November 2024

NHS/NJHS is hosting its annual club fair on November 15 from 11 a.m. to noon. Students in grades K-12 are invited to attend this virtual event to learn more about all the different clubs that ORCA has to offer this school year.

Students will be invited to join the NHS Zoom room, and from there they will be able to choose breakout rooms of participating clubs, where members and advisors will be waiting to showcase their work and program.

“We are super happy to be able to continue this popular event!” shares NHS President Reagan Stanek. “It’s an amazing opportunity to get first hand information from clubs. We hope to see you there!”

This event will be an opportunity for students to learn more about ORCA’s clubs, whether they are brand new or some of ORCA’s oldest. For more information regarding the club fair, please check out Field Trip Central and RSVP to attend.

Student Government President Emily Pennington has big plans for the student body this year. Citing her desire to amplify student voices, she discusses platforms for student body input, suggestion forms, and events students should keep an eye on.

Pennington’s passion for leadership started in online school when she saw the chance to run for senator. At her previous school, there was no Student Government, so she hadn’t been exposed to a program like this. “I was instantly excited, and when I was accepted I was thrilled to serve in a leadership role and make a difference,” says Pennington.

Now a senior, she’s looking toward a future in Disney Imagineering as a project manager. A big fan of Disney and Star Wars, Pennington spends most of her time outside of school and Student Government learning about project management, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Emily started her leadership journey at ORCA as a senator and worked her way up to president through various roles on the Executive Board. Current Activities Director Reagan Stanek first showed her the senator application form in a live class, and her former advisor and current AVID teacher Stephanie Vitro encouraged her to take the initiative.

“I LOVED being a senator and being a part of Student Government so much that I wanted to know if there was a way that I could make even more of an impact in Student Gov,” Pennington reflects.

She talks about how moving up to the role of Social Media Coordinator, as Student Government’s first, was a humbling opportunity. The following year she continued her journey representing high school senators as the Senior Senator Representative, a position open to HS sophomores-seniors.

“Toward the end of that school year, when the executive board election time came, I had a decision to make. I knew I wanted to make a big impact on [Student Government] in my senior year,” Pennington shared.  “But I was unsure if I wanted to apply for ORCA Student Government president or vice president, knowing that if I didn't get voted in, I may not be on the [executive] board at all.”

Ultimately, she decided to go for the role of president, campaigning her way through ORCA election season, and emerging victorious. “I was thrilled to find out that I was voted into the presidential position, and as I am serving, I am doing my best to make as many positive changes and program additions for ORCA's student body as possible!”

Now as president, she’s focused on the future of Student Government and the improvements she hopes to make to its systems this school year.

“I want to make sure that there’s a prominent student voice in Student Government,” Pennington explains.

“I know a lot of times people think it's just the senators and Executive Board working together and deciding things for the whole school, but I want to make sure that it's known that with what we do, we want to take the voice from the students and use that in our events and all of the initiatives that we do in Student Government.”

She later describes an initiative she is working on with administration to get approved: a suggestion form for ORCA students to share their thoughts on events and general happenings around school.

Her hope is that students feel comfortable enough to share their opinions with the Executive Board and their grade-level senators through these initiatives.

Not only is she looking forward to increased student body involvement, but she’s also looking toward development within Student Government. “I'm hoping to see a lot of teamwork. I know in the past, it was kind of separate, like we have the marketing, events, and newsletter committees, and we can do more collaboration between all of them,” she comments.

Her experience as a senator drives this ambition. “I've learned I can have a voice, and that I can express that, and people will be able to hear me, and that I can help make a difference. And I think everybody else in Student Government, too, our main goal is to make a difference.”

She recalled many highlights from her Student Government years. Among these are working on the “Head in the Clouds” prom and learning from former President Grace Peterson and Vice President Ahnalya De Leeuw.

Emily hopes more students will take up the chance to serve. “I think it's also about having a framework and a good group of people that want to make a difference and want to see improvements in their school, not only by changing old programs, but also by adding new ones.”

She went on to discuss events coming to ORCA, most notably Winter Social, and Prom later in the spring. She wants to take what past ORCA Student Governments have done for prom and build on it this year. “I think definitely taking some inspiration from what's happened in the past with prom,” Pennington notes, while also hoping to take it in a new direction. 

“This year, having an actual venue is going to be something that's different for us, that we haven't done in a while,” she adds. “Theme-wise, I know we're looking into softer themes.”

Pennington also hopes to create monthly events like assemblies for students. One of Student Government’s new plans for this year is hosting ninth-grade assemblies to assist with the transition from middle to high school and provide opportunities for lower classmen to get tips from upperclassmen.

“I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for ORCA and the Student Government program. Student Government has really helped the leadership in me thrive and has let me tap into my creativity when planning our events.”

With autumn having finally arrived, it is time to take a look at what ORCA appreciates about this cozy seasons from the results of the “Student Favorites” poll.

Question one: What is your favorite autumn scent?

First place: Pumpkin Pie 29.8%

Second place: Vanilla 28.7%

Third place: Apple Cider 23.4%

Fourth place: Cinnamon 18.1%

"Fall is a beautiful time of year,” a student voter comments. “And all the leaves and scents are amazing.” 

Question two: Where is the best place for fall/autumn coffee or drinks?

First place: Dutch Bros 49.5%

Second place: Starbucks 45.2%

Third place: Black rock 5.4% 

“I love the Pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks, I look forward to it every October!” exclaims one Starbucks voter.

Question three: What's your favorite fall drink?

First place: Apple Cider 33%

Second place: Hot chocolate 27.7%

Third place: Chai tea 21.3%

Fourth place: Pumpkin Spice Latte 18.1%

“Hot Chocolate isn't really my thing but I love apple cider,” shares another voter.

 “I chose apple cider because of the warm, old, timely feeling you get when you drink it. Cider is better than most drinks, only when it has a good seasoning,” an apple-cider enthusiast mused.

Another student disagreed, saying, “Hot chocolate is an all-time classic. It doesn't matter if it's spring or winter, it carries the holiday spirit and good vibes.”

Question four: What's your favorite way to decorate a pumpkin? 

First place: Carving 60.4%

Second place: Don’t decorate pumpkins 18.8%

Third place: Painting 16.7%

Fourth place: Drawing 4.2%

Several voters agreed that “carving a pumpkin is the only correct way to decorate a pumpkin.”

Question five: What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?

First place: Pumpkin pie 31.3%

Second place: Mashed potatoes 28.1%

Third place: Ham 18.8%

Fourth place: Don't celebrate Thanksgiving 7.3%

“Those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I will be genuinely surprised if you don't choose pumpkin pie,” one student mused. “Pie is simply the best option.” 

“I think that Mashed Potatoes are one of the best Thanksgiving foods because they go with all the stuff on the table like ham, turkey, and gravy,” shares one student. “This is also a reason why I chose that food because it comes in the biggest quantity on the table.”

Question six: What is your favorite part of fall? 

First place: Weather 51%

Second place: Halloween candy 20.8%

Third place: Halloween costumes 15.6%

Fourth place: Decorations 12.5%

“The weather because when leaves fall, they are so fun to bury your siblings in and you can have snowball fights without being cold,” states one voter.

One student was convinced that “fall weather is just perfect. It's never too hot, but also not freezing cold. Plus, everything is so pretty when it frosts over in the morning, paired with the colorful leaves.”

This year's fall favorites are pumpkin pie scent, Dutch Bros, apple cider, carving pumpkins, pumpkin pie on thanksgiving, and the fall weather.

ORCA’s Drama Club is holding auditions on November 8 and 15 at 2 p.m., for the 2024 production cycle later this month.

Drama Club, the relatively new performing arts club that has attracted everyone from people interested in show business to hard-core theater nerds, is a fun, interactive student body that centers around stagecraft and acting. It’s designed to encourage participation, strengthen speaking and social skills, and help develop confidence.

Every year, the Drama Club puts on a theater production, usually an original play written by one of the members. Last year’s play was Willow in the Woods, written by Chelsia Henry, though it didn’t make it through the whole production.

This year’s play is a rerun of Willow in the Woods, written by Chelsia Henry. It stars Flora Bright on her quest to find her missing friend Willow, while following clues in the middle of the winter.

The roles that students can audition for are, but not limited to:

• Flora Bright

• Narrator

• Noah Bright

• Jade Taylor

• Willow Lakes

• Benny Woods*

Check out the Drama Club if you are interested in auditioning for a part, or reach out to Erika Hand for more information at ehand@oregoncharter.org. 

*This is a tentative list, and not definitive.

Five weeks into the fall season, ORCA Esports teams are off to a strong start, making a splash on their opponents and ramping up for post-fall season playoffs.

ORCA’s only League of Legends team, The Silly Gooses are ranked #14 out of 35 teams, with only two losses. They’re sitting comfortably at a winning record of 3-2.

Meanwhile, teams in Overwatch 2 are excelling, with the Stardust Crusaders ranked #13 and the Confuzzled Crusaders ranked #19 out of 83 teams. The Stardust Crusaders boast a 4-1 record currently and are looking towards building on to their  winning streak. 

The Edge Guards, competing in Super Smash Bros have grapple throughout the past couple of weeks, starting the season 2-1 and then taking two losses to establish their 2-3 record, with a #50 ranking out of 101 teams. 

In Rocket League, the last of the four games ORCA Esports competes in, the teams are off to a solid start with their first team having an undefeated record (5-0) and clinching an early playoff spot. They’re currently the #2 ranked team out of 88. ORCA Rocket League 2 (1-4) is ranked #56 out of 88 teams.

Cody Carter, a player for ORCA Rocket League 1, led all scorers last week at 898.5 points. The 2nd place scorer for last week trailed by a massive 50 points. 

With playoffs looming, and more spots available, ORCA’s Esports teams will be attempting to produce some of their best work to date. Stay tuned for more Esports updates.

On October 18, students from all over the state were invited to Wilsonville for the first ORCA Hangouts of the school year. The HS Hangout took place from 1 - 3 p.m., and the Elementary and MS Hangouts happened earlier in the day, from 10 a.m to noon. The numbers at these hangouts broke records, with over forty students in attendance at both the combined middle school and elementry event and the high school gathering.

The ping-pong table was, as usual, a hotspot at the hangout, with players of every skill level getting involved. “Very chaotic, I'll tell you that!” shares ORCA junior Lexie Loeb. 

While some students played ping-pong, others headed for games such as UNO, Chicken Challengers, Pokemon Monopoly, and chess. Teachers and students alike competed at cards and board games. “What's the opposite of undefeated?” asks ORCA Algebra teacher Mrs. Johnson. “Because that's what I am right now. I've lost every single game I've played so far.”

While some students got competitive in card games, others started keeping score on the ping-pong matches, with some students jokingly betting on the games and others offering play-by-play commentary. 

The next ORCA Hangouts are on November 22, so check out Field Trip Central and RSVP if you are interested in attending.

Starting soon, students who have completed two years of high school foreign language courses with at least an A- each term can join one of ORCA’s new language honor societies.

“This will distinguish students that go beyond the minimum in their Spanish language journey. It is an opportunity to show colleges and potential employers a skill and commitment to understanding other cultures and languages in our ever more connected global economy,” says Spanish teacher Eric Briggs. 

Briggs, as well as French and Spanish teacher Lisa Rollot, will soon be opening chapters of the AATF (American Association of Teachers of French) and AATSP (American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese) honor societies. They hope that dedicated students will take the opportunity to showcase their commitment to linguistic studies.

“[The Société Honoraire de Français] provides a vehicle to focus activities around French language and Francophone literatures and cultures, and to encourage participation in the annual writing contest and travel grant competition,” the AATF website says.

Scholarships and awards are offered by both AATSP and AATF branches for high-achieving students in chapters nationwide. The ATTSP, in partnership with the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (SHH), offers two opportunities for students each year.

The Joseph Adams Senior Scholarship awards $2,000 and $1,000 to exceptional seniors that are interested in pursuing college, university, or secondary education.

The Bertie Green Travel Award provides juniors in the AATSP honor society the chance to travel to a Spanish-speaking country alongside other top students from across the United States. This year, 18 students will travel to the Dominican Republic to experience its culture.

Students who have completed the membership requirements at ORCA will receive an invitation to join their language’s honor society. Those who accept will pay a one-time membership fee and be inducted through a formal ceremony.

No meetings are planned for the first year, but inductees will have the option to organize meetings and events if they choose.

“I hope to grow our world language offerings here at ORCA and encourage all students to study a second language,” French and Spanish teacher Rollot explains. “By publicizing our students' success, I hope to convince our school community that speaking a second language is within their reach. Many students are afraid that it will be a difficult elective and so they don't allow themselves to even try.”

In addition to joining the program, students can wear a Spanish or French honor cord at graduation and order additional regalia representing their language. This achievement can be included on résumés, and for students applying to four-year universities, it signifies the completion of the two-year foreign language requirement often necessary for admission.

“The success of our students who do accept the challenge and succeed should be shared in our school community and should be celebrated at graduation by their families and friends. The ultimate goal is to create lifelong language learners who are able to participate more fully in our highly connected world by not only speaking a second language, but also understanding the culture and history of its people,” Rollot finishes.

For more information on these chapters and requirements, check out the AATSP and AATF websites. If you’re a part of a language program at ORCA currently, keep your grades up and check with your teacher to see if you are eligible to join the chapter.

Last month, The Current challenged students to demonstrate their support of Bullying Awareness through the power of art. Congratulations to Ike B., the winner of this month’s art contest.

Bullying Awareness Month may be over, but the awareness continues to thrive in defiance.

Thank you to all of the students that participated in the art showcase. On behalf of The Current, please stay tuned for more upcoming polls, contests, and other student interactive content in future issues.

The Yearbook club is excited to announce that they are now accepting submissions for the 2024-25 yearbook cover design. This year's theme is Retro Flowers, providing students the opportunity to reinvent the goal of achieving artistic interpretations of vibrant, vintage floral designs that capture the spirit of nostalgia and ORCA.

Guidelines:

• Theme: Retro Flowers – think bold colors, groovy patterns, and classic 60s-70s floral aesthetics.

• Format: Digital submissions must be high-resolution (300 DPI) in PDF or PNG format. Hand-drawn submissions should be scanned and submitted digitally.

• Size: 8 x 10 inches (standard yearbook size), front cover only.

• Deadline: All submissions must be turned in by January 31 at 4 p.m. 

• How to Submit: Submit your designs HERE.  

• Eligibility: Open to all high school students in grades 9 - 12. 

Winner's Perks:

• Your design will be featured on the 2024-25 yearbook cover.

• Recognition in the yearbook with a particular artist spotlight.

• A free copy of the yearbook for your portfolio from the yearbook staff.

Get creative, get inspired, and take a trip back in time with refreshing designs. The Yearbook club can’t wait to see how you bring the Retro Flowers theme to life.

For more information regarding the yearbook’s cover submission, please contact Ms. Ellerman.

ORCA held its third annual Anti-Bullying assembly on October 11 to reinforce the school’s commitment to eliminating bullying and promoting inclusivity. As attendees joined the meeting, they were welcomed by Student Government’s Executive Board members.

This assembly proved to be informative and dynamic, providing students with valuable insight on identifying bullying and effective strategies to combat it. The goal was to empower students with the knowledge and tools to stand up to bullying and support their peers.

Hosted by Student Government’s President Emily Pennington, Newsletter Committee Leader Lily Dixon, and Social Media Coordinator Leesy Lindsay, who discussed various aspects of bullying. They educated the audience on the difference between an upstander, someone who actively supports and stands up for victims of bullying, and a bystander, someone who witnesses the bullying but does not take action to stop it. A core theme was the importance of working together and showing support for other students. 

Students participated in a Kahoot game, answering some of the following questions:

• What does it mean to be an upstander?

• What is one thing you can do to support others and include them?

• What percentage of students who are bullied do not report it to an adult? (60%)

• How many students miss school each day in fear of being bullied? (1-in-7)

• What percent of students have seen bullying trends decrease when anti-bullying programs are implemented? (60%)

• What percent of students say they are more likely to intervene after receiving anti-bullying education? (70%)

"One of the main goals of our Student Government is to promote inclusivity and help foster positive and supportive connections between members of the student body," explains Calla Mapel, Student Government's advisor. “The more students we can help bring into the loop, and the more aware we can be of each other and of our larger school community, the more likely we are to be able to stomp out bullying completely.”

ORCA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and encourages students to speak with their advisors or other trusted adults if they encounter any issues. In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, many students wore blue and orange to show their support.

"We are so thankful for those that were able to come to this assembly,” said Pennington. 

“We hope that everyone enjoyed the facts, Kahoot, and the message to spread kindness and do our best to stomp out bullying!” She added, “Our SG team did a great job of working together and presenting this important Anti-Bullying message to our ORCA Community! I am so grateful to my SG team for their incredible work and support."

The assembly concluded with a special thanks from Student Government members, ORCA’s counselors, and all those who attended. It served as a reminder of the importance of unity and support in the fight against bullying.

Claire Jennings, an ORCA 2023 graduate, is a sophomore at Indiana University at Bloomington. Throughout her time at Oregon Charter Academy, she was involved in numerous clubs and activities, including HOSA, National Honor Society, Student Government, Pens & Prose, ORCA’s student-run newspaper, The Current, Broadcasting Club, Breakfast Club, and Yearbook. Her dedication and leadership are evident through her roles as the former President and Secretary of HOSA, Co-President of NHS, and State Finalist in the 2023 Healthcare Issues Exam. 

Claire’s journey with ORCA began on October 31, 2017. After experiencing bullying at her previous school, her sister’s positive experience at ORCA influenced her to enroll in a safer, more supportive community. With a flexible learning environment, engaging teachers, and memorable field trips, she quickly fell in love with the new platform. Despite facing bumps in the road, Jennings’ determination to graduate from ORCA never wavered, resulting in cherished memories and lasting friendships.

Although Jennings initially aspired to be a pediatrician and pursued her passion for medical sciences through the ASCEND program, her creative talents eventually led her to the field of film. She often submitted medical science projects in media formats, such as instructional videos and short skits. Pursuing her passion as a film student, she embraced her artistic path, never regretting the decision to follow her dreams.

During her time at ORCA, Jennings faced challenges throughout 11th grade, struggling with three AP classes and numerous extracurriculars while battling personal challenges. However, the support from her social worker, friends, NHS crew, and teachers helped her overcome these obstacles. She learned to prioritize her well-being and recognize her limits, developing an understanding that self-care is more important than perfection. 

"Work at your own pace and recognize 'the maximum.' The maximum is the point in any effort which ends up being unhealthy,” Jennings states.

Jennings fondly remembers the impactful teachers who shaped her educational journey: Ms. Lee and Dr. Washak, her HOSA advisors, were compassionate, creative, and inspiring mentors, while Dr. Eide, her 8th-grade Gifted and Talented Literature Study teacher, ignited her passion for film by encouraging innovative projects. These teachers were not only cornerstones who provided academic guidance but also formed lasting personal connections that Jennings continues to cherish to this day.

“I went to ORCA so I could feel safe in my home and try out a new experience. I immediately fell in love with it,” she shares. “I knew from the moment I joined my first Live Lesson that I wanted to graduate from this school.”

ORCA provides an array of field trip opportunities, both in-person and virtual, which vary from tours and hikes to high school hangouts and laser tag. These events foster student connections, create long lasting friendships, and immerses students in real-world experiences.

Here are some of the field trips offered in November:

Laser Tag and Games (11/7)

Encouraging participation from all grade levels, spend an hour playing laser tag and other games at Bullwinkle’s with ORCA P.E. and Health teacher Katie Alikin and MS advisory teacher Molly Grove, along with other ORCA students. Students will be required to pay for the games on site; laser tag is $10 per person per game.

BLS Training (ASCEND Students Only) (11/15)

Hosted by ASCEND Medical Teacher Elizabeth Washak, this event is exclusively for ASCEND junior and senior students. It is held on November 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The training will be held in the Portland metro area and you must RSVP to attend.

Board Game Event (11/15)

ORCA K-12 students are invited to join their peers and play a variety of board games. It’s a great opportunity to make friends and meet ORCA teachers including math teacher Jim Keehn. This event is on November 15, from 1 - 3 p.m. It’s in the Portland Metro area and is limited to 50 people. Make sure to RSVP by November 11 to obtain a spot.

Dream Job: Construction Manager (11/19)

Scheduled for November 19 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., this virtual field trip is designed for middle school and high school students. Hosted by ASCEND Advisor Liberty Lacy and Fred Napolitano of Napolitano Homes, this event offers students a chance to explore the construction industry. Attendees will gain insights into the role of a construction project manager at Napolitano Homes, which operates in North Carolina and Virginia. The event will highlight the essential training and employability skills required for success in this field. Students are encouraged to come prepared with questions to make the most of this learning opportunity.

This event also meets requirements in the Career STAR 1 course.

Limited to a maximum of 25 attendees, the RSVP deadline is November 18 at 6 p.m.

ORCA Hangouts (11/22)

Join ORCA Health and P.E. teachers Jeremy Vandenboer and Nikki Coleman at ORCA’s Wilsonville office to make friends, play games, and spend time with fellow classmates in-person. Elementary and middle school students are invited to  hang out from 10 a.m. to noon. The High School Hangout is from 1 - 3 p.m.

The events above are a small portion of what ORCA has to offer. Go through the Principal's corner and head to Field Trip Central, where you can view them by region, grade level, or dates. Make sure to RSVP to attend.

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

ACROSS

1.  The proper name of a large stringed instrument, cousins with the bass and viola, typically used with a bow. 

3. The largest brass instrument in the orchestra, known for its deep, resonant sound.

6. Metal disc that creates a sharp, ringing tone when struck; a member of the Percussion family.

7.  The most well-known instrument in the string family, played with a bow and essential in the orchestra.

8. String instrument larger than a violin, with a deeper sound, often playing inner harmonies in orchestral and chamber music.

10. Iconic wind instrument featuring a bag and drones, known for its unique, haunting sound, traditionally linked to Scottish and Celtic music.

12. Grand keyboard instrument that creates music by directing air through a series of pipes, renowned for its powerful sound in cathedrals and concert venues.

13. A colossal string instrument that produces the lowest pitches in orchestras, played with levers for bowing.

DOWN

2. Stringed instrument popular in Renaissance music.

4. Woodwind instrument with a double reed, known for its rich, deep sound.

5. Small, egg-shaped wind instrument known for its sweet, melodic sound.

9. Colorful percussion instrument featuring wooden bars and played with mallets.

11. An 88 keyed instrument usually considered to be a string instrument, despite the mallet mechanism that technically classifies it as percussion.

The answers will be published in The Current’s December issue.

Below are the answers to the Fall Crossword from the October issue of The Current.

ACROSS

1. October = The month of tricks and treats.

2. Apple = Caramel ___

4. Cornucopia = The horn of the river god Achelous, usually depicted with food sprouting from it.

7. Cranberries = A bitter round red fruit, used to make sauces.

8. Pecan = Brown, edible nut from a hickory tree, popular in pies.

10. Marshmallow = A sticky white treat that pairs well with chocolate and graham crackers.

12. Tangerine = A small, sweet citrus fruit; a cousin of the orange.

13. Root vegetable = Potatoes, carrots, yams, and radishes are all examples of this.

DOWN

1. Orange = A warm, sunset color into which leaves change.

3. Equinox = When a day is exactly the same length as the night– happens two times per year.

5. Nutmeg = A spice often used in baking and cooking, known for its warm, slightly sweet flavor.

6. Scarecrow = A straw figure typically placed in fields to frighten away birds.

9. Rake = A broom-like gardening tool used to gather up fallen leaves.

11. Nature =  The general word for the great outdoors.