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Who Was Best Dressed at the Cupid Winter Wonderland Dance?

February 26, 2026 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Feature Post

By 7th-Grade Blogger Reagan Kaminsky

Last February, I interviewed PVS students to see who was truly the best dressed at the Valentine’s Day Dance. When the Cupid Winter Wonderland Dance rolled around, I knew what I had to do. Last year’s champion was, now sophomore, Elizabeth Greenwood. Who will take the win this year? 

Let’s introduce our contestants:

First, is Emmy Kaminsky (Left), Emerson Dunn (Center), and Soleil Antle (Right).

Photo Credit: Yearbook Advisor Mr. Gil

Next, we have Ivana Vega (Left) and Zoey Guess (Right).

Photo Credit: Yearbook Advisor Mr. Gil

Here we have (the DJ) Kayliee Augustine-Sails.

Photo Credit: Yearbook Advisor Mr. Gil

Lastly, we have Lincoln Johnson (Left), Steven Liu (Center), Charlie Cowley (Right), and Sam West (Bottom). 

Photo Credit: Yearbook Advisor Mr. Gil

I interviewed 21 people in total, and we had very close results. However, one person particularly stood out to the crowd. This year’s “Who was best dressed at the Cupid Winter Wonderland Dance?” winner was Zoey Guess! According to Zoey, she got her dress from Windsor. She said she needed to get a red dress; it was the first one she saw, and it was perfect! Clearly, the other PVS students and staff agreed with her; her dress was definitely a crowd favorite. With the elegant maxi style and contrasting fabrics, Zoey’s outfit was the perfect blend of cute and formal. 

So, make sure to pick a great outfit when next year’s Valentine’s dance rolls around. You never know if there will be another competition!

Filed Under: Aesthetic, Culture, Festivities Tagged With: Reagan Kaminsky, Who Was Best Dressed at the Cupid Winter Wonderland Dance?

Spirit Cafe: The Inside Scoop

February 3, 2026 by szachik@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

My Favorite Musical – Mary Poppins

January 29, 2026 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

Written by 7th-Grade Blogger Reagan Kaminsky

Everyone has a favorite musical, and whether it’s Hamilton, Newsies or The Sound of Music, there’s always one that just sticks. For me, however, I can’t think of just one. I have done Musical Theater since the age of 7. I have been in countless productions, and it’s impossible to choose a favorite. Still, the first lead I ever played will always have a special place in my heart. In winter of last year, I was fortunate enough to be cast as Jane Banks in a production of Mary Poppins at the Palm Canyon Theatre. 

Let’s go back to the beginning– when I auditioned. I was attending the Palm Canyon Theatre Summer Camp, when the director expressed that she wanted me to audition. I prepared a monologue and went to my audition, and let’s just say I was terrified. I waited and waited. Then, finally, I heard back from the director. I got the role! 

Then, the first day of rehearsals came. I met the cast and did a read-through, and it was starting to feel a bit more real. After countless hours of practicing choreography and harmony, before I knew it, Tech Week had begun. Tech Week is the last week of rehearsals when we begin to add lights, sound, and set. I pushed through the week of rehearsals, and then it was finally here–Opening Night. Before we knew it, the curtain dropped, and we got through the first show with ease. Weeks went by, and next thing I knew, it was Closing Night. As the final curtain drew down, let’s just say we were all devastated that the production came to a close. 

Reagan (Right) poses with her co-stars in the finale of Mary Poppins. Photo Credit: Palm Canyon Theatre

In the end, acting in Mary Poppins was the most incredible and memorable experience. From perfect harmonies to barfing backstage, that show had it all. I may not have a favorite musical, but Mary Poppins will always hold a special place in my heart.

Filed Under: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Year end/New Beginnings Tagged With: My Favorite Musical - Mary Poppins, Reagan Kaminsky

Summer at the Beach

May 16, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 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.

Filed Under: Poetry, Seasonal Holidays, Travel Tagged With: Greenlee Bartley, Reagan Kaminsky

My Grandpa’s Good Food

April 30, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Food, Gratitude, Happiness Tagged With: My Grandpa’s Good Food, Reagan Kaminsky

What’s the Best Starbucks Drink?

April 10, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By 6th-Grade Bloggers Reagan Kaminsky and Greenlee Bartley

I would say that we have the most boring Starbucks orders on the planet, so we decided to ask other PVS students what drinks they like. If you were wondering, we both regularly order a Strawberry Açai Refresher, with no strawberries. We will be going to Starbucks ourselves and trying three of the drinks we think will taste the best. Then, hopefully we will each have a new favorite order!

For those of you who don’t know, Starbucks has odd names for their sizes. The smallest size is a “Short,” which is 8 oz. The next-smallest size is a “Tall,” which is 12 oz. The next size is the “Grande,” which is 16 oz. The next size is a “Venti,” which is 20 oz. Finally, a “Trenta” is 31 oz.

The first person we interviewed was Ms. Melissa in the US Office, and she said the best Starbucks drink is a Green Tea Lemonade with extra peach juice, in the Grande size. Next, we interviewed PVS teacher Ms. Maguire. She said that the best Starbucks drink is a Venti Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade. Then, we interviewed 8th-grader Zoey. She said a Venti Strawberry Açai Refresher, with no berries. Next, we interviewed Ms. Emma at the MS Office, and she said that the best Starbucks order is a Venti shaken Espresso. 

10th-grader Rylie said the best Starbucks drink was a Tall Vanilla Frappuccino. 10th-grader Evan claims the best Starbucks order is a Trenta Java Chip Frappuccino. Then, we interviewed 10th-grader Brooklyn. Brooklyn said the best Starbucks order is the new Blackberry Sage Refresher in the Tall size. Next, we interviewed fellow blogger Sophia Nayfack. She said the best Starbucks drink is the new Cherry Chai. We also interviewed a fellow blogger, Elizabeth. Brace yourself: this one’s complicated! According to Elizabeth, the best Starbucks order is a Grande Strawberry Açai Refresher, with no inclusions, water instead of lemonade, light ice, a splash of extra base, 1 pump of cane sugar, 1 pump of classic, in a tall cup with a dome lid. After that, we interviewed another fellow blogger, Mason. He says the best Starbucks order is a Trenta with oat milk base, 27 pumps of caramel, 16 pumps of ube (which doesn’t exist at Starbucks), cookie crumble, lemonade, olive oil, 11 pumps of cane sugar, and finally 20 pumps of mocha. Next, we interviewed PVS Spanish teacher Ms. Bartosik. She said to get the Cranmerry Lemonade Refresher. Then, we interviewed another fellow blogger, Soleil. She said the best Starbucks order is a Venti Strawberry Açai Refresher, with extra berries and cherry. Lastly, we interviewed PVS Coach Erenberg. He comes in with the most complicated answer yet: he says the best Starbucks drink is Water (in the grande size).

In this picture you will see the Blackberry Sage Refresher (Far Left), the Green Tea Lemonade (Middle Left), the Cherry Chai (Middle Right), and lastly the Water (Far Right). Photo Credit: Greenlee Bartley

Now comes the fun part: we try them! We tried Ms. Melissa’s drink (Green Tea Lemonade with extra peach juice), Sophia N.’s drink (Cherry Chai), and Brooklyn’s drink (Blackberry Sage Refresher). Special credit to our guest judge, (Reagan’s sister) Emmy Kaminsky! First, we tried the Cherry Chai. We all thought it was great, and it was incredibly hard to beat. Then, we tried the Blackberry Sage Refresher, and it was not our favorite. It was still amazing, just not our kind of flavors. Lastly, we tried the Green Tea Lemonade with extra peach juice. This one was also great, but it didn’t quite compare to the Cherry Chai. 

Here you will see the winner, the Cherry Chai Tea Latte.

In conclusion, all of these drinks were great, but there must be a winner. According to Emmy and Greenlee, the Cherry Chai was the best. However, Reagan thought the Green Tea Lemonade was the true winner. (Now, it’s her new favorite order!) Although there were different opinions, the majority always wins. That means the Cherry Chai came in first! 

Filed Under: Culture, Daily Life, Food Tagged With: Greenlee Bartley, Reagan Kaminsky, What’s the Best Starbucks Drink?

Figure Skating vs. Hockey: Which Sport is Harder?

April 2, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By 6th-Grade Bloggers Greenlee Bartley and Reagan Kaminsky

Reagan is a figure skater; Greenlee is a devoted hockey fan. They have had many disagreements on which sport is harder: Figure Skating or Ice Hockey. They have decided to each make their claim on what they think, then get a few people who have experience in both sports to make the final judgement. They, for one, were very surprised with the results, and they think you will be, too. 

Reagan says . . .

Personally, I think that figure skating is much harder than ice hockey. Although I have no experience in hockey, I have figure skated for over a year now, and I can confirm that it is not an easy sport. Arguably, to me hockey is much easier than figure skating because you are not required to do jumps, spins, and more while being incredibly dizzy at the same time. Look at professional figure skaters; they are doing “Triple Axels” and “Double Salchows,” while hockey players are simply skating around trying to put a small object into a goal. Personally, I can’t do any of these crazy figure skating tricks, but I do get very dizzy while skating and performing my routines. Also, hockey players even get breaks in between playing time and get to wear special padding and warm clothing. Figure skaters, however, have to wear thin tights and short dresses while skating. Once again, I think that figure skating is much harder than hockey.

Reagan (Right) and Greenlee (Left) at a hockey game, snapping a picture with Coachella Valley Firebirds player Luke Henman. 

Greenlee says . . .

I think that ice hockey is harder than figure skating. Although I have not much experience in figure skating or hockey, I do watch hockey a lot, and I have season tickets at Acrisure Arena. I go to almost every hockey game. Reagan claims that hockey is easier because “you are not required to do jumps, spins, and more while being incredibly dizzy at the same time”–which is untrue because hockey players get very dizzy because they are going so fast while sticks are being shoved at them. Also they get thrown into the glass; they fall, and sometimes they get in very bad fistfights that can make them very very badly hurt! Also, hockey players have no choice sometimes but to fight or just accept defeat! Hockey players get to wear padding and more clothes than figure skaters for a reason! It’s not only to keep warm; it’s because, like I said, they get in bad fights and need the padding. Also the goalies need way more padding because they have a hard puck of rubber coming at them at top speed, and hockey is rated #2 Hardest Sport in the World! (ESPN) Once again, I think that hockey is way harder than figure skating. 


So, unable to agree, we interviewed three people with experience in these sports to see what the final result would be. First, we interviewed a fellow blogger, and hockey player, Mark Huber. We asked him, “Which sport is harder, figure skating or hockey, and why?” Mark said: “Hockey, because it challenges every single part of your body, even your brain. Also, you have to make decisions in like 0.5 seconds or something, and you wear all this equipment that makes you super sweaty which is annoying.”

Next, we interviewed a PVS Science Teacher, and also hockey player, Mr. Killeen. We asked him “Which sport is harder, figure skating or hockey, and why?” Mr. Killeen responded, “Figure Skating because… as a hockey player, you just have to skate one way until you run into something, but when you are figure skating you have to be graceful, and you don’t have a team to support you.” 

Lastly, we interviewed Benjamin Rouche, a figure skater and hockey player, and also a PVS student. He answered, “It’s hard to say, but I think it would be hockey because you have to be able to shoot, control the puck, and sometimes get physical.”


In conclusion, we got many different opinions from students, staff, and even bloggers about which sport is harder: figure skating or hockey. Hockey came out as the number one answer with 3 votes, while figure skating had 2. Despite the controversy, we think that each sport has its easy and hard parts. Even though the votes say otherwise, both sports are hard!

Filed Under: Controversy, Sports, Winter Sports Tagged With: Figure Skating vs. Hockey: Which Sport is Harder?, Greenlee Bartley, Reagan Kaminsky

Who Was the Best Dressed at the Valentine’s Dance?

March 19, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By 6th-Grade Fashion Correspondents Reagan Kaminsky, Greenlee Bartley, and Sophia Nayfack

Prom is right around the corner. Are you scouring the internet for that perfect dress? pant suit? tie? shoes? Let’s see how the attire stacked up at the previous PVS dance–the 2025 Valentine’s Dance. Our Blog Fashion Correspondents Greenlee, Reagan, and Sophia lined up on the red carpet to observe dance attendees and their fashion choices. Our Fashion-on-the-Go team documented with photographs. Then, they surveyed the Palm Valley School community asking which outfits “worked” best. PVS voted.

There were many outfits in contention . . . .

Seniors Riley Jorgensen and Bianca Torres stepped out in classic black.

Freshman Nevan Owsley embraced the dance theme.

Junior Oliver Martinez sported a clean, trustworthy look.

Junior Melina Brodeur and Sophomore Shayan Habibipour complemented via opposite palettes.

The Groendycke sisters adopted festive flair.

Seniors, and dance coordinators, Lily Jones and Abigail Assefa still managed to look like they’d lounged all day, resting up to dance the night away.

But, the PVS community voted as Best Dressed at the Valentine’s Day Dance . . .

. . . 8th-grader Elizabeth Greenwood!

Elizabeth wore a stunning red velvet Catherine of Aragon inspired ensemble.

Here, Elizabeth (left) is seen with one of our other contestants, 8th-grader Lorelei Behr, at the Valentine’s Dance. Photo Credit: Greenlee Bartley

Elizabeth tells us her outfit was inspired by England’s King Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Catherine was seen wearing a similar outfit in the movie Anne Of 1000 Days which caught Elizabeth’s eye. Catherine was wearing a dark red velvet dress with beautiful gold trim, and an amber necklace. For those of you wondering, Elizabeth got her dress and necklace from Windsor.

“I choose what I believe, and say nothing. For I am not as simple as I may seem.” 

Catherine of Aragon

As mentioned earlier, Catherine of Aragon was King Henry VIII’s first wife. However, Henry was her second husband after King Arthur, Henry VII’s eldest son, who died the year after he married Catherine (Historic Royal Palaces). She was born near Madrid in 1487 and died in 1536 from heart cancer (Britannica). Catherine was the youngest daughter of the Spanish rulers Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile (Britannica). When she was queen, she acted as regent while Henry was away and even oversaw an attempted invasion (Historic Royal Palaces).

In conclusion, even though everyone else’s outfits at the dance were amazing, there is nothing more interesting than an outfit with a backstory. Elizabeth Greenwood showed us just that while bringing us back to the history of England in the process. 

Filed Under: Aesthetic, Culture Tagged With: Greenlee Bartley, Reagan Kaminsky, Sophia Nayfack, Who Was the Best Dressed at the Valentine’s Dance?

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

January 23, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 3 Comments

 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

Filed Under: Advice, Daily Life, Happiness Tagged With: 1st & Second Grade Reveal the Secret to a Healthy Friendship, Reagan Kaminsky, Savannah Sanchez

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!