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CD Shenanigans

May 21, 2026 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Feature Post

By 7th-Grade Blogger Mark Huber

Introduction

Just so you know, I spontaneously like CDs (compact discs) now. It’s because some song on Spotify was blocked, and so I wanted to listen to the song via records and a record player because the last time I went to North Carolina to see my Nana and my uncle my dad found some of his old records, and I listened to one. I liked it. So for Christmas I asked for a GOOD record player and some records to play. I didn’t get any. But in like January or February of this year I got the CD of the album I wanted, a Sony Discman CD player, and some wireful* Sony headphones. I was super excited, and I immediately started listening. Dad found some of Mom’s CDs, and I liked them too. So I became officially obsessed with CDs. Then my dad came up with a rewards system that every Sunday, if I did really well in hockey and school and behaved really well, I would get to grab a CD from a grab bag full of CDs from artists I really liked. I’m still grabbing as of May 2026. Anyway, moving on to the story…

*”Wireful” is a word I made up. It means something that has a physical wire connection instead of having bluetooth connections. I made this word up because there was no opposite word to “wireless” as far as I knew.

The Story, starring . . . Mark the Pig!

One day I decided to bring some CDs and my CD player and headphones to school. Mr. Pearhead was standing outside the main entrance to school looking really mad (as always).

“Hi, Mr. Pearhead,” I said while walking to the front doors.

“I’ll be taking THAT,” said Mr. Pearhead as he confiscated my CDs and stuff.

“Hey,” I said, “that’s my stuff! You can’t just take it away from me.”

“Uh, yeah I can, you BUM. According to the Rancho Mirage Middle School Rulebook of Rules and Regulations That You Have to Follow…” said Mr. Pearhead, “‘Mr. Pearhead has the right to confiscate a student’s belongings if he feels that they will disturb the classroom environment.’”

“Well, why don’t ya just confiscate me?” I asked.

“Huh?” said Mr. Pearhead.

“Well, I belong to myself, don’t I? And aren’t I always like disturbing the classroom and stuff?” I asked.

“Wait, I’ve never thought of it like that… what a great idea, Mark! I’ll be taking THAT,” said Mr. Pearhead. And he picked me up and took me into the school building.

After he dropped me into the seat in front of the principal’s desk, he gave me a very stern look, pointed at my CDs, and said,“Mark, what is the meaning of this?”

“They’re CDs. I listen to them,” I said.

“And why did they come to exist in the same air the school breathes?”

“Because I brought them here, duh.”

“Don’t you say ‘Duh’ to me! I already know you brought them here! What I meant was why did you bring them here?!”

“Because I get bored at school. And I see lots of people doom scrolling with their faces two inches away from their phones with their noise-cancelling headphones glued to their heads in class, so I thought ‘why don’t I bring my CDS?’”

“BECAUSE–” said Mr. Pearhead, in the action of jumping from his desk to assault me when someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” he said as he sat back down.

The person came in.

“Your coffee, sir,” said Mrs. Choco.

“Gimme that,” said Mr. Pearhead, grabbing the coffee from Mrs. Choco. He sipped it.

“Hey, where’s the cream in this thing?” asked Mr. Pearhead.

“I-uh, I forgot–” said Mrs. Choco.

“Go get me a new coffee and DON’T FORGET THE CREAM!” yelled Mr. Pearhead.

“Uh, yes sir,” said Mrs. Choco, leaving the room.

“Stupid coffee,” said Mr. Pearhead, and tossed the coffee onto my head so it bounced into the trash can.

“Hey! I’m not your personal trash-bouncing trampoline, okay man?” I said.

“I know,” said Mr. Pearhead with a smirk.

There was a long pause.

“Can I go back to listening to Accelerate?” I asked.

“No! Get out! And take your silly CDs with you!” barked Mr. Pearhead.

I picked up my CDs and left.

“Whatever,” I said.

And I put on my headphones and started listening to my CDs again.

~~~

Throughout the day, people were congratulating me for getting chewed out by Mr. Pearhead and then doing exactly what he told me not to do.

“Hey, Mark’s rebelling again!” said a guy named Aidan.

Cue enthusiastic cheers from everyone in the hallway.

“???”

Anyway, when I got home, David asked me for the CD I was listening to at school because I think it’s his favorite one. So I gave it to him.

“Yay!” he said and immediately went to the sofa and fell asleep.

What is particularly peculiar about that specific CD is that it’s my loudest one, but it’s the one that most commonly puts David to sleep.

So I had to do something other than listen to CDs because there’s only one CD player. (Unless you count Mom’s giant player that plays the music externally instead of into headphones, and I don’t really want to annoy my parents by blasting loud music at them. And you have to plug it into the wall.)

I ate dinner and took a shower and went to sleep.

The next day, I took my own computer to school in addition to the school’s cheap Chromebook that takes longer to charge than it takes to die. I sat in the hallway and played my Bad Piggies game file.

“SIR, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!?” shouted Mr. Pearhead.

“I’m playing Bad Piggies,” I replied.

“Are you PLAYING a GAME on a PERSONAL DEVICE!?” yelled Mr. Pearhead.

“Well, what do you think I’m doing?” I asked in response.

“MY OFFICE! NOW!!!” screamed Mr. Pearhead.

Here we go again, I thought.

The end (of the story)

Bonus!

Things from real life

OK, so there are a lot of things I took from my real life and deposited here. They are:

  • Me (obviously)
  • David (also obviously)
  • My CDs
  • My Nana and Uncle
  • My CD player and headphones
  • The Bad Piggies game file
  • And my green shoebox which holds my CDs

And a little easter egg is that the black rectangle with some white shapes on it that sits on top of my shoebox is actually my favorite CD. It is the deluxe CD release of Accelerate by R.E.M.

Filed Under: Fiction, Music, School Events Tagged With: Mark Huber

One Chapter Ends: Another Begins

May 20, 2026 by ehesson@pvs.org 3 Comments

Feature Post

By 8th-Grade Blogger Soleil Antle

We are nearing the end of a school year and venturing into the summer. It’s bittersweet, our 5th graders are going into middle school, our 8th graders are going into high school, and our seniors are going to university. These are big steps for all of these people. Today, I focus on the 8th graders because I want to know how they feel moving into high school. Most of our Palm Valley 8th-Grade class I have had the pleasure of watching grow up over the last eight years, and they are all wonderful people. Let’s get an inside scoop on what some of them think of the future. 

Julian says, “I’m nervous but also excited for the next step. I’m sad I won’t get to see everyone every day, but this is just a reminder of how college is just around the corner.”

Ben says, “I know it’s going to be very different from what I’m used to, but I’m excited for it.”

Sarah says, “I’m honestly sad but happy at the same time for all the memories I’ve made over the last ten years.” 

Silvanita says, “After all the years I’ve been here, I feel like I have improved in many skills at Palm Valley. I’m ambitious about the future and am ready to take on the role of high school.”

Calum says, “It’s sad because I’m moving and won’t get to see my friends anymore.”

Emmy says, “I’m super excited to leave, but I’m going to miss PVS. I’ve made so many lifelong friendships here, and will forever cherish the memories I’ve created. I will miss everyone so much!”

In celebration of Emmy Kaminsky’s birthday, Emerson Dunn, Soleil, Chase Krein, and Julian Berumen joined her at a Firebirds’ hockey game.

Chase says, “It’s calm; I feel calm. It’s been a chill year.”

Morgan says, “I’m going to miss my old teachers like Ms. Zachik because she really made the school sparkle. I also love my friends.”

Mason says, “It was fun. I’ve made good friendships over the years and am ready to move on.”

Millie says, “I’m looking forward to high school, but I’ll miss all of the days I got to play volleyball with Julian or share laughs with my peers. It’s almost bittersweet that I’ve been at PVS for so long and now I’m moving on into a new chapter in my life.”

Karsen says, “Everyone has been really welcoming and caring. I can’t wait for high school.”

Sophia says, “I am really happy to leave 8th grade and meet new people and get to experience new things. Palm Valley has been a whirlwind of emotions and memories.” 

Ms. Dean orders Jaxon Pacilio and Calum Webster to PUT SAMI DOWN. Peter Collier, an innocent bystander, hurries to French class.

As you can see our eighth graders are eager to move into high school but are going to miss the home Palm Valley is for them. I feel the same. My childhood is spread throughout this campus, and I will miss it so much, but I can’t wait for the next chapter of my life. 

Filed Under: School Events, The Last, Year end/New Beginnings Tagged With: One Chapter Ends: Another Begins, Soleil Antle

Everything About MAP Growth Testing

May 12, 2026 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

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

By 8th-Grade Blogger Jackie Pretorius

What is MAP Growth Testing? It’s a test given out to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade about language, math, reading, or science (Purpose of MAP Growth). If you go too fast, your test will be paused until you are consulted by a teacher. Per section, there’s around forty or so questions. If you get a question wrong, you will be given an easier question, and if you answer correctly, you will be given a harder question.

Why exactly do we have MAP Growth Testing in the first place? NWEA, the founder of MAP Growth Testing, says that it is to show student growth throughout the years (nwea.org). This, in turn, helps teachers see areas each student excels in and areas that can be improved.

Although MAP Growth Testing doesn’t affect your grades, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Not only will your parents see what score you got, but so will teachers. Completely flunking the test on purpose destroys the reason why MAP Growth Testing was created in the first place. I know it’s long, and you just want to get it over with, but at least try your best, and if you don’t get a good score, it’s okay. Teachers can see where you’re struggling and help you out.

Photo credit: https://info.nwea.org/Email-Preferences-Center.html 

Filed Under: Academic Spotlight, PSA, School Events Tagged With: Everything About MAP Growth Testing, Jackie Pretorius

Student-Led Conferences: Where Students Lead the Way

May 1, 2026 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

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

By 8th-Grade Blogger Soleil Antle 

On Friday the 27th of March the school suspended classes because of student-led conferences. On days like these, we get to have the day off and only have to come in for about 20 minutes to have a conference with our parents and advisers. We sit down and talk about how the school year is going, what we are excelling at, what we need some help with and open up the discussion to  questions that anyone might have in general. Mrs. Torres, the eighth-grade adviser and Palm Valley School science and language teacher, says,  “Student-led conferences are a phenomenal way to give students a voice to advocate for themselves and an opportunity for parents and teachers to learn from the student.”

If you missed conferences, it’s not too late, most teachers will still find time to meet and confer. 

Teacher Mrs. Torres and student Emmy Kaminsky having a mock student-led conference. This is what it’s like–sitting across the table from parents and teachers and having a conversation.

Filed Under: Academic Spotlight, PSA, School Events Tagged With: Soleil Antle, Student-Led Conferences: Where Students Lead the Way

Slide onto the Ice with CSF

April 21, 2026 by ehesson@pvs.org 2 Comments

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

By 12th-Grade Blogger Melina Brodeur 

The California Scholarship Federation and California JUNIOR Scholarship Federation at Palm Valley School hosted an ice-skating event at the Acrisure Arena last month to allow students to come together and create a space with laughter and moments that are unforgettable. Events like this allow students to take a break from school activities and enjoy time with friends and support each other. Skating is the perfect activity to meet new people and enjoy your time away from school for a few hours. I asked Matteo Lam, the CSF President, “Why do you think events like ice skating are important for students?” and he replied, “Events like ice skating give students the opportunity to socially connect in a dynamic different from the everyday classroom experience. It’s fun, a new experience for some, and helps build community.” So if you have missed this event, make sure to watch out for future CSF activities so you’re able to enjoy the experience of hanging out with friends and having fun. 

Matteo, Nevan, Olivia, and Louisa have fun, skating, and enjoying time together. (Photo credits to Mr. Killeen and Ms. Zachik.)
Mr. Killeen captured the action of Matteo doing a “hockey stop” and spraying all with ice.

Filed Under: Academic Spotlight, PSA, School Events Tagged With: Melina Brodeur, Slide onto the Ice with CSF

Spirit Cafe: The Inside Scoop

February 3, 2026 by ehesson@pvs.org 4 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Food, PSA, School Events Tagged With: Reagan Kaminsky, Spirit Cafe: The Inside Scoop

A Look Back at the PVS Pep Rally

December 17, 2025 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

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

By 8th-Grade blogger Sarah Alnabelsi

In the background, students are shown playing a round of tug of war. Photo Credit: Sarah Alnabelsi.

On Friday, December 5, PVS held a pep rally with a fun bunch of activities. There was an elephant game, tug of war, and several important sports and Nest announcements. The gym was loud, and everyone was invested in this memorable event. One thing that made this pep rally different from our previous ones is that the lower schoolers were invited to join the Nests. While usually the Nests are only for Middle and Upper-School students, having the Lower Schoolers “made the event feel more energetic,” 8th-grader Ivana Vega said. Overall, it was a great way for the school to come together and show school spirit. 

      

Filed Under: PSA, School Events, Spirits, Sports, Winter Sports Tagged With: A Look Back at the PVS Pep Rally, Sarah Alnabelsi

Mummies and Vampires at School

November 5, 2025 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

PVS Blogger Mason Conway on What’s New in the PVS Neighborhood

Halloween has come and gone at PVS. Kids created and bought costumes. Last Friday, October 31, Palm Valley students wore their costumes to school! There were blow-up cats, dinosaurs, Dragon Slayers, chickens, and Napoleans. 8th-grade Karsen Flury wore a Hawaiian shirt with boxing gloves. Guess what he was? Hawaiian Punch! 8th-grade Sami Alnabelsi carefully planned out his costume. He even had it sketched out. Sami said, “I wanted to be Theodore from Alvin and the Chipmunks because it’s realistic to my height, and I get to match with my friends Calum and Jaxon.” The Halloween parade was full of parents, teachers, administrations, kids on dragons, Dorothy from Oz, a Mona Lisa, super villains, Caesar, witches, Marie Antoinette, ghosts, and ghouls.

Sami Anabelsi’s Halloween costume plan

Filed Under: Current News, PSA, School Events, Seasonal Holidays Tagged With: Mason Conway, Mummies and Vampires at School

Attn: Middle-School Smarties!

February 13, 2025 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Our newly state-approved California JUNIOR Scholarship Federation met for its first-ever Orientation Meeting this week. Applications are out and available for 7th and 8th-grade members. Pick up applications from Ms. Zachik in Room US#7. Hurry. Applications are due Monday, February 24. Because we are a newly minted chapter, state CSF has approved retroactive qualifications for past semesters this one time only. That means this year’s 8th grade can qualify as Honor Members for this year’s Promotion Ceremony. Get your applications in now.

Filed Under: Academic Spotlight, School Events, Up-and-Coming Businesses Tagged With: Attn: Middle-School Smarties!

Fall Check-In: Palm Valley Class of ’25 Highlights

December 5, 2024 by ehesson@pvs.org Leave a Comment

We conclude our Fall check-in with the Palm Valley School Class of ’25 with a collage compilation of seniors Kyle Knight, Kiera Nash, Preston Pillard, Riley Jorgensen, and Bianca Torres.

Kyle, like Kristina Panagiotaros in a previous post, voted for the first time this last election. Here he’s pictured with some keepers of democracy, California poll workers.

On our birthdays, we get to do what we want. It’s our party. Kiera insists on going to the beach.

Seniors worked on retaining the title of #1 Halloween Door in the universe. A little bit sadly, but ultimately graciously, they passed the trophy to Mr. Spurlock’s class this year. It was a peaceful transition of power. They devoted after-school time to cutting, gluing, coloring, painting, taping. Above, we see Preston apparently supervising, Riley sketching, Kiera and Bianca coloring jack-o-lanterns.

Filed Under: Academic Spotlight, Culture, Current News, Daily Life, School Events Tagged With: Bianca, Fall Check-In: Palm Valley Class of '25 Highlights, Kiera, Kyle, Preston, Riley

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About

We are the Palm Valley Firebirds of Rancho Mirage, California. Join us in our endeavors. Venture through the school year with us, perusing the artwork of our students, community, and staff. Our goal is to share the poems, stories, drawings and photographs, essays and parodies that come out of our school. Welcome aboard!