the bird on fire

The Palm Valley School Student Blog

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“Always be kind and never be rude”

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By 6th-Grade Bloggers on Special Assignment Dior Halum and Sophia Nayfack

Over the past couple of weeks Sophia and Dior went down to the Lower School to gather thoughts and advice from lower schoolers about relationships and friendships. There were many different ideas throughout the different grades. The ideas and thoughts will really surprise you!

6-year-old Kindergartener Samantha answers fiercely!

Sophia: “What do you like to do with your friends?”

Samantha: “I like to play Kitty Cats on the playground with Raymina, Freya and myself!”

6-year-old Kindergartners Luka & Freya bring some playful responses!

Dior: “Where would you like to take your friends for fun?”

Luka & Freya: “We would like to take our friends to a really bouncy trampoline park.”

5-year-old Kindergartener Raymina came to us with a great response!

Sophia: “How old were you when you had your first best friend?”

Raymina: “My best friends are Sammy, Hailey, and Emma, and I am 5 and a half!”

3rd-graders Mehreen, Theo, and Avery say kindness and trust are key to healthy friendships.

3rd-grader Theo gives a really thoughtful answer!

Dior: “Do you have any advice for best friends?”

Theo: “Always be kind, and never be rude.”

3rd-grader Mehreen meets her best friend!

Dior: “How old were you when you met your best friend, and who was it?”

Mehreen: “I was nine years old when I met my best friend Ellie.”

3rd-grader Avery gives a great strong answer!

Sophia: “What do you think friendships mean?”

Avery: “I think friendships mean to be trustworthy to each other.”

3rd-grader Noah gives his response a lot of thought!

Dior: “Is there anything you want to change with you and your friends?”

Noah: “I would like to play with them more in person rather than on screens such as video games.”

4th-grader Gwendalynn gives some great advice!

Sophia: “Where would you like to take a partner?”

Gwendalynn: “I would take them to an Italian or Mexican restaurant!”

4th-graders Jonathan, Alex, Grace, and Lucy recommend taking your friend or significant other out someplace fun.

4th-grader Lucy has a kind answer!

Dior: “What age should someone have a partner, and do you have any advice for people in relationships?”

Lucy: “Don’t break each other’s hearts, and I think you should be at least 14.”

4th-grader Jonathan has a great response!

Sophia: “Do you have any friendship advice?”

Jonathan: “Be kind, and don’t bully.”

4th-grader Alex gives some great advice!

Dior: “Do you recommend any places for people in relationships to go?”

Alex: “Movie theaters and Disneyland!”

4th-grader Grace gives a very cute answer!

Sophia: “Where would you wanna take your friend?”

Grace: “I would like to take Haley to the beach!”

5th-grader Julie gives really great advice!

Sophia: “Do you have any advice for a long lasting friendship?”

Julie: “Always show your emotions, and my best friend is Sienna!”

5th-grader Sienna names a great food spot!

Dior: “Do you recommend any food places for people in relationships to go?”

Sienna: “California Pizza Kitchen.”

5th-grader Isabella gives an amazing answer.

Sophia: “Where would you like to go, and who would you take?”

Isabella: “I would take Livia, Sienna, and Julie to the park.”

These are great answers that are coming from the Lower-School grades. They are varied and insightful! This is some very valid advice for anybody who is looking for a better friendship or relationship. We thank all the students and teachers for letting us interview them!

–Dior & Sophia

1st & Second Grade Reveal the Secret to a Healthy Friendship

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 Friendship Advice gathered by 6th Graders Savannah Sanchez & Reagan Kaminsky

We have been observing other friend groups around us, and we decided they might need a bit of advice. We went down to the 1st and 2nd Graders and asked these wise folk some questions to see their thoughts.

Ms. Marron’s 1st graders have advice for you on how to make and keep a friend. Photo Credit: Reagan Kaminsky

1st Grader Hannah comes in with a strong start!

“Do you have any advice on how to make new friends?”

“Play with lots of new people.”

1st-Graders Grace & Bella have some confident responses.

“What are some nicknames you call your friends?” 

“Hannie”

“Gracie”

1st-Grader Ellie is too good to be true!

“What is a fun thing you like to do with your friends at school?”

“Make handshakes!”

1st-Graders Josephine, Landon & Olivia give some great answers!

1. “Do you think that trio friend groups could work?”

“Of course, yes!”

2. “What is the best Palm Valley School club for friends to join?”

“Taylor Swift Club!”

“Running Club!”

“Fashion Club!”

Crew gives a great concluding response from our 1st Graders!

“What could you say to new people to help them make friends?”

“Come play with me!”

2nd-Grader Kenleigh carries the group as the first 2nd Grader with friendship advice!

“Do you have any advice for new friends?” 

“Be a good example and make them feel welcome.” 

2nd-Grader Ryker shows true love for his sport!

“Where is a good place to go with your friends?” 

“To the ice rink and play hockey.” 

2nd-Grader Natalie gives the perfect response!

“Do you think friends influence your daily life?” 

“I think they will make life better.” 

2nd-Grader Katarina comes through with the same opinion as the 1st Graders!

Do you think that trio friend groups could work?” 

“Yes!” 

Jack ends strong with his favorite nickname!

“What are some nickname ideas for friends?”

“Logie!” 

In conclusion, we have observed from our 1st and 2nd Graders that the best way to make and maintain friendships is to do things with them! This could include anything from making handshakes, playing tag, or even grabbing lunch! — Reagan and Savannah

What Gabriel Hears

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The PVS Upper-School American Literature class is half-dragging, half-dancing through the American Transcendentalists. I shared with them Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing.” Then, I asked, What do you hear singing? Junior Gabriel Rodriguez-Portugues had a delightfully surprising response. I share here Whitman’s list o’ singers; then, you get Gabriel’s. — Ms. Zachik, Blog Advisor, English Teacher

I Hear America Singing

By Walt Whitman

I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,

Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,

The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,

The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,

The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,

The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,

The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown,

The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,

Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,

The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,

Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.

____________________

I hear something singing

By Gabriel Rodriguez-Portugues

I hear teachings of historical people who I don’t think about;

I hear a teacher singing about math equations that I just don’t want to hear;

I hear younger, contemporary, or older people talking about things that I either care about or don’t care about;

I don’t exactly hear what Whitman hears;

But there is so much singing that sometimes I can’t keep up.

Home

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Our new Spring Semester middle-school team of bloggers warmed up this week with a creative exercise–responding to a Poets&Writer’s “The Time Is Now” Creative Nonfiction Prompt.

Our creatives were asked to write a spatial autobiography of the objects in their home or room, to tour their favorite things while weaving into the passage the memories attached to them. In this week where so many of our LA loved ones have lost the places where they feel most at home, we were moved by the comfort and association Morgan Richardson draws from her special place. The class voted it the spatial autobiography that best captures the essence of the writer.

The loud whistle reminds me of leaping off the starting block

The lane line reminds me of swimming as fast as I can each race

The green field reminds me of warm ups in winter before swimming

The bench reminds me of where I slick my hair and put on my cap each day

The kick board reminds me of challenging myself and becoming faster

The little pool reminds me of when I first stepped foot in the pool

The shallow end reminds me of moving up levels, scared but prepared

The water jug reminds me of jumping out of the water thirsty and parched

The deep blue pool reminds me of the place where I feel happy and most at home

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

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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.

Seniors on the Move

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PVS seniors have had a busy few months. They’ve been applying to colleges, voting, putting on dances and Nest events, eating crumbl cookies. Let’s check in with Enzo Lomsky, Anais Lee, and Alex Ratner, and see what they’ve been up to.

Enzo’s been up and down the West Coast, likely traveling with a little AP Lit Dostoevsky.

Not to be outdone by Lily’s trip to Rome, Anais went to London.

Alex may not be on the move (okay, so actually he’s checking out USC and UCLA today); but, he is “moving” in the kitchen. How many different ways do you think Alex can prepare chicken?

What’s Going on with our Senior Class?

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Good stuff!

The seniors in Advisory made collages summing up fall events and feelings. Last post, you saw Zach happily eating crumbl cookies, Lily making future plans for a life in Rome, and Mirabelle taking time for fun and friends. Now, let’s take a peek at how seniors Kristina Panagiotaros, Abby Assefa, and Cindy Wang assess the first quarter of their last year of high school at Palm Valley.

Kristina, along with several of our seniors, turned 18 just in time to vote–first time ever–in November’s elections. They displayed proudly their “I voted” stickers.
ASB President Abby is on top of everything, but she also makes time for the fun, the music, the family, and the fun. It’s important.
Cindy nailed it. The seniors have expressed immense relief at submitting those college applications. Being done with that stress apparently feels like a vibrant sunset at the end of a very long day.

Seniors Say . . .

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We asked members of our Class of ’25 to sum up how their senior year is going so far. They created collages. We’ll start with seniors Zachary Kazmouz, Mirabelle Lee, and Lily Jones.

Zachary is all about the Crumbl right now.
Despite working assiduously on everything academic, writing supplement essay after supplement essay for college admissions, AND supporting her non-profits, Mirabelle makes time for fun and friends.
Lily‘s still basking in the glow of summer travel with the family. She is smitten with Rome.

Stay tuned for more updates from our PVS Senior Class of ’25.

Don’t Forget

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A compilation of “Forget-me-nots” by 8th-Grader Jackie Padgett

I find it very difficult to remember things, especially things from when I was younger, so I decided I wanted to do a “Don’t forget” or “Remember you said this” type of blog. I was also interested in what people of different ages wanted to remember. So, I asked two questions of two kids from every grade:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?
  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

Starting us off is…

6th-Grader Calum Webster with an indecisive response:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“My dog, I think.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

“I don’t know, umm, I don’t know… oh, uh, I’m good at basketball, wait, no, actually sure.”

6th-Grader Grace Ghaly has a confident reply:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“I never wanna forget my friends.” 

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

“My attitude.”

7th-Grader Sam West quickly mutters out a reply while getting ready for his soccer game:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

”When I ate that breakfast burrito from the gas station it kinda hurt if you know what I mean.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

”That I hold the record for the fastest unrecorded time of solving the Rubik’s Cube. Joking.”

7th-Grader Lorelei Behr says something very thoughtful:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“I don’t want to ever forget about my friends, even when they move away.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

“I don’t want people to forget the things we laughed and cried about together.”

8th-Grader Hudson Fossey replies with a simple answer:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“The time I built a trailer for a gokart with my cousin and then having him shoot a bow and arrow off of it.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

“I don’t really care if people forget about me.”

8th-Grader Ava Kerber shares a silly, but real, response:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“Umm, when I was born.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

“Umm, that I was alive and a human on this planet.”

9th-Grader Zander Eaton replies with a math-focused answer:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“My times tables.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

”That I remembered my times tables.”

9th-Grader Louisa Richardson gives an imaginative reply: 

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“I don’t want to forget my imagination. I love that I have a sense of, um, creativity.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

“Ugh. I guess I hope people don’t forget that I care about them.”

10th-Grader Rory O’Kane shares a sports-related answer:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“Sports.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

”Sports.”

10th-Grader Melina Brodeur gets some help with her response from Louisa Richardson:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“What got me to where I am.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

Louisa inserted, ”Your sparkle!”

11th-Grader Alex Ratner:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“My friends and family.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

”My gaming abilities.”

11th-Grader Kristina Panagiotaros:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“My friends.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

”Me altogether.”

12th-Grader Sawyer Falzone says:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“My I.D. and glasses.”

2. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

”That I’m not a horrible person.”

12th-Grader Landon Elder a quick but significant response:

  1. What is something you don’t want to forget?

“My lovely experiences.”

  1. What is something you don’t want people to forget about you?

”That I existed.”

I was actually surprised to get a few serious answers. I really thought most of them would be jokes. Since the way I chose people was completely at random (and whomever I saw first), if I didn’t get to you, leave a comment of something you don’t want to forget.