Is the new playground better than the old one?
Kailyn McKay & Rebecca BurtonThe Charter News Katelynn Reynolds, “No, my grandma’s living room is more interesting.” Laurie Phelan, “I don’t think so, but I’m not playing on it.” Allison Jackson, “No the old playground was way better.” Grana Khan, “I don’t think so, because that one was there for so long and I miss the old one.” Eljo (Elliot Lute), “ Yes, because of … Continue reading Is the new playground better than the old one?
Archery Club
By Oliver Heimbigner The Charter News 10/28/19 ACA has a new archery club coming soon, and many students are interested in joining. “The Archery club will be cool because I used to do archery, and archery is cool,” said Seth Ellicott, a 10th grader at ACA. Drew Holland the creator of this archery club says: “I think it is important to have a different variety … Continue reading Archery Club
ACA’s Fall Concerts are Just Around the Corner
by: Chloe Lute Students at Alliance Charter Academy are tuning their instruments and shining their dress shoes for the quickly arriving music showcase weekend. The students, teachers, and parents are anxiously awaiting the music filled weekend. The students have been working hard in preparation for the showcases. Kiera McKay, grade seven, says “It makes me nervous and excited at the same time, nervous about being … Continue reading ACA’s Fall Concerts are Just Around the Corner
Student Starts Dungeons & Dragons Club
By Rebecca Burton The Charter News October 30, 2019 You can now see dragons, elves, and witches roaming the halls of ACA! This year the school has added a new club, the dungeons and dragons club where people can discuss their favorite characters and levels. Come as you explore the world of dungeons and dragons. This club is for the inspired dungeons and dragons players … Continue reading Student Starts Dungeons & Dragons Club
2019 Harvest Ball
By Kailyn McKay Oct. 23, 2019 Charter News The Harvest Ball was held in the cafeteria at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 25. Twenty tickets were sold from the study hall in advance of the event, according to Merrie Miller, our study hall teacher and ticket salesperson. She said that usually kids don’t start buying tickets till the last week. Sophomore Haladar Wright was one … Continue reading 2019 Harvest Ball
Taking in new families
By Kailyn McKay The Charter NewsOct. 2, 2019 ACA has seen some new faces, since 2007. This year there are 70 new students that registered, according to Mrs. Diana Brainerd. So many family and friends of other current students want in and start a new schooling life here, she added. Alliance can accept, at most, 395 students each year and as of late September we … Continue reading Taking in new families
Phone Policy
Oliver, Heimbigner The Charter News 10/25/2019. On the campus of ACA, a new phone policy has been ratified. Some students dislike it, and many students simply ignore the policy. The director of ACA Seanna Bloemer says about this policy, “I think phones can be a distraction in the classroom if there are not clear expectations. I believe the policy sets clear guidelines so all students … Continue reading Phone Policy
What classes do you miss at ACA? Why do you miss them?
“Sculpting and painting, because it was part of art and I like art” – Kiera McKay, grade 7 “They used to have fencing, and I always thought it was pretty cool, so I was sad when it left”-Naomi Lee, grade 7 “I don’t think I miss any classes”- William Poindexter, grade 12 “I miss having clay class, because it was a fun hands on experience for … Continue reading What classes do you miss at ACA? Why do you miss them?
The Issue of Suicide
The second most common cause of death people ages 10-34 in the U.S. is suicide. Ranking 15th in the U.S., Oregon has one of the highest percentages of deaths due to suicide. This sobering statistic is all the more disturbing when it is brought into consideration that it is a subject that hits close to home, as some students at ACA struggle with suicidal ideation. … Continue reading The Issue of Suicide
Astrobiology Brings Strange Visitor To ACA
On October 21st, Mr Holland’s PE class found the gym invaded by a faintly humming silver dome, 20 feet in diameter and 10 feet high. Fortunately, this was no alien invasion of ACA, but rather the Starlab, a mobile observatory and planetarium, brought in by Mr. Lancaster’s Astrobiology class to teach constellations and planetary science. “Constellations serve as a…sort of map that astronomers use to … Continue reading Astrobiology Brings Strange Visitor To ACA
ACA’s New Counselor Mrs. Heinsoo
Cheyenna Hall The Charter News 10/28/2019 Mrs. Alicia Heinsoo, ACA’s new counselor has been meeting with the students of ACA since the beginning of this school year. Mrs. Heinsoo states that she has “striven to provide a safe space for all students to feel respected and comfortable.” Although many students already have regular meetings with her there are also some slots in Mrs. Heinsoos schedule … Continue reading ACA’s New Counselor Mrs. Heinsoo
Stephanie Young Takes School Pictures
By Madalena Larkins School pictures were different this year. Stephanie Young—a longtime ACA parent—took school pictures, instead of someone outside of ACA, like we’ve had in past years. It seems that there was an overall positive reaction to the new photographer and backdrop. Young chose to take the pictures outside in front of the bricks instead of doing them inside with a gray background and artificial … Continue reading Stephanie Young Takes School Pictures
New Choir Teacher Hired
Tracey Edson, the new choir director, was just hired. For the past month, the choir program at ACA has not had a teacher. Several students interviewed expressed great excitement and happiness that Edson is here. Ashton Scott, a Junior, expressed feelings of surprise that Mrs. Edwards hadn’t returned, but says he is still committed to making the choir program fun. Lauren True, a Junior, says … Continue reading New Choir Teacher Hired
Do you think the do/due planner system is good or doo-doo?
by Oliver Heimbigner & Haladar Wright Paige Stickney: “I think it helps some students, but for me personally, I use a different way. So I think it just depends on the person.” Makenna Gilbert: “Well, I think it’s pretty helpful because then you’re more organized and you know like, okay, because then you can, plan out that I can do my homework right now, or … Continue reading Do you think the do/due planner system is good or doo-doo?
What advice would you give new students and families this year?
Donna Larson, an ACA parent, declined a photo, but said: “I’d say new families should remember to volunteer- it helps get you used to what’s happening around the school.” Raymond Kennedy: “Take Mrs. Whittet’s math class.” Jilene Modlin: “Make sure you show up with plenty of time to find parking.” Logan Scott: “Have fun, even if you aren’t having fun.” Chris Stilwell: “When I see … Continue reading What advice would you give new students and families this year?
If You Could Change One Thing about ACA What Would it be?
By Madalena Larkins Faith Shubin: “More fun [science] experiments.” Denice Crombie: “More parking.” Winston Small: “Bigger lockers, the lockers are way too small.” Seanna Bloemer: “That we could offer sports.” Calia Lancaster:“Longer lunch time.” Continue reading If You Could Change One Thing about ACA What Would it be?
How do you think ACA has changed over the years?
By: Cheyenna Hall Continue reading How do you think ACA has changed over the years?
Senior Prank or Legacy Project?
By: Cheyenna Hall Since the first day of grade school, to the awkwardness of middle school, through challenging high school and finally to senior year, seniors have been getting ready to go out into the world and give it their best, ready to prove that they have what it takes to go anywhere and accomplish anything. Even though sometimes they get a little ahead of … Continue reading Senior Prank or Legacy Project?
Changes to ACA Building
By: Chloe R. Lute Over the summer a few of Alliance Charter Academy’s rooms got refurnished to be more functional and appealing. Some of the biggest changes include the Guitar room and the Study Hall. The Guitar Room, room 116, got a new paint job and is now completely reorganized. There’s now a board on the back wall which holds all of the smaller instruments … Continue reading Changes to ACA Building
Back to School
Jack Taggart The Charter News 10/2/19 It’s that time of year again, as teachers, parents, and students set the ball rolling with the new 2019-2020 school year. And with more than fifty million students enrolled, (according to the National Center for Education Statistics), this is not only a big adjustment for the public school system, but also an adjustment for many students, parents, and teachers. … Continue reading Back to School
Other Jobs ACA Staff Do
By Madalena Larkins A recent poll of ACA staff members was conducted and sixty eight percent of staff polled had additional sources of income outside of aca. Only thirty four percent said that they wanted only one job, so about half the staff polled who had another income enjoyed doing two jobs. Also, sixty seven percent of staff polled said that they were not the … Continue reading Other Jobs ACA Staff Do
Student Planners: So Far, So Good
Tazwell Brandabur The Charter News – 9/30/19 Much of success, both in school and later life, depends upon a set of critical skills known as executive functioning. These skills include scheduling, time management, and prioritization, which are all essential for staying organized. With this in mind, ACA hired Karin Bright, an executive function coach based in Portland, to help students, and to help teachers help … Continue reading Student Planners: So Far, So Good
Multnomah County Search and Rescue
Natalie Ramsey The Charter- 5/22/19 The team, MCSOSAR, is Multnomah County’s resource for Search and Rescue. Multnomah County Search and Rescue unit. They primarily do searches for lost hikers in the Columbia Gorge, urban searches in surrounding areas, and evidence searches. Multnomah County’s team is youth led and accepts applications from teens ages fourteen and up. If accepted, volunteers are required to complete an … Continue reading Multnomah County Search and Rescue
ACA and the Phone Dilemma
By: Alyssa DiLoreto – 5/20/19 The ACA admin is really wanting to work on reinforcing the phone policy. It’s a pretty hard subject that is argued on a lot. Cell phones are big problems for many schools. Students sometimes forget that they are not usually allowed to have their phones out during class. Here at ACA we have a phone policy in place that some … Continue reading ACA and the Phone Dilemma
Rummage Sale
By Natalie Ramsey The Charter- 5/21/19 An annual spring rummage sale is one of ACA’s traditions used to raise money for the school, as well as other charities. Families bring in donations and are able to volunteer to help plan, organize, and run the sale. The rummage was started as a fundraiser by the Parent Action Team. Donations of clothes, books, children’ toys, kitchenware, and … Continue reading Rummage Sale
Senior prank
Rachel Shulikov The Charter News 5/22/2019 Last year’s seniors may be the last ones to have done a senior prank, if Seanna Bloemer, ACA director gets her way. She want the seniors to do a “legacy project” instead. But Anna Pullella, this years graduate would rather be the last senior to do a prank. “My first reaction was shock because senior prank is something … Continue reading Senior prank
HOOPS Basketball
By Natalie Ramsey The Charter- 5/21/19 HOOPS is a homeschool basketball league that many students of Alliance Charter Academy take part in. Teams practice in Oregon City and Molalla, with games held at Clackamas Community College campus in Oregon City. HOOPS provides a Christian learning environment for improving and building skills and sportsmanship. HOOPS is run by dedicated volunteers: coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, paper/electronic … Continue reading HOOPS Basketball
Disagreements in our Country
By Rylie Young Charter-Ed Territory – 05/20/19 What is one thing that our country has done that you disagree with (longer than ten years ago)? “I wholeheartedly disagree with the internment of the Japanese people in America during WWII. I believe that the Executive Order 9066 issued by President Roosevelt was totally unconstitutional and based on wartime fears and emotions. The reparations and official Letters … Continue reading Disagreements in our Country
Drama Club Performs The Tempest
By Rylie Young The Charter News – 05/20/19 “Ten minutes!” Drama Club director, Paul Angelo shouts. “Thank you ten minutes,” the cast shouts back, some still pouring some last minute glitter on their costumes. The tension of anticipation builds until at last they are on stage and the curtain reels back. Drama Club has put on a variety of performances in the last several years; … Continue reading Drama Club Performs The Tempest
School Counselor Leaving ACA
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter News – 5/15/2019 ACA’s school counselor, Maryann Remburgs, is leaving and won’t be our counselor anymore next year. “It has been really awesome being here at ACA, and I really loved the people. The people here are really fabulous, so that’s why it was such a hard decision to leave,” said Remsburg. After Mark Silverman passed away, Remsburg knew someone … Continue reading School Counselor Leaving ACA
Chaos Controlled
By Miriam Lee The Charter News – 5/17/19 Picture this: it’s 2015, the last week of school, and class after class you’ve had a party. Stuffing your face with chocolate cupcakes, exotic fruit, or maybe some potato chips. A full week of endless parties, at school. Not too long ago, this was the reality at ACA. For those who have been attending for awhile, you’ve … Continue reading Chaos Controlled
Why Vaccines Matter in the 21st Century
By Hailey Fox Charter Opinions 5/17/19 Here at ACA only 71 percent of students are vaccinated. Currently, house bill 3063 is being voted on. This bill will make it so every student will be required to get vaccinated. The only waver from this law are people who are immunocompromised, a person with a immune system that’s so weak vaccines would hurt them. I believe this … Continue reading Why Vaccines Matter in the 21st Century
Jellyfish and Their Superpowers
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News 5/17/19 From their bloodless brainless bodies to their extreme ability to regenerate and survive in extreme environments, jellyfish or more properly, sea jellies, are quite an extraordinary group of organisms. What’s so interesting about sea jellies? Well for starters they have been around for nearly six hundred million years appearing in the fossil records during the Cambrian Period. This … Continue reading Jellyfish and Their Superpowers
ACA Plant Delivery
By Hailey Fox Charter Newsroom – 5/d/19 On May 8th at seven am about six volunteers arrived at the kitchen side entrance to help unload the orders the plant sale had gotten. The plant sale ended up selling $843.05 worth of plants. To find out more about the plant sale read the story by Rachel Shulikov. The driver of the plant delivery truck had gotten … Continue reading ACA Plant Delivery
“What is nicest thing someone has ever done for you?”
By Rylie Young Charter-Ed Territory – 05/15/19 Continue reading “What is nicest thing someone has ever done for you?”
ES Expecting Baby in October 2019
By Sydney Starr The Charter News – 5/15/19 Jenna Friesen is expecting her first baby, a boy, towards the end of October 2019. She is currently 16 weeks along (as of May 6, 2019). Friesen says that she plans on hopefully working until she has her baby, and then she will be taking maternity leave. She anticipates being back “…by the end of January.” Diana … Continue reading ES Expecting Baby in October 2019
Volunteer Hours
By Natalie Ramsey The Charter- 4/15/18 Volunteering is an important piece of ACA. It keeps the school safe and clean while giving back to the community. Each school year, families are encouraged to complete thirty volunteer hours which equals about fifteen minutes of volunteering a school day. According to the Alliance Charter Academy handbook if families are unable to complete the volunteer hours, they could … Continue reading Volunteer Hours
What is the the best thing you are doing this summer?
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter Features – 5/3/2019 “I am going down to Utah and we’re going to have a family reunion down there. Our family is super big so we’re going to rent out this big, cool house and it’s going to be great. And then my cousins from Arizona are coming over for the entire summer. I am going camping a lot. My … Continue reading What is the the best thing you are doing this summer?
Testing opt-outs Affect ACA
Rachel Shulikov Charter News – 4/6/2019 ACA’s opting out rate for the Smarter Balanced testing is about 15 percent, and for every student who opts out this year, ACA gets a zero score for that student. State testing is for students in grades 3rd through 8th and 11th. There are two language arts parts and two math parts. The tests show the strengths that the … Continue reading Testing opt-outs Affect ACA
ACA Chamber Ensemble Played at the Schnitz
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter News- 5/1/2019 This year, our school Chamber Ensemble played at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. They played at the Schnitz on Monday, March 18th. The ensemble was invited when Ms. Mersereau signed up for the Oregon Symphony administration to get the opportunity to play at the Schnitz. “Playing at the Schnitz is a great opportunity. You get to play in … Continue reading ACA Chamber Ensemble Played at the Schnitz
Goodbye ACA, Hello Singapore!
By Rylie Young The Charter News – 05/01/19 Expanding your horizons doesn’t mean moving to Singapore for everyone, but for ACA’s art teacher, Todd Ingham, it does. After this school year ends, Ingham will not be returning to ACA because he, his wife and two sons are moving 8,283 miles away to Singapore. Ingham’s wife, who has been wanting to do an international job for … Continue reading Goodbye ACA, Hello Singapore!
The Red Cross Comes to ACA for Our Blood
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News – 5/1/19 Saving three lives isn’t what most ACA students consider doing on a typical school day, but May 15 won’t be a typical day. The reason ACA and many high schools put on these blood drives is quite simple; it saves lives. According to the Community Blood Center and the Red Cross approximately 37 percent of the US … Continue reading The Red Cross Comes to ACA for Our Blood
ACA Student Going to Costa Rica in Exchange Program
By Sydney Starr The Charter Features – 5/2/19 Siena Geren, a 16 year-old ACA Sophomore, will be going to Costa Rica as an exchange student in 2019-2020 for six months. Geren will be the first student from ACA to be a part of an exchange program, according to Diana Brainerd, lead ES and Associate Director. Geren says that there are still many details that need … Continue reading ACA Student Going to Costa Rica in Exchange Program
NHS Plans Prom 2019
By Miriam Lee The Charter News – 04/29/19 High schoolers, mark your calendar for a special night of simplicity. Despite the “uniqueness” of ACA, our school still participates in one of the oldest traditions among high schools. That is, prom, a formal dance — thrown in almost every high school in the U.S. — dating back to the late 18th century. The ACA prom is … Continue reading NHS Plans Prom 2019
Avengers: Endgame Review
By Alyssa DiLoreto – 4/30/19 We’ve been waiting years for this, and it’s finally here. “Avengers: Endgame” released April 26th and it’s taken the world by storm. Scoring a 96% from “Rotten Tomatoes” and high reviews from all over, there’s no doubt that the climactic movie certainly prevailed. “The Russo brothers’ poignant, powerful finale more than lives up to the hype: It’s a thrilling conclusion … Continue reading Avengers: Endgame Review
Mary Poppins Drama Jr.
By Miriam Lee The Charter Features – 4/24/19 ACA’s very own Drama Jr. has performed numerous plays from “Peter Pan” to “The Aristocats” to “Mary Poppins.” You may notice a Disney theme here, but they haven’t always stuck to Disney. “In the past, we shied away from Disney opting instead to do more serious plays, like Annie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Christmas … Continue reading Mary Poppins Drama Jr.
What is Your Favorite Part of ACA?
Rachel Shulikov The Charter – 4/22/2019 “The fact that if you are really good at something, then you can take a harder class, and its not weird.” Madilynn Reynolds, Freshman. “The math program.” Kathryn Taggart, 7th grade. “The flexibility in learning.” Aliona Shulikov, Parant “The students.” Kathleen Cantrell, ES Continue reading What is Your Favorite Part of ACA?
Reunification Drill
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter News- 3/10/2019 ACA is planning to have a reunification drill. Although we don’t have a set day for the drill, our school is planning to have it in the beginning of October, in the next school year. A reunification drill is a drill where the whole school walks to a location near the school but not on the school property. … Continue reading Reunification Drill
What Are You Most Looking Forward to This Summer?
“No studies…no studies.” Maximo Villali, 5th grade. “Hanging out with friends.” -Abigail Engle, 10th grade. “Not having to drive out to ACA four times a week, or more, really. But other than that, just you know, summer fun in the sun. We don’t have any major plans, just getting out on the rivers and kicking back. Not having to supervise the children on their studies.” … Continue reading What Are You Most Looking Forward to This Summer?
Taco Time and the People of Crime
By Hailey Fox Charter Features – 04/10/19 “I use many of my experiences as an employee at Taco Time and apply it to many of my health lessons I teach today. I think it has helped me present a more holistic approach to how I teach drug abuse and/or mental health,” write Drew Holland in an email. Drew Holland is one of ACAs teachers, he … Continue reading Taco Time and the People of Crime
ACA Plant Sale
Rachel Shulikov The Charter News – 4/11/2019 For about ten years the Parent Action Team (PAT) has been putting on the plant sale as a fundraiser. This year Valerie Johnson, ACA teacher and parent is in charge of the sale. The money that is raised is used by the PAT for their projects. This year 30 percent of the funds will be for the … Continue reading ACA Plant Sale
“What are you looking forward to most next year?”
By Natalie Ramsey The Charter 3/13/19 “Probably having more home subjects because it just adds a lot because I already have a busy schedule with dance and youth group.” -Alayna Meeker, 13, 7th grade. “Next school year I’m looking forward to it being my final year of high school and learning more, expanding my knowledge and since I am in the ACE program I am … Continue reading “What are you looking forward to most next year?”
Chemistry Class Sparks Reaction
By Miriam Lee The Charter News – 4/10/19 Student class schedules for 2019-2020 will be out this May, and high schoolers may be anticipating the new Chemistry class. The question is, which lucky sixteen students will be accepted into the class? Although Chemistry has been offered in the past, for middle schoolers and once for high schoolers, it hasn’t been an ongoing class at ACA … Continue reading Chemistry Class Sparks Reaction
Jilene Modlin and Her Seamstress Endeavors
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News – 4/10/19 Her days of sewing zippers in Campfire Girls are over, but she still finds happiness and passion in her hobby of being a seamstress for a ballet studio. Jilene Modlin is an ES here and a parent of two ACA students. She has been with ACA since before the beginning, and for many years taught sign language. … Continue reading Jilene Modlin and Her Seamstress Endeavors
Hercules Livens Up the Poetree
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News – 4/5/19 The Poetree has been given new “life” and decoration through Hercules, a taxidermied squirrel whose purpose is to get more students of all ages interested in the writing poems. The squirrel was placed on the poetree, which is just outside room 210 in the main hallway, around a month ago, and his purpose is to intrigue students … Continue reading Hercules Livens Up the Poetree
ACA Student to Play At Ten Grands
By Sydney Starr The Charter News – 4/10/19 On April 19th and 20th, ACA Junior Rachel Modlin will be performing with the Ten Grands piano concert at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Families can sign up at the welcome desk to reserve their seats for the show. Modlin’s Journey to Ten Grands Modlin explains her piano history: “I started when I was six with a … Continue reading ACA Student to Play At Ten Grands
Why You Should Always Read About Black History
By Rylie Young The Charter Editorials – 04/08/19 To represent history made by African American history, February become Black History Month in the U.S. It is a celebration of achievements and accomplishments made by African Americans— achievements that they’ve made that empowered their culture. However, it is not just about reflecting history, it is also about looking at current issues they face. While a month … Continue reading Why You Should Always Read About Black History
Three New Lunch & Learns
Three New Lunch and Learns By Rachel Shulikov The Charter News – 3/18/2019 Aside from Monday Science Lunch and Learn, ACA staff has started three new lunch and learns. The new Lunch and Learns started at the beginning of the second semester. The subjects will be Social Studies led by Chad Wynne, Math led by Debora Whittet, and English Language Arts (ELA) led by Sarah … Continue reading Three New Lunch & Learns
ACA Hot Lunches
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter Photojournalism- 3/11/2019 ACA sells hot lunches everyday of the week. From pizza to baked potatoes, from soup to nachos, there hot lunches waiting for you in the cafeteria during lunch. “The Snack Shack Coordinator and PAT President typically work together to price items, but the Snack Shack Coordinator has more insight since they are shopping or coordinating the shoppers to … Continue reading ACA Hot Lunches
“In a few sentences, how have you grown as a learner so far this school year?”
By Sydney Starr The Charter – 3/21/19 “I’d say that I’m way more able to work fast, like, as in I have more homework now; so I’m learning how to get things done more efficient and faster.” – Natalie Sawatsky, 15, Sophomore. “I think I’ve grown just by listening to people, and really understanding what they’re saying; and trying to intentionally learn from them, and … Continue reading “In a few sentences, how have you grown as a learner so far this school year?”
ES meetings
Rachel Shulikov The Charter News – 3/18/2019 ACA is one of the only schools that has ES meetings. And that’s another reason what makes it so different from other schools. ES meetings are for students to have a teacher to “helps to make sure that all areas of education are covered, [and] all the different subjects and standards for those subjects.” said Diana Brainerd, Lead … Continue reading ES meetings
ACA Joins Marker Recycling Organization
By Rylie Young The Charter News – 02/23/19 Striving to become a more eco friendly school, ACA is pushing to find new ways of recycling, reusing, and reducing. Their current goal? To keep markers out of landfill, and find a way to reuse them. Study hall teacher, Merrie Miller stumbled upon a program called ColorCycle which is facilitated by Crayola. ColorCycle is a marker … Continue reading ACA Joins Marker Recycling Organization
The Zaniac Shakes Things Up
By Rylie Young The Charter News – 03/15/19 Parent Action Team invited, Alex Zerbe, “The Zaniac,” to perform and entertain at an assembly. The Zaniac is comedian, juggler, magician, and educator. He first stepped into fame when he attended America’s Got Talent, back in season two. He now has his own shows and assemblies at schools and festivals. On Wednesday, March 6th, The Zaniac had … Continue reading The Zaniac Shakes Things Up
Suicide Prevention
By Natalie Ramsey The Charter- 3/14/19 Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US. During 2017 there were over 47,000 deaths from suicide in America, and suicide rates are increasing each year. People of all ages are unaware about the severity of the matter, which is why schools should prioritize educating its students and teachers on suicide and suicide prevention. There … Continue reading Suicide Prevention
Meet the Autism Service Dogs Training at ACA
By Sydney Starr The Charter Features – 3/11/19 You’ve likely seen two adorable white/golden dogs strutting around campus sporting green ASDA (Autism Service Dogs of America) vests — who are they? Stella Stella is a two-year-old labrador, poodle, and golden retriever mix. Trainer Jill Mohr remarks, “Stella is a more bold, curious, loving Labradoodle.” And Grana Khan, a student trainer, says a quirk of Stella’s … Continue reading Meet the Autism Service Dogs Training at ACA
Welcome New Playground
By Miriam Lee The Charter News — 3/8/19 As you may have noticed, Alliance Charter Academy has a new playground and it’s ready for play. The previous playground was burned down, and authorities say it was arson. See “Arsonist Burns Down Our Playground” by Rylie Young for more details. An estimated $15,000 worth of equipment was lost in the fire, according to Young’s story, and … Continue reading Welcome New Playground
The Evening of the Spoken Word
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News – 2/22/19 From the wide taste of literature to the smell of pizza and popcorn, readers and watchers alike seemed to have fun at this ACA event called “The Evening of the Spoken Word.” The library was filled with event goers, and the readings showed it with a wide variety of poems, writings, and excerpts being read including the … Continue reading The Evening of the Spoken Word
What are you looking forward to with the new playground?
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News – 1/28/19 “I’m hoping it looks a bit more modern than it did and hopefully a little bit bigger.” – Jorge Garcia, 15, Freshman. “Personally for me it’s not really going to be that big of a deal but having at least the fences not there anymore so that the soccer ball can’t get kicked in. you won’t have … Continue reading What are you looking forward to with the new playground?
The Monday Lunch and Learn
By: Alyssa DiLoreto Science tends to be a complicated subject and class time can’t always cover all the content. At ACA, some of the teachers noticed students struggling in their classes. That’s why the Monday Lunch and Learn was created. The Monday Lunch and Learn is in room 207 (the science room) from 12-12:30pm. The teachers Ann Heppner and Denise Monte are in the room … Continue reading The Monday Lunch and Learn
Mr. Toth’s Hobby: Crabbing
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter News Briefs- 2/25/2019 Besides being a math teacher at ACA, Mr. Toth enjoys crabbing. Mr. Toth thinks crabbing is “fun and easy.” His dream is to go to the coast, catch crabs, oysters and make tacos. Some of the places Mr. Toth goes crabbing to are Tillamook Bay, Netarts Bay and Astoria. His family usually goes crabbing at bays because … Continue reading Mr. Toth’s Hobby: Crabbing
Tribute to Mark Silverman
By Miriam Lee and Rylie Young The Charter News “We’re a giant jigsaw puzzle, with so many different pieces and I felt like Mark was a piece of the puzzle that was kind of connecting all of us.” – Carla Calhoun A month ago, ACA’s beloved counselor, Mark Silverman, passed away. Mark had been out on medical leave for about a month before he died; … Continue reading Tribute to Mark Silverman
2019 – 2020 Class Schedule is Expected To Be Released Early
By Sydney Starr The Charter News – 2/27/19 The first draft of the 2019 – 2020 class schedule has been sent out to teachers just over a month earlier than last year. This means the final draft is on track to be released to students and families almost a month sooner than last year. Diana Brainerd, lead ES, associate director, and member of the administrative … Continue reading 2019 – 2020 Class Schedule is Expected To Be Released Early
Lack of Parking Space
By Evalina Shulikov The Charter Opinion- 2/5/2019 Our school needs more parking space. It is not easy to find parking space that is close to the school and that is not blocking neighbors’ driveways. A way we could solve the problem is by making another row of parking spaces in the soccer field. Our soccer field is big enough for an extra row of parking … Continue reading Lack of Parking Space
Bathroom redo
The Charter News – 2/5/2019 Rachel Shulikov In December, during the winter break, several students, with supervision of adults, redecorated a part of both bathrooms on the upstairs floor. One of the students that helped redo the bathrooms, Paige Stickney said, “We repainted the doors to help bring a more positive attitude to ACA and give students something positive to look at after the break.” … Continue reading Bathroom redo
An Evening of the Spoken Word
By Natalie Ramsey The Charter Features – 2/1/19 Recently, members of the Language Arts Committee have been working on organizing An Evening of the Spoken Word. This event is not only for students and their families to enjoy the spoken word, but is also to promote the literary works of students On February 20, 2019, from 6:00-7:30pm, the ACA library will be opening its … Continue reading An Evening of the Spoken Word
The National Honors Society at ACA
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News Feature – 1/23/19 What is the National Honors Society (NHS)? Many people do not know the answer to this question, and the truth, according to members, is that their society is motivating students to achieve amazing things within their community. It is more than just a club or meeting point for kids; the NHS is the leading organization, according … Continue reading The National Honors Society at ACA
The Snow Ball is Here!
By: Hailey Fox The Charter Features – 1/30/19 On Friday February first in the school gym will be the winter formal or Snow Ball. Grades 9-12th should are allowed to join in on the dancing from seven to ten at night. It costs eight dollars if you get a ticket at the study hall and ten dollars at the door. All guests must fill out … Continue reading The Snow Ball is Here!
Why They Should Remake the Transformers Movies
Transformers has been a loved franchise since the 1980s. What’s cooler than alien robots that can transform into practically anything? I grew up watching the transformers, the TV shows. I loved it so much. I was so excited when my dad finally let me see the live action movie that I had heard so much about. Little did I know, I would soon be disappointed. … Continue reading Why They Should Remake the Transformers Movies
Are Teachers Paid Enough?
By Miriam Lee The Charter News – 1/7/19 The debate on whether teachers are paid fairly or not has become quite the controversy. The average public school teacher is paid significantly more than the average private school teacher. However, both public and private school teachers are paid less than the average college graduate. And at ACA, a public charter school, it’s less than most public … Continue reading Are Teachers Paid Enough?
Diana Brainerd Adopts a New Role at ACA
By Miriam Lee The Charter News/Feature – 12/13/18 A rose by any other name is still a rose. Diana Brainerd with another title is still Diana Brainerd. From the start of ACA, to now, Diana Brainerd has always had an important role in the ACA community—whether that be as a parent, friend, OBOB coach, ES, teacher, or associate director. “Diana has the experience, from her … Continue reading Diana Brainerd Adopts a New Role at ACA
Why You Should Care About Using Plastic
By Rylie Young The Charter Opinions – 1/7/19 I’ll get straight to the point, I believe that we should all try to avoid plastic. Soon I’ll explain why, but first let’s look at the history of plastic. According to the Science History Institute, the first plastic was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt, who was searching for a substitute for Ivory— a substance made … Continue reading Why You Should Care About Using Plastic
ACA Student Saves Endangered Wildlife
By Rylie Young The Charter Features – 12/12/18 Milarae Rymsza, a sixth grade ACA student, is just twelve and has already raised hundreds of dollars for wildlife. Milarae loves to paint, and she loves animals. She is a soft spoken person, but her actions speak louder than words. For the past six years she has combined these passions by painting pictures and selling them, giving … Continue reading ACA Student Saves Endangered Wildlife
How to Donate to ACA’s Library
By Sydney Starr The Charter News Feature – 01/24/19 Like many of us, you may have boxes of cast off books sitting in your garage collecting dust (and mold), from your KonMari tidying frenzy. You’ve been meaning to donate them for months, but you have no idea how to go about it. Thankfully Jennifer Hitchcock, ACA’s librarian, sat down and explained how you should donate … Continue reading How to Donate to ACA’s Library
What Has ACA Done For You?
By Natalie Ramsey The Charter, 1/24/19 “It’s taught me things and has given me friends. It’s also given me a good place to learn.” – Tyler Scott, 12, 6th grade. “For me, ACA has helped me to become more structured with my time and just more organized with my school work. The teachers here are also really friendly and nice.” – Maddy Keyser, 15, Sophomore. … Continue reading What Has ACA Done For You?
Is Testing with Music Really Bad for You?
Listening with music while taking tests should be allowed at ACA. Teachers typically say that testing with music distracts students from learning or reaching their full potential. Although I believe that’s true for some students, music should still be allowed for students who want it. Some famous writers listen to music in their everyday writing routine. One of them is Stephen King who has written … Continue reading Is Testing with Music Really Bad for You?
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
ACA Battles Animal Hunger Alongside F.I.D.O.
By Matthias Armstrong The Charter News – 12/10/18 The volunteer-run organization FIDO is working vigorously to combat the problem of animal hunger and ACA is helping out. The problem gained attention when volunteers involved in the Meals On Wheels program noticed people feeding their food to their pets instead of themselves. This sparked the creation of the Animeals program and later the Friends Involved in … Continue reading ACA Battles Animal Hunger Alongside F.I.D.O.
Would you homeschool your future kids?/ Why did you homeschool your kids?
By Rylie Young Charter-Ed Territory – 12/17/18 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 … 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?”
ACA’s Testing Scores
By Hailey Fox Charter Newsroom – 11/14/2018 Last year when the students at ACA took the science OAKS test, the 11th graders fell short of the district by 0.2 percent. According to administration, the charter by ACA has a clause that states ACA will always exceed the OCSD (Oregon City School District) in state testing scores. Since the scores were lower compared to OCSD’s scores, … Continue reading ACA’s Testing Scores
