. Elliott: The number one goal I have is to make the club more welcoming and accessible to new players. While we have an amazing group of experienced players who have been together for two seasons or more, I want to begin investing more in the future success of the club, creating more engagement and mentorship for our new players. I hope to accomplish this by creating a more consistent new player introduction and mentorship with more veteran players and creating more opportunities for them to get integrated into the community and involved in practicing. I also would like to implement a more strict student code of conduct to maintain the standards of ORCA’s code of conduct. Additionally, I would like to also create grade requirements to emphasize club members are students first. My goal is to have veteran players lead by example to cultivate a more healthy and standards-driven community, and represent our school and its values when competing against other schools. 

The Current: How would you encourage students to consider joining esports? 

Mr. Elliott: I encourage any students who are interested in joining to fill out an interest form to get an idea of the game titles and platforms we offer. I am more than happy to answer any questions from students and parents, and my ultimate goal is to find a place for every student who is interested in the club regardless of skill level or game preference. 

The Current: Thank you for taking the time to interview today! Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Mr. Elliott: I’d like to add a thank you to you and The Current for your interviews and the exposure you have given the club and its members. I would also like to thank [Mr. Shaffer] and his invaluable support for the club. While this club does participate in competitive gaming, and we do very much get caught up in the pursuit of our competition goals, ultimately its sole purpose is to create a welcoming environment and community for any student interested to have fun and make friends. Winning games is great, but the last thing I want is for that to come at the cost of our community’s growth and welcoming environment. 

An unprecedented four ORCA Esports teams made the playoffs last month, and one managed to win their way into the Overwatch 2 semifinals. The Stardust Crusaders competed nobly before falling to the #1 ranked team that went on to win the Overwatch 2 tournament. 

“It was great to see at least one team qualify for the playoffs in each of the games and for the Stardust Crusaders to make the semifinals,” comments ORCA Esports Director Todd Shaffer. “That shows great growth within our Esports program.”

Without further ado, let’s see how all the Esports teams did in their respective tournaments. 

Overwatch 2 

Sly Kitsunes qualified for the playoffs as the #27 seed but lost to the #6 team in the first round. 

But ORCA’s other Overwatch 2 team experienced more success. The Stardust Crusaders entered the playoffs as the #5 seed and went on to beat the #28 team in the first round, the #21 seed in the second round, and upset the #4 team in the quarter-finals. This landed them a spot in the semifinals for the first time in ORCA history. They were defeated by the #1 team, which eventually won the tournament, but this strong showering ended their season on a high note as they look towards the fall 2024 season. 

League of Legends

Qualifying as the #13 seed going into their tournament, the Silly Gooses lost in the first round to the #4 team. 

Rocket League 

The players of Unknown Skies, who qualified as the #12 seed going into the playoffs, easily beat the #28 seed in their first-round match and upset the #5 seed in the second round. After a very close battle in the third round, they fell short to the #4 seed. This ended their season, but they have bragging rights as the first ORCA Rocket League team to win two playoff games.

Though the school year is coming to an end, and therefore Esports as well, they will be competing again in the Fall of 2024 and hopefully break more records, continuing to grow the ORCA Esports program.

“Overall, it was a fantastic spring season,” Todd Shaffer continues. “We are excited for next fall!”

Is a hotdog a sandwich? 

A question so simple yet so widely controversial has long fed debates across generations. Everyone from Supreme Court justices to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council’s “Queen of Wien” have weighed in. Yet, over the years, no one has seemed to agree on a satisfactory verdict to this mind-boggling conundrum. 

This topic has long been the center of investigation at The Current – and in the pursuit of truth and authentic journalism, we are determined to find out. 

In January of 2023, The Current hosted a debate poll asking ORCA students and staff their opinions on a number of incredibly controversial questions. But none sparked a dispute as much as the topic of whether a hotdog is a sandwich. 

Some argued that the two are not the same, as a sandwich must have two distinct slices of bread. Others contended that any filling wrapped in starch qualifies as a sandwich or at least a sub-category of it. But in the end, with 59.5% of the votes, the common consensus ruled wieners as un-sandwich-like. 

But that didn’t mean the debate stopped there. 

Discussions at ORCA’s 2023 prom, among other events, refueled this never-ending discourse when staff of The Current asked event attendees their opinions on the matter. Even ORCA science and math teachers have weighed in on the debate. 

Once again, this baffling topic remains the subject of infinite philosophical quarrels, and we’re still left wondering: how can you tell if a hotdog is a sandwich? 

To answer this question, we must first define a sandwich. What exactly is it? 

Looking at the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is defined as “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.” With this logic, it is safe to say a hotdog fits within this category, as it is simply meat wrapped around a slice of bread, bun, or any kind of starch. The same can be said of tacos, subs, and even a slice of meat pie on its side. 

So there you have it. According to the official dictionary definition, a hotdog is, in fact, a sandwich. 

Or is it? 

Math says otherwise.

The fact is, the hotdog versus sandwich problem is not a question about bread and the unique nature of its cylindrical beef. It’s a geometry problem. 

Enter the cubic food rule.

Using a cube as a guideline for where the starch goes on the food, this rule is an easy way to determine what a food really is – and whether it is a sandwich. 

In an interview with ORCA precalculus teacher Paula Leifer, she explains the mathematical reasoning behind the cube rule, which places food into six different categories, each defined by the placement of starch.

Bread only on the bottom? It’s a toast. Bread on the top and bottom that is not connected is a sandwich. But bread covering three sides of the food is a taco, she explains. 

A hotdog, therefore, is a taco. 

Only if your bun breaks in half would you have successfully sandwich-ified your hotdog.

Starch rolled on all four sides makes sushi – think enchiladas, falafel wraps, and pigs in a blanket. If starch is covering every side except the top, it's a quiche, and food fully enclosed in starch would be a calzone. A corn dog is a calzone. A ravioli is a calzone. And a burrito is most definitely a calzone.

Well, until a judge in Indiana recently ruled tacos – and in the same case, burritos – as sandwiches, declaring them “Mexican-style sandwiches.”

However, the Indiana court is not the first to consider the legality of food categorization, as a Massachusetts judge in 2006 contrarily ruled that tacos, burritos, and quesadillas were not sandwiches.

That leaves us with an unsettled predicament. Who’s going to argue with math, the dictionary, or the law? 

This contentious issue would likely remain one of the greatest mysteries of our time – rivaling universal questions about the meaning of life. 

So is a hotdog really a sandwich? Depends on who you ask. 

But math, semantics, and legality aside, perhaps a hotdog is just that: a hotdog. 

Senior year is one of the most exciting times of high school. 

Your final year of school is full of milestones: your last school prom, hangouts, and ultimately, graduation. 

However, the road to the finish line isn’t always a smooth one. That initial spark of excitement and anticipation soon becomes overshadowed by stress, exhaustion, and a general lack of motivation for school – or “senioritis.” 

Senioritis is a feeling that plagues nearly all high school seniors, leading to a sudden lack of motivation, lessened energy, and procrastination. For the most part, it’s an inevitable part of the school experience, especially after the second semester settles in. 

But even after you’ve made it through midterms, been accepted to college, and come to terms with saying goodbye to your childhood, do those last few months really matter?

Yes, they do. And now more than ever. 

The good news is there are ways to combat the senior plague and close your K-12 years on a high note. Here are some ways ORCA seniors are overcoming senioritis: 

1. Keep a Goal in Mind

Begin with the end in mind: a goal or accomplishment you strive to achieve.

Whether your goal is as general as earning a diploma or as specific as completing a certain number of assignments each day, this provides a clear target to aim for and a reason to celebrate once it's achieved, explains senior counselor Megan Kohl. 

It's important to create a SMART goal, which means it should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goals helps ensure that your objectives are realistic and attainable within a set time frame. 

Goals don’t have to be solely academic either. Consider setting goals that can also promote personal growth and drive motivation.

For Gavin Vineyard, keeping a goal in mind motivates him to work towards a tangible target and achieve it. “I think that my biggest goal was to be able to pass my CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) test and to be able to get into the healthcare field so that I can better my future.”

2. Manage Your Time Wisely

Among the plethora of looming deadlines, graduation prep, and a generally heavier workload, time management is key to balancing all the work. 

For Kenna S., taking on a job in the middle of the year, alongside schoolwork and various extracurricular activities, exacerbated her case of senioritis. Therefore, relying on setting due dates helps her better manage her time. 

“If you give yourself one hour to complete a project, then it will take you an hour,” she explains. “But if you don't give yourself a deadline then the same assignment will take you over an hour because there's no real deadline in place.”

Felix Bullock emphasizes the importance of maintaining daily effort, particularly for more challenging classes with late penalties. 

Establishing personal deadlines and adhering to them drives you to complete your tasks in a timely manner and keeps you from falling behind – and falling behind can be detrimental to your last few months of school. 

3. Organization is Key

Organization is one of the greatest cures for senioritis and procrastination.

Kickstart each week by sorting out your calendar and to-do lists, then break it down day by day and tackle the priorities first. 

Crossing things off your to-do list can provide that feeling of accomplishment necessary to move on to the next task. Use a planner or productivity app to organize all your assignments, which can help you establish a routine.

If remembering dates is your kryptonite, store details about exam dates, scholarship deadlines, classes, club meetings, and more on a physical day planner or Google Calendar so you don’t miss out on any opportunities. With your schedule laid out, you'll have a clear roadmap of what needs to be done, giving you the push you need to beat procrastination.

Hania Mhamdi benefits from organizing her tasks into a day planner. “Last semester was hectic, with college apps mixing with outside duties and schoolwork,” she says. “But incorporating each of those things into my planner does create a sense of control and calm.”

Time management techniques like the Pomodoro method and "eating the frog" – which means tackling the most challenging task of the day first – can provide a momentum boost when motivation is running low. 

4. Take Things One Step at a Time

The mounting pressure of deadlines and heavy workloads can seem overwhelming, but dividing your responsibilities into smaller, bite-sized tasks and tackling them consistently can make the situation more manageable. 

Gavin Vineyard explains that he dedicates time to his schoolwork every day to avoid falling behind. While it's natural to struggle with motivation at times, he finds that rewarding himself with a few rounds of video games or indulging in his favorite snack after a productive day encourages him to stay on track.

5. Take Breaks

Finishing high school is a significant milestone, but it can come with a lot of stress. Senior days are filled with long days and sometimes burnout, and it’s easy for sleep to become a secondary factor. 

In such cases, sometimes all you need is a power nap. 

“When you're a senior, you don't have a lot of time between studying, working, family, and watching the latest show,” Grace Peterson says. “It can be really hard, but try to plan at least one nap a week.” 

Sleep deprivation is a common issue among teens, leading to burnout and adding more to the stress. 

Taking a break can do wonders for alleviating stress and overstimulation. Stepping outside for a quick walk and breathing some fresh air, even as short as ten minutes, can give you a much-needed boost of energy. Recognizing when it's time to take a break is crucial for unwinding and returning with a clear mind and renewed focus. Remember that prioritizing your mental and physical health is just as important as finishing your schoolwork.

“One nap a week is key for the betterment of your senior year,” Peterson says. 

6. Find a Support System

When the senioritis starts to flare up, your support system is here to help. 

Family, friends, and teachers can provide a much-needed boost of moral support and hold you accountable for your goals. Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone; leaning on your support system can help you get through the tough times.

“I find that if I have someone checking up on me, like my father, asking about how my scholarship applications are going, it helps by keeping me from letting go of the scholarships and just completing my school work,” explains Zainab Fatima. “Also, I think knowing that you need scholarships to go to college is a good motivational factor.”

In the end, it’s about prioritizing and trying to remain on track. Sure, there are patches of burnout when you think passing is enough. However, talking to someone about your workload can provide a spark of motivation. 

“I always talk about scholarships with my AVID teacher (Stephanie Vitro), and I think it helps me keep going,” Fatima says. She finds support in completing scholarship essays by discussing ideas with her teacher. Every time her teachers ask her to “keep her posted,” she is inspired to complete her work and stay accountable. 

“‘Keep me posted’ is such a small sentence, but it always motivates me,” she says. “It will be different for everyone, so it is a matter of finding something that motivates you to keep going and keep doing your best.”

Communicating with teachers or counselors to create a catch-up plan is also crucial.

“Personally, I've found it extremely helpful in informing my teachers of my status as a senior,” Mhamdi adds. “Although it probably won't change how anyone treats you, I've gotten additional resources and advice from each and every teacher – and some added sympathy sometimes.” 

7. Get Involved, Find a Passion

High school will give you some of the best opportunities to try new things. Don't miss out on the opportunities to join a club, get a job, pursue a hobby outside your usual interests, or attend an in-person event. Stepping into new waters can seem like a daunting thought at first – and that feeling is completely normal – but be willing to step outside your comfort zone and take a chance. You never know the people you'll meet or what new passion or interest you might discover. 

Many seniors note that finding a community can help you make the most out of your high school experience. Whether through a club, a job, or volunteering, having a passion project can be a silver lining during the bleak moments of senior year.

Fatima was inspired by her experiences as an urgent care volunteer at Kaiser Permanente.

“I try to remind myself that high school is not just about studying and completing homework,” she explains. “It is also about the experiences we gain and the extracurricular activities we do. I think as an online student, I am mostly at home, so getting out and experiencing society is important too.”

8. Have Something to Look Forward To

What are you interested in pursuing after graduation? What are your hopes and dreams for the future? As you prepare for life after high school, it's essential to have dreams to keep you motivated in the long term and little rewards from moment to moment.

Making plans and having something to look forward to can help you navigate through the more tedious tasks and assignments. This could be as small as taking a one-hour break to watch an episode of your favorite show or a larger goal of a specific milestone. 

“I'm trying to finish my senior year strong with the mindset of knowing that I've already completed three years of high school and that there's only one more year to go,” explains Isaac Choi. “And for me, junior year and the beginning of my senior year were tough, so I've told myself that I can tone things down a bit and finish senior year on a less hectic note.”

“Also, thinking about my future plans ahead of high school excites me and further motivates me to push myself across the finish line,” he continues. “With all of this, time has been going really fast and it's really amazing to see how fast senior year has already gone by.”

9. Celebrate Your Milestones

Getting your diploma may not always be a smooth and easy ride, but there will always be victories worth celebrating along the way.

Recognizing your accomplishments, big or small, gives you a moment to reflect on your high school experience, motivating you to push through to the end on a high note.

“For me, senioritis has materialized since last December, when I kind of felt I had some stability for the near future,” shares Mhamdi. “Everyone around me started talking about what would be going on next year and beyond. This kind of led me to skip the fact that I'm still indeed a student and have responsibilities, though it's hard to face.” 

She emphasizes the importance of seniors not getting ahead of themselves mentally. While in the home stretch of high school, your performance in these final months matters, particularly if your goal is to pursue further education. Take the time to acknowledge all that you've achieved in the past four years, but keep striving until you have that diploma in hand.

10. Enjoy Your High School Years

“Get ready to feel like your senior year is the longest and shortest year ever all at the same time,” says Alena Budko. 

Senior year is packed with exams and assignments you might not always enjoy, but by the end of your final year, you’ll be shocked by how quickly time flies. Give it your best and make the most out of your last year. 

“As stressful as this time is, take the time and space to really enjoy it!” Ms. Kohl emphasizes. “You only graduate from high school once and this is a huge accomplishment!”

Amidst all the extracurriculars, activities, and responsibilities of your senior year, in the end, it's important to cherish your high school years and the memories you make along the way. They will be some of the best times of your life.

On the nights of May 10-11, Oregon saw a magnificent phenomenon in the sky: the northern lights. 

With recent high levels of solar activity, the aurora borealis was on full display for most northern regions in the country, and sky spectators from across the state came to see this rare cosmic phenomenon. 

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are created when energized particles from the sun hit Earth’s upper atmosphere. As the planet’s magnetic field redirects the solar winds towards the poles, these charged particles collide with gasses in the upper atmosphere, creating tiny flashes that fill the sky with colorful dancing lights. 

These dazzling lights shows are also visible toward the south pole, known as aurora australis.

However, the aurora isn’t always clearly visible to the naked eye, especially in areas with high light pollution. It might take a camera – adjusted to the night mode setting – to see the pink and green hues in the sky. 

The cinematic northern lights are not often visible in Oregon but are common occurrences in regions closer to the north and south poles, showcasing some of the many marvels of the universe.

ORCA’s 2024 Spring Celebration marked the end of the school year with a day filled with sweet treats, public recognition of school achievements, and carnival-style fun. On May 31, students and families from across the state converged on the Linn County Fairgrounds for this annual extravaganza. 

A large and lively crowd lined up in front of the entrance of the fairgrounds, and at noon, the gates opened as students began to join in activities, including scavenger hunts and yard games, while also enjoying popcorn and snow cones.

Along with the carnival games, many students also received their yearbooks, and there was soon a frenzy of blurb-writing and signature-signing. 

“It was so much fun and I really enjoyed seeing my friends,” says freshman student Faith Y. “I even got my yearbook and had all of my friends sign it!”

The book giveaway also displayed literature for all reading levels that students can take home. Shakespeare's plays, picture books, and classics like The Outsiders were all among the selection. 

At the Student Government table, students entered a raffle to win one of three Baby Yoda plushies. The booth also gave away promotional fliers for various ORCA clubs and programs. 

It wasn’t all just about fun. Attendees learned about First Aid and CPR from some of our medical science instructors and the importance of postsecondary planning with Enroll Enlist Employ. 

The AVID booth celebrated the culture of college with a display of various college flags and maps, while the ASCEND table had brochures and fliers for those interested in learning more about the Career and Technical Education programs. FFA was also present to promote their organization.

Attendees also took time to recognize the hard work of some of ORCA’s students at the induction ceremony of the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society, and ORCA’s newest honor society, the National Technical Honor Society. 

This year’s NHS ceremony had a theme of Narnia and featured a coronation to honor the new inductees. ORCA teacher Casey Comstock was a staff speaker, and students from NJHS and NHS each discussed our values of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students were also able to decorate foam crowns at the NHS booth after the ceremony.

“It was an honor to speak to the value of leadership alongside my fellow NHS and NJHS members,” shares ORCA senior Ahnalya De Leeuw. “Scholarship, service, and character are incredible attributes, and as a graduating senior, I'm so excited to meet our new inductees and legacy at ORCA, alongside welcoming our newly elected officers board!”

NHS and NJHS also conducted a successful food drive, where students and families were able to contribute canned foods to donate to food banks across the state. 

ORCA’s Community Resource team presented their Clothing Closet, which allowed families to find new homes for gently used clothing items that have been generously donated at events throughout the year. 

Younger students enjoyed bringing some color into their lives at the face painting booth and preparing for their automotive future on Oregon’s highways and byways with spirited games of Red Light/Green Light. The Dora-themed bounce house was another popular attraction. 

“It was so much fun. I had a great time seeing my friends and teachers,” comments attendee Audrey Peterson. “I was running around so much that I spilled my snow cone all over me, which was good because it was so hot out.” 

“Spring Celebration was a very fun and memorable event,” added eighth grader Maya M. “My favorite part of it was getting to meet and talk to my friends who live hours away.” 

The lively event came to a close at 3 p.m., and many students and families left with new friends and cherished memories to celebrate the school year.

Summertime is now upon us. The season of picnics, road trips, and barbecue cookouts always calls for some good music to heighten the mood of the season. 

From indie rock to baroque pop, now is a great time to explore new genres and expand your music horizons. As you prepare for your next summer outing, consider starting your playlist with these nine albums.

Songs of Her’s – Her’s 

Songs of Her’s, perhaps one of the most underrated albums in this list, comes from the now-defunct Liverpool indie band – and yes, their name is a possessive. Within its nine tracks lies a multitude of emotions behind its packed lyrics and smooth balladry. 

A collection of all their early singles and a few new tracks thrown in for good measure, Her’s navigates feelings of love, loss, and nostalgia with its smooth bedroom-pop melodies and Mac DeMarco-style riffs. 

As a debut album, Her’s does a fantastic job experimenting with a diverse range of sounds, resulting in a unique yet cohesive collection of melodic tracks.

The Slow Rush – Tame Impala 

Following the critically acclaimed Currents, Tame Impala’s frontman and producer Kevin Parker introduces a smoother psychedelic sound with his 12-track piece, The Slow Rush. Instead of hard-hitting guitars and pop-rock elements, this album showcases Parker’s production wizardry with shimmering synths and Madchester beats.

With a theme about the passage of time, the album opener, “One More Year,” perfectly encapsulates the tone of the record with its majestic chords. Whether he’s crafting dynamic riffs or delivering soaring vocals, The Slow Rush is filled with Tame Impala’s signature flair. “One More Hour” is the album’s powerful closing track and one of the emotional pillars of the record with sweeping harmonies and lyricism. 

Delving into love, grief, and existentialism, The Slow Rush is a personal and groundbreaking work offering a truly epic listening experience. 

The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We – Mitski 

The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We is a short album, yet it contains layered themes and styles with a deeply emotional impact. Mitski’s talent for blending heartfelt, contemplative lyrics with beautifully haunting vocals shines in one of her most powerful records yet.

Adding to the pensive atmosphere of the album, Mikski introduces songs like “Star” and “The Deal” that highlight soulful choirs against intricate instrumentals. “My Love Mine All Mine” is among the most notable tracks, featuring jazz-influenced piano and indie-folk tones. 

A raw and authentic display of poetic lyrics and ballads, The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We is rich with symbolism that gradually unfolds with each listen.

The Car – Arctic Monkeys 

Songs about cars are simply a staple piece when it comes to rock music – thanks to AC/DC, Prince, and The Beatles – and Arctic Monkeys continue that legacy with one of their grandest work yet. 

The English rock band has made a name for themselves with their heavy rock hits. Frontman Alex Turner has a talent for witty lyricism, and his powerful songwriting is evident in the band’s latest record.

The Car marks a tonal shift in their usual guitar-heavy and moody aura, trading hard-hitting riffs for an orchestral funk-fusion sound reminiscent of their previous album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. Each song captures a sense of introspection and melancholia while incorporating a more cinematic, baroque-pop range. 

Despite being somewhat overlooked among the catalog of their previous work, The Car cements itself as an instant classic in the band’s discography with its bold, style-shifting, and melodramatic production. 

Only God Was Above Us – Vampire Weekend

Since coming onto the scene in 2008 with their self-titled debut, Vampire Weekend has helped define the sound of indie music in the 2000s. Their newly released album experiments with new sounds of punk-rock and jazz, offering some of their best work to date. 

Songs like “Classical” and “Connect” masterfully balance noisy instrumentation and classy jazz elements, boasting riveting piano flourishes. Lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and some thought-provoking commentary.

As an innovative mix of fresh sounds and styles, Only God Was Above Us is a welcome addition to the band’s unrivaled discography.

When the Pawn... - Fiona Apple 

With her uniquely artistic baroque pop sounds, Fiona Apple nearly defines her own genre. In this album, she embraces rich piano melodies and vibrant, jazzy beats, with her smooth alto voice taking center stage.

From upbeat piano rock tracks to slow, intimate ballads and a fantastic production to back them up, Apple packs a visceral and emotional punch across her 10 songs. The record invests more of its runtime in crafting blunt and crisp songwriting compared to her debut, and there isn’t a weak song among the tracklist. Upon its release, When the Pawn... broke the record for the longest album title with 444 characters. 

Chemtrails Over the Country Club – Lana Del Rey

Among Lana Del Rey’s diverse and distinguished discography is Chemtrails Over the Country Club, a record that is often overlooked but one of her finest. 

Reminiscent of her previous album’s slower tracks, Chemtrails Over the Country Club introduces a more intimate, contemplative atmosphere with softer, folk-style beats. Del Rey’s songs are filled with beautifully layered self-harmonizing complemented with laid-back guitar and delicate, country touches. 

“White Dress” opens the album with spare piano and drawn-out vocals, adding to its nostalgic, melancholy feel. The album’s melodic title track artfully builds on this, further developing the glamor of her early work into a classy signature piece.

Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers

On her impressive sophomore album, Phoebe Bridgers defines her songwriting as candid, dream-like, and full of heart. 

Punisher is a heartfelt, introspective journey through life and growing pains. The lyrics are rich with emotion and metaphor, brought to life by Bridger's evocative delivery. With its exquisite lyrics and ability to blend the profound and the lighthearted, Punisher represents a welcome step forward from her debut. 

Everything I Know About Love – Laufey

As intimate as it is cinematic, Laufey's debut album is a multi-instrumental affair of impressive orchestral arrangements and heartfelt lyrics. 

Though the album has stemmed from a number of musical influences, the greatest inspiration is jazz. Laufey brings back classical jazz soundscapes all while feeling fresh and contemporary. As the title suggests, there is romantic imagery throughout, detailing her accounts of friendships and self-reflection. 

As the album progresses from one track to the next, Laufey takes you on a journey to show not only everything she knows about love but everything she knows about what it means to make music, bringing youthfulness to her sound while retaining a timeless feel. 

With summer comes the perfect time to get into the free-spirited mood with these nine fantastic albums. What are your thoughts on these picks? Feel free to let us know on our Contact Form!

On May 17, students met in ORCA teacher Kelsey Stone’s Zoom room for the 2024-25 Battle of the Books, along with a Scattergories competition. 

Individually, Ahnalya De Leeuw took first place, Kailey C. took second place, and Danielle Mannion took third place. The champion team was Team 1 with De Leeuw and Mannion.

Many students participated in individual Scattergories battles as well, winning their places on the scoreboard and titles. The leadership board is featured below:

1. Supreme Scrambler: Aiyla N. (44 points/6 rounds)

2. Category Connoisseur: Ahnalya D. (41 points/6 rounds)

3. Word Wizard: Sophia B. (23 points/2 rounds)

4. Scattergories Savant: Ms. Stone (21 points/2 rounds)

Ms. Stone will award the winners trophies for both categories, which students can pick up at Spring Celebration. For those unable to attend, arrangements can be made to receive the trophies by mail. 

“I absolutely loved the book selections this year, especially We Can Be Heroes,” says ORCA senior Ahnalya De Leeuw. “This was my fourth year participating, and it was magical to finish off my senior year this way. If you love to read, play Kahoot and word games, and work both independently and as a team, I highly recommend checking out Book Battle next year!”

Both a French and Spanish teacher at ORCA, Lisa Rollot has deep roots in language immersion. Studying world languages has been a guiding passion in her life that she says has helped shape her experiences.

Coming from a Cajun background, her mom’s first language was French, and she was treated poorly at her American school because she couldn’t speak English well. “She told me how she came home from her first day of first grade and cried because she had a list of words to learn in English,” Rollot explains. “She had no idea what anything meant.” Because of this, her mom didn’t want Dr. Rollot and her sister to learn French and possibly endure the same treatment. 

Still, they went back to Louisiana in the summers and watched as their mom spoke French to family members. “My sister and I felt left out and frustrated because we could not speak with many members of our family who only spoke French. We both decided that we would learn French in school, which is what we did.”

Now Dr. Rollot’s husband is French, from Dijon in the region of Burgundy, and her children proudly hold dual citizenship between the United States and France. “We have raised our three children to be bilingual and bicultural by living in the US and France during their youth.” 

After living in Paris for five years, her family moved to Oregon, and her kids are enjoying their teachers, whom they say are better than the teachers in France. Every other year, they return to France to visit family and friends, and this year they’ll be going for a specific event. “This summer we are looking forward to attending the Olympic Games in Paris.”

After discovering a love of languages, she started learning Spanish through friends in Arizona, where she grew up, and eventually grew fluent in that tongue as well.

Dr. Rollot believes in connecting with other language speakers and learning the heritage and culture behind any language you want to study. “No AI companion can teach you these things,” she adds. “You have to have real world experience to be able to understand and communicate with people.” 

Because learning a world language is so much more than vocabulary and grammar, she urges students to immerse themself in the culture so they can formulate their thoughts in a way that will encourage a connection between themselves and a native speaker.

“My wish is that all of my students have the opportunity to expand their world by learning a second language.”

In March, students taking French I and II had the chance to partake in ORCA's French Contest. For the first time, Spanish I and II students were also able to join ORCA’s Spanish contest for second-language learners and heritage speakers. 

ORCA teacher Lisa Rollot curated the tests based on the National French and Spanish Contests, which are taken by over a million students each year in levels 1-5 of language study. The tests assessed students’ abilities in reading, listening, grammar, vocabulary, and general cultural knowledge.

The tests were free for students and offered flexibility in time to take them. Students received extra credit for participating, and the top three participants in each level were awarded a medal for their accomplishments, along with bragging rights until next year. 

Psalma Cortés-Martínez, first-place winner of the Spanish Contest for heritage speakers, shared that she had a fun experience with other students speaking the language fluently and at advanced levels. “Participating in the contest definitely showed me how many people know and love the Spanish language,” she said, adding some words of congratulations to the contestants, “Todos ustedes hicieron un trabajo increíble. ¡Felicidades y sigan usando español para siempre! Y que tengan un buen día todos.”

“As a student, I always participated in contests,” says Dr. Rollot. “They were fun and motivated me to work harder to do better the following year.”

Her goal in creating the ORCA world language contests is to validate her students who are working hard to develop their language skills, she explains. “I am very pleased by the success of my students on these proficiency tests which proves that they are competitive with their peers internationally. I intend to continue the contests in the future.”

If you're eligible, be on the lookout for the French and Spanish contests next year.

"So make the friendship bracelets. Take the moment and taste it... You've got no reason to be afraid"

On May 22, Student Government President Grace Peterson hosted the last Presidential Workshop of the school year, aiming to highlight the theme of community.

As the meeting commenced, attendees were greeted by Peterson and other officials on the Executive Board.

“What is your opinion, or view, or perspective on what [community] is?” Peterson asked, addressing all of the attendees. 

Students answered thoughtfully about their own community and how it impacts their lives.

“Community can be a large group, or small!” an attendee said. “Just a group of two or more people that share a common interest.”

“It's a congregation of people who all serve to lift each up and benefit everyone,” another student added.

Afterwards, Peterson proceeded to the activities section, where she asked the attendees to experience what community is like by finding three things they all have in common. Students were given three minutes to talk amongst themselves in the main room, where they shared their similarities in disliking grapefruit, loving dogs, and highlighting the lovable traits of their President.

When the three minutes came to a close, Peterson steered the students’ focus back to the presentation and what lay ahead.

Attendees later joined with other activities, community-bonding discussions, tips and tricks on forming effective connections, and a Q&A session. Throughout the presentation, Peterson stressed the importance of acknowledging that individuals can foster communities in several different ways and that “you don’t have to be in a leadership position to do it.”

“Everyone is a leader in their own way, and everyone has the opportunity to set up a community,” Peterson said. “It's not just when [or] whether you have a title or position to go with it. It's really about what you want to do with it.”

When the meeting wrapped up, many attendees applauded Peterson’s workshops and expressed their gratitude towards the extraordinary support from this year’s Student Government Executive Board.

“This workshop was amazing and [it] definitely helped give me some ideas on how to build my own little community,” one patron commented.

For more information regarding Student Government, please visit their website.

Students from across the state came together on May 17 in Wilsonville for the monthly hangouts, the last ones of the 2023-24 school year. The Elementary and MS Hangouts took place from 10 a.m. to noon, and the HS Hangout happened during the usual afternoon time slot of 1-3 p.m.

Some people set out immediately to the ping-pong table, with participants of all skill levels giving it a try. “Apparently, I can ping-pong... kind of,” comments Abbi Dilley-Gumm, a first-time player. 

“We're not playing ping-pong,” jokes another Hangout participant. “We're playing chaotic!”

Other students went to play games such as Bubble Talk, where someone had a “10 vampire giraffe sidekicks” card, while others immersed themselves in Guess Who games, but with names with real people replacing the character cards. 

“It was emotional for me because it was my last High School Hangout before I graduate,” says ORCA senior Kenna S. “As always, I had lots of fun while I played games with a few of my friends. I am so thankful for the teachers who put on the event each month.”

The high school students weren’t the only ones having a unique hangout experience. The elementary school students enjoyed a delightfully messy science experiment with ORCA teacher J.R. Pollnow that involved cola bottles. 

Students left the ORCA Hangouts with plenty of fun memories to end the school year. Be sure to keep an eye out for monthly events starting up again in the fall.

The biopic genre is one of Hollywood's most consistent options for creating prestige films and scooping major awards. Portraying captivating stories based on real life, these movies provide a unique perspective into history and its influential figures. 

This selection of biopics showcases a variety of stories about some of history's most innovative people, including some business-centric movies recommended by ORCA business teacher Summer Highfill. 

A Beautiful Mind (2001) 

In a biopic that spans decades, brilliant mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr. makes history in his field with his fundamental contributions to game theory and mathematics. But after getting recruited for top-secret work in military cryptography, the high pressures of the job and his personal life soon take a toll on his deteriorating mental state. 

As poignant as it is thought-provoking, A Beautiful Mind is an excellent portrayal of Nash’s journey from the pinnacle of his genius to the depths of despair.

The Aviator (2004)

Billionaire and aviation tycoon Howard Hughes was a big name in the 1930s and 40s: director of big-budget Hollywood films such as Hell’s Angels, aviation pioneer, owner of TWA, and successful business mogul. But behind the glitz and glamor, Hughes led a reclusive private life of torment and paralyzing phobias. 

Rich in period detail, The Aviator soars high with compelling performances from an all-star cast, stunning cinematography, and superb storytelling. Despite its lengthy runtime, this Martin Scorsese picture provides an insightful depiction of Hughes' successful yet complicated life.

The Social Network (2010) 

In 2003, Harvard student and computer genius Mark Zuckerberg initiated the creation of what would soon become a global social network: Facebook. Six years later, he is one of the youngest billionaires ever, but his unprecedented success soon led to various complications and legal battles.

Based on the book Accidental Billionaires, The Social Network is impeccably scripted, beautifully directed, and features stellar performances across the board. Thanks to David Fincher's incredible direction and Aaron Sorkin’s writing, this film delves into themes of ambition, power, friendships, and the dawn of the digital era.

The Founder (2016) 

Before McDonald’s became the multibillion-dollar fast food chain that spanned the globe, it was a small San Bernardino restaurant owned by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald. 

Enter Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman from Illinois who became fascinated by the brothers’ pioneering fast-food eatery and saw potential in the franchise business. Following Kroc’s journey as he navigates the inner workings and speedy systems of the restaurant business, The Founder presents business dealings as interesting and features a compelling performance from Michael Keaton. 

Tense and riveting, The Founder is a captivating account of perseverance, the discovery of potential, and a revolution in the way hamburgers are made.

Loving Vincent (2017) 

In a story depicted in oil-painted animation, a young man comes to the last hometown of painter Vincent van Gogh to deliver his final letter, unraveling a mysterious insight into his life. 

The film’s innovative Van Gogh-styled visuals create an immersive viewing experience, but there is much more to the film than the art. The story is riveting, the voice work is excellent, and the imaginative approach to storytelling brings the oil painting world to life in unique ways. 

Although its narrative is less effectively composed, Loving Vincent's dazzling visual achievements make this Van Gogh biopic well worth watching.

From business biopics to historical epics, these are just some of the many great films that offer a deeper understanding of history's most impactful figures and their stories.

Over the summer, the Portland Workforce Alliance is hosting two career mentoring camps open to students entering grades 10-12 in the fall of 2024. These events take place in the morning, and stipends are available. The deadline for priority consideration is May 31, but applications are still open after then. 

Summer Career Academy (June 24-27)

The Summer Career Academy is a part of a paid four-day career mentorship program that connects students with women working in government, construction, healthcare, and human resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to develop job search skills and learn about the experiences needed to advance in the workforce. All high school students are welcome. However, the program is tailored for those who identify as female, gender expansive, or non-binary. 

These morning events will end at 12:30 p.m. and lunch and light snacks will be provided. Those who attend will receive a $200 stipend upon completion. 

Check out this link for more information and to apply.

Creative Careers Mentor Program (July 15-18) 

Through this four-day paid career mentorship, students can explore creative jobs in design, marketing, and business. Those who attend will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Portland creative agencies like Wieden+Kennedy and practice their skills through hands-on activities, all while being coached by professionals. 

Each morning event will end around 12:30 to 1 p.m. and include lunch and light snacks. TriMet passes for transportation assistance will be available for attendees, and at the end of the program, they will receive a $200 stipend. 

To learn more about this opportunity and apply, check out this link. 

Both of these PWA career mentoring camps provide wonderful opportunities for students to learn more about their chosen career paths, connect with field professionals, and get an idea of what it’s like to work in some highly desirable fields.

Author’s note: This list only features movies released last year that the author has seen. The opinions expressed below are solely those of the author.

2023 was a year filled with record-breaking blockbusters and pop culture phenomenons. But only a few movies were highlights of the last season. 

Let’s take a look at some of the top movies of 2023, ranked from worst to best. 

11. Leo

Within the first two minutes, the movie opens with a musical number. Yes, this film is a musical. And it’s not great at it. 

The opening scene shows several fifth graders singing their hearts out to a song about feeling all grown up and the excitement of starting a new day of school. Mind you, nobody joyfully bursts into song about going to the classroom – unless you’re Sid the Science Kid. 

Adam Sandler and Bill Burr, both great comedians, have a wonderful dynamic as an on-screen duo. Sandler’s slapstick jokes and Burr’s sarcastic quips complement each other well, and their witty banter is thoroughly entertaining to watch. As far as the humor goes, the movie does it pretty well. Well, except for the not-so-kid-friendly jokes that are shoehorned in for the adults who are likely watching this with their kids but are actually on their phones the entire 164-minute runtime. That’s another problem: this movie did not have to be two hours and 44 minutes long. The product placement is also painfully apparent. 

The musical numbers may be campy, and some jokes may fall flat, but for the sheer value of entertainment and positive life lessons, Leo doesn’t fail to amuse. 

The verdict: 5/10

10. Asteroid City

Wes Anderson movies are like modern art. It’s supposed to be introspective and full of meaningful themes, but you don’t really understand it. 

This mostly sums up the viewing experience of watching Asteroid City. To his credit, Anderson had a creative, original idea and made an interesting premise out of it. The execution, however, is where it falls short. The film is possibly best described as a never-ending onion, layers of stories within a story within a story. At some point after diving into the first few layers, it gets too convoluted. Pretty soon, Asteroid City gets lost in its own meandering, overly complicated script that even it struggles to understand. 

Wes Anderson is a talented director in his own right. He’s given us plenty of beautiful films like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Fantastic Mr. Fox that remain modern classics. Unfortunately, Asteroid City does not make it on that list. 

The verdict: 6/10

9. The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is by no means a bad film. It’s a story filled with creative potential and an inspired source to pull from, but the worst thing is that it does nothing with it. 

As an adaptation of the classic video game series, The Super Mario Bros. Movie had the perfect opportunity to bring the beloved characters to the screen, introducing unique, video-game-inspired art designs and soundtracks. But what does the movie do with it instead? Fall to generic Illumination-styled animation, tired mainstream songs, and a predictable plot. You could have slept through half of the movie and still caught on to the plot like nothing was missed. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the film was Jack Black’s musical masterpiece and all-out performance of “Peaches.” 

As a video game adaptation, more could have been expected, but in the end, it remains an enjoyable story that brings all your favorite characters and Mario game references to life. It’s good, but not super. 

The verdict: 6.5/10

8. Wonka

Come with me, and you’ll be in a world of mediocre spinoffs... 

Ronald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has already inspired its share of movie adaptations, but there’s none quite like Paul King’s 2023 remake. While Gene Wilder was sly and enigmatic, and Johnny Depp was part loopy, part nightmare, Timothee Chalamet is full of joy and candy-coated wonder, ready to jump to the next jaunty musical sequence at any chance. Unlike the previous Wonkas, Chalamet’s character does not have an ounce of guile. 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to milk a giraffe? Look no further. This movie has a scene – and a song – all about it. As well as a number of other bizarre scenarios you could only find in a Wonka musical. 

But in the end, the movie is whimsical, sweet, and full of scrumdiddlyumptious treats. What more could you ask from a Willy Wonka film? 

The verdict: 7/10

7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

The Mission Impossible franchise has spanned a few decades and spawned a number of entertaining summer action flicks over the years. It’s even fair to say there hasn’t been a bad Mission Impossible film throughout its history. 

However, after nearly 30 years, the franchise is now coming to a close, and it’s determined to end on an epic note. Dead Reckoning brings us the penultimate sequel to the series with significantly higher stakes. Action star Tom Cruise is known for choreographing death-defying stunts, and this time, he’s jumping off cliffs from a motorcycle and driving drifts in intense car chases. His action sequences are never short of breathtakingly impressive. 

Dead Reckoning may not be the blockbuster of the summer, but it’s absolutely worth the watch and anticipates a promising finale to the grand series. 

The verdict: 8/10

6. Priscilla 

Priscilla Presley is a name often associated with the king of rock n’ roll, but the latest in Sofia Coppola’s directorial repertoire puts her life in the spotlight, painting a raw and realistic portrait of her relationship with Elvis. 

Based on the memoir by Priscilla Presley, the film carefully details the life of stardom through the perspective of a young girl suddenly swept into the world of Hollywood and fame. 

Cailee Paeny and Jacob Elordi are perfectly cast in their lead roles, doing an impeccable job playing their larger-than-life roles. While Baz Luhrman’s 2022 Elvis was an exuberant and lavish depiction of the titular figure, Priscilla offers a more subdued, complex version of Elvis stripped of the glitz and glamor. 

Like much of Coppola’s catalog, Priscilla is heavy on atmosphere and driven by characters rather than narrative. The result is a beautifully crafted though slow-paced film complemented by sweeping cinematography, riveting performances, and a perfectly curated soundtrack. 

The verdict: 8/10

5. Air

There’s only one movie that can manage to make business dealing look interesting. That movie is Air. 

Based on the real-life story of Nike and their billion-dollar partnership with Michael Jordan, Air revolves around the inner workings of creating one of the most successful shoe brands. The film is as inspiring as it is entertaining; the characters are compelling, and the dialogue is slick, filled with clever banter in Moneyball style. 

25 years after co-writing and starring in Good Will Hunting, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon mark their return as talented film collaborators in this timeless underdog story about grit, passion, and finding potential. 

The verdict: 8/10

4. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the perfect example of a sequel done right. It builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, including numerous easter eggs from the previous films, while still offering something new. Despite the broad cast of characters, each Spiderman is compellingly written, from its loveable protagonists to its clever villains. 

This movie does the multiverse concept justice, with every character, setting, and subplot equally fleshed out with their own unique personality and art design. A tour de force of colorful comic-styled animation and an incredible soundtrack, Across the Spider-Verse remains not only one of, if not the best Spider-Man film, but also a pop culture staple and one of the most brilliant animated features of our time. 

The verdict: 8.5/10

3. Anatomy of a Fall

What happens when a wife becomes a suspect in a tragic incident, and her blind son bears as the sole witness? 

Anatomy of a Fall answers this question, but not in the way you’d expect it to. Delving into moral dilemmas and finding the truth, the script plays out in the most clever ways possible, as mystery, tension, and unsettlement build throughout each scene. Each performance is phenomenal, but the most unexpected stand-out comes from Messi, the dog. 

In fact, it may just be a good thing that there isn’t an Oscars category dedicated to dogs because this border collie would have far and away swept the awards. 

The verdict: 8.5/10

2. Oppenheimer 

Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus is cinema at its best, a three-hour spectacle of some of the best performances, cinematography, and music put to screen in the past decade. Rich in nuanced storytelling, Oppenheimer thoughtfully illustrates the life of one of the most influential physicists in history, detailing his personal life and the creation of the most destructive invention ever created: the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy's depiction of the brilliant character of J. Robert Oppenheimer is done with skill and passion, and Robert Downey Jr. is show-stopping with the best performance of his entire career. 

At times, the pacing is slow, and the final act drags a bit long, but as it builds to its epic climax, each minute of its three-hour runtime is worth sitting through. The film brings out Nolan’s best as an accomplished filmmaker, a culmination of his life’s work and dedication throughout the years. Ultimately, it is a film that begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible to fully appreciate it in all its glory, worthy of its golden accolades as the best depiction of history’s worst and greatest achievement. 

The verdict: 9/10

1. The Holdovers 

The Holdovers is a delightfully surprising film that feels like a breath of fresh air amongst the slate of big-budget blockbusters and grand productions. 

Marking director Alexander Payne’s return to form, The Holdovers is a beautifully crafted film in every aspect. The cinematography is gorgeous, the soundtrack is well-curated, and the characters add a great layer of heart and genuineness to the story. Its dialogue-driven narrative thoughtfully balances dramatic elements with witty humor, heartfelt moments, and a touch of nostalgia, coupled with phenomenal performances by Paul Giamatti and the supporting cast. 

Set in a 1970s New England prep school, this movie exudes a classic charm with its exquisite period details. A passionate and heartwarming story wrapped up in an endearing holiday spirit, The Holdovers is a film that truly feels like a warm hug – which is exactly what anyone needs. 

The verdict: 9/10

As the temperature rises, students are quickly buzzing around the house to find their sunglasses and tank tops, for summer is on its way. While we are all very excited for summer, we must remember to finish our studies strong and establish peer connections to last until after the break. Here are three helpful tips on how you can enjoy the warm weather while finishing your schoolwork and keep learning every day.  

Complete School Outside

One of the most important ways to stay well is to soak in the warm summer sunshine. A great way to do that is to complete our schoolwork outside. If you can find a comfortable, low-glare place to take your Chromebook and work on daily assignments, then you will already be enjoying your summer outdoors while getting some natural vitamin D.

Find Different Learning Opportunities Outside of School

Oftentimes, students think of the break as a time to do no learning and rest their brains, but really, all this does is shorten our opportunities for our minds to continue growing. Students often lose academic skills without continually learning. A great way to reinforce what you learned this year is to look at your grade-level Principal’s Corner over the break. School leaders will post resources you can use all summer, including Khan Academy. 

Beyond academic opportunities, volunteering is a great way to learn through experience and give back to your community. Consider local animal shelters, food banks, and other worthy groups that need helping hands.

Most local libraries offer summer programs to help you connect with your community and keep learning. There, you can find summer reading programs with fun challenges that can help expand your reading horizons – and you can even win some prizes out of it, too. 

Creativity is Key

Whether it is drawing, painting, coloring, typing, writing, or reading, creativity is a great way to keep your mind active. All of these activities are fun and can have summer themes, but they help you engage your imagination. You can have fun experimenting with new skills, like cooking or baking.

Consider these ideas for enjoying the summer months without spending too much time passively staring at screens. Remember, you can alter these ideas as much as you’d like; make them fit your schedule and find something that works for you this summer!

ORCA’s “Refer A Friend” program is back! From May 1 through October 4, families can refer new students to ORCA and receive a $25 Amazon gift card for every new student enrolled.

Additionally, for referring five new people, students can win an additional $100 Amazon gift card. And after referring 10 students, ORCA families earn a fifth-generation Apple iPad Pro.

Even if you’re not returning next year, you can still refer friends and claim prizes. It is up to the enrolling students to let ORCA know who referred them, so make sure your friends remember to put your name down. 

To read about eligibility, extended dates, and terms and conditions, you can check out this page. 

To show support for the school community and win prizes, students can invite their friends to the world of online schooling.

The printable version of the crossword can be found HERE. All clues are listed below.

ACROSS

2. UFO sightings

4. Known for moose and lobsters

6. The centennial state

8. Home of country music

10. One main tourist attraction is Colonial Williamsburg 

11. Known for its potatoes

DOWN

1. The Goonies was filmed here 

3. Home to 5 major volcanoes and has a relatively rainy climate 

5. This state has more golf courses than any other state in the country. 

7. The hawkeye state

9. First state to ratify the Constitution

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

Below are the answers to the 2023-24 Movie/TV Show crossword from the May issue of The Current.

ACROSS

1.  Super Mario Bros = The movie adaption of the beloved video game featuring a plumber and his brother. (3 words) 

3. Dune Two = The masterfully crafted sequel to a movie adaption of a book by Frank Herbert. 

4. Miraculous = Based on the beloved TV series, this animated film features a girl and a boy who use special stones to transform themselves into superheroes inspired by a spotted red bug and a black feline.

7. Haunted Mansion = Movie inspired by a scary ride at Disneyland. (2 words)

9. Oppenheimer = The last name of the engineer who designed the first nuclear bomb.

11. Percy = The first name of the protagonist of a TV series adapted from the books by Rick Riordan.

13. Leo = Nominated for The Orcas, this movie’s protagonist is a 74-year-old lizard who is trying to escape his home.

DOWN

1. Spiderman = This arachnid-inspired superhero stars in the movie that won the 2024 Orcas. 

2. Barbie = While expected to be silly and have no substance, this record-breaking film tackles feminism and the patriarchy, being the highest-grossing movie to ever be produced by a woman.

5. Ballad = The first word of the movie adaptation of the spinoff prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy.

6. Wonka = Last name of a character who's portrayed by Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp, and Timothee Chalamet.

8.  Taylor = The first name of the famous pop star who stars in the movie following her groundbreaking tour across the world.

10. Mean Girls =The famous line 'On Wednesdays, we wear pink' comes from this 2024 musical. (2 words)

12. Asteroid City = Directed by Wes Anderson, this movie follows a grief-stricken father as he follows his genius son to a small, rural town, where they discover romance, sorrow, and an alien. (2 words)

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

How can I make sure to keep up with classes and communicate with teachers as final tests and projects are due?

~S. T. Ress

Great question! The end of the semester is a busy time of the year, so it’s important to stay caught up on schoolwork and communicate with your teachers. Here are some ways to manage your workload and create a plan to finish the year strong:

• Create a to-do list and calendar of priorities. Use this checklist to organize tasks into what you have completed and what you still need to finish. 

• Understand grading policies and be flexible. Consider if some classes have late penalties and prioritize completing work for these courses first. 

• Talk with the teacher, especially if you need to make a better catchup plan. Teachers can help you decide if one assignment is better to do first. The bigger assignments might need more time.

• Prioritize the assignments based on “Available Until” dates. For example, if your LA course doesn’t allow late work after two weeks, then do the older assignments for LA first and then finish the ones that can come in later or aren’t overdue. 

• Sign up for a one-on-one help session with your teacher to ensure you are targeting the right priorities. The Peer Tutoring program is another great resource to get support from your classmates who are knowledgeable about a particular subject you may be struggling with. 

• Be honest with yourself about what you can actually do in the time you have. 

Good luck!

ORCA’s NHS/NJHS

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

Editor’s note: The June issue will be the last of the school year, so questions submitted through the form will not be answered until the next school year.