the bird on fire

The Palm Valley School Student Blog

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The Yearbook is Coming!

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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

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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.  

The Tea Club Revival

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By Levi Kassinove, Tea Club Founding Member

Two years ago, the former 8th grader Remi Benomar had the idea of starting a middle-school Tea Club. He pitched the idea to me during a Wednesday assembly meeting in the MPR. We talked at length about our visions for the Tea Club and how it would evolve in the future; we dreamt up Tea Club meetings where we would have tastings and discussions of flavor notes. It would be a place where people come together and have peaceful conversations. It wouldn’t just be about the tea, but rather the community. Immediately after hearing his idea, I knew we had something great. 

Mr. Killeen (now the Tea Club advisor)  loved the idea and, fortunately, so did the middle school. We had the former Science room completely filled on the first meeting. Around 30 kids were showing up for these weekly tea parties at lunch. Overnight, it became one of the most popular clubs in middle school. We had multiple varieties of tea, including spiced chai, hibiscus, and green tea. Members were to pick their tea at their leisure and add honey if they so desired. Some brought their own mugs, such as Indy Behr, and others used the mugs generously provided by Mr. Killeen, who also provided the tea. The club was a thriving community, but, unfortunately, it had some issues. For instance, moderation was extremely difficult with our large member count. Dozens of kids were in a single room, each with a cup of near boiling water. Spills and burns were inevitable especially with the shaky plastic tables we had. When Covid hit, the Tea Club disappeared into the shadows and was largely forgotten, save for a few of us who drank tea over Google Meets in its memory. By the time we were allowed to come back to school, the Tea Club was gone. 

Nowadays, a handful of middle schoolers still meet every week behind the gym to drink tea. But it’s known as an informal gathering rather than an official Tea Club meeting. So I’m revamping it. It’ll be the same aesthetic meeting place (behind the gym, mountains in the background), same core idea, but our methods will be slightly different. For instance, instead of having a fixed set of regular teas, we will have one type of tea available per week. The tea will change every week–a tea of the week, if you will. This way, the general discussion will be geared more towards the specific tea rather than normal lunch talk. The previous tea club was more club than tea, and now we want to put more emphasis on the tea. We will have fewer members, but in turn we will have higher quality teas. We will introduce members to the world of teas, from normal green, to matcha, to hibiscus, to oolong, and even to blends carefully curated by tea enthusiasts. It will be a place where people can discuss flavor notes and ultimately bond over tea, just like Remi’s vision all those years ago. This time, it’s without the chaos of a large group. It’ll have a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, unlike the rowdy type that seems to be an inherent part of middle-school groups. It’ll be a tight-knit family of 16 high school students that come together every Tuesday to enjoy tea. Our debut was yesterday, Tuesday, May 4, at lunch behind the gym. The next meeting is next Tuesday the 11th. If you want to make friends and explore the wondrous world of tea, you can stilll sign up for the club. But, there are only 16 slots!

Sign up at this poster at Mr. Winter’s door. (Poster by Cole Robinson)

Senior Spotlight: Isabella Goetschel

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By Lilah Nick 

In just about a month we will all have to say goodbye to our beloved seniors. While they are still here gracing our company, let’s talk about them. Here’s graduating Senior Isabella Goetschel. 

I have known Izzy since I was a freshman. We’ve acted together. We share ASB responsibilities. So, I talked with Izzy and asked her some questions about high school. 

How was your high-school experience?

I think I have had a pretty good high school experience. I have been so lucky with some of my teachers and the friends I’ve made have been…interesting. Interesting but hilarious. I’m truly grateful to have been able to enjoy it as much as I have.

Do you have any favorite memories?

There are so many funny memories. A lot of them are probably from lunch in the student lounge. I do have a really good one from golf, but I can’t expose Jane like that–lol.

What’s your favorite thing about high school?

My favorite thing about high school has got to be the people. My friends and teachers have just been the best!

What’s your favorite subject?

My favorite subject in my whole high-school experience was probably AP Government or Algebra II.  I’ve just always loved politics and math. AP Gov really allowed me to learn more about the government and things going on in real time, which I loved. As for Algebra, I just find math to be fun when you understand it, and I just have fond memories of that particular math class.

Are you involved in any club?

In school, I’m the Captain of the Owls, Founder/ President of Amnesty International Club, President of United Way, President of Film Club, and Vice President of Junior Statesmen of America (JSA).

Are you excited to graduate from PVS?

Let’s just say I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited in my life.

What university are you going to?

As of right now, I’m going to UC Santa Barbara, but it all depends on whether I get accepted from the waitlist at UC Berkeley.

What are you planning on majoring in?

I plan on majoring in Political Science with perhaps a double major or minor in French.

What are your plans for the future? Dream Job?

I would love to become a civil rights attorney. If not that then something with human rights and perhaps public administration.

What are you most excited about in the future?

I’m definitely most excited about the independence and freedom that comes with college.

What are your favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies are definitely dancing and acting.

What are some things you do outside of school?

Outside of school, I’m usually at work. I work at the movie theater. I work at the Cinemark at the River. Honestly, it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had in all of high school. I love working there! I also do dance! I mainly do contemporary and lyrical dance. I love hip hop as well, but I find it much harder to find a good teacher for hip hop. I tried to find a lot of places to dance here in the desert, but they were either too far or just not the right fit for me. I danced at Starlight Dance out here for a while, but then Covid hit. I plan on just picking up dance again in college rather than finding a place now.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

My favorite thing to do in my free time is read. I loveeee reading!! I also love to watch youtube. I can’t say I have a favorite book because there are just too many good ones, but one of my top books is for sure the Shadow and Bone/ Six of Crows series. If you read them, READ THEM IN ORDER!!! Do not start with Six of Crows!! 

What’s a fun fact about you?

 A fun fact about me is that I used to go to a French school.

What is your favorite kind of music?

My favorite kind of music would have to be rap. I’m really the type to listen to everything from classical to rap, but there’s just something about rap music. I have wayyy too many favorite songs. I love music so much, I could never pick one, and they constantly change. Right now some of my favorite songs are probably “Lucky You” by Joyner Lucas and Eminem, “Parents” by YUNGBLUD, and “Achilles Come Down” by Gang of Youths. Veryyy different songs but all so good! I usually use the last one to study or do homework.

So, let’s all congratulate Izzy on her future endeavors. Izzy, keep us in the loop; drop us a line; let us know how you’re doing as a Gaucho or a Bear.

Student Led Conferences: Good Educational Practice or … What’s the point?

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By Lilah Nick

Quarter 3 ended on March 11th, and the school year is quickly coming to a close. Thus, Student Led Conferences (SLCs) arrived on April 4th. SLCs are conferences with students, advisors, and parents. The purpose of them is for students to talk about all of their classes with their parents and advisors and then come up with ways for them to improve. But are they really necessary?

Most teachers and parents will argue that SLCs are good because you work together as a team, there is communication and transparency, and it allows the student to be in charge of the conversation. For certain families, there isn’t much communication about grades, so SLCs might be a good idea for them. 

Personally, I don’t really like the SLCs. I have never liked them. You get a script, fill in the blanks, and talk to your parents and advisor about it. I’ve always found that most people fake their way through the scripts and put minimal effort into them. For example, there’s the value question. The script asks, “Which of the PVS values am I exhibiting regularly? How?” In my personal experience and that of my friends, we all fake this question the most. I’ll usually just select the value “Inquiry and Exploration.” I say I exhibit the value regularly in that I “ask questions” and I’m “interested” in my classes. It’s one of the easiest answers that we can just slap on the page.  

My parents are always looking at My Backpack and checking my grades. If I have a low grade, they’ll ask for me to get it up. I don’t find SLCs necessary for me, but for other students whose parents don’t check their grades, it might be.

Let’s ask around: How do you feel about SLCs?

“It’s half an hour of my life wasted.”

Sienna Price, 8th Grade

“I hate SLCs. There is no point to me when I can just talk to my parents on my own.”

Alyna Llapitan, Sophomore

“My mom doesn’t check my grades. So, if that report card comes back with anything other than what I promised, it’s game over.”

Jessica Denyer, Senior

”I always think it’s good when parents, teachers, and students work together as a team.”

Ms. Zachik, Teacher

For better or for worse, Quarter 4 has no SLC. In fact, we have only 27 school days remaining in the 2021-22 year. But, get ready; SLCs return in only six months . . . .

Let’s Talk About Sophie!

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Though it was very sad to say goodbye to our dear friend and fellow student Sophie Zhong last Thursday (she’s flying back to her family in Chong Qing), it is never too late to learn something new about someone cherished. Read on to learn about Sophie! For our ongoing Senior Profiles, Alyna Rei interviewed Sophie about her high school life and her future plans. Here’s Sophie in her own words!  

– How would you describe yourself?

I am a girl who loves life and cares about others. 

– Are you excited to graduate from PVS? Nervous? Scared?

I feel both excited and sad to graduate.

– What is your dream school?

My dream school is Princeton University, but I actually didn’t apply there. I plan to go there for a master’s degree.

– What are your plans for the future?

I want to start my own business and be a part-time freediving coach. 

– How was your high school experience?

I definitely had a wonderful experience in PVS. Although Covid-19 affects us a lot, I feel the kindness from my teachers and friends. The memories I made here are absolutely precious. 

Sophie Zhong, Class of ’22

– Do you have any favorite memories in high school?

Yes, I joined the golf team for my junior and senior year. I love it so much! I really enjoy practicing and having matches with teams from other schools. Also, I joined cross country for the first time in my life in my senior year. Mr. Winter and my teammates went to so many places to compete. I got one medal in my first three-mile race. 

– What are you most excited about in the future?

I am most excited to arrange my life in college and . . . achieve my dream. 

– Do you have a favorite subject?

Yes, it is PE.

– What are you planning on majoring in?

I am planning on majoring in business administration.

– What are your favorite hobbies?

I have lots of hobbies. I don’t know which one is my favorite, but I really enjoy horseback riding, golfing, and playing the piano.

– What are some great tips to get through a school day?

My tips are to always be positive and never give up. 

Have fun in the future Sophie! Wish you the best!

Isabella with the Words

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Congratulations to Palm Valley School’s US Poetry Recitation winner: Senior Isabella Goetschel. Isabella recited “Epitaph” by 17th-century poet Katherine Philips. In a striking twist of fate, Isabella was also selected Audience Favorite. Second Place went to Sophomore Indy Behr with a recitation of “be careful” by poet Ed Roberson. The Third Place recitation went to Freshman Lily Jones with “Poor Angels” by poet Edward Hirsch.

On the Friday before Thanksgiving break, the Upper School gathered for Poetry Recitation Finals in the Gym. Eleven finalists competed before judges Ms. Bernstein, Ms. Maguire, and Mr. Richardt. The judging criteria was that of Poetry Out Loud.

Isabella will advance to Riverside County Poetry Out Loud. She is our Palm Valley School representative. She will recite two poems before a panel of judges. If she wins, she advances to State Poetry Out Loud competition. Indiana serves as our alternate.

“A poem begins as a lump in the throat . . .”

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. . . so wrote poet Robert Frost. Despite lumps in throats, on Tuesday, Middle School Poetry Recitation finalists–

  • Ciera Carr
  • Roman Soobben
  • Sherwin Hemmati
  • Sierra James
  • Mia Meyer
  • Jackie Padgett
  • Tal Maruvada
  • Yola Belickis
  • Zander Eaton
  • Walker Craven
  • Louisa Richardson
  • McKenzi Johnson–

gracefully, and sometimes passionately, shared words of solace, concern, love, hurt, and presence. Judges Andrea Coffey, Chris Griffin, and J.K. Hilbert selected the three most outstanding recitations–those of Ciera Carr, Zander Eaton, and McKenzi Johnson. Following Poetry Out Loud guidelines, the three were acknowledged for the poise and appropriateness of their physical presence, articulation and enunciation, and understanding. Ciera Carr was selected Audience Favorite.

Middle School Poetry Recitation Champions: McKenzi Johnson, Zander Eaton, and Ciera Carr. Photo Credit: Chris Griffin
For her recitation of the poem “Lost,” Ciera Carr was voted Audience Favorite. Photo Credit: Chris Griffin

Congratulations, Andrew!

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 Our Palm Valley nominee Andrew Hall was selected as a South Region finalist for the CSF 2021 Seymour Memorial Award!

Ten nominees from the South Region were selected as finalists. As a finalist, Andrew participated in the South Region Seymour Memorial Award Zoom Interview. Here, he’s pictured with his medal. In addition, he was awarded $2,000.

The winners will be announced at the CSF Virtual Awards Presentation on April 17. Each region’s recipient will receive an additional award of $3,000. Good luck, Andrew!

By Sara Habibipour