the bird on fire

The Palm Valley School Student Blog

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Volleyball at Palm Valley School: More Than Just A Game

by 1 Comment

By Sarah Alnabelsi, 8th Grade 

Volleyball is the best sport to play, no matter what level team you join. Volleyball at Palm Valley School is especially exciting with Coach Erenberg. With his help, volleyball has been a big part of the Palm Valley School community. You may have noticed the banners hanging from the gym, or frequent practices or games happening. “Coach” makes every practice fun, even if it seems difficult. Games are also even more lively with Coach on the sidelines, cheering us on and occasionally yelling. Whether on the A or B team, varsity or middle school, Coach Ken Erenberg pushes you to give your best and ensures everyone feels part of the team. Volleyball at Palm Valley isn’t just about winning games (although we win a lot); it’s about learning, improving, and having fun.

I asked some Palm Valley School volleyball players what the best lesson Coach Erenberg has taught them. Here’s what they said:

Coach taught 8th-grader Silvanita “how to serve the ball.” She also thanked her teammates for helping her along the way.

8th-grade Morgan finds it a helpful reminder when Coach calls out: “TALK!” and “GET LOW!”

8th-grade Emmy says, “Coach taught me that sports aren’t all about skill; they’re also about dedication and effort.”

8th-grade Sophia says Coach tells her, “Don’t be scared of the ball.” 

Coach tells 8th-grader Emerson, “It’s better to be learning than to be sorry.” This means it’s okay if you make mistakes; learning from mistakes will help you in the future, and you shouldn’t be upset.

8th-grade Millie finds it helpful when Coach reminds the team, “Don’t lean back!” When you’re going for a bump, don’t lean back, or the ball will go backwards.

8th-grade Ivana likes when Coach says, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Senior Matteo appreciates Coach reminding him to “have court presence.”

And, me, I personally find it very helpful when Coach says to “Keep my arms straight.” I think this is one of the most helpful lessons because keeping your arms straight will let the ball go straight–a fundamental skill in volleyball.

Finally, I asked Coach Erenberg himself what he thought the best lesson he could give someone is. Here’s what he said: 

“The best way to learn is by repetition.”

–Coach Erenberg

Overall, volleyball at Palm Valley is more than just a game. It not only teaches helpful skills for the sport, but also teaches helpful lifestyle skills such as teamwork, dedication, patience and much more. Thanks, Coach.

Coach Erenberg shepherded in a lot of volleyball banners that hang now in the PVS gym. Can you count how many?

The Most Interesting Game Ever: Kerbal Space Program

by Leave a Comment

By Eighth-Grade Blogger Mason Conway

What makes a game interesting? Is it a jumpscare around every corner, or an action-packed fantasy? I personally believe that the best games are the unusual ones, something refreshing can be so nice once in a while. The game that has the most quirk is Kerbal Space Program made by Squad game development group. 

In Kerbal Space Program, you, the player, run a space agency with little green workers called Kerbals. You are faced with choices that can make or break your gameplay. Maybe you don’t put a parachute on your rocket to save a little extra money, but then your rocket crashes without a parachute and the little Kerbal inside dies. You now have a reputation as a failed builder who takes shortcuts.

Kerbal Space Program takes place in the Kerbol system, which is a replica of our solar system. Everything revolves around Kerbol, which is the in-game sun. Moho is Mercury; Eve is Venus; Kerbin is Earth; Duna is Mars; Jule is Jupiter, and Eeloo is Pluto.

If you were a player in the Kerbol system, this is the image you’d see of the Kerbal Universe (Photo Source: NamuWiki).

You can’t shoot a rocket into the vastness of space without a place to build the rockets first. The VAB, or Vehicle Assembly Building, is located on Kerbin. This is where you start the game and where you build rockets in the Kerbal Universe. The VAB in the sandbox mode, or creative mode, gives you everything in the game you need to build with. However, in career mode you only start with basic stuff and unlock new rockets and more through the tech tree; the tech tree is a building that you use to research new stuff. In Kerbal Space Program, science points are needed to progress through the tech tree. You can get points by performing science experiments on different planets. You have to do exploratory jobs to earn points to build rockets.

You start the game building rockets inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (Photo Source:  wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com).
Mason shares with us the image of his technology tree in Kerbal Space Program. Says wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com, “The Technology tree allows the player to unlock more advanced parts for constructing craft. Sami furthers explains, the tech tree is needed when you play in career mode. (Photo Source: wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com)

What follows is footage of my space station. In the game, I used the station for gathering scientific data while in orbit. The game requires data gathering to get points so players can build more rockets.

                                   

Kerbal Space Program might not be action packed or full of epic boss fights, but it has multiple unique little quirks–things like stranding Kerbals on the moon or building a Duna base. That’s why I think it’s the most interesting game out there. You can actually learn something while you play. Thanks, Mr. Kisling (PVS Technology Teacher–who brings Kerbal Space Program to the masses).

Arguing is Good for Friendship 

by 2 Comments

By Sami Alnabelsi

Have you ever been irritated with a friend? For instance, do you have a friend who tends to be a know-it-all or condescending? Or, maybe they’re indecisive when you need a decision. Or, maybe they have a habit of interrupting. Or, they have an opinion that differs from yours. Well, here is a simple solution. Just argue. If you talk about your issues with your friend, you are more likely to solve the issue. The only rule: have a constructive argument. Let’s talk about it. 

How to argue constructively:

Productive arguments

  1. The number one rule in having a productive argument is having an open mind. Listening doesn’t mean acceptance, but it means having the ability to understand your friends’ issues. One tip if you aren’t very open minded is to set a date to argue with your friend when you are not preoccupied with something–like meet on a weekend. According to Psychology Today, “One of the biggest mistakes when trying to talk things out is coming into arguments with raw emotions and not actually taking into account what your friend is saying.” Having a free schedule that day will allow your brain to be clear of any worries, and you can focus on the issues between you and your friend. 

Having a good mindset

  1. Another great tip is having the mindset that talking things out is not really a threat but more of an action that can help you and your friend get even closer. Arguing might feel nerve wracking at first, but in the end, it will all be worth it. Some of you might go into arguments with your mind fixated on what it will result in. You should be flexible when you go through these arguments and realize that you’re understanding someone else’s perspective. 

Stand your ground

  1. While you should be open minded, you have to make sure you stand your ground. Sometimes in friendships, there might be someone who is the “know-it-all” and you can’t just agree with them on everything. Don’t be afraid to tell your side of the story. 

Remember no one is perfect

  1. You must understand that not a single human being is perfect, and while your friend may bring up instances where you should change, it doesn’t mean you MUST change. It’s also vice versa; if you tell your friend something you dislike, you can’t expect them to change. It may take time or won’t even happen at all. 

In conclusion, having arguments can be very beneficial if they are taken seriously and conducted in a respectful and constructive manner. This will result in an even closer bond with your friend as you get to understand their side of the story.

Which version of Sarah and Morgan is more aligned with Sami’s advice on “How to Argue with a Friend”?

Sources:

https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/friend-fight-relationships-838e36d5
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conflict-matters/201802/the-benefits-of-arguing

The Power Of Pee

by Leave a Comment

By 8th-Grade Blogger Morgan Richardson

Morgan’s not just click-baiting you here. Think of elephants traversing the open savannah . . . pooping.

In those droppings are seeds and nutrients. The elephants are literally dropping the seeds of growth in that habitat. Well, Morgan looks to the effects of animal urine, on sea and on land.

“Animals have the power to destroy our earth, or preserve its beauty.”

–Morgan Richardson

Most people couldn’t imagine the wonders urine does for our world. 

Elephants have huge bladders that can hold 18 liters of urine (livescience.com). Weirdly, it’s not the elephants that pee the most. Blue whales and fin whales pee 260 gallons a day (nationalgeographic.com). Whales are one of the world’s greatest animals that do wonders for our planet using their urine. Whale pee is healing our oceans. The nutrients inside whale urine help shallow waters become healthy. Whales transport nitrogen and phosphorus from their pee; it helps areas that lack those chemicals become healthier by creating phytoplankton growth. Without whale pee, many marine species wouldn’t exist.   

While some animals protect our planet with their pee, others don’t. Cows produce the most polluting pee of all. Their farts, burps, and urine all contain methane. Methane is 25 times more damaging to the planet than CO2 (epa.gov). 1.5 billion cows pollute our earth with nitrous oxide emissions and water pollution (m.farms.com). Though it may feel like there is no solution to this problem of too much methane, others find a way. A herd of cattle in Germany was potty trained to lessen greenhouse gasses. They were only allowed to urinate in one designated area (bbc.com). This experiment lessened ammonia emissions and the unlikely event of water contamination, while also enabling easier collection and treatment of the urine for potential use as fertilizer. If we keep trying to save our planet from these toxic gases we may create a healthier planet Earth. 

Urine has a huge impact on our world. It acts as a natural fertilizer to plants and the ocean, but can also leave us with pollution which can damage nature globally. Animals play a key role in saving the planet, and destroying it.

Photo Source: World Wildlife Fund

Who Better to Talk about Friendship than Your Teammate?

by Leave a Comment

By Soleil Antle

When writing about friendship advice, Soleil thought who better to ask than her gymnastics teammates, a group of teenage girls as thick as thieves. These girls train countless hours in the gym, being each others’ biggest supporters and helping each other with any and every task. But, what advice do they have themselves about building a strong friendship?

Question: What advice do you have for building strong friendships? 

——————————————————————————————-

Ava P: 

“The advice I have is to always speak honestly; the best thing you can do is tell the truth. Also make sure you are there to support and listen to the other person as much as possible. But most importantly be honest. It’s also good to make sure you keep in contact with them. You don’t have to see someone everyday, you can text or call your friend as long as you have a way to communicate.”

————————————————————————————————————————–

Quinn:

“Respect people for who they are and don’t judge them for doing things differently than you do. To build a strong friendship with someone you would want to feel comfortable being yourself when you are with them. For me especially when I’m with my teammates at gymnastics I feel comfortable as I know we all respect each other for who we are, even if we have different opinions on things. 

Even though some of my teammates are a lower [gymnastics] level than me, I still choose to treat them with the same respect as someone in my own level. Whether you’re in level 4 or 10 it doesn’t impact the person you are, friendship shouldn’t be defined by your status.”

———————————————————————————————————————–

Ava I:

“A strong friendship is built on kindness, honesty, and trust–being there for your friend, listening when they need to talk, and making time to have fun together. When both people care and put in the effort, the friendship grows stronger.”

———————————————————————————————————————

Lindsay: 

“My advice on being in a strong friendship is to be honest and be yourself. Don’t change who you are so that you can have a strong friendship and pretend you like things the other person likes to have a stronger bond. Be true to yourself and who you are. Be open and honest about how you feel. A friendship is stronger if you are open and honest with the other person about how you are feeling. It is always easier to talk things out than to be dishonest and potentially hurt the friendship and bond you have created.”

————————————————————————————————————————

Zoe:

“A piece of advice I have for building strong relationships is to show empathy. Showing up for someone and trying to understand their situation is something only a true friend would do and helps create a strong friendship. This creates a strong friendship because it proves that even in tough times you know that you have each other’s backs. A strong friendship is built through consistency and trust. Continuing to show up for your friends time and time gains their trust. If your friends know you are there for them, and can trust you, that is a real, genuine and strong relationship.”

When you have a team as strong as this one, so well connected with a genuine bond, it shows that these little things matter. Friendship isn’t about the title: it’s about being each other’s biggest support, comfort, and joy. Every single one of these girls loves each other, and it’s evident as they are always willing to listen or help one another in a difficult time. I don’t know how many times these girls have given me pep talks or helped me with a skill, but I do know our friendships are a forever bond that’s rare to have. — Soleil

Fellow gymnasts and Soleil at a team dinner exchanging Secret Santa gifts.
Lindsay and Soleil on a paddleboarding excursion after practice.

 

We’re Back!

by 1 Comment

Welcome to Palm Valley School’s 2025-26 student blog. Stay tuned for musings, insights, recommendations, reviews, articles, sports updates, and a new logo from the Fall 2025 blogging voices of Sami Alnabelsi, Sarah Alnabelsi, Soleil Antle, Mason Conway, and Morgan Richardson.

Summer at the Beach

by Leave a Comment

By 6th-Grade Bloggers Reagan Kaminsky and Greenlee Bartley

Summer is coming up, and we are very excited, to say the least. This week’s blog post was free for all, so we decided to write a poem about a beach day with our best friends (each other) during the summer. We hope you enjoy!

–Reagan and Greenlee



I rolled down my window, took in the salty air.
We halted to a stop. I stepped out like I didn’t care.

Then, our eyes met, in one quick moment
My best friend for the summer, the greatest bestowment.

We checked into our room, just to get changed.
The beach always comes first we silently arranged.

Bright sun gleaming, fills the sky with orange and pink.
Sunset on the beach, the best time, we think.

Then, the next day, the cycle repeats–
The best summers of all, our trips to the beach.

Waffles versus Pancakes

by Leave a Comment

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

by Leave a Comment

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…

An Ode to Morgan

by 1 Comment

By Middle-School Blogger Soleil Antle

As you might know, seventh graders Morgan Richardson and Soleil Antle are the closest of buddies, and have been since fourth grade. Soleil writes a poem about her dear friend, and all the thoughts and memories that they share. 

Your evil cackle, your grinning smile, 

I can’t help but stare for a while.

Us together a chaotic scene,

Kids running around calling us mean.

Our laughter untamable don’t you agree,

Our souls forever set free.

Teachers putting us together, 

Oh how they must be under the weather. 

The expression of thoughts similar indeed,

Angers one, the other succeeds.

The competitive edge you’ve set in me,

Sparks wisdom, to the third degree. 

You and I don’t make much sense,

But our confidence level is over the fence.

You make me happy; you make me sad, 

A crazy duo I might add. 

Our inside jokes we don’t even understand,

Oh, our actions quite unplanned. 

Sumo wrestling, I always win,

Accept the times, you spin, spin, spin.

Nonsense-filled ideas flood our mind

Connect us like a tight bind. 

Little white lies, we tell for fun,

Concerning numbers more than one. 

Milano’s your day’s sweet treat,

Oh we enjoy that middle-school seat. 

Always an adventure no doubt,

I hope the staff don’t hear us shout.

After all is said and done, Soleil thinks on her friendship with Morgan and concludes, Acknowledge the people that matter to you because at the end of the day they are there for you.