ORCA Programs and Clubs

AVID

AVID is a college readiness program designed to close achievement gaps and prepare all students for success after high school. The AVID elective class utilizes rigorous instructional methods and 21st century skills to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in post-secondary fields. 

Clubs

ORCA clubs provide students opportunities to meet other students with similar interests and engage in fun and meaningful activities throughout the year.

Field Trips

Field trips at ORCA provide a great way for students and teachers to make connections in educational settings throughout Oregon. Labs at OMSI, a hike at Susan Creek Falls, college campus tours, Cranberry Bog farm tour, Shanghai Tunnel tour, and the Pendleton Woolen Mill provide rich experiences for students. Visit the Events page below to check which field trips are coming up! 

NASA

ORCA is participating in monthly Remote and Distant Interactive Online Sessions (RADIOS) live streamed from NASA Space Center Houston (SCH). SCH offers innovative distance learning for science and space enthusiasts. These live virtual sessions take remote learning to a new level with interactive, STEM-based sessions from a variety of locations around SCH. Each session takes place next to the exhibits and incorporates artifacts from the space program. Over 350 ORCA students from across the K-12 grade levels have signed up to participate to date and we’ve already hosted two RADIOS sessions so far. 

National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society

National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a program for students grades 6-12. The goal of NHS/NJHS is to allow members to practice leadership through service. Students will work collaboratively to plan projects and events that support their local community. Members meet bi-monthly, with officers meeting every week to plan whole group meetings. Interested students may apply by filling out the application found here. Applications are due by the last day of the first semester each year. Students may contact Daniel West if they have any questions about the application process.

Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad is a national science competition for students in grades 6-12. Students prepare for and compete in written and engineering-based events in groups of two or three at the state competition each spring. Preparation is done through virtual and in-person sessions.

Student Government

Student Government is a program for students in grades 5-12. Students must apply for this program in the spring for the Executive Board (grades 9-12) or in the fall for Senator positions (grades 5-12). We meet weekly to promote leadership throughout the school as well as help organize activities like Prom and Spirit Week. We also assist with Capitol Day and Spring Celebration as well as many other events.

Teen Parent Program

The ORCA Teen Parent Program provides information, resources, parenting education, academic guidance, and emotional support to pregnant and/or parenting teens. As their support teachers, they strive to empower them to reach their individual potential as teen parents. Robin Bender and Jodie Ginsbach are Health and PE Teachers and Advisors at ORCA. They have come together to provide a Teen Parent Support Group that reaches the need of ORCA students that are also teen parents.