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“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”

December 8, 2023 by ehesson@pvs.org 2 Comments

Gone. Romeo’s gone–at least the PVS version of Romeo is gone. If you missed last week’s PVS Drama Department enactment of Romeo and Juliet, here’s guest blogger Lily Jones with the recap.

By Junior Lily Jones

This play really exceeded my expectations. I thought it was really good. Abby, Anais, Mirabelle, and I went on Saturday night, and it was a really nice night to hang out with friends and watch some good Shakespeare. I like the idea of having the play in the little amphitheater outside; it has a nice atmosphere (even if I was freezing to death). I kind’ve felt like I was at a drive-in movie with my friends on a Friday night, so the vibes were really nice. The set looked really, really cool. The shading on the columns was on point (shoutout Rylie Conway). I liked the ladder as Juliet’s window, I thought that was very creative.

I also thought it was cool that the art classes helped create the sets; I liked the collaboration and sense of community. Anais, Abby, and Mirabelle pointed out which parts of the set they had helped paint, which was fun. I also think it’s fun that they collaborate with outside companies for food; it makes it feel like a really nice event. The tacos were really, really good.

I remember a critique I had from last year’s play was that I could barely hear anything. This time, that wasn’t a problem. There were microphones, and I could hear everyone perfectly!

The costumes were beautiful. I especially liked Mel’s dress; it looked really pretty. Shayan’s costume was also really cool. I thought that the fight scenes were super cool, and the choreography looked very realistic. Zander did an amazing job. His emotions and the way he said his lines was just amazing. I thought his death scene was super good. Lorelai’s death scene was also crazy. She actually just face-planted into the floor, and Anais, Abby, Mirabelle, and I were very impressed with her commitment to the scene (but we were also a little scared because it looked like it hurt.) Matteo and Emerson did a really great job as Romeo and Juliet. There were a lot of sweet and cute scenes. Indy also did an amazing job as the friar. I loved the passion and emotion that he said his lines with. I also think Shayan did a great job. Mel did a good job with her emotions when Emerson “died.” Even though Abby, Anais, Mirabelle, and I know what happens in Romeo and Juliet, we still found ourselves being sad and gasping when someone died. Alex was amazing as the nurse. We all noticed his makeup, and it looked really good, so whoever was on hair and makeup absolutely slayed his makeup.

Overall, the play was a great community event. I was really happy to see so many people in the audience. This play was amazing, and I think it’s definitely something for the drama students to be proud of because it was really good.

Growing Up: The Highs and the Lows

May 17, 2023 by ehesson@pvs.org 2 Comments

By Upper-School Blogger Alyna Rei

I have been at Palm Valley since the 6th grade, and, throughout the years, up till now, I have mixed emotions for every year. Here is how I rate my middle and upper school years.

6th grade:

In my first year at Palm Valley, I remember making my parents come with me inside on the first day of school to help me with my locker lock and to show me the way to my class. We had an advisory class in the morning, so my parents would see me off in my advisor Ms. Farley’s class.

Throughout the year, I adjusted pretty well in school and had a small group of friends (which I was totally okay with). This group of friends was fine, but I feel now in that time I just needed people to hang out with. I was intimidated by pretty much everyone.

My favorite memory was when my friends would decorate my locker when it was my birthday. I would keep those decorations up until the end of the year.

My least favorite memory was when I had to find my classes when I still wasn’t familiar with the campus and had to ask around.

Overall I give 6th grade a 7/10.

7th grade:

By my second year, I was adjusting well to school. Some of my friends from the previous year left the school, so it was time to find new friends. I made a new friend group, which I was able to be comfortable with.

This was also the year where I had classes in the high school, so I had to see scary high school people. That was new to me.

My favorite memory would be meeting new friends and people. I gained friends who had similar interests to mine.

My least favorite memory would be science class. Life Science wasn’t my strong subject. It was a subject I needed a lot of help with.

Overall I give 7th grade a 6/10.

8th grade:

My 8th grade year was cut short due to Covid, so that was upsetting. Again, some of my friends left the school, but it didn’t matter to me because I still had a good amount of friends. I don’t really remember the first part of online school, but I do remember it being confusing trying to figure out Google Meets.

My favorite memory was when I was able to be in the comfort of my own home and do school work. I felt like I could do work at my own pace.

My least favorite memory was leaving my friends and only having to see them through a screen. But, I was able to chat with them through the internet.

Overall I give 8th grade a 6.5/10.

9th grade:

Alyna celebrates her great-grandfather’s “drive-in” birthday during Covid.

9th grade is probably my least favorite year. I pretty much did the entire year online. I was scared of Covid and was also not willing to go back. It’s safe to say 2020 was the year that took a big toll on me, so I would say I did not like this year at all.

My favorite memory would have to be staying in my house. Since I stayed home a lot, I was able to come up with new and different hobbies that I still carry on to this day. These would include reading and drawing.

My least favorite memory from 9th grade was changing my lifestyle to an existence online. I feel like 2020 is why I’m so attached to the internet.

Overall I give 9th grade a 5/10.

10th grade:

10th grade redeemed almost everything in 9th grade. I went back to in-person school, and my grades and my education improved a lot. I met many friends and lost many friends, but, thankfully, I was able to learn true friendships. I made friends I envision will be my friends for a lifetime. They were friends in and out of school. 10th grade was what made me actually enjoy school and attending.

My favorite memory would be changing that year for the better by being more motivated and focused on my studies and extracurricular activities. I completely redeemed myself from 9th grade.

My least favorite memory was the end of the year. Even though this year was really good, I had really high expectations and always got a high honor roll. But, at the end of the year, I got just an honor roll (instead of “High” honors), and I remember being really disappointed in myself.

Overall I give 10th grade a 8/10.

11th grade/ my last year

This year was also one of my favorites. I did not love this year as much as I did 10th grade, but I would say this was the most exciting year.

In November, my parents and I were joking about graduating early because my parents both graduated a year early. I also thought about graduating early because I want to go to med school and want to get a start on that. At first I thought about getting a GED, but instead I am taking another class to reach graduation requirements. So now, I am on the road to graduating this May 26th.

My favorite memory WILL be when I graduate. I am excited to start college and can’t wait for the future.

My least favorite memory WILL be leaving my friends. My friends have been so supportive of me, and I will miss them a lot.

Overall I give 11th grade a 7.5/10.

I can see how I changed through the years mentally and physically. I would say school here gets an 8/10. I am ready for college and can’t wait to see the new possibilities I will meet in the future.

Harli won!

March 2, 2023 by ehesson@pvs.org 1 Comment

Harli Otto pictured with 2nd and 3rd place winners at Riverside’s The Grind Coffee House.

I am offering this poem to you,
since I have nothing else to give.
Keep it like a warm coat
when winter comes to cover you,
or like a pair of thick socks
the cold cannot bite through,

I love you,
Jimmy Santiago Baca

Congratulations to senior Harliana Otto! She won first place in the Riverside County Poetry Out Loud Competition. Harli recited two poems–Jimmy Santiago Baca’s “I Am Offering This Poem” and Mary Lamb’s “Envy” on Thursday, February 16th, at downtown Riverside’s The Grind Coffee Shop. She triumphed. Harli advances to State Poetry Out Loud Competition.

Harli outside The Grind Coffee House with her #1 fan, her mother, Mrs. Gina Otto.

The Yearbook is Coming!

May 24, 2022 by ehesson@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Lilah Nick

Palm Valley’s yearbook committee has been working hard all year long to put together the 2021-22 yearbook. Mrs. Bernstein is the advisor for this class; Sara Habibipour is the editor in chief; and Abby Assefa is the business manager.

This year’s theme for the yearbook is Reflection. If you bought a yearbook, you’ll receive it this week, the last week of school, and you’ll be able to go around to get them signed on May 25th, the second to last day of school. If you didn’t buy one, there will be a limited few for sale for $70.

Here’s what the committee has to say about their experience making the yearbook:

“This is my 6th yearbook, so I’ve been here for a long time, and I’d say this year went by really fast with making it, but I think it’s definitely one of the best ones.”
– Sara Habibipour, Senior

“I love to take photos, and I thought it was interesting. Making the captions for photos was kind of difficult, but it was really fun overall, and being here with Mrs. Bernstein was really nice and fun.”
– Mia Meyer, 8th grade

“I basically joined Yearbook because I didn’t want to do chess, but after being here . . . I actually really enjoyed it, and I made a lot of new friends.”
– Rachel De La O, Freshman

“It’s fun, sometimes difficult, but the process is super enjoyable. In the end when you get to see the yearbook in person, it’s very rewarding.”
– Evan Wang, 7th grade

“It’s not easy, it takes a lot of hard work, passion, and dedication, so the people who have stuck through all year deserve the highest praise for their persistence. But, it is still fun.”
– Mrs. Bernstein

The New Leaders of the 2022-2023 School Year

May 23, 2022 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Abigail Horwitt

This week the new Nest Captains and their Nest Deputies have been chosen. After tallying up all the votes from each of the Herons, Hawks, Owls, and Roadrunners, the new faces of the Nests have been finalized. Starting off with my Nest, the Hawks, our new leaders are Jerry Wang and Sierra James. Next, the Herons have new leaders Tal Maruvada and Rylie Conway. The Owls will be led by Lily Jones and Walker Craven. And finally, Ally Bankers and Evan Wang will lead the Roadrunners. Congratulations to all the new Nest leaders for the year of 2022-2023. Hopefully, you live up to the same or maybe even better standards of your previous captains. Say goodbye to the old and hello to the new faces of all the different Nests.

Next, is the current scoreboard of all the Nest points and where they stand.

Standing in first place is the Hawks with a total of 471.
In second place we have the Roadrunners with a total of 439.
Close behind in third place is the Owls with a total of 433.
And, last but not least, we have the Herons with a total of 328.

There was also another election that had taken place around the same time as the Nest elections. The new ASB Executive Officers for the 2022-2023 school year were elected this month. Each candidate had to submit to their own video to help encourage students to vote for who would fit the role the best. And, if you looked around the school, you may have noticed some posters of the different candidates who were running. There were four different offices up for re-election: Business Manager, Spirit Commissioner, Vice President, and lastly President. After all the votes were tallied the results were in.

Your new ASB President will be Harliana Otto,
with the Vice President Ani Madanyan,
Spirit Commissioner Jocelynn Montoya,
and Business Manager Abigail Assefa.

Congratulations to the winners of the new ASB executive officers of 2022-2023. Let’s see what they will bring to the table for next year and how they could even improve on and differentiate from this current school year.

2022-23 New Head of Upper and Middle School

May 19, 2022 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Luke Sonderman

After Mr. and Mrs. Coffey announced their departure from Palm Valley after the 2021-22 school year, a search looking for who would fill Mr. Coffey’s shoes began. After a thorough search, the school landed on Mr. Winter, a current history teacher at Palm Valley.

Mr. Winter came to Palm Valley this school year (2021-22) teaching 8th grade US History, 9th grade Human Geography, and AP US History. He has a background in teaching history and in administration. In an email interview between Mr. Winter and myself, Mr. Winter said, “I believe that it is important [to continue to teach], so I can continue to connect with students in the classroom. In my previous administrative experience in public schools, continuing to teach was never an option, so I am grateful that I can do this. What it is I will be teaching hasn’t been solidified yet, so stay tuned!”

When asked about current policy change, Mr. Winter said, “One of the first things I will be doing before school is out for this year is to speak with as many staff and students about those things that really work well, those things that may need to be looked at closer, and any new ideas to enhance the experience here at PVS. From there, I will start to work closely with Dr. Sherman to then take what I have learned from staff and students to inform any new policies or procedures that will benefit everyone here.” He also commented on students’ voices saying, “Student voice is very important, and I want to be able to help bring those voices forward. This does not mean everything that students would love to see in place or to change will happen, but it does mean that I will not make all decisions on my own.”

After the administrative merger of the Middle and Upper School in the 2021-22 school year, I asked Mr. Winter what his plans were for either keeping them together or creating privileges and policies to separate the Middle and Upper School. He responded saying, “I believe there are certain things that should be reserved for Upper School, so that Middle Schoolers have something different to look forward to as they move into the upper school.” Mr. Winter also commented on the AP and Elective selection choice saying, “This is the time of year when those decisions are being made, but the bigger contributing factor in class and AP choices comes down to how we are staffed, and what each staff is able to teach. Our first priority is to ensure that required classes are for sure being taught. Then, based on the number of staff we have and the number of periods there are available, we can get an idea of what can truly be offered in the form of AP or elective offerings. Currently, we offer 6 AP classes, and a handful of various elective offerings. If we are able to expand these, again based on staff availability as well as budget, I agree that this would be one of those things that could expand the high school experience.”

In conclusion, it looks like Mr. Winter has a very open mind about new policies and ideas for the 2022-23 school year. It will be interesting to see what changes come next year, and if you have any suggestions or ideas for next year, Mr. Winter encourages you to reach out to him.

Let’s Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 18, 2022 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Alyna Rei

In the month of May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, like most memorial months, began in Congress. House Joint Resolution 540, proposed by Rep. Frank Horton of New York in 1977, declared the first ten days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week (asianpacificheritage.gov). Senator Daniel Inouye presented Senate Joint Measure 72, a similar resolution, the same year (asianpacificheritage.gov). Because neither of these resolutions passed, Rep. Horton sponsored House Joint Resolution 1007 in June 1978 to “proclaim a week” during the first ten days in May as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week” (asianpacificheritage.gov). On October 5, President Jimmy Carter signed this joint resolution (asianpacificheritage.gov).

Presidents issued annual proclamations honoring Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week over the next decade, until Congress approved Public Law in 1990, extending the celebration to a month. It was President George H.W. Bush who signed the bill extending Asian American Heritage Week to a month (apsva.us). Then, in 1992, Congress established a law designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month each year.

The month of May is designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

There are many activities that you can do to celebrate this special month. But here are three of my favorites to do with a group of people or even by yourself (verywellfamily.com).

Book Clubs–Learning about Asian culture is best when you read from Asian authors. A few favorites are Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha, and way more.

Interactive maps--Interactive maps are a great icebreaker activity. The National Park Service hosts interactive opportunities to visit the “stories of ordinary and extraordinary Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders preserved in our nation’s parks, memorials, and historic sites” (nps.gov). And, teambuilders.com offers activities that highlight the different countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the ties we have to them.

Watching a movie–This one can be great for any family and for the people that want to learn about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you log onto your streaming sites, you’ll see several Asian-American/Pacific Islander movies and series recommended. Movies that I like are mostly Disney movies. These would include Turning Red, Mulan, Lilo and Stitch, Raya and The Last Dragon, and the short Bao.

Comedy Tonight at PVS

May 3, 2022 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Oliver Martinez, Middle-School Correspondent

Comedy tonight was a theater show where students at PVS performed multiple plays that aimed to bring a smile to whomever was watching. The PVS theater classes prepared for over a month for this show. The show played Wednesday, April 6th, Thursday the 7th, and Friday the 8th. Some plays or songs that were part of the show included the beginning scene of the Wizard of Oz, Pure Imagination, Good Morning Baltimore, The Gold Rush, The Cat in the Hat and so much more!

I have interviewed students who acted in the play compilation.

I asked them what role they played and if they enjoyed it.

“In Comedy Tonight I was one of the MC speakers, and I was also the Pawn Shop Man/Frankie in Gold Rush, written by Oliver, Tal and Zander. I did really enjoy both of these parts, especially Frankie in Gold Rush.”
Sherwin Hemmati

“I was part of the opening quartet, Jeff in Gold Rush, Tin Man in Wizard of Oz and solo singing ‘My Favorite Things.’ I really enjoyed all of them.”
Tal Maruvada

“I was part of the sonnets and of the MC. I didn’t really like doing the sonnets, but I liked doing the MC.”
Michael Pete

The Production Team’s Perspective:

As part of the Production Team, I was helping in lights and was stage manager. I’d say this was a really successful play because we got laughs from the audience, everyone remembered their lines, and the production team made few errors.

Fellow Production Team member Kayliee Augustine-Sails agrees:

“I’m part of the lights, and I think it went well. The actors did their job.”

I have also interviewed members of the audience:

“My favorite part of the play was Good Morning Baltimore. But everything else was good, too.”
Timothy Reed

“I liked Comedy Tonight, but it took a long time to finish. My favorite play was Gold Rush.”
Donavan Knott

*Gold Rush* actors in this scene include, from left to right, Oliver Martinez, Zander Eaton, Tal Maruvada, and Sherwin Hemmati.

Lastly, here are a few words from our director Mr. Hilbert:

“I liked how we had different types of comedy. The acting was good; the singing was good. I’m really proud of all the actors.”
Mr. Hilbert

Comedy Tonight was an amazing experience, hopefully we see more people in future plays. Like . . . High School Musical! PVS’s next production, High School Musical, premieres next week, May 10th and plays through the 13th. Get your tickets now with Ms. Greer at the Middle-School Desk.

Everything That Happened at the Oscars

April 14, 2022 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Lilah Nick

By now you have probably heard about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock over a joke involving Jada Pinkett Smith looking like G.I. Jane. You’ve probably also heard that Will Smith went on to win Best Actor for King Richard. I have watched the video of The Slap at least 20 times. It’s all my family and friends could talk about the next day. Despite this crazy interaction between Smith and Rock, so many other things happened at this year’s Oscars–from outlandish outfits to the first deaf man to win Best Supporting Actor.

Best of the Red Carpet

Let’s start with the beginning of the night, the Red Carpet. So many beautiful gowns and tuxedos were worn–but also some really bad ones that make you question, “Who’s idea was that?” We’ll start with the best of the night.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe wore a neutral tone suit. It was my favorite suit presented on the Red Carpet. It looks so good on her. It’s classy, looks amazing, and isn’t just a plain black tux.

Lily James

Lily James, who you may know from playing Pamela Anderson in the new show Pam and Tommy, wore one of my favorite dresses on the red carpet. It’s so beautiful, elegant, and looks incredible on her. I love all the embroidery and the added train in the back.

The Worst

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart, nominated for best actress for her performance in Diana, was wearing Chanel. I totally get that her outfit was much more than a fashion statement, but it definitely could have been . . . better. I don’t think she should have worn shorts for a red carpet event. The jacket would have been classier with a pair of pants. Her hair is also not my favorite. I just don’t like it. The deep side part is not in right now. It’s not 2012 anymore.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer, one of the hosts of the Oscars, was wearing Oscar de la Renta. Whoever decided she was going to wear this seriously did her dirty. I hate the bow; it’s so unnecessary, and it could be so much better for being The Oscars. This looks like something that’s sold at Macy’s for six year olds. Her dress also received a lot of backlash on Twitter. People were calling it “Hideous,” “God awful,” “so ugly,” and “unnecessary.”

Firsts

Ariana Debose won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and was the first openly queer woman of color to win.
Troy Kotsur won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and was the first deaf man to win an Oscar.
CODA was the first movie from a streaming platform to have debuted at Sundance to win an Oscar.

The Jokes

After The Slap, everyone stopped making the kind of jokes that might have made things less awkward. Everyone was waiting for someone to get on stage and make a joke to release the tension in the room. Amy Schumer finally came back out and relieved that tension, but it was about an hour after the incident. She came out and said, “There’s like… a different vibe in here,” and there was a roar of laughter.

There was absolutely no way that everyone would have forgotten about The Slap. But, more jokes to ease the tension would have made watching the rest of the Oscars more comfortable.

On that note, there were a few jokes that worked. These from co-host Amy Schumer:

“I’m Amy Schumer or as they know me in Hollywood, ‘Melissa McCarthy said no.'”
Independent

“After years of Hollywood ignoring women’s stories, we finally got a movie about the Williams sisters’… dad.”
Independent

The Festivals are Coming…

April 6, 2022 by ehesson@pvs.org 3 Comments

By Luke Sonderman

Finally, after a three-year hiatus, Coachella Music and Arts Festival is returning to the Coachella Valley from April 15-24. The lineup has been released, and the wristbands are being sent out. So let’s talk about what this year’s Coachella will look like.

Lineup:

This year’s headliners are Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, and Kanye West (who has pulled out–his replacement just announced; get ready for Swedish House Mafia x The Weeknd). Personally, I don’t like any of the headliners, but I know that they are very popular right now and a lot of people are hyped to see Harry Styles perform songs from his new album that is coming out in May.

I am looking forward to seeing the Skeggs, Wallows, Surf Curse, Phoebe Bridgers (to see what the hype is all about), and Current Joys.

Tickets:

Right now Coachella tickets are EXPENSIVE!!! Although they are advertised as $450 for a General Admission ticket, after taxes and fees, the total ends up at around $620. I decided to also buy a shuttle pass (which is a shuttle that drives back and forth from different locations across the desert to the festival), and it ended up costing me around $110 after taxes and fees.

Masks and Vaccinations:

Originally, Coachella was going to require either proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter the festival, but recently they changed that rule due to newer California Covid-19 regulations. Since I am going on the second weekend, I will probably wear a mask since there is so much dust at the polo grounds after the Weekend One-ers stomp through the grass, but you aren’t required to wear masks.

Stagecoach Festival:

Every year I enjoy going to Stagecoach Festival, which occurs the week after Coachella. Stagecoach is a much more laid-back festival with lots of country and classic rock. The tickets are cheaper than Coachella, but there are less stages set up. If it is your first time going to a music festival, I recommend going to Stagecoach.

Stagecoach Lineup:

This year’s stagecoach headliners are Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Combs. I am not the craziest country fan, but I am super excited to see the underliner, The Black Crowes–if I end up going to Stagecoach this year.

If you live in the Coachella Valley and have never been to one of the famous festivals at the Polo Grounds, you are living under a rock. Go have some fun at Coachella or Stagecoach. You can still get tickets. Maybe you’ll see me there!