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The Palm Valley School Student Blog

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Spirit Cafe: The Inside Scoop

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Part of The Bird on Fire’s What’s in the News

An Inside Look By Blogger Reagan Kaminsky

The Spirit Cafe is a favorite of every Palm Valley student, but we don’t seem to understand how much work, time, and money is invested into it. I interviewed some of the many people behind the cafe, so we could get the “Inside Scoop” on how much it truly takes to bring it to life. The cafe is run by the PVS Parent Association, and all of the proceeds go to helping with events like the Fall Festival and Water Day. Also, the cafe is open Monday through Friday during lunch, so make sure to stop by.

Volunteers LouAnne Dien (Left), Linda Yoder (Center), and Monica Mathews (Right) work at the Spirit Cafe every Wednesday. Photo Credit: Reagan Kaminsky

I asked Linda about how the Cafe has done this week. She said,

“We’ve been very busy this last week; it’s interesting how one day to the next the food preferences change from Chicken Teriyaki Bowls to Chicken Melts.”

Linda Yoder

I asked Monica about how she prepares the menu items. She responded,

“Linda takes the order and fills out the form, passes it to me, and from there we air fry or microwave the item, and then we prepare it on a plate with the appropriate condiments.”

Monica Mathews

Lastly, I asked LouAnne about how she opens the cafe everyday, and how they get the items to sell at the cafe. She claimed,

“I just open it up and make sure everything’s unlocked, unwrapped, and then everyone comes. When we restock, we have three buyers. One goes to Costco, one goes to Sam’s Club, and I just go around hoping for the best supply. We all just help each other; it’s a team effort.” 

LouAnne Dien

Personally, I work at the Spirit Cafe every Wednesday and Friday, and I agree. It takes a lot of work, but it’s always worth it to volunteer. Though there are many great volunteers behind the Spirit Cafe, there is one person who truly gives it her all. Elizabeth Richardson schedules the volunteers, shops for supplies, and fills in on the regular for volunteers who can’t make it. So, next time you visit the cafe, make sure to thank all of the PVS parents and grandparents for making it happen.

Food For Thought: Thanksgiving

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Part of our What’s New in the PVS Neighborhood series

By 8th-Grade Blogger Soleil Antle

Just a few weeks ago, we were awarded a ten-day vacation. You might wonder why we got ten days off of school, and that would be because of Thanksgiving. I asked PVS students what their plans were for the break or what they did and they said: 

“Over the break I will be going to Newport to celebrate my birthday.” – Sarah Alnabelsi

“Over break I went camping and off-roading, to a Firebirds hockey game, to see some friends in a musical, and hung out with my friends.” – Emmy Kaminsky

“My family is coming to visit me and we’re going to a party!!!!! I’m going to go to Thanksgiving dinner and try to beat everyone’s outfits with mine.” – Morgan Richardson

“Over the break I stayed home and spent time with my family, [and I baked] holiday treats.” – Emerson Dunn

“Umm, just stay home. Most people go skiing, but I don’t really like skiing.” – Mason Conway

“First and foremost, I really enjoyed having time to simply relax at home, get some chores done, and watch some great movies (highlights included Sunset Boulevard (1950) and Fail Safe (1964) – both absolutely fantastic films and new personal favorites). I also spent a lot of time with my family. We had a nice memorial service for my uncle who passed away recently (it would have been his birthday on the 22nd).” – Mr. Hesson

Halloween pumpkins are not ashamed to recycle for Thanksgiving!

As for me, my sister and I went to Paris for Thanksgiving and had a great time trying all the different foods and exploring the big city, then we went back home to Canada. 

It seems like everyone had a lot of fun! We now only have two weeks of school before going on Christmas break for two more weeks. Then we mark the start of 2026! Exciting stuff for the weeks and year ahead. 

Waffles versus Pancakes

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By Middle-School Bloggers Calum Webster and Mason Conway

Inspired by the song “Do You Like Waffles?” by Parry Gripp, 7th-graders Calum Webster and Mason Conway set out to find which breakfast entrée is the ultimate way to start your day. The two conducted their scientific research by walking around the Palm Valley campus and asking people for their opinions: Waffles or Pancakes?

Addison chooses “waffles because they have little pockets that can hold syrup.”

Jaxon says, “Pancakes because they have the crispy edges.”

Sami likes “pancakes because they are so fluffy and soft.” 

Max prefers “waffles because they are pancakes with abs.”

Ben likes “pancakes more because they have aura.” 

John says, “Pancakes because I eat them more.”

Elizabeth “prefers a flat breakfast”–so pancakes for her.

Morgan likes “waffles because they’re fluffier.”

Mason and Calum weigh in . . .

Mason: My tastebuds tell me that pancakes taste like cardboard and waffles taste way sweeter. Waffles have a nicer nexture and have a little bit of give with a slightly crunchy outside unlike their counterpart.

Calum: I believe that waffles are way better than pancakes. Waffles have places to hold syrup, and they are so much fluffier.  

At the end of the day, pancakes won, but, with Mason’s and Calum’s votes, waffles would have won. So, the boys have answers to the song “Do You Like Waffles?” but not the way they wanted. It is fine because, according to the two of them, people will soon see the beauty of waffles over pancakes.     

A Battle for Water

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We talked about food. And, while most of us were consumed with smoothies, Grandpa’s goodies, candy, and California Pizza Kitchen, Sophia worried about water. And, she put that worry to verse.

By Middle-School Blogger Sophia Bottine

Before the rain,

The dry plants reign, 

They long for a taste of water,

The weak ones falter,

It’s a continuous slaughter under the ground, 

The roots run around, 

Only the strongest survive the drought, 

The others burn out,

It all seems like a distant dream, 

The sun rays hit like a laser beam, 

But during the rain, 

The plants strain, 

The bloodstains fade, 

Some give aid, 

Sibling plants annoy each other once more,

No thought of the lifelong war,

But the thought still lingers in their minds,

A constant nightmare…

Flammable Hot Dog

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A 40-second film by Mark Huber

Movie Poster by Mark Huber: Catch the film “Flammable Hot Dog” below.

Again from the Piggy Universe comes a video depicting Mark Huber eating a hot dog (that’s really a stick of dynamite that his brother, David, has placed in a bun). This is Mark’s latest and longest Google Slides movie as of April 2025. Enjoy!

What’s Happening?

This tells you what is happening in case the video is too fast to understand.

0:03: Cloud moves to show title and creator of movie.

0:04: Cloud blocks title and creator of movie; perspective changes to show Mark’s house. Mark opens door.

0:05: Camera zooms into Mark.

0:07: Mark closes door.

0:08: Mark holds out hot dog and thinks about where to eat. David hops into view.

0:09: Perspective changes to close-up view of hot dog; David throws sausage away.

0:10: David places stick of dynamite where sausage was.

0:12: Perspective changes back to zoomed-in view of Mark’s house.

0:13: David hops out of view.

0:14: Mark’s face lights up; Mark says “Ah-HA!”

0:15: Mark says “I’ll eat right here!” and eats hot dog. Swallows hot dog whole.

0:16: Mark’s eyes go wide, realizing that he ate the dynamite.

0:17: Mark says, “That doesn’t taste like sausage…”

0:18: Mark says, “That tastes like-”

0:19: Mark explodes; smoke clears to show Mark covered with ashes.

0:20: Plate drops.

0:21: Mark yells, “DARN IT DAVID!!!”

0:22: “Fifteen minutes later” sign is shown.

0:23: “Fifteen minutes later” sign is taken away; David is being chased by Mark.

0:24: David stops running.

0:25: Mark stops running; Mark turns to face David; David gets scared.

0:26: Mark gets so angry, his skin turns dark red, and smoke comes out of his ears. Then, he explodes.

0:27: David is covered with ashes, and his eyes are huge. Mark says, “Welp, I’m going inside now. Bye!”

0:29: Mark turns toward the door.

0:30: Mark hops to the other side of the door and opens it.

0:31: Mark goes inside the house and closes the door.

0:32: A “The End” sign is chucked into view.

0:37: Slideshow Mode is exited.

0:40: Screen Recording ends.

Food On a Deeper Level

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By Middle-School Blogger Soleil Antle 

Food is more than a meal; food is more than a thought; it’s the reason for our existence. There is a deeper level of communication between us and our food. We express ourselves through our baking/cooking as people always give their proudly baked meals to their families and friends who might be grieving or thriving in the world. If you really think about it, food connects all people. 

Some people escape their sadness and bury themselves in their food, as it becomes comfort and pleasure. Emotionally, food is always there: the textures, flavors, aroma, and the visual attraction. You can sometimes hear food, like the bacon sizzling on a stove. After a bad day you just want to sit down and enjoy your favorite meal, whatever it might be. Flavor plays a big part in the emotional side of food; it’s hard to explain, but when you taste a meal that has clearly been worked on, you can feel the special connection between the chef and the plate–unlike fast food that is just pure chemicals thrown into a bag, with no love. My mom, an incredible cook, bakes from her heart. I can’t describe the amount of times she has stood at the oven all day whipping up something amazing. One of my personal favorites is her Blondies. They are vanilla brownies which are crunchy outside and soft inside. The whole seventh-grade class is obsessed with these, and you can see the smiles erupt on their faces every time we smell them. You take one bite, and you just want to eat the whole batch. 

Others take pride in their culture creating special dishes and sharing them through the community. For example, Thanksgiving, here in the United States we celebrate by gathering together and sharing a large feast with turkey, potatoes, jams, stuffing, etc. We talk with people we haven’t seen in ages and share laughter. A lot of families also have special traditions like eating potluck style where each brings a favorite dish.

Another way families are brought close together is making memories like cooking for the first time. I remember being a toddler and standing on the stool just so I could reach the countertop to decorate sugar cookies with my mom. She would go all out and grab all the sprinkles and icing she had, making sure my sister and I would have the best time. It was always a competition as to who would get the bigger spoon to lick off the batter. It still tasted great even though it wasn’t even baked.

As a result food is more than nutrition; it’s a wonderful thing that brings joy and comfort. When I come home from a long day of school and practice, I just want to eat the delicious food my mom is preparing in the kitchen. It brings a smile to her face when my sister and I tell her how good her food is.

Sources: 

The Deeper Meaning of Food In Our Lives
The Meaning of Food

Erewhon Smoothies: More than a Drink–a Lifestyle

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By Middle-School Blogger Elizabeth Greenwood

When most people think of smoothies, they don’t picture something glamorous, but Erewhon changed that. Erewhon is not any normal grocery store. Erewhon is an upscale grocery store; it is a health and wellness paradise. The shelves are stocked with all healthy and organic products–which is why their smoothies are so amazing. With their glowing colors, healthy ingredients, and celebrity collabs, these smoothies are more than something you drink–they’re an experience. Here is why I think Erewhon smoothies are not just drinks; they’re a lifestyle. 

Walking into Erewhon is like stepping into a dream: minimalistic, colorful, and clean. The best part? The best part would be the Tonic Bar where the smoothies are made.The Tonic Bar is sleek and modern, with marble countertops where the ingredients are displayed. It almost looks like a cafe. Behind the counter is where the baristas work making the smoothies and other drinks. When first trying these smoothies, you question everything you’ve ever thought about blended fruit. 

My first Erewhon smoothie was a defining moment, an experience that shifted my perception of what a smoothie could be–which for me, was enough to justify the price. Each smoothie can be anywhere from $18 to $23; it is definitely a splurge, but it is worth every penny. Let’s just say if coconut cream, sea moss, and organic almond butter had a fashion show, Erewhon smoothies would be the runway.

Everyone talks about their celebrity collaborations–-because let’s face it; Erewhon is the perfect place for them–but the truth is, all Erewhon smoothies make you feel like you just stepped out of a Pilates class. 

Yes, they’re expensive. Yes, they’re just smoothies, but if you think about it, it’s a self-care ritual that can brighten your day. Erewhon smoothies are proof that health can be delicious and photogenic. Erewhon smoothies are made with healthy ingredients like sea moss and collagen, which are really good for your skin.

Erewhon smoothies are more than smoothies. They define happiness by turning something so simple into a whole experience. I believe that everyone should have a chance to try one at some point in their life. As long as Erewhon sells smoothies, I will buy them. Personally, my favorite smoothie is the Malibu Mango, which is made with mango, coconut cream, and almond milk. If I had to choose another one, I would choose the Hailey Bieber smoothie made with strawberries, hyaluronic acid, avocado, and dates. 

Photo Credit: Erewhon Market

My Grandpa’s Good Food

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By 6th-Grade Blogger Reagan Kaminsky

My grandpa recently turned 80 years old. My family and I knew we had to do something unique for him on this special occasion, so our entire household got together and created a cookbook full of the recipes we love that Grandpa makes. My grandpa is an outstanding cook, creating wonderful dishes that vary from Swordfish Dumplings to Pumpkin Cheesecake. For this week’s Food blog post theme, I decided I was going to write a poem about how much joy all of his recipes bring to my family. 

Here, my Brother, Chase (right), poses with my grandpa (left) while Grandpa shows off his cookbook on his 80th birthday.

Dishes clanking, family chatting,

You’re in the kitchen cooking, but there’s still time for laughing.

A variety of smells fills the air, but they come together somehow.

You shout, “Come to the table, dinner’s ready now!”

You serve each bowl with care while children eagerly wait.

We finally dig in; your cuisine always gets a “5 Star” rating.

Next, you bring out the very last course.

Again, you serve with care, never with force.

The chatting stops everyone easily finishing their plate.

Soon, the room erupts in “That was great!”

Your food not only brings love, joy, and cheer,

It brings family together, where all problems disappear.

California Pizza Kitchen–Behind the Scenes

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By Middle-School Blogger Greenlee Bartley

A lot of people have favorite restaurants, and I’m one of those people. My favorite restaurant is California Pizza Kitchen (also known as CPK). I got introduced to it when I was very little because my mom and aunt used to work there. I asked them for info about what life was like working for CPK.

First, I interviewed my Mom, Trisha:

I asked her, “What was your favorite part about working at California Pizza Kitchen?”

And, she said, “All of the friendships I made while working there, and a lot of [those friends] I am still friends with today.” 

Next I asked her, “Why did you choose to work there?”

She responded, “I didn’t choose; my mother brought home an application and told me to apply.”

Then I asked her, “What were your favorite and biggest accomplishments working at California Pizza Kitchen?” 

She said, “Becoming a counter bar trainer [which is someone who trains people on how to serve customers at the counter bar], and opening new locations.”

Here you see my mom working at CPK in the 1990s.

Next, I interviewed my Aunt Summer about her experience behind the CPK scenes:

I asked her, “What was your favorite part about working at California Pizza Kitchen?”

She said, “Getting a discount on the food when I ate there.”

Next I asked her, “Why did you choose to work there?”

She said, “Because my sister worked there, and she got me the job.”

Lastly I asked her, “What were your favorite and biggest accomplishments working at California Pizza Kitchen?” 

She said, “My biggest accomplishment was becoming the best server they had and eventually a server trainer.” 

Why I like CPK:

California Pizza Kitchen is one of my favorite restaurants. I love the vibe there because it has lots of windows, and I like that because I love natural lighting. Also, I love the food. It is mainly an Italian restaurant with pasta, pizza, salads, drinks, desserts, and more! I love them for their pasta. I get buttered fusilli. My favorite and only California Pizza Kitchen location I’ve been to is the one on El Paseo, and I really recommend it! 

What’s Your Favorite Candy?

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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.”