What did you like most about Mr. Silverman and what will you miss most about him?
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter Features – 1/11/2019 “What I liked most about him is probably his friendly spirit and what I will miss most about him is just seeing him around school and talking to him.” -Grace Mikkelsen, 14, 8th grade. “He always knew how to answer questions right on the spot but wisely. It was always a well thought-out answer. What I will … Continue reading What did you like most about Mr. Silverman and what will you miss most about him?
Is Homeschooling for You?
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter Opinions- 1/9/2019 Homeschooling has become a schooling option for many parents with all the new academic requirements students have to learn. Over the years curriculum and programs have grown quite a bit for the homeschool community. Homeschooling has become more popular because parents are realizing how convenient and safer homeschooling really is. One reason homeschooling is great, is that parents … Continue reading Is Homeschooling for You?
Why Small School Environments Are Better Than Large Schools
By Rachel Shulikov The Charter Opinions – 1/14/2019 Small schools have an advantage compared to large schools. Students have a better environment, and they have a closer relationship with their teachers and each other. In small schools, teachers and students have a closer relationship. Teachers seem to care more about the students. There are usually fewer students in a classroom so the teacher can concentrate … Continue reading Why Small School Environments Are Better Than Large Schools
Multi-Grade Classes May Leave Kids Behind
Natalie Ramsey The Charter Opinions- 1/14/19 Multi-grade classes are hard on both the students and teachers involved, and it is still up in the air whether they are they best option of education. These types of classes are often used in smaller schools to ensure that they will have enough students to run the class, but often times, having a mixed age group can create … Continue reading Multi-Grade Classes May Leave Kids Behind
Should You Crack Open a Real Book?
By Sydney Starr The Charter Opinions – 1/10/19 In this day and age it can feel as though reading a paper book is all but obsolete. But, there is good reason to crack open a real book. I think paper books provide an experience that digital books just can’t match. And, studies show that a majority of people prefer paper books, and reading from paper … Continue reading Should You Crack Open a Real Book?
Suzanne Edwards Brings Many Musical Skills to ACA
Evalina Shulikov The Charter Feature- 12/12/18 This year, Suzanne Edwards has joined the team of ACA. She loves to sing and plays many different instruments. She teaches choir, piano, and marimba. She loves music and is said to have an immense amount of musical talent. Suzanne Edwards has many musical talents such as singing and playing many instruments. Her main instruments are voice and piano, … Continue reading Suzanne Edwards Brings Many Musical Skills to ACA
Why Doesn’t DC Make Blockbuster Hits Like Marvel?
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News – 1/1/19 When you compare DC and Marvel and their cinematic appearances it is clear that DC is struggling to make and keep making good films, but why is that? It seems today that Marvel movies dominate the superhero genre in basically every way. For example, their comics and characters get the spotlight while their movies make billions of … Continue reading Why Doesn’t DC Make Blockbuster Hits Like Marvel?
How Can ACA Benefit From Reading The Charter?
Journalism, many are divided upon what its use is and why we need it. Recently, there has been an uproar in calling out “fake news” in many journalist platforms. Even though the art of reporting and writing may be sketchy now a day’s, there are still many reasons on why we need journalism. About three years ago,an ACA teacher, Michael Lancaster decided to add a … Continue reading How Can ACA Benefit From Reading The Charter?
New ES, Jenna Friesen
Rachel Shulikov The Charter Feature – 12/17/2018 This year ACA has a new ES –Jenna Friesen. She came to ACA in August 2018. Friesen was born in Newberg Oregon. She taught in Thailand for a year and a half, and was a nanny for a while. Her husband is from Nepal, and she has family in Oregon. This is how Friesen got the job. “I … Continue reading New ES, Jenna Friesen
Would you homeschool your future kids?/ Why did you homeschool your kids?
Elliot Lute, a Kindergartener: *nods* “Because I can teach them stuff” Benjamin Coleman, a freshman, who has been going to ACA 12 years: “In the future? Probably not. If I homeschooled them for 12 years, I feel like they need to change just like a normal person would do. They go from elementary to middle, to a high school, and then off to college. And … Continue reading Would you homeschool your future kids?/ Why did you homeschool your kids?
The Undefined Representative of ACA: the Display Case
By Hailey Fox The Charter Features – 12/17/18 The display case here at ACA seems random when compared to other schools display cases. However, every item in the case reflects how unique ACA is from all the other schools and shows what we value is different. The Trophies When you look at the other display cases at most other schools all you see are awards. … Continue reading The Undefined Representative of ACA: the Display Case
The Shoes That Live
By Sydney Starr The Charter Features – 12/14/18 Everyone at ACA has walked by them at least once, probably many times a day without noticing. The shoes have been in the display case for 10 years—ever since Colin Couch designed them through the Doernbecher Freestyle program. How The Shoes Were Designed Couch was a student at ACA, and he graduated in 2009. Along with the … Continue reading The Shoes That Live
“What’s your favorite season? Why?”
By Hailey Fox The Charter Features – 11/7/18 Continue reading “What’s your favorite season? Why?”
New Long Term Guitar Substitute
By: Alyssa DiLoreto After we said goodbye to ACA’s guitar/ukulele teacher, a new one came in and taught/prepared the classes for the Winter Concert. When the previous guitar teacher left, it took ACA a while to find someone to replace him. Within a few weeks they found Brady Heinsoo, who was willing to step in. “My little sister Hallie goes here.” Says Mr Heinsoo, “She … Continue reading New Long Term Guitar Substitute
“How would you describe ACA in two words?”
Rachel Shulikov The Charter Features – 11/18/2018 “Big and educational.” -Sam Kennedy, 13, 8th grade. “Amazing community.” -Gracelyn Pen, 14, Freshman. “Extraordinarily rare.” -Anita Kaiser, parent. “Student oriented.” -Ann Heppner, teacher and ES. Continue reading “How would you describe ACA in two words?”
“If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be, and why?”
By Miriam Lee The Charter Features – 11/16/18 “I wish that there were fewer homeless people.” -Samuel Rux, 6th grade “I would change our views of other humans to something more positive, because a more positive community will get more things done, because if everybody respects each other and isn’t at each other’s throats… if everyone isn’t arguing all the time, we can get things … Continue reading “If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be, and why?”
Voters Approve
By Miriam Lee The Charter News – 11/16/18 New students, new staff, a new school? A district-wide bond proposal has been approved by voters. As a result, ACA along with other schools in the district, will be undergoing modifications, which should be complete within the next five years. “The updated plumbing and the HVAC [heating, ventilation, and air conditioning] system will be awesome—we might feel … Continue reading Voters Approve
ACA launched a new website design
By Rylie Young The Charter News – 11/16/18 Alliance Charter Academy launched a new and improved official website. The website is live and constantly being updated to display current and relevant information about our school and the upcoming events, that prospective and attending families need to know. This look, which was launched on October 30th, is a welcomed update from the previous design that was … Continue reading ACA launched a new website design
New Health Standards
By Rachel Shulikov The Charter News – 11/15/2018 The state health standards have been changed. Now ACA is giving out new curriculum, but according to Drew Holland the curriculum hasn’t really changed Drew Holland, ACA’s health, PE, and middle school science teacher said, “The new health standards really haven’t changed that much from the old health standards. What has changed, however, is the amount of … Continue reading New Health Standards
ACA’s New Positive Impact Team
By Sydney Starr The Charter News – 11/14/18 An Alliance Charter Academy (ACA) student has created a new action group, the Positive Impact Team. This group is focused on making the school more environmentally friendly and positive for students and families. Team Information and Goals The team will be having meetings every other week on Tuesdays during lunch, the location is to be determined. Rylie … Continue reading ACA’s New Positive Impact Team
Family Study Hall
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter News- 11/14/18 Looking for a good place to study? This year our school has a family study hall. It is located downstairs, the room next to the preschool classroom. It is the perfect place for students and parents to study and do their homework. It is available Monday-Thursday from 9:00-12:00 in the morning. According to parents and students that … Continue reading Family Study Hall
“Who is someone in the ACA community that you are grateful or thankful for, and why?”
By Sydney Starr The Charter, 10/31/18 “Erin Holman, she has been supporting students in my class, and she’s encouraging… friendly and great to collaborate with.” – Carly Carruthers, Language Arts Teacher and ES “I’m really grateful for my ES, Megan Burt, she’s really helpful and easy to connect with. I had her as my teacher last year, she’s really amazing. I love her. She … Continue reading “Who is someone in the ACA community that you are grateful or thankful for, and why?”
Student Turnover
By MacKenzie Waterman Usually Alliance Charter Academy has an extensive wait list, but since many students left last year we were able to get through the entire waitlist and still have fourteen spots open. “I just find it interesting that we’ve had a higher turnover than normal.” said Seanna Bloemer, ACA’s Director and a former ES. The school can’t deny access to anyone but, they … Continue reading Student Turnover
Ladies and Gentlemen, Please Welcome Mark Silverman.
By Rylie Young The Charter News – 10/31/18 This school year, ACA has undergone major staff changes with staff leaving and new staff joining. Last year’s counselor, Megan Coggins, left to spend time with her new baby. In her place, this year is Mark Silverman. Mark Silverman, ACA’s new counselor, states “I really value diversity and inclusive environments where people regardless of where they come … Continue reading Ladies and Gentlemen, Please Welcome Mark Silverman.
ACA and The Father’s Heart Ministry
By Matthias Armstrong For almost a year ACA has been helping with The Father’s Heart Street Ministry to tackle the problem of homelessness and people in need around Oregon City, but our contributions and involvement are just beginning. Many people at ACA are unaware of our involvement with the Father’s Heart Street Ministry but this amazing story and cause deserves the attention of … Continue reading ACA and The Father’s Heart Ministry
Julie Swanson’s New Position
By Rachel Shulikov Since Jill Mohr stepped down from her part-time lead teacher position a couple months ago, we’re well into this school year with Julie Swanson as our new lead teacher. Swanson qualified for the job and is now ACA’s new lead teacher. Swanson started off as a teacher, she taught high school Language Arts and also was an ES. When she heard about … Continue reading Julie Swanson’s New Position
EF Educational Tour to Spain and France
Sydney Starr The Charter News In June 2019, Chad Wynne, ACA’s Social Sciences department head, will be leading a small group of two students and one mom, on an educational tour through Spain and France. This tour group is unusually small, Wynne says “We are a very small group, and so it’s just me, two students, and one of those student’s mom’s. I was hoping … Continue reading EF Educational Tour to Spain and France
ACA’s Next Drama Club Performance
By Hailey Fox The Drama Club at ACA has done many plays, some original, and some classics. This year, they will be performing The Tempest, a play written by William Shakespeare. There are a lot of students in the play this year, Liberty Cox is one of those students. Cox plays Miranda, the main character’s daughter. According to Cox, “My Boo” is Ian Sofich. He … Continue reading ACA’s Next Drama Club Performance
Harvest Dance 2018
By: MIRIAM LEE 10/24/18 ACA’s annual Harvest Dance—previously organized by parents—has been taken over by the students. Get ready for a night of music, dancing, treats, and spooky decorations. The ACA newsletter states that this year’s dance will be held in the ACA cafeteria from 7:00-10:00pm, on October 26th. According to Hallie McMillan, one of the student organizers, grades 7th-12th can pre-order tickets for $5 … Continue reading Harvest Dance 2018
Bucks For Buckets
By Alyssa DiLoreto – 10/24/18 Portland is long overdue for a large earthquake but if the Bucks for Buckets fundraiser does it’s job, ACA will be better prepared if and when the “big one” strikes. Earthquakes and other natural disasters have hurt so many people, and broken so many lives due to unpreparedness. This year, Oregon City School District is working on being prepared for … Continue reading Bucks For Buckets
The Book Nook
By Mackenzie Waterman Note: Author has familial connections to the subject of the story. Owning a bookstore has always been a dream that Megan and Paul Waterman shared. In December of 2017, their dream came true, they opened “The Book Nook”. The name comes from a quote from Longfellow. “The love of learning, the sequestered nooks. And all the sweet serenity of Books.” Megan and … Continue reading The Book Nook
Kim Kruger Leaves ACA
By Sydney Starr The Charter News As the 2018-2019 school year starts for families at Alliance Charter Academy (ACA) there will be one less familiar face there, Kim Kruger, The Curriculum Manager, has left her job. Karen Downing, who worked with Kruger as the Curriculum Assistant, has now transitioned to working full time as the new Curriculum Manager. In addition, ACA has hired a parent, … Continue reading Kim Kruger Leaves ACA
Arsonist Burns Down Our Playground
By RYLIE YOUNG – 08/03/18 On August 13th, at approximately 2 am, the Oregon City Police Department and Clackamas Fire arrived at Park Place Elementary to find the school’s playground engulfed in flames. The fire was contained and put out quickly. However, it wasn’t before an estimated $15,000 worth of playground equipment was burned, along with two picnic benches. After further investigation, the authorities discovered … Continue reading Arsonist Burns Down Our Playground
Who is Denise Dille?
by: Rachel Shulikov There is a staff member, a teacher, an ES, that not everyone knows, because she was doing something that not everyone knew about. Her name is Denise Dille. Dille was born in Oregon, then she moved to Arizona, and lived there for eight years, until she moved back to Oregon. She likes dogs and cats. She got married to her high school … Continue reading Who is Denise Dille?
Farewell, Phillips
By: MIRIAM LEE 10/03/18 Suzanne Edwards is taking over all the choirs, piano and marimba. Valerie Johnson is teaching drums and creativity. — Seanna Bloemer, ACA Director Alliance Charter Academy (ACA) has lost their multi-talented music teacher. Students are at a loss, missing their beloved teacher, but also missing their friend. Margie Phillips, former instructor at ACA, now works full-time at Elmonica Elementary School … Continue reading Farewell, Phillips
Late Policy Reform
By Matthias Armstrong A change sweeps across ACA classrooms and it comes in the form of the late policy, and so far it has met favorable reviews. Not all classes have had major changes but a few have embraced a new policy and students and teachers are already seeing the difference. Teachers this year have reworked and reworded their late policies to better convey their … Continue reading Late Policy Reform
Yellow Jackets at ACA
By: Hailey Fox – 10/03/18 If you’ve been at this school for a few years, you might know that bug control at ACA has been a problem, from the wasps that invaded the boys bathroom to the ladybug nests in the ceiling of the gym. Unlike those problems, yellow jackets aren’t a big threat as long as you are careful. If you were around last … Continue reading Yellow Jackets at ACA
Marcus Yonce
By: Evalina Shulikov A new Educational Specialist and teacher just joined the team at ACA this year! Marcus Yonce is a quiet and independent person who has a love for writing. He has experience with vast cultures which will be beneficial to our diverse school. Mr. Yonce went to a university in Seattle and got a four year degree for accounting, but realized he didn’t … Continue reading Marcus Yonce
New Director: Seanna Bloemer
By Alyssa DiLoreto Meet Seanna Seanna Bloemer is not just the new director of ACA, she’s also a friend, wife and mother of two ACA graduates. Her favorite pastimes are hiking and reading. Bloemer has been working at our school for twelve years, and an Education Specialist (ES) for eleven years before her new position. She absolutely adores helping, guiding and working with her students … Continue reading New Director: Seanna Bloemer
The Charter Newspapers – Print PDFs
For the 2nd Semester of the 2017-2018 school year, much time and effort was spent toward gathering elements for feature story packages and designing spreads with InDesign. Here are the three newspapers we produced: First Print Edition 2nd Print Edition spreads 3rd Print Edition Continue reading The Charter Newspapers – Print PDFs
Why Students Need Vacations
By Victor Heimbigner Students need vacations from school specifically, it’s good to learn, but the stress of school can get to some kids and they end up not being very social in life or they are always stressed. With breaks and vacations, this helps relax the students and if they decide to work over the breaks they can make some money for their needs. Vacationing … Continue reading Why Students Need Vacations
A Healing Kiss
By Faith Burton Does kissing a child’s “booboo” help in aiding pain relief? From the time I can remember, anytime I would smash my fingers, get a paper cut or inflict any type of injury to myself, my parents would kiss it and it would feel better. My aunts, grandmas, and friends to their kids all do the same. Even though it seems like a … Continue reading A Healing Kiss
Parks and Recreation is (One of) the Best Shows of Our Time
By OLIVIA SILBERNAGEL Everyone has their own likes and dislikes in TV shows but Parks and Recreation (commonly called Parks and Rec) is a show that has something for nearly everyone. Parks and Recreation is a comedy that originally aired on NBC and ran from 2009 to 2015. The show features a small fictional city called Pawnee, Indiana and the antics of Leslie Knope (played … Continue reading Parks and Recreation is (One of) the Best Shows of Our Time
Why “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” are Not as Good as The Classics
By Alyssa DiLoreto Star Wars has been all the rage recently with the new movie “The Last Jedi.” Many young people enjoy this film, as well as the previous movie “The Force Awakens.” While both these films have high ratings, and a huge income, there are still many people who do not like these films one bit. I’m one of them. I have been I … Continue reading Why “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” are Not as Good as The Classics
Skaters Are People Too
By Luke Burton, The Charter Opinions Skateboarding is an activity that lots of people do all around the world. Although many people do it, a lot of people don’t like the activity. Some people say that it’s too dangerous and anyone who skates is involved with drugs, alcohol, and is disrespectful. This is definitely not the case. I know this because I am a skateboarder. … Continue reading Skaters Are People Too
Gamecube Classic coming to 3DS
By Colin Hughes Luigi’s Mansion is a Gamecube classic that I’m pretty sure that every Mario fan would find as one of the best Gamecube games ever. It was given a 7/10 by IGN and a 7.9/10 by GameSpot so you can tell it was good. The game has an interesting history, too. Luigi’s Mansion was originally a tech demo for the Gamecube when it … Continue reading Gamecube Classic coming to 3DS
“Everybody learns better when they’re awake”
SAMANTHA RANDS, The Charter Opinions Schools should have later classes because lack of sleep is not good for your health or education. Public school’s classes start at about 7:25am, ACA’s earliest classes start from 8am-9am. According to The National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need about eight to ten hours of sleep every night. To achieve this, students will have to go to bed at around 9pm. Teenagers … Continue reading “Everybody learns better when they’re awake”
Over Usage of Opiates Today
By. Elizabeth Tarsia Due to lack of knowledge, our healthcare system has been over prescribing highly addictive painkillers. The addictive quality of the drug and susceptibility of the user, opiate usage and overdose percentage is through the roof . Our healthcare system should be cleaning up the mess the lack of knowledge has caused. My family has a long history of opiate usage, and it … Continue reading Over Usage of Opiates Today
Putting Sobriety First
By Constantine Van Sickle Alcohol Anonymous open meeting, 7035 NE Glisan 12×12 club Portland 12:00am This past Saturday was the first Alcohol Anonymous (AA) meeting I have ever attended. It was certainly eye opening to a be apart of a different type of community and witness the physical and mental warfare people go through daily. I was accompanied by a friend that is not a … Continue reading Putting Sobriety First
Homework: Is it helping us or hurting us?
By Kenzie Waterman On average, students get 3.5 hours of homework a day, depending on how much procrastination they do. Now, I know that doesn’t sound like a lot –when you think about the fact that we have 24 hours everyday. But, if you factor in the 7 hour school day, the fact that we are supposed to to get 10 hours of sleep, that … Continue reading Homework: Is it helping us or hurting us?
Watch Your Step! We should be more cautious of our Carbon Footprint
By RYLIE YOUNG – 05/16/18 You have probably heard the term “Carbon Footprint” but what does that mean and why should you care? A carbon footprint is “the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.” Carbon, although a naturally occurring element, is a greenhouse gas. So if the United States, … Continue reading Watch Your Step! We should be more cautious of our Carbon Footprint
Your Twin is your best friend
By Taylor Younger In the spring of 2002, on April 15 two babies were born. One girl and one boy. They might have not known it at the moment but they were going to be the best of friends there entire life. But not just best friends… twins. Being part of a “twin unit” is a unique experience that can play a positive … Continue reading Your Twin is your best friend
Director takes new job, Compliance Officer retires
By Kenzie Waterman As this school year is coming to the end, unfortunately so is some of our staff’s time here. Vicki Nelson and Nic Chapin are leaving the school and will not be returning next year. Vicki Nelson is the Compliance Officer at Alliance Charter Academy, since September of 2011. “As Registrar and Compliance Officer, I maintain the staff and student database and am … Continue reading Director takes new job, Compliance Officer retires
Senior Prank 2018
By Faith Burton Although the origin of senior pranks are unknown, we do know that they are prevalent as ever in schools across the globe. In America we call it “Senior Prank”, and Europe and Australia its called “muck-up-day”. In previous years, the pranks have been unruly, and without censorship, these days most schools require that a staff member must be present and all prank … Continue reading Senior Prank 2018
Come to the Dark Side – CWI Saving Money, One Bulb At a Time.
By RYLIE YOUNG – 05/02/18 Join the dark side and turn off the lights! This year’s Contemporary World Issues class is small with only eight Freshman/Sophomore students, but they are making a difference. The class is trying to promote the use of natural lights within your school. The class believes our school waste an excessive amount of artificial light, and if we relied more on … Continue reading Come to the Dark Side – CWI Saving Money, One Bulb At a Time.
Mario’s return to the theaters
By Colin Hughes It was announced that Nintendo was striking a deal with Illumination Studios, the company behind Despicable Me and the Secret Life of Pets, on January of 2018, to make a Mario Movie. The release date has yet to be determined, though. The last time there was a movie about Mario was when Super Mario Bros. starring Bob Hopkins and John Leguizamo was … Continue reading Mario’s return to the theaters
Alliance Charter Academy’s 2018 Graduation Ceremony
By Luke Burton, The Charter News As our seniors move on to bigger and better things we come together to celebrate at graduation. This year, graduation is at Jackson Campus on June 2nd, at 6:00pm. During the graduation ceremony the graduates have each asked a teacher or parent to hand them their diploma and give up to a one minute speech. These speeches usually include … Continue reading Alliance Charter Academy’s 2018 Graduation Ceremony
OBOB 3-5th grade 2018-19
By Victor Heimbigner OBOB for the ACA will not be the same next year. What it looks like for the 3-5th grade is undecided and will be determined this summer by the ACA board. The reason it is undecided is because there is controversy about the book “George”. Alex Gino is a author who wrote a book named “George”, a transgender kid at the age … Continue reading OBOB 3-5th grade 2018-19
Destination: Globals
BY CONSTANTINE VANSICKLE Alliance Charter Academy’s very own Destination Imagination (DI) team is heading to globals! Advancing to globals is a huge achievement for such a small team and they are looking forward to representing the State of Oregon at the Global competition at the University of Tennessee on May 23rd through May 27th. But going to globals also has a financial toll. That’s why … Continue reading Destination: Globals
Possible changes to testing weeks
By, Elizabeth Tarsia As you all might have noticed state testing might have seemed shorter from previous years. Well some changes have been made to the tests themselves and to the prep needed for certain subjects. Before this last testing session there were lessons that needed to be taught previous to taking state tests. Those lessons have been taken away and the test consists of … Continue reading Possible changes to testing weeks
Special Olympics
By. Taylor Younger In the 1950’s and early 1960’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw how unjustly and unfairly people with intellectual disabilities were being treated. A couple years later in 1962 Eunice started a summer camp in her very own backyard in washington D.C for those who were being treated unfairly. Eunice’s idea and her movement on this situation was revolutionary at the time. … Continue reading Special Olympics
Recalled Romaine
By Colin Hughes If you just came home from the grocery store with a head of romaine lettuce, you’d better get rid of it. There’s an outbreak of E. coli causing almost 150 people to fall sick in 29 states where people eat romaine lettuce. A subsequent study between March 13th and April 25th of 2018 showed that romaine lettuce may be contaminated with E. … Continue reading Recalled Romaine
School Misconducts
By Faith Burton Despite news of misconduct seemingly all around, there has been no documented misconduct in ACA’s history, according to it’s administrators. Lara Fabrycki, ACA’s former Director and Nic Chapin, ACA’s current Director commented on misconducts saying that we’ve not had a misconduct at ACA. Fabrycki said teachers are trained every year on misconducts, but because of technology and how people communicate is changing, … Continue reading School Misconducts
Oregon City Main Street Named One of Three 2018 Great American Main Streets
By Luke Burton, The Charter Feature News Oregon City’s Main Street named 2018 Great American Main Street, at a national conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 26. Oregon City (OC) was nominated as a semifinalist, along with nine other cities, the week before the national conference. At the conference, OC was named one of three 2018 Great American Main Streets. The other winners … Continue reading Oregon City Main Street Named One of Three 2018 Great American Main Streets
Discovering The Capes & Crowns Foundation
By RYLIE YOUNG On November 22nd, 2015, at 6 o’clock in the morning, 60,000 feet in the air, Kylie Cole was on the way to meet the cast of the TV show, “Arrow”, when she had the idea to create the Capes & Crowns Foundation. On the plane, she dreamt up the entire business in an hour and a half, it all materialized quite quickly. … Continue reading Discovering The Capes & Crowns Foundation
Steve Dirks Scholarships
By, Elizabeth Tarsia Two students now have more funds to further their musical education. The awards were announced Friday, May 12th at the end of the music concerts held at Alliance Charter Academy. The first scholarship was awarded to JJ Pen; this scholarship is now known as the Community Award.The next scholarship given out is the Dirks musicianship which is the newest one offered. There … Continue reading Steve Dirks Scholarships
Parkour to ACA
By Victor Heimbigner Parkour has changed the way students exercise for a while now and many students at ACA have been participating in classes and the open gym. Matthias Armstrong is a student at ACA that has been doing parkour for two years and has benefitted from it highly, “I do parkour to remain fit and become stronger”-Matthias Armstrong. Parkour is a highly known sport … Continue reading Parkour to ACA
CPR and AED Training
By Kenzie Waterman From 9:00 -3:30 on Tuesday, April 17th and Wednesday, April 18th a instructor from the Clackamas Fire Department, District #1 came and taught students how to perform hands only CPR and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) machine. The class was for 7th grade and above, Parents and staff were also invited. The staff here at Alliance Charter Academy have already been … Continue reading CPR and AED Training
Macbeth
By Alyssa DiLoreto- Macbeth performers anticipated so much blood and gore that they dedicated the first two rows to a splash zone. The Drama Club performed the Shakespeare play on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6. The play is about a Scottish thane named Macbeth. In the story he meets three witches that tell him a prophecy that he will one day be King … Continue reading Macbeth
Letter to the Editor – OBOB story wrong
Dear Editors, I am confused because you captured the meaning of OBOB wrong. In the spring edition of the Charter you said “This is a competition for the kids who don’t love sports and do love books.” Most kids do like sports and most of them also like books, including the kids that were on ACA’s team and(or) other schools teams. We would like you … Continue reading Letter to the Editor – OBOB story wrong
Tariffs hit Oregon Hazelnuts
By Constantine Van Sickle The United State’s biggest market of Oregon Hazelnuts might be in danger by new proposed tariffs by China. Oregon produces 99% of all Hazelnut crops in the U.S and with the new applied tariffs, Oregon hazelnut farmers may have something to worry about. China proposed a new 15% tariff to all hazelnuts that are grown in the United States in response … Continue reading Tariffs hit Oregon Hazelnuts
Gun Control Looking Forward
The Charter Features By OLIVIA SILBERNAGEL Now that the media buzz surrounding the Florida shooting has faded almost to silence, students are still fighting for change. An anonymous student who participated in the March walkout says they would like to see more protest, “Any opportunity to protest against violence or give respect [to] those who need it is one I will take…yes. I would like … Continue reading Gun Control Looking Forward
Bullying
The Charter Features By SAMANTHA RANDS What is bullying? “Bullying abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful, etc. : the actions and behavior of a bully Her own childhood had been made miserable by bullying … —Michael Holroyd … underestimates the plain meanness behind the pleasure people take in bullying. —George F. Will” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bullying Bullying is defined by someone of larger … Continue reading Bullying
Under the Stars
By SAMANTHA RANDS, The Charter News– This year’s prom is May 25th, from 7pm to 11pm. The theme is “Under The Stars.” Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Students can purchase tickets in the study hall. Prom is open to junior and seniors, and sophomores on invite only. If you’re bringing someone who isn’t an ACA student then they will have to … Continue reading Under the Stars
Story about our Best
By Taylor Younger, The Charter Features Joy Best is one of our math teachers here at Alliance Charter Academy, she teaches geometry classes as well as several others. Mrs. Best also teaches math concepts at warner pacific college. Mrs. Best was not sure what she wanted to do as a career. All throughout her elementary and high school years she believed she would be a … Continue reading Story about our Best
Behind the scenes of Mrs. Heppner
Mrs. Heppner is beloved by teachers and students alike. She travels around the world to judge gymnastic events, and has many admirers from the many years of teaching she has accomplished at Alliance Charter Academy (ACA). Mrs. Heppner has been a role model for every student at ACA and has impacted every one of her students, “She remembers and cares about her students. She’s a … Continue reading Behind the scenes of Mrs. Heppner
Any music changes?
By Taylor Younger Mr. Cheskin can’t tell us what classes are going to be offered next school year or tell us the changes to the music schedule, he can tell us that most of the classes are going to stay the same. “ There will be changes to the music class schedule next year, but i can’t talk about them just yet because i don’t … Continue reading Any music changes?
Clubs and Electives
BY CONSTANTINE VAN SICKLE 4/14/2018 Electives and Clubs are heading your way for the 2018-2019 Alliance Charter Academy school year. Fun and interesting classes make school a little more bearable. Not only will there be fun classes like cooking and drama, but these electives and clubs will prove to be an influential part in developing the new class schedule for ACA. Clubs and electives … Continue reading Clubs and Electives
Science and Technology offerings at ACA in 2018-2019
By Elizabeth Tarsia Here at Alliance Charter Academy we offer many classes and among those many classes are our unique Science and Technology offerings. Though not all the classes are guaranteed to be offered next year all the teachers have a wide range of spectacular possible offerings. In our Science department we have Margo Edinger, Ann Heppner, Denise Monte, Drew Holland, and Michael Lancaster. In … Continue reading Science and Technology offerings at ACA in 2018-2019
ACA Admin team makes next year’s schedule
By COLIN HUGHES The process of making a master schedule and a course catalog for a school is a huge project. Here are some of the people who worked behind the scenes at ACA and all about how hard they work and how much they care about meeting the needs of their students. Director Nic Chapin says he’s excited about when their teachers teach courses … Continue reading ACA Admin team makes next year’s schedule
New Languages Coming to ACA?
By LUKE BURTON Throughout the years ACA has offered a variety of languages and english language arts (ELA) classes. There have been different language classes ranging from French, Spanish, and American Sign Language, although most have disappeared due to lack of staffing. “We are open to new languages it just depends on teachers and proposals.” said Nic Chapin, Principal of ACA. “For other languages students … Continue reading New Languages Coming to ACA?
ACA’s France and Spain Trip as led by Chad Wynne
By Alyssa DiLoreto ACA has decided to take a group of students to France and Spain, on June 14, 2019. Students will be traveling through Paris, Provence, and Barcelona, led by social studies teacher Chad Wynne. He is very excited to be taking the students on this trip, saying that foreign countries are very interesting to see, “We will just being seeing all the sights. … Continue reading ACA’s France and Spain Trip as led by Chad Wynne
Social Studies in the Future
The new course catalog is coming soon, allowing kids to finally learn about the new classes next year. This story will review the Social Sciences section of the catalog. If you noticed in past catalogs, there aren’t very many Social Sciences classes. This is has to do with our part-homeschool style of the school. According to our schools director, Nic Chapin, many families tend to … Continue reading Social Studies in the Future
ACA MATH
Special Edition- By Kenzie It’s almost time to choose students classes for next year! The math department offers various different choices to help support every student’s learning style. There are 12 different math classes and 4 separate math lab classes if students need extra help. All math classes start at 5th grade and go up to 12th. Multiple teachers have proposed new classes to teach … Continue reading ACA MATH
ACA ART & DRAMA
Special Edition – By Rylie Young Art Explorers, Drawing and Printmaking, Drama Club, and Illustration Storytelling; these are just some of the arts and drama classes offered to students at ACA. It is the time of year for teachers to turn in their class proposals. So what classes are teachers proposing for the art/drama department? Art Explorers with Todd Ingham and Exploring through Printmaking … Continue reading ACA ART & DRAMA
Physical Education/ Health of 2018-2019 classes
By VICTOR HEIMBIGNER Physical Education is wanted by most students and is required to graduate. P.E. is a great way to get your body in shape or if you just want to be healthier exercising helps too. Our teachers at ACA do there best to help out each student in fulfilling their goal. The teachers are getting many ideas for next years classes and are … Continue reading Physical Education/ Health of 2018-2019 classes
PAT Fundraisers
By SAMANTHA RANDS The PAT puts on many fundraisers to support ACA, for example the rummage sale, plant sale, and the Snack Shack. The next upcoming fundraiser is the biannual rummage sale. On Friday, April 27 and Saturday April 28, from 8:00am-4:00pm, the rummage sale will be held in the cafeteria. Families of ACA have donated their old items (furniture, clothes, etc.) to be sold. … Continue reading PAT Fundraisers
One of a Kind
Feature story by Faith Burton Alliance Charter Academy is a one of a kind school. In the days that are to come and the ones that have been, schools in America and even in the world have come close, but have never been what ACA is. Eleven years ago, I was just a small little girl, shy, and curious. I was the little girl sitting … Continue reading One of a Kind
Understanding Electives at ACA
By OLIVIA SILBERNAGEL Elective options at ACA can seem fairly limited, especially for high school students. However, it is important for potentially frustrated students and families to understand why electives at ACA are not as comprehensive as are offered at traditional schools. Elective courses are important for a well rounded education. The state of Oregon requires high school students to take a minimum of six … Continue reading Understanding Electives at ACA
Men are in Support of a New Men’s Bathroom
By CONSTANTINE VAN SICKLE 3/24/2018 A new men’s bathroom may be heading your way! With small urinals and tiny stalls, the men’s bathroom is in dire need of remodeling. Nic Chapin is the one behind the idea of remodeling the bathroom saying, “It’s a bathroom meant for elementary students, and high school students are using it. It’s like 50-70 years old. It definitely needs a … Continue reading Men are in Support of a New Men’s Bathroom
ACA’s new CCE program
News Story by, Elizabeth Tarsia Starting next year our school is offering a program called the College Career Exploration Program. Rather than applying for the ACE program, there is kind of a stepping stone opportunity. If you are not ready for the whole college experience then the CCE program is the right fit for you! The CCE program is not set up the way the … Continue reading ACA’s new CCE program
Oregon Battle of the books 3-5
By VICTOR HEIMBIGNER This is a competition for the kids who don’t love sports and do love books. Elementary, Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) was run by Mary Coleman this year, it was her first time to do this and most of the students first times as well. The students all met on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the library at lunch time, and during … Continue reading Oregon Battle of the books 3-5
Get your yearbook!
By Taylor Younger Did you know ACA has a yearbook? Our yearbooks range from twenty three dollars to thirty dollars. When you purchase your yearbooks there are two blank pages for you to design your very own pages to keep those school memories forever. Mr. Lancaster’s class of only a dozen students spend all school year long developing the yearbook. Students from this class spend … Continue reading Get your yearbook!
Luke the Ballerino Is Going Cleveland? Support him in this journey!
News Story by Faith Burton In 2018, as one of the few male dancers at Classical Ballet Academy, opportunities arise frequently. On January 20 2018, Luke went to Seattle with his friend and CBA ballet dancer Natazia Head, to audition for Utah’s distinguished ballet school, Ballet West. A few weeks later, Luke was accepted into ArtEmotion, an extension of Ballet West, and asked to come … Continue reading Luke the Ballerino Is Going Cleveland? Support him in this journey!
Smash Bros Switch Reveal
By COLIN HUGHES On March 8th, 2018, Nintendo announced two things at once; a new Smash game, and one of the most anticipated characters making an appearance. Nintendo fans watched the Super Smash Bros. Switch reveal trailer and began jumping all over the place, screaming with excitement. After all, according to many, 2017 and 2018 were Nintendo’s best years; The Legend of Zelda: Breath of … Continue reading Smash Bros Switch Reveal
Megan Coggins’ Return Plan
By KENZIE WATERMAN Megan Coggins our school counselor and teacher of the Becoming Me class just had her baby, Samuel James Coggins (Sammy). She has been on maternity leave since March 12th and will be gone the remnant of the school year. Coggins’ plan, while she’s gone, is to spend some time with her family and new baby. Before Coggins left she spoke with her … Continue reading Megan Coggins’ Return Plan
Voting On ACA’s New Logo
By Samantha Rands The school is getting a new logo. Nic Chapin, The Executive Director of ACA, sent out a survey to all the high school and middle school students, parents, and teachers. The survey had different logo options to vote on from “first choice” to “fourth choice.” “We [the school’s Admin] want a logo…you’ll be proud of,” says Danelle Till, the School’s Business Manager. … Continue reading Voting On ACA’s New Logo
ACA Hosting an Art Showcase and Family Dinner in the Gym, plus Live Music
By RYLIE YOUNG – 03/23/18 This year, to view and applaud all the efforts of students, ACA is hosting a showcase night for students to show off the art they have made in their classes throughout the school year. Tara McLaughlin and her daughter Aila are organizing the Art Night so you can share your favorite pieces of art on Thursday, April 12th in the … Continue reading ACA Hosting an Art Showcase and Family Dinner in the Gym, plus Live Music
Middle School Battle of the Books Team Wins Big
By LUKE BURTON Our Middle School OBOB team is going to state. Madalena Larkins, Haladar Wright, Ben Snyder, Coral Anderson, and Cadence Gillespie are going to battle it out against all the other regional winners. The team won the regional battles on March 17th. They competed against 32 other teams and came out on top. The state battle is commencing on April, 7th, 2018, in … Continue reading Middle School Battle of the Books Team Wins Big
‘Never Again’ – ACA Students Walkout
By OLIVIA SILBERNAGEL Anger and sadness over gun violence in America is present even in ACA. This was apparent on Wednesday, March 14th when roughly thirty-five students walked out of class in protest of current gun policy and the toll it has taken on our schools. The walkout was prompted by the Parkland school shooting which took place on February 14th of this year at … Continue reading ‘Never Again’ – ACA Students Walkout
