Culture Archives - the bird on fire

The Dangerous Landscape of Roblox

March 12, 2026 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Feature Post

By 8th-Grade Blogger Jackie Pretorius

Roblox is a platform that has loads of games built by different creators on the site. The games are usually multiplayer–meaning that you can see other avatars in whatever game you choose to play. Some games require players to use the in-game chatting system. However, recently Roblox changed its guidelines to allow people to chat with each other only if they were in the same age groups. They did this because Roblox was getting sued regarding child safety. Even as recently as the 19th of February 2026, Roblox was sued by Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA). DCBA accused Roblox of failing “to implement adequate safeguards to protect children from predatory behavior and inappropriate content” (lacounty.gov).

When you see this box within a box within a box, you are looking at the Roblox logo. Graphic Source: https://www.youtube.com/roblox

Why exactly is Roblox so dangerous? It’s literally just a ton of “experiences” to have fun in. Well, according to the Los Angeles County DCBA, some people on the site have exposed children to sexual content, abuse such as grooming, or even assault! About 75 percent of children in the United States ages 9-12 play Roblox on a daily basis, and safety measures couldn’t have been worse (lacounty.gov)!

The Los Angeles County of Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has locked horns with Roblox over child safety. Graphic Source: https://lacounty.gov/

This brings us to why Roblox implemented this group chatting system. Although this is the best they’ve done so far, Roblox chatting system still has some flaws. First off, it makes servers feel like a ghost town since people are quiet because of age restrictions; sometimes the system lags, still allowing inappropriate things to be said, and it ruins the social aspect of Roblox. However, Roblox is taking a step for child safety and will hopefully get better as time progresses.

Source Referenced: https://lacounty.gov/2026/02/25/la-county-files-lawsuit-against-roblox-dcba-urges-parents-to-report-complaints/

Vexillology: The Art of Flag Design

March 5, 2026 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

Feature Post

By 8th-Grade Blogger Max Pretorius

Whether it be a flag of a state, nation, town, or a school, flags are used everywhere. Having a flag lets your community be represented in a recognizable banner. Though making a flag seems simple, it is very complicated, and making a good flag can take a very long time. To help with this, vexillologists and designers have created certain guidelines for making flags. The main guidelines were made in a collaboration between the North American Vexillological Association and the UK’s Flag Institute and can be found in “The Commissioner’s Report on the Guiding Principles of Flag Design” (https://www.flaginstitute.org/pdfs/Flag_Design_Commission_Report.pdf). These guidelines can help you make an amazing flag of your own!

Rule 1: Keep It Simple

One of the most important things about flag design is simplicity. Your flag should be easy enough for a child to draw. You have to remember that flags are seen from a distance, so they must be simple. The line between flags that are too complex and not too complex would be something like the United States’ flag. Simplicity is important in flags because, again, you are likely looking at them from a distance. Complexity could muddy up what you’re seeing. You should not have seals on a flag, as they are far too complex and minute to be seen.

The new Minnesota flag is a simple, great flag, easily drawn by any child (Graphic Source: https://www.sos.mn.gov/media/4k3o50q2/2023-state-emblem-redesign-commission-report.pdf ).

The old Minnesota flag is a horrible, mess of a flag, with an overcomplicated design (Graphic Source:https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Minnesota ).

Rule 2: No Text

One of the most important, yet commonly broken rules, is that there should be no text on a flag. A flag is not an essay. A flag is NOT a note card. A flag is a design, a design that lets you convey messages and ideas through it. Text completely ruins the point of having a flag and is far too complicated to be seen from a distance.

Iowa’s flag is a mess, with it using a lot of over-complicated text (Graphic Source: https://www.customflagcompany.com/product/iowa-state-flag/?srsltid=AfmBOooZKlP9P-4bX0NezujB38CD8TNC44ewWfbczxC3tRhbF1u9pDe8).

Ohio’s flag is a great flag, with it hiding the O into design (Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Ohio ).

Rule 3: Use Symbolism

Flags should have meaning. You don’t just want to make a flag with a couple colors you like; flags should represent something symbolic about its people. Symbolism on a flag should represent the entirety of the community it represents, as opposed to specific parts of it. Symbolism could be anything from a symbol, to a shape, to a color.

The flag of the United Kingdom has great symbolism. The Union Jack uses its design to reflect England, Scotland, and Ireland within the crosses (Graphic Source: https://www.flaginstitute.org/wp/uk-flags/the-union-jack-or-the-union-flag/ ).

The French flag is a tri color. This means it has symbolism through the colors of the flag. Though it’s better to have designs to incorporate symbolism, this still works (Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-France).

Rule 4: Be Careful with Colors

This is similar to the idea of not being too complex; flags need to not have too many colors. Too many colors can make flags complicated and expensive. When you use colors, you should try to contrast dark and light colors, so that if you were to create a grayscale image, they would still contrast.

The flag of the United States has three simple colors: red, white, and blue. These simple colors help make it a great flag (Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-the-United-States-of-America ).

The flag of Dominica has a whopping seven colors. This makes the flag a lot worse, as it is an over-complicated mess, with each extra color having less and less symbolism (Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Dominica).

Rule 5: Be Distinct

When designing your flag, being distinct is very important. If you have a flag that’s similar to other flags, it can hinder your flag’s meaning and symbolism. And, people might not recognize it. However, you can make your flag similar to another flag if it is relevant to the symbolism of your flag. For example, Liberia, a country in Africa, has a flag very similar to the flag of the United States. This choice was intentional as the country was founded by former slaves from the United States.

The flag of Liberia is intentionally similar to the flag of the United States due to Liberia’s history (Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-the-United-States-of-America, https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Liberia ).

The flag of Chad (above) is very similar to Romania (below), although they have completely different symbolism. This is an extreme example of why it’s important for your flag to be distinct (Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Chad, https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Romania ).

Rule 6: Flags Go on Flag Poles

When you make a flag, you need to recognize that it will be flown on a pole. This means that it needs to be distinct as said before, but it also needs to be distinct when there isn’t any wind. Try to avoid similar flags, especially on the right edges of the flag. A great example of a flag that recognizes this is that of Tennessee. Tennessee’s flag had a blue stripe on the right that helps it be distinct when flown on a pole, especially when the wind stops.

Uruguay and Greece have very similar flags, so that, when seen on a flag pole, their canton (the top left corner of the flag) is very hard to see. Thus, from a flagpole, they are easily confused (Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Uruguay, https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Greece ).

Tennessee’s flag is a great flag when on a pole due to its distinct blue stripe, which helps you spot it even when wind has gone down (Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Tennessee ).

The Exceptions

Just because these guidelines exist, doesn’t mean that you have to follow all of them. Sometimes, not listening to the guidelines can make your flag better. Usually, when you make a flag that doesn’t follow the guidelines, it’s to enhance a different part of the flag. Some flags might be very complicated but make themselves distinct to enhance their symbolism.

(Graphic Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-California, https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-South-Africa, https://preservationmaryland.org/history-maryland-flag/, https://flagpedia.net/bhutan, https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Colorado )

Overall, flags are great ways to represent a community and a people, and I hope you feel excited to learn more about the amazing world of Vexillology.

Who Was Best Dressed at the Cupid Winter Wonderland Dance?

February 26, 2026 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Feature Post

By 7th-Grade Blogger Reagan Kaminsky

Last February, I interviewed PVS students to see who was truly the best dressed at the Valentine’s Day Dance. When the Cupid Winter Wonderland Dance rolled around, I knew what I had to do. Last year’s champion was, now sophomore, Elizabeth Greenwood. Who will take the win this year?

Let’s introduce our contestants:

First, is Emmy Kaminsky (Left), Emerson Dunn (Center), and Soleil Antle (Right).

Next, we have Ivana Vega (Left) and Zoey Guess (Right).

Here we have (the DJ) Kayliee Augustine-Sails.

Lastly, we have Lincoln Johnson (Left), Steven Liu (Center), Charlie Cowley (Right), and Sam West (Bottom).

I interviewed 21 people in total, and we had very close results. However, one person particularly stood out to the crowd. This year’s “Who was best dressed at the Cupid Winter Wonderland Dance?” winner was Zoey Guess! According to Zoey, she got her dress from Windsor. She said she needed to get a red dress; it was the first one she saw, and it was perfect! Clearly, the other PVS students and staff agreed with her; her dress was definitely a crowd favorite. With the elegant maxi style and contrasting fabrics, Zoey’s outfit was the perfect blend of cute and formal.

So, make sure to pick a great outfit when next year’s Valentine’s dance rolls around. You never know if there will be another competition!

My Favorite Musical – Mary Poppins

January 29, 2026 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

Written by 7th-Grade Blogger Reagan Kaminsky

Everyone has a favorite musical, and whether it’s Hamilton, Newsies or The Sound of Music, there’s always one that just sticks. For me, however, I can’t think of just one. I have done Musical Theater since the age of 7. I have been in countless productions, and it’s impossible to choose a favorite. Still, the first lead I ever played will always have a special place in my heart. In winter of last year, I was fortunate enough to be cast as Jane Banks in a production of Mary Poppins at the Palm Canyon Theatre.

Let’s go back to the beginning– when I auditioned. I was attending the Palm Canyon Theatre Summer Camp, when the director expressed that she wanted me to audition. I prepared a monologue and went to my audition, and let’s just say I was terrified. I waited and waited. Then, finally, I heard back from the director. I got the role!

Then, the first day of rehearsals came. I met the cast and did a read-through, and it was starting to feel a bit more real. After countless hours of practicing choreography and harmony, before I knew it, Tech Week had begun. Tech Week is the last week of rehearsals when we begin to add lights, sound, and set. I pushed through the week of rehearsals, and then it was finally here–Opening Night. Before we knew it, the curtain dropped, and we got through the first show with ease. Weeks went by, and next thing I knew, it was Closing Night. As the final curtain drew down, let’s just say we were all devastated that the production came to a close.

Reagan (Right) poses with her co-stars in the finale of *Mary Poppins*. Photo Credit: Palm Canyon Theatre

In the end, acting in Mary Poppins was the most incredible and memorable experience. From perfect harmonies to barfing backstage, that show had it all. I may not have a favorite musical, but Mary Poppins will always hold a special place in my heart.

Androcles and the Lion: Behind the Scenes, Inside Looks, and Personal Reviews

January 13, 2026 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

An Inside Look and Personal Review By Blogger Sami Alnabelsi

The PVS Theater Department presented Androcles and The Lion right before the Winter Break. I went to this performance, and here is my honest reaction.

Let’s start with the technical aspects. Before the shows begin, there is tech week. To help understand exactly what it is, I interviewed the mastermind of it all, Mr. Gomez–the theater arts teacher. He explained that “During tech week actors practice the play with the added technical aspects. Music, lights, props and so much else is added into rehearsal. Tech people finish building sets and paint stages and make adjustments to suit the actors’ needs. It is the culmination of work over months and months.”

Back to the review. The sound and lighting design was great and looked professionally done. The set looked to be very thought out and was a collaboration of the Theater Department and the Art Department. There were also very clever “homemade” sound effects whenever something interesting happened.

Now onto the actual show. Even though I didn’t know the whole story prior to watching, I understood a lot of it. This show was presented in a comedic way, which captured my friends’ and my attention.

Now onto the backstage. I conducted an interview and was given input on the show and how it went. Actor Emerson Dunn noted that “nerves were high, but excitement levels were even higher.” She also gave specific details saying, “Lina and I were hopping up and down in place to satisfy the urge to move; Chase was swaying nervously on his feet; all the while Reagan still looked like she was about to throw up.”

To conclude, this performance was great. There is another play scheduled for sometime in the second semester. Make sure to check it out.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look by PVS Player Emmy Kaminsky

Although our Palm Valley School theater department may put on a great show, there is so much chaos and effort that goes into it behind the scenes (and lots of fun too.) It took months for us to put together this show, Androcles and the Lion, and it was quite the process. From the first read-through to our final show, it was an amazing yet chaotic experience.

From the beginning of the process the cast could already tell how much fun we would have putting on this production. Our early theater classes allowed us to get a feel for what we were in for, but even after that nobody could have expected the joy that came along with this show.

Fast forward to tech week #1 (once we were finally starting to know our lines), we were really starting to get into character and connect with our fellow cast members. After school we would all head to the bathroom and do our makeup while singing Hamilton songs at the top of our lungs. Eventually Mr. Gomez had to get us to wind down to start the run through. This continued for the whole two weeks, with constant notes from Mr. Gomez to make the show as magical as possible.

Then, it was time for the faculty preview. The nerves were kicking in. We realized, “Oh wow, this is really happening!” That show was a huge success. We continued performing for the whole weekend, and although we may have put on a great production behind the scenes, it was quite chaotic. From me forgetting my cues to tomatoes spilling all over my backpack, everything possible went wrong at some point. As a cast, we powered through these mistakes and kept the show running. We had a matinee, and no more than 20 people were in the audience for that show, but we still performed at our best as they deserve to have the same show everyone else gets.

The most fun I had during this show was definitely on Saturday, when we had two shows, so we all hung out at school for the entirety of the day. In between shows we ate pizza, slept, watched movies, and just got to spend one final day together as a cast and make the most of it. While we were all watching movies and eating, Nevan decided to call his friend “Pete 4k” and run around the whole school chanting, and surprisingly didn’t lose his voice to play the old man in our show, Pantalone. The whole cast has agreed that his red onesie makes him look like a life-sized elf on the shelf! Then we performed our final show, packed up our stuff, and said “Arrivederci!”

As I’m sure you can see, a lot went into this production and making it so everyone could have a good time (especially the cast.) We are all looking forward to another show in the spring, this time a musical! (Psst. It’s You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.)

Emerson Dunn, 8th Grader, starred as Androcles. Photo Credit: PVS Facebook.

Another Behind-the-Scenes Look by PVS Actor Emerson Dunn

The backstage of the school show Androcles and the Lion is not always as it seems to the crowd. Even though the show may look like it’s going off without a hitch onstage, backstage is always chaotic but exciting. Whether it’s Nevan saying something diabolical, or Emmy barely making her cues, there is always something going on. On opening night, when our cast performed their show, nerves were high, but excitement levels were even higher. As the audience took their seats, our frazzled actors began the intense mental preparations for the long night ahead. Both of the Kaminsky sisters were seen yelling about how they were going to throw up and wanted to go home; Lina and Greenlee were sitting outside FaceTiming another actress friend, while Nevan and Chase were sitting on their phones, cool as cucumbers. All the while, I lay face down on the floor, tired, hungry, excited, nervous, and hungry once more. While the time for places drew closer, nerves soared higher, and as the saying goes, “Nerves are contagious.” I can confirm that as I walked backstage before the show, past all the worried actors, a sudden wave of uncertainty and insecurity set over me. When the time for places came, our group of strolling players took their spots. As our opening music came on, we strolled out to the start of a new show. After the first scene, I walked offstage and immediately noticed how much calmer I was. It’s like my body knew; even after just five minutes on stage, I was calmer, the urge to move, gone, and my head clear. The opening show went very well and the audience loved it. I didn’t accidentally throw my feather duster off stage; no one forgot their cues, and someone’s costume only fell off once! After the final bows, we ran out to greet the audience and thank them for coming. We ended up getting many, many compliments for our amazing performing skills, and, overall, the show went well. Despite the absolute chaos that happened behind the scenes, we made it through our first real performance of the show that we had worked so hard to perfect.

Reagan Kaminsky, 7th Grader, played Isabella, one of the “lovers” in the play. Photo Credit: PVS FaceBook.

And, One More Review from Junior Rylie Conway

I went to see Androcles and the Lion with both Olivia and Louisa, and it was pretty funny. It had its corny moments, but I thought it was great. My favorite characters were definitely the funniest with both Nevan’s and Zoey’s characters having some great moments. Some of my favorite moments included when Nevan threw a fit on the ground about his money, when Chase did his rap song, when Zoey had the scene where her imagination became real life, and when Emerson threw her broom backstage and Nevan screamed “Ow!” It was overall a really comedic play, and I’m glad I went.

Mr. Jue’s Journey as an Art Teacher

December 9, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Part of thebirdonfire.org feature series on Art Live!

By Middle-School Bloggers Sarah Alnabelsi and Morgan Richardson

Our art teacher Mr. Jue this year joined the PVS community. Inspired by our art topic in Blog class, we decided to learn more about our new faculty member Mr. Zack Jue. After all, I, Morgan, have taken part in his art class for almost a full semester. Mr. Jue teaches lower, middle, and high-school students. We each interviewed Mr. Jue about his experiences and journey that led him to be an art teacher at PVS.

Mr. Jue’s education led him through a path in art. “I took Art and Psychology at Claremont Graduate University,” said Mr. Jue. This key decision increased his knowledge of the arts. Mr. Jue tends to lean towards the region of “Lowbrow art” as well as 3D sculptures and street art. Lowbrow, as Mr. Jue explained, is “what people tend to call cartoonists and people who aren’t considered fancy.”

Mr. Jue had a childhood full of art: “My mom is an art teacher, and my uncle was a relatively popular Chicano artist.” Mr. Jue’s sister also has a similar passion for art. She currently teaches at College of the Desert and paints realistic abstract portraits. Mr. Jue was inspired by many artists growing up and continues to be inspired. When naming his favorite artists, Mr. Jue includes, “David Cho” and “Doze Green from reading his magazine, Juxtapoz.”

After graduating from College of the Desert, Mr. Jue went on to California State University San Bernardino to earn a Bachelors in Psychology. He continued his education at Claremont University where he obtained a Masters degree in Fine Art (pvs.org). Mr. Jue had many career paths to choose from. He decided to pursue his art path. And here he is, sharing his art passion with the people at Palm Valley School. “This is home to me,” he says. Mr. Jue wants to give back to his “community.” He adds, “I feel I have to.” Why is art his contribution? What was his path to art? Mr. Jue said, “I went to high school, graduated early and then went to college and took art classes for easy A’s.” Then, he added, “I fell into it” and loved art.

Photo Credit: Morgan Richardson and Sarah Alnabelsi

From Harry Styles to Cinephiles: Favorite Celebrities

May 14, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Middle-School Blogger Elizabeth Greenwood

One of my favorite celebrities is Kris Jenner. She has built an empire, not just for herself but for her daughters. She has turned each of her daughters into entrepreneurs. Every single one of them has their own successful company: Kourtney with lemme, Kim with SKIMS, Khloé with Good American, Kendall with 818 Tequila, and Kylie with Kylie Cosmetics. Having a good work life balance is no easy task, but Kris Jenner makes it look effortless. As some people may say (at least they say it on tiktok), the devil works hard, but Kris Jenner works harder.

Have you ever wondered which celebrities are favored? Today, I asked students about their favorite celebrity and what makes them stand out from the rest. From raw talent to authenticity. I wanted to know what celebrities my peers like. I’ve gathered insights on what qualities people admire most in public figures, and the qualities that make them unforgettable. Read on to find out the top choices among my peers at PVS.

Who’s your favorite celebrity?

John Webster: “Jordan Pickford. He is very influential, and he is the best at what he does–although Steve Erwin is a close second. He is the person who got me interested in animals, and is very influential.”

Mr. Kisling: “Captain James T. Kirk because he earns the trust of his crew.”

Mateo Omier: “My favorite celebrity? Harry Styles I guess, but Dua Lipa is a close second.”

Maxwell Pretorius: “Jack Black because he is Steve.”

Ivana Vega: “I’m gonna say Drew Starkey because he is a really good actor, and because he is fine.”

Addison Uhlhorn: “Zendaya because she is a good person and has many talents.”

Emmy Kaminsky: “Ryker Evans because he is the huzz. Morgan Wallen because he is so fine, and Megan Moroney because she is a girl’s girl, or, as Elizabeth would say, Megan Merooony.”

Jaden Ramer: “Melissa McCarthy.”

Brooklyn Hatrak: “Pete Wentz.”

Edward Berg: “Lebron because he is Lebron; I think he is perfect.”

Grace Ghaly: “My favorite celebrity is myself. I’m not a celebrity–so, uhh, Billie Eilish.”

Lincoln Johnson: “Ryan Reynalds because he is a good actor.”

Zoey Guess: “Harry Styles because he is attractive and a good singer.”

Zoe Groendyke: “The Rock because I think he is really funny.”

Mia Groendyke: “My favorite celebrity is Theodore Roosevelt because he likes nature, and he was a very funny president.”

Samuel West: “My favorite celebrity is Christiano Ronaldo because he is the greatest soccer player in existence.”

Lorelei Behr: “Chad Michael Murray is my favorite celebrity because he is a good actor.”

Steve Irwin, “The Crocodile Hunter,” inspires 9th-grader John Webster. Photo Source: *The New York Times*

It’s clear that the celebrities we admire aren’t just famous–they represent things we value. Hearing from my peers gave me a new perspective on what makes people stand out in the spotlight and in everyday life.

What’s Your Favorite Candy?

April 29, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Middle-School Bloggers Calum Webster and Mason Conway

Candy is a seemingly innocent topic, but it is heavily debated. Do you like Mounds Bars or Almond Joy? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Nerds Gummy Clusters? Whoppers or Milk Duds? The topic about what candy is best gets talked about often. In order to get to the bottom of people’s opinions here at Palm Valley, 7th-graders Mason and Calum went out interviewing to discover the best candy to chomp on.

7th-grader Julian says of candy, “My favorite candies are Sweet Tarts, and Twizzlers are my least favorite.”

7th-grader Silvanita says she dislikes “Snickers because I do not like the peanuts in it, and I love Nerds because of the sweet flavor.”

8th-grader Edward replies, “Hi-Chews taste amazing, and Milky Ways . . . too sweet.”

10th-grader Rylie says she likes “Haribo Raspberry because they are crunchy on the outside, sweet in the middle; . . . she hates “black licorice because it tastes horrible.”

Teacher Mr. Killeen recommends Godiva because “it’s pretty high quality and consistent quality. He hates “Werthers.” He says, “It is blah and too sweet.”

7th-grader Sami says, “Elephant Poop Chocolate” is his favorite because of its nice texture. “This is a real thing!” Sami adds. “Dubai Chocolate” is his least favorite because he says it “tastes like grass.”

7th-grader Jaxon’s favorite candy is the “Kinder Bueno bars/eggs because they have a creamy hazelnut filling,” and he says his least favorite candies are “Milk Duds because they look and taste like over baked cookies.”

7th-grader Emmy says she likes “The lollipops from the kids’ meal at the sushi place in Mammoth,” and she doesn’t have a least favorite candy.

7th-grader Max says, “My favorite candy is chocolate-covered pretzels,” and he adds, “My least favorite candy is Vegemite.”

7th-grader Ben says, “My favorite candy is Twix because of the carmel,” and he adds, “My least favorite is Dots because they taste artificial.”

8th-grader Moses says his favorite candy is “Reese’s Pieces because the peanut butter tastes good,” and he says, “I hate Almond Joy because it tastes so bad.”

7th-grader Devlin says, “My favorite candy is og Hershey’s,” and adds “my least favorite is Whoppers because they suck.”

7th-grader Gavin says he does not have a favorite candy, but he has a favorite place to get candy–”it is by far See’s Candy.” And, he says that his least favorite is “Dots because they don’t taste like anything, but they have a weird factory taste to them.”

8th-grader Addison says she likes “Nerds Gummy Clusters or Watermelon Sour Patch Kids,” and she says my “least favorite is probably black licorice because it is gross.”

Candy sells. PVS middle schoolers mixed and matched their favorites at the CJSF candy “salad” bar.

This has been a really fun project searching for the best candy, but the PVS community has not decided upon a clear winner.

Calum and Mason received a lot of great answers–from Dubai chocolate to Vegemite–but logged no clear consensus. However, Ms. Zachik adds, “Judging from the rush for Nerds Clusters at the CJSF Candy Salad Wednesdays, I’d say Nerds are a courtyard favorite.”

Music To My Ears

April 29, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Middle-School Blogger Soleil Antle

Music, a harmony of emotion in which people listen to escape their lives and be free, often brings comfort. Music comes in many forms, enough to fit anyone’s personality. From the intense beats of hip hop to the soft melodies of classical symphony, music soothes and moves. I’ve asked my fellow seventh graders about what soothes and moves them.

PVS 7th-graders Emmy Kaminsky, Max Pretorius, and Ben Rouche have music tastes as varied and eclectic as they are.

What is your favorite song?

Morgan:

Right now I’m loving “Revolving door” by Tate McRae.

Max:

I need to think about that for a little. . . . “California Gurls” by Katy Perry.

Gavin:

Uhhhhh, it would be “Quarentine” by Tim Montana.

Grace:

Right now “Mrs. Whitman” by Bhad Bhabie.

Sarah:

Uh, what’s it called . . . . ”Luther” by SZA.

Julian:

“Heather” by Conan Grey.

Calum:

My favorite song is “on one tonight” by Gunna.

Ivana:

“Boomerang” by Jojo Siwa!

Silvanita:

I don’t really have one, but if I had to choose one it would be “Chess Type Beat.”

Jaxon:

“Peppa Pig” theme song.

Emerson Dunn:

Ummm, “Notion” by The Rare Occasions.

Millie:

“Birds of a Feather” by Billie Ellish.

Ben:

I don’t really have one, but if I had to choose it would be “Billie Jean,” by Michael Jackson.

Mason:

“Veggietales” theme song!!!!

Devlin:

“Immortal” by Fall Out Boy; it’s a good song.

Emmy:

”Noah” by Megan Moroney, for surezies.

Peter:

Idk, “Fireball” by Pitbull.

Jackie:

I like the Happy Birthday song.

These answers were nothing short of what was expected of the crazy, chaotic, and lively seventh grade class. All students of the graduating year of 2030 have personality and aren’t afraid to speak their mind. Maxwell Pretorius was jamming out early that day to the sounds of his favorite song “California Gurls.” Katy Perry definitely made him smile. My favorite song is anything by Tate McRae, but if I had to narrow to one, I’d have to choose “Siren Sounds (bonus).” I’ve linked the song “Siren Sounds (bonus)” below. Give it a listen. At the end of the day everyone is different, but music is a thing everyone can enjoy.

The Favorite Things Museum

April 17, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Blog Staff has set out to log some of Palm Valley School’s favorite things. It’s what we talk about, think about, dream of, hoard, share, give to one another. 6th-grade Mark shares here his favorite things.

A Google Drawing created by Middle-School Blogger Mark Huber

In the parallel universe of pigs, there is a house that belongs to the pig version of Mark Huber. You’ll see that Pig Mark has created an addition to his house, and that addition is a relatively small museum of all of Mark’s favorite things. The Google Drawing below is a picture of Pig Mark and his brother, Pig David, in the museum studying the things in it.

The paint bucket and paintbrush representing the color green were copied from a Google Slides presentation that thanked Human Mark’s dad for bringing his Chromebook to school when he had forgotten it at home. The two pigs studying the things in the museum, Pig Mark (left) and Pig David (right) are the two main characters in any fictional story Human Mark writes, Pig Mark being the mainest character of the two.