The Book Nook
By: MACKENZIE WATERMAN Note: Author has familial connections to subject of 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 Paul have … Continue reading The Book Nook
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
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
ACA and the GSA
By Olivia Silbernagel, The Charter Features The Gay Straight Alliance/Gender and Sexuality Awareness (GSA) club at ACA has had its share of controversy over the years, but that has not stopped the members from advocating for what they believe. These issues have included: parent concerns, who oversees the meetings, how they can spread their message, and even what the club is to be called. However, GSA … Continue reading ACA and the GSA
Drama Junior Performs “The Jungle Book”
Olivia Silbernagel The Charter News Students and parents alike gathered in the ACA gym to follow Mowgli’s story and learn about the bear necessities of life. Drama Junior’s rendition of The Jungle Book was performed on February 2 and 3 as well as a lunchtime preview on February 1. Prior to the performance Tap I and II classes performed a routine set to “I Wanna … Continue reading Drama Junior Performs “The Jungle Book”
Alumni form Dreadlight
By Kenzie Waterman, The Charter Features Alliance Charter Academy has been around for eleven years now and many students have come and gone, but what they took with them, the life lessons, the experiences, and the friendships, those are just as important as the education they got. I interviewed two ACA graduates, Kandra Tolvstad, class of 2017 and Toria Beck, class of 2015, to see … Continue reading Alumni form Dreadlight
Piano and The Brain
By Faith Burton Does Piano really affect your brain? This is a question that has come up a few times in my many years of playing piano. This topic has me curious, does piano in specific affect the brain differently than playing other instruments? If so, what areas of the brain are the most affected? Piano playing is different than any other instrument, both hands … Continue reading Piano and The Brain
Guitars I’d Like to Own
Click here to read Colin Hughes’ personal opinion column. Continue reading Guitars I’d Like to Own
Christian Students United
By: Rylie Young Christian Students United, or CSU, is a club here at our school that meet on Tuesdays during lunch. They talk, pray, and eat pizza. Sixteen year-old Judah Sovereign and CSU leader says, “The point of it is to get new students, old students, all sorts of students just to come and kind of get some food for thought for the week for … Continue reading Christian Students United
ACA’s photos
By VICTOR HEIMBIGNER Do you like your photo? Many students do not like their photo, some say it’s because of what they’re wearing, others say that there is something just wrong about their picture, some kids don’t get their picture taken in the first place. Some students do retakes and then they like their picture, but they just didn’t like their first one. One student … Continue reading ACA’s photos
Hallway Dining: ACA’s cafeteria, too small for the ever-growing student population
The Charter – Editorial – Nicole Engelke Lunchtime at ACA is a busy time – families with younger kids find each other, middle and high school students emerge from classrooms, tired from lectures, tests, and labs, for their 30-minute break. However, they don’t all have a place to actually eat. If you’re slow getting to the cafeteria, you might just find that the hallway, gym, … Continue reading Hallway Dining: ACA’s cafeteria, too small for the ever-growing student population
College in High School
By Luke Burton Many high school students plan on going to college after they graduate, but some schools offer an early college program. So is it a good idea to go to college while still in high school. The academic and emotional rigor of college could put to much pressure on a student that isn’t mature enough. So it really depends on the person. “The … Continue reading College in High School
Luke The Ballerino
By Faith Burton, The Charter Features Luke Burton, teenager, skateboarder, pre-professional guitarist and something that may surprise many, ballet dancer. At fourteen years old, Luke was invited by his friend from school, Natazia Head, to join her at Classical Ballet Academy (CBA), one of Oregon’s finest ballet schools. “I didn’t think he would be bad or good at ballet… I just thought it would be … Continue reading Luke The Ballerino
Men’s Fashion Today
Luke Burton, The Charter Feature Fashion is an ever expanding part of this world we live in. There are so many unique different fashion choices in this world that basically anything you wear can, and will, be a fashion statement (whether you like it or not). Fashion also depends on who and where you are. For example someone who was born and raised on a … Continue reading Men’s Fashion Today
Yoga With Teacher Todd
By Victor Heimbigner Have you ever done Yoga before? If you would like to, we have a Yoga class here at Alliance Charter Academy. Todd Ingham, a teacher who teaches art class and in his free time, comes to school every Tuesday at 8:00 o’clock in the gym to teach Yoga to anybody who stops by. Mr. Todd helps his yoga students to become more … Continue reading Yoga With Teacher Todd
Building Our Airplane While We’re Flying: A History of Our Homeschool-school
By Nicole Engelke The Charter Feature Alliance Charter Academy (ACA) is a unique school for equally unique students and staff. It is a K-12 charter school created by parents that were dedicated to their children’s well-being and education. Lara Fabrycki, the founder and former director, principal, and “Queen Bee” of ACA, says, “We needed that choice…a choice for kids who didn’t want to go the … Continue reading Building Our Airplane While We’re Flying: A History of Our Homeschool-school
ACA Garden: Success Story
By Rylie Young Two years ago, the idea of Alliance Charter Academy having a school garden grew, and it all started with three humble garden beds in the front schoolyard. When numerous teachers said they wanted a space for their class, things got a bit crowded. Now they have upgraded to a larger space, made possible by a “Heal” grant that they received from Clackamas … Continue reading ACA Garden: Success Story
The Cantrell of Alliance Charter Academy
By Elizabeth Tarsia Kathleen Mixer-Cantrell, a greatly appreciated Educational Specialist (ES) and staff member. Cantrell has been working at Alliance Charter Academy since our program started in 2007. After so many years working at Alliance Charter Academy she says she enjoys it just as much as she did when she first started working here in 2007. Kathleen says she loves working with her ES students … Continue reading The Cantrell of Alliance Charter Academy
CCC Advisor: Trade-skills training leads to jobs
By: Michael Lancaster, The Charter News – Pretty much no matter what career you may want, the Clackamas Community College is a great place to start, according to a CCC advisor who presented to the CRLE class January 11. Britany Ellerbrook is CCC’s Career Technical Education Admissions Counselor. She was invited to the Career Related Learning Experiences (CRLE) class by teacher Val McCormack to share … Continue reading CCC Advisor: Trade-skills training leads to jobs
ACA Through The Ages
By Samantha Rands and Olivia Silbernagel We interviewed six students at ACA questions about their futures, school, and worries. The goal was to look at the diversity between what different age groups worry about; where an elementary schooler would have fewer worries, and a senior would worry more about the future. We interviewed two elementary students: Gwyneth Lute and Love Best. Two middle school students: … Continue reading ACA Through The Ages
Harvest Ball/Haunted House reactions
By Samantha Rands The Harvest Ball was October 27th Organizers consider the Harvest Ball and Haunted House success despite some technical difficulties. The profit made from tickets sales was $111.02, which will go towards funds for prom. Beth Sugrue, a mom at ACA and the Harvest Dance coordinator, said, “I think overall the dance went pretty well. We had a lot of logistical problems that … Continue reading Harvest Ball/Haunted House reactions
Genuine, Caring, and Humorous
By Rylie Young Genuine, caring, and humorous. That’s how Megan Coggins, our school counselor, would describe herself. Counseling has always been an interest of Megan’s, “It kind of like is my life, in some ways,” she admitted, Growing up, she was the person her friends and other people would go to when they wanted to talk. “I was like ‘Oh, I should be a counselor, … Continue reading Genuine, Caring, and Humorous
Sarah Head’s Many Faces
By Mackenzie Waterman Sarah Head isn’t just a ES and teacher. She is a wife, mom, and farmer, as well. She enjoys reading, farming, and hanging out with her kids. Her favorite book is “ Pilgrim at Tinker Creek” by Annie Dillard. She has two kids (both girls), as well as a lot of animals. She owns around thirty through thirty five farm animals and two … Continue reading Sarah Head’s Many Faces
The ACA Winter Concerts Aftermath
By Alyssa DiLoreto As you may know, ACA held the winter concerts in the gym. In the previous story on the Winter Concerts, quite a few students shared many concerns on the amount of space, and sound quality. In a classroom discussion with Jonathan Cheskin’s Orchestra II class, 2 out of 10 students said that there was not very much room. There was also very … Continue reading The ACA Winter Concerts Aftermath
ACA Penny War
By Elizabeth Tarsia As you all might know, the PAT volunteers just finished up the Penny War fundraiser. Compared to last years goal, met at $900 dollars, this year’s $500 dollars raised was not as good, but we still rocked it! All of the profits made from the penny war will go towards future needs for the school. For example, last year they went towards … Continue reading ACA Penny War
New Marimba Club Welcomes All Students
Nicole Engelke The Charter – News Although the students in this new club had probably never met before, or heard their parts, or even played a marimba, they were determined to learn their parts before the concert, and have lots of fun in the process. Margie Phillips, one of the music teachers at ACA, wanted it that way when she coined the idea before the … Continue reading New Marimba Club Welcomes All Students
Respecting Students’ Work
By MacKenzie Waterman, The ACA Charter News Vandalism on student work isn’t much of a problem at ACA, but so far this year, it has occurred twice. One with a triorama for Mrs. Strutz’s class, and the other was with sheets of paper from Mrs. Edinger’s science class. In the spring of 2014, someone ripped down and vandalized a poster for GSA club. After that, … Continue reading Respecting Students’ Work
Is Daylights Savings Time Really Saving Our Time?
By Elizabeth Tarsia Most of you guys might remember the day in November when some of your clocks magically go backward an hour. Well here is a little background information and insight from different people on how this strange day affects their days following. Jaden Schnoor a sophomore at Oregon City High School stated, that he did not like Daylight savings time due to his … Continue reading Is Daylights Savings Time Really Saving Our Time?
“I Love You Guys”
The I Love You Guys is a safety protocol that Alliance Charter Academy and many schools in America use. Most people wouldn’t think that a foundation named I Love You Guys (ILUG) would be a safety program for schools and some businesses. Ellen and John-Michael Keyes lost their daughter in a school emergency in 2009, from that accident the I Love You Guys Foundation … Continue reading “I Love You Guys”
Winter Concert at ACA
By Alyssa DiLoreto, The Charter News – This year, the Winter Concerts are being held in the gym at ACA. According to music teacher, Jonathan Cheskin, this year ACA has a new sound system, so we are able to do our own sound setup. There was also a temperature problem, at Jackson as we had no heat. In the past few years, ACA has held … Continue reading Winter Concert at ACA
The New Age
By Constantine Van Sickle, The Charter News – 11/22/2017 – On October 9th 2017, Alliance Charter Academy (ACA) officially activated all student Google accounts. Along with that change, ACA has also re-introduced StudentVue, a software that allows students to check their grades. ACA’s push to “keep up with the times” is undoubtedly a controversial idea, already having parents opt-out of the Google accounts. Not only … Continue reading The New Age
Flipped Classes at ACA
By Alyssa DiLoreto, The Charter News – Both David Toth and fellow math teacher Joy Best have both created instructional videos to help students learn math more effectively. Toth claims that it gives a lot more instructional time, so when they go to class, they have it in their brains they can take the class to do more in-depth work. Toth began using the Flipped … Continue reading Flipped Classes at ACA
Snack Shack Attack
By Constantine Van Sickle, The Charter News — 11/20/2017 — New food! Sounds exciting right? Well ACA might be seeing more food items added to the Snack Shack in the near future. According to a 2016 snack shack survey new food items have been long overdue as a large amount of students have been looking for a change in the food selection . The Parent … Continue reading Snack Shack Attack
ACA Teacher Kidnapped — Decades Ago
By Victor Heimbigner, The Charter News Features – Kristen Kohl is an Alliance Charter Academy Spanish teacher and an Educational Specialist. She loves to travel and has an exciting life. She loves teaching and has been a teacher for a few years now and had an interesting story to tell her fellow coworkers and students before she was a teacher. Kohl was kidnapped at the … Continue reading ACA Teacher Kidnapped — Decades Ago
Can classical music be beneficial to your health?
By: Taylor Younger, The Charter Opinions — Many people think that classical music can be boring, and a waste of time to listen to. Little did they know that it is proven to increase your health emotionally, and mentally. Simply listening to classical music as background noise can have a significant impact on your mood, productivity, and creativity. First on the very long list of … Continue reading Can classical music be beneficial to your health?
Political Firings
By William Poindexter, The Charter Opinions In today’s society, discussion of important topics is needed to progress. However, inside of workplaces, it’s a different story. In all kinds of workplaces, people have been fired for merely expressing their views. This should not be allowed. In November of 2016, according to Dec. 2016 National Post report, one teacher in British Columbia was fired for expressing a … Continue reading Political Firings
Rediscovering ACA Merchandise
By: Rylie Young, The Charter News — The newly rediscovered Alliance Charter Academy online merchandise store website, might not be so new after all. It has a wide variety of products from hoodies to key chains, to dog bandanas. This store is not too difficult to find, go to Alliance Charter Academy’s website, click on the “Student Resources” button, and scroll all the way down … Continue reading Rediscovering ACA Merchandise
Preschool at ACA
By: Olivia Silbernagel, The Charter Features — Just like ACA, the ACA preschool is unique from other preschools. To start with, the preschool is held inside Park Place school, making ACA able to offer a Preschool through 12th grade education. The preschool and K/1 Enrichment program are taught by Kerry Wright who has been the lead instructor for both since 2011, just 2 years after the … Continue reading Preschool at ACA
