October 2024

Welcome back, ORCA!

We are pleased to announce the return of The Current for our fourth full year as the school’s best digital news source. 

Since our debut in June of 2021, we’ve written and published well over 500 articles, covering a wide range of topics, from controversial polls highlighting the famous Ducks vs. Beavers rivalry, to articles about how vegetables don’t exist, at least not in botany. It’s been quite a journey, and your support along the way has made all the difference.

This school year, our team is looking to keep our articles educational, professional and engaging, while also keeping our lighthearted spirit. We’ll continue writing club spotlights, informative ORCA news pieces, updates about Student Government, hard news stories about changes in our school, profiles of students and staff who do cool stuff, reviews and much more. We want our readers to feel connected to what’s happening within their school community and we’ll strive to make that happen in a fun and enjoyable way. 

We also recognize the importance of hearing from students and teachers. Each student and faculty member brings a perspective that we value, and we want to hear from you! Your experiences and stories give us insight to the school community as a whole so please share them with us through our contribution and contact forms. We’re eager to hear from you and help you get involved.

In addition to school related news, we’ll be offering a variety of content that keeps everyone informed and entertained. Keep an eye out for our Field Trip roundups, which serve as a guide for finding events and activities in your area. We’ll also have polls of varying levels of seriousness, along with fun crosswords to bring a quick brain-break to your school day. 

This year, we also want to shine a spotlight on the diverse creative talents within our school community. Whether you’re an animator, musician, photographer, or if you're gifted in some other creative way, there’s a place for you in one of our issues. As long as you follow our content guidelines and your work is school-appropriate, it can be spotlighted on our Showcase tab of our site for the student body to see and appreciate.

A huge thanks goes to our past Editors-in-Chief Ryland Bickley and Hannah Ma, whose hard work and efforts helped shape our publication into what it is today. 

Bickley, who founded the club, grew our content and nurtured our club into one of ORCA’s most visible student organizations. He's now Editor-in-Chief of Linn-Benton Community College's student paper, The Commuter. Ma continued that growth and expanded our coverage of school programs like Student Government, NHS, and Esports. She's now bringing her spirit for journalism and business to Portland Community College's Rock Creek campus. Their contributions will not be forgotten, and we’re looking to build on the foundation they created.

I’m proud to have been a part of Newspaper Club for the past year and a half as a writer and through the influence of many great club mentors, I’ve grown immensely from an eighth grader that just liked to write about sports to the editor I am now. 

Our editorial board and dedicated writers have been key in young journalists’ development through Newspaper Club. If you like to write, start writing for The Current.  Or you can just check out our meetings. Observe what we do and the fun we have while doing it. We’d love it if you’d join us.

Finally, thank you for your continued support of The Current. We’re so proud to be messengers for important information and to help entertain our school community. We’re excited about the year ahead and can’t wait to share more stories with you all. 

There’s this saying, 'It’s a big city, but a small town,' and we genuinely feel that way about the community of students that read our monthly issues. You might be one person among many, but we value each and every single reader that adds to that tally. You don’t have to contribute to make a difference; just reading this is already a fantastic start.

Oregon Charter Academy, we thank you for reading The Current!

ORCA Graduation took place on June 8 at Cascade Hall, with seniors ending their high school journey in bittersweet fashion.

Students showed up to the Oregon State Fairgrounds that morning and  lined up to get their caps and gowns, along with any special cords or stoles (cloth sashes draped over the robe) they received for their grades or for being a part of certain school programs and groups.

Graduation cords and stoles:

• Top 3% of class: Yellow cord

• Legacy (at ORCA since Kindergarten): White cord

• Student Gov: Red cord

• NHS:  Blue/Yellow cord

• ASCEND: Blue/Green/Orange cord

• AVID: Blue/White cord

• Special stole designs for the Valedictorian and Salutatorians

After rehearsals and lunch, staff arrived, families filled the seats and the program began. Executive Director Allison Galvin opened up the ceremony, repeating a phrase from a mentor teacher: “It is up to you to create the environment you want to live in each day.” She focused on this idea, encouraging students to take charge of their lives. 

Her next piece of advice for graduates tackled the subject of assuming the best of others when communicating. “When we do not assume positive intent, sometimes we let our own concerns, perspectives, experiences, impact how we receive or perceive feedback or a comment.”

Mrs. Galvin finished by congratulating the seniors for entering the next stage of their lives, and thanking them for the legacy they’ve left at Oregon Charter Academy.

Next, student leaders gave speeches to commemorate the special moments from the Class of 2024 before continuing on to the next chapter of their lives.

Last year’s Student Government President Grace Peterson started her speech by acknowledging that high school wasn’t all sunshine and flowers, but there were levels to it. “As someone who grew up watching the Disney Channel, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what high school was going to be like. Elaborately choreographed dances, lots and lots of singing, and endless, meaningless Sharpay drama.”

“You can imagine my surprise when there wasn’t a lot of this, but there was so much … math? High school is hard,” she opined. She went on to list some of the challenges students face in high school, like studying, choosing what they’re going to do for the rest of their lives, taking the SATs, getting a job, and dealing with the sometimes contradictory advice from others. “This adversity is a stepping stone in finding our identity. So yes, high school is hard, but my goodness it’s worth it.”

Peterson went on to discuss the many sleepless nights she was up cramming for a test, but also the nights she stayed up playing video games with friends, listening to music, and laughing at the most “unfunny” jokes ever. 

“You know what? We may not have had elaborate High School Musical style dance breaks, but we did the Macarena at Western Winter, and I definitely think that counts…so perhaps this wasn’t exactly like High School Musical, but this is my musical and I’m honored to stand here today with all of you.”

Next, Valedictorian Isaac Choi and Salutatorians Alena Budko and Caidy Cann were honored on stage for receiving the top three cumulative GPAs in the Class of 2024.

Choi, who in addition to boasting the highest GPA of the graduating seniors, also received the honor of being a National Merit Scholar, commented on his pride in representing the hard work and dedication of the student body. He also earned admission to the highly competitive United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Choi went through an intense application process to become one of the 1150 cadets who would be attending West Point. 

Over the course of four years he will earn a Bachelor’s Degree of Science and gain knowledge and experience in military training. After he graduates the program, he’ll be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and be deployed to lead a group of soldiers and serve our nation. 

Students were asked to join in congratulating him as he embarked on his journey.

After Senior Manager of Counseling Marci Cammann finished the awards portion of the ceremony, the second student speaker of the night, Madison Tulare, addressed the Class of 2024. 

Tulare started by acknowledging the anxiety that came with preparing for a graduation speech and how that symbolically represented the online school experience. “I thought I was going to bail it, and undo it, but [I] decided I can’t let it control me for the rest of my life.” 

She outlined the non-visible achievements students have gone through to make it to the point of graduating, like fighting procrastination, pushing past negativity, and navigating the inevitable challenges of growing up. 

After graduation day is over, Tulare advised, “don’t let anything get into your way.” She went on to tell the students not to “let anyone affect what you want in life; this is your own story.”

Following Tulare’s speech, ASCEND, AVID, and legacy graduates were further honored by District Programs Director John Meyer, Language Arts Teacher Stephanie Vitro, and High School Principal Joe Mogford, respectively. Each of them outlined the additional work and responsibilities these students persevered through to graduate, and what they’ll take away from their experience for future endeavors. 

In the final address from a graduate, Student Government Vice President, NHS Secretary, and legacy student Ahnalya De Leeuw described the adaptability of an ORCA student. She starts by outlining the struggles legacy students overcame in the many years since Kindergarten–battling through the pandemic, being flexible during the wildfires and ice storms, and adjusting to an entirely new school system called Canvas. 

De Leeuw talked about how she witnessed student involvement in clubs foster community and encourage those who might otherwise be silent to share stories, whether it be their own, or something constructed in the realm of fantasy. “These stories are stories in the first place because we cared enough to notice these small moments in the first place, and either literally or figuratively write them, with the people we love.”

“My utmost ask is that you keep telling them in whatever chapter comes next in your lives so I can hear all about them.”

Students earlier in the spring were invited to nominate a teacher speaker. Their choice, 12th Grade Language Arts Teacher Steph Imig, delivered a heartfelt message to the Class of 2024 as the final speaker of the night before students would walk across the stage.

Not long after, High School Principal Joe Mogford and the other school administrators stood in a line, shaking the hands of each graduate before delivering that hard-earned diploma. Students who were not present at the ceremony were also acknowledged by name for a livestream that broadcast the day’s events far beyond the walls of the fairgrounds. 

After every graduate there had received a diploma, the Class of 2024 was invited to turn their tassels to the other side of their cap, a symbol of their transition from high school student to high school graduate. Caps then flew into the air, friends hugged, and the audience came down from the seats to congratulate these former ORCA students. 

Oregon Charter Academy students and families from all over the state gathered on September 13 at the annual Open House in Mill City to celebrate the beginning of the school year.

Open House takes place at the start of each fall semester, and represents an opportunity for students to meet their peers and connect. ORCA families can gather together, get school merchandise, take student portraits, build community and meet their teachers in-person.

The event also included a book fair, which consisted of a wide range of genres including picture books, young adult books, graphic novels, and more. Many students also went to the ORCA “swag” booth, where they could get wristbands and ORCA t-shirts with the tickets families were given upon arrival.

“It was a blast getting to see everyone in person! It adds so much more community to be able to add faces to the names,” says ORCA freshman Audrey Peterson. “I can't wait for more field trips!”

Attendees paid considerable attention to the booth advertising ORCA's upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. and New York, and many dozens of interested students signed up. Scheduled for Spring Break and hosted by Ms. Comstock and Ms. Leifer, the trip will last six days. This is Oregon Charter Academy's first interstate field trip and the first one involving air travel. For more information regarding the trip, click here.

The ORCA Cares Clothing Closet, run by ORCA’s Community Resource team, collected gently used clothing to give to families in need.

“Open House was so much fun!” shares Payton Khoury, an 8th grade student at ORCA. “It was great to meet new people, and to meet some of my teachers!”

The Student Government booth was another highlight of the event. With a few members of the 2024-2025 SG’s Executive Board present to publicize their work, they encouraged students to apply for the student senator position for this school year.

“I enjoyed the Open House because I got to socialize with fellow classmates, current teachers, and even teachers I had in past years,” says senior Senna A. “Plus, it gave me opportunities to explore fun activities that ORCA offers.”

The 2024-2025 school year is in full swing, and for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, it’s time to start planning for the AP exams in May 2025. Registering for AP exams requires careful preparation, so be sure to follow these steps if you plan on taking these optional exams.

AP Exams, while optional, offer significant benefits. They are scored on a scale of 1–5, with many colleges granting credit for scores of 3 or above. However, each college sets its own policy for accepting AP credits, so students should research how their target institutions evaluate AP scores. If your AP course is also a College Now (dual credit) course, you can earn college credit through that program as well. Discuss these options with your AP teacher to decide the best path for you.

The cost for each AP exam is $99, and additional fees may be charged by the testing school. Fee reductions/waivers are available for qualifying students, so inform the AP coordinator if you believe you qualify.

Here are the steps for AP exam registration:

1. Contact a Local Testing School: AP exams are not administered at Oregon Charter Academy, so you must find a local high school (public or private) willing to allow you to test at their location. You can find information about nearby schools that offer AP exams through the AP Course Ledger, which provides a comprehensive list of schools that may offer testing. After finding a school, do an internet search for the school’s phone number or email address.

2. Ask for an Exam Only Join Code: Once a school agrees to host you for the exam, they will provide an “Exam Only” Join Code for each AP exam you plan to take. You’ll need this code to complete registration.

3. Register in My AP Account: Log in to your My AP account at myap.collegeboard.org and enter the Exam Only Join Code(s). This step is critical, as the AP coordinator cannot order an exam for you without it.

4. Confirm Registration: After completing the registration, confirm all details with the AP coordinator, including payment deadlines and exam dates. There is a list of all AP exam dates on the AP Students section of the College Board website.

Experts recommend you begin this process as soon as you start the school year. Reaching out to potential testing schools as soon as possible ensures you have enough time to secure a testing site. If you don’t register in time, it is possible to take the AP exam next year for a course you are currently taking this year.

Remember that taking the AP exam is not a requirement for completing your AP course. It’s an opportunity to earn college credit and demonstrate mastery of the subject, but it is entirely up to you whether or not to take it. Discuss your options with your AP teacher if you are unsure.

For any further questions or concerns, reach out to your AP teacher as soon as possible. Best of luck to all students pursuing their AP exams this year!

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Plato

Every year in October, Bullying Awareness Month and World Unity Day serve as reminders of the ongoing fight against bullying. This month, ORCA’s counselors are working hard to raise awareness with an assembly and a sticker contest, so look out for info about that.

In commemoration of the struggles individuals face, The Current invites all students to participate in our own contest. The contest will focus on student creativity by capturing the theme of Bullying Awareness Month and World Unity Day through an artistic lens.

Students will be given an opportunity to submit their entries through this form. Submissions will be accepted until October 20. Selected pieces will be featured in The Current’s November issue.

The rules for the art showcase are as follows:

• Submissions must portray a message of unity and/or inclusion.

• Submissions must be school-appropriate.

• Submissions must be original work.

• Submissions are encouraged to have the themed colors: blue, orange, or both.

• All art forms are allowed.

• Only one submission is allowed per individual.

• Submissions that are created through the use of AI are prohibited.

Bullying Awareness Month and World Unity Day aren’t just there to tell us about the constant silent struggles that many face; they demonstrate defiance. Every brushstroke, dash of a pen, or creative thought is a reminder to cultivate inclusion and celebrate students’ uniqueness–through the power of art.

ORCA’s Middle School Student Government will host their second annual Executive Board elections on October 18. 

Students that are interested in applying for one of the five available positions should stay tuned for more information on how and when to apply.

Seventh and eighth grade senators with a record of leadership in their classrooms or communities are invited to apply and campaign for Vice President or President. 

All middle school senators can apply for the roles of Secretary, Activities Director, and Public Relations Officer.

Students in fifth grade will continue to participate in Student Government, but only in the form of the two committees: Activities and Public Relations. 

Leadership positions in MS Student Government are a great way to gain valuable experience  and could even pave the way for leadership in High School Student Government in the future.

Peer pressure is a common developmental issue that affects students around the world. It happens when individuals are influenced by the statements or actions of their peers that encourage or discourage certain behaviors. These pressures can either be positive or negative.

Positive peer pressure encourages behaviors that enhance an individual's personal development and well-being. This could include studying for exams, participating in extracurricular activities, or adopting healthy habits, like playing with pets or exercising daily. Positive peer pressure often leads to improved self-esteem, motivation, and overall a more constructive mindset.

On the other hand, negative peer pressure involves influence from others that encourages harmful behavior. This could include employing bad behaviors, neglecting responsibilities, or adopting unhealthy habits. Negative peer pressure often leads to stress, decreased self-esteem, and potential harm. 

The difference between the two lies in the outcomes of the behavior. If the behavior leads to personal growth, improved well-being, and aligns with one's values, it's likely positive peer pressure. If it leads to harm, stress, or conflicts with personal values, it's probably negative peer pressure.

Peer pressure isn’t only seen by the student body, but school counselors as well. Allison Meyer, ORCA’s middle school counselor, explains: “Peer pressure is the influencing of members within a social group to make certain decisions, or take part in certain actions. Peer pressure can cause someone to make a choice they wouldn't typically make on their own.”

“I think when people hear peer pressure, they often think of the negative aspects of peer pressure, like joining in on bullying, excluding someone, skipping classes, or taking part in risky behaviors.” Meyer explains. “However, peer pressure can result in positive outcomes as well, like standing up for others, pushing each other to work hard in school, or in the developing of healthy habits.”

“If you feel like you are being encouraged to do something you are not comfortable with, please reach out to a trusted adult in your life whether that is a parent, a family friend, or a staff member here at ORCA. It is so important to learn to stand up for yourself or what you believe is right. It can be difficult to resist negative peer pressure, especially if you are concerned with fitting in, but you will be stronger and ultimately happier for it if you stay strong in your beliefs.” 

Peer pressure can be rewarding and advantageous, but it also can be unhealthy and risky. Talk to a trusted adult if you feel that you may be in a negative peer pressure situation. If you ever feel like you are in an unsafe situation and you are being pressured to do something you are not comfortable with, don’t hesitate to reach out to a school counselor or trusted adult.

The start of the new school year brings field trips, some new, some familiar, for students to attend both in-person and virtually. Whether you’re looking to find a weekend activity, or wanting to get more involved in the ORCA community, field trips are a wonderful opportunity to meet peers and teachers.

In the month of October, many field trips are themed around the season of changing leaves and spooky feelings. Let’s take a look at some of these autumn-inspired events.

Live Tour of Monticello– Thomas Jefferson’s Home (10/10)

In this virtual event from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., high school students are invited to join Mrs. Comstock and the AP US History class for a virtual tour of Monticello, the longtime home of Thomas Jefferson, the third United States president. Joined by a guide that will lead the class through Monticello in real time, attendees will learn about the architectural beauty of the home and hear the stories of enslaved people that worked on the plantation.

*Students are asked not to skip one of their live classes if it coincides with the time of the field trip.

ORCA Hangouts (10/18)

Returning for the 2024-25 school year, Elementary and Middle School Hangouts will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. High School Hangouts is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. These hangouts will occur monthly starting in October and students are invited to come play games and hang out with fellow ORCA students and teachers.  

Legends & Tombstones: A Pioneer Cemetery Walk (10/25)

A Salem-Keizer regional event, Legends & Tombstones is open to students in grades K-12 that are looking to explore Oregon’s past and the legends and tales that come along with it. Led by Dr. Eide and Mr. Pollnow, students will tour the cemetery from 1o a.m. to 12 p.m. and immerse themselves in its history and legends.

Fall Fun at Smith Rock (10/25)

Students can enjoy fall fun at either Smith Rock State Park or Smith Rock Ranch with ORCA teachers Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Johnson. You’ll have the option to select either of the Terrebonne-based choices. At Smith Rock State Park, you’ll get to enjoy an easy hike of no more than two miles around the beautiful grounds. If you choose Smith Rock Ranch, you’ll be able to participate in activities like the corn maze, petting zoo, and pumpkin patch. 

*Please note that for Smith Rock State Park, you’ll have to purchase a day-use parking permit on their site.

*Most activities at Smith Rock Ranch require tokens/tickets that families will have to purchase.

Haystack Rock Tidal Ecosystem Tour (10/25)

A guide at Cannon Beach will be giving ORCA students a live viewing of Haystack Rock from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Students will learn about the bird and intertidal ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Island's National Wildlife Refuge. This is a virtual event, so all students in grades K-12 can attend.

Many regions in Oregon are offering a field trip at a local pumpkin patch. To find more events or see more details about an activity you’re interested in, please check out Field Trip Central and make sure to RSVP for any trips you plan to attend.

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

ACROSS

1. The month of tricks and treats.

2. Caramel ___

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

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

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

10. A delicious white treat that pairs well with chocolate and graham crackers.

12. A small, sweet citrus fruit with orange skin.

13. Potatoes, carrots, yams, and radishes are all this.

DOWN

1. A warm, sunset color that leaves change into.

3. When a day is exactly the same length as the night.

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

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

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

11. The general word for the great outdoors, the opposite of synthetic.

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

Below are the answers for the Summer Traveling (States) crossword.

ACROSS

2. New Mexico = UFO sightings (two words)

4. Maine = Known for moose and lobsters

6. Colorado = The Centennial State

8. Tennessee = Home of country music

10. Virginia = One main tourist attraction is Colonial Williamsburg 

11. Idaho = Known for their potatoes 

DOWN

1. Oregon = The Goonies was filmed here 

3. Washington = Home to five major volcanoes and has a relatively rainy climate 

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

7. Iowa = The hawkeye state

9. Delaware = First state to ratify the Constitution