Advice on Being a Good Friend

February 13, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

By Middle-School Blogger Calum Webster

As a 12 year old in middle school, I have had lots of friendships. Over the years, I have also acquired first-hand experience on how to be a good friend from my own friendships.

Advice #1: Don’t interrupt your friends when they are talking.

A very important step in a friendship is not interrupting them when they are talking. It shows respect when you are listening, and you can give feedback, but you should wait till they have finished talking before you start. You don’t have to like what they are talking about, but still stay interested in what they are saying.

Advice #2: You don’t always have to like the same things, and you can have your opinions.

When you guys are talking or texting, it doesn’t matter what you are doing. You don’t have to like what they are talking about or what sport they play. You have to accept they can like what they like, and you can like what you want, too. Everybody has their own opinions, and that’s okay. Also, don’t get in a lot of fights. It is normal to get in one or two. There are many ways you can get in fights. But, when you fight over who’s right or who’s wrong, you have to accept that you can be wrong sometimes.

Advice #3: Be supportive of your friend in what they decide to do, but also don’t let them do something bad.

You have to be supportive of your friend and cheer them on in what they are doing. But you also have to be careful of what you cheer them on for; perhaps don’t cheer them on if they are doing something bad. You can help your friends out in many ways, like if they are going on a long road trip with you and you are done packing, you can help them pack. Another way you can help your friend out is if they are in a tough time; it won’t hurt to help them when they are having a bad day. Also a real friend should make you feel comfortable and lift you up. A friend should not make you feel uncomfortable; they should make you happy to be their friend.

Advice #4: You should be in a real friendship because you like them as a person, not because you want something.

You should not be in a friendship with someone because they are popular or have money. You should be their friend for who they are. It is important to have a strong friendship because you like them as a person.

So, there you have it: be “real” in your friendship; be supportive; still, be an individual; and never interrupt.

What is the secret to relationships that last over 20 years?

January 31, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 6 Comments

By 7th-Grade Bloggers Soleil Antle and Morgan Richardson

We’ve been thinking about relationships. We thought the real experts of relationships are the ones that are in them–not just a high school boyfriend/girlfriend or even newlyweds–but more so people who have been through it all with over 20 years of relationship experience. Our parents, Jim and Elizabeth Richardson, Paul and Renee Antle, and Morgan’s family friends Ted and Kate, were the perfect candidates for interviewing on the subject of lasting relationships.

–Soleil and Morgan

My parents, Paul and Renee Antle, have been together for 35 years. When wondering how they knew their partner was “the one,” my mom Renee replied, “I knew he was the one because he was kind, and super intelligent, and taught me how to laugh again.” When an argument occurs between the two, they try to understand what may have caused the fight, and try to take responsibility if they were hurtful or in the wrong. Mom and Dad say the secret to a long-lasting relationship is “Honesty” and “patience.” Dad said, “Don’t expect perfection; that’s not what marriage is.”

–Soleil Antle

Jim and Elizabeth in snazzy outfits, enjoyed themselves at the Palm Valley School Gala.

My parents, Jim and Elizabeth Richardson, have been married for 20 years, and have two daughters, Louisa and me. Dad, when asked, “How did you know your partner was the one?” responded, “She embodied all the things that I wanted in one person.” When in a disagreement, they give each other some quiet time and try to put themselves in their partner’s shoes. Mom, when asked for relationship advice, responded, “Pick your battles; don’t ever think you can change someone.” Mom and Dad said the secret to a happy marriage is “Forgiveness.”

–Morgan Richardson

Kate and Ted in the middle of winter wear cozy sweaters and matching hats to escape the frigid cold and embrace their *coupleness*.

We interviewed Richardson family friends, Kate and Ted, who have shared their love for 45 years. Kate exclaimed, “That’s 315 dog years!” We saw how much they mean to each other. Ted said he knew Kate was the one at age 27 because he only felt happy and healthy around her. Kate explained what getting over arguments takes. “Getting over arguments takes compromise, and also, understanding that the other person isn’t wrong; she/he feels differently about the issue and sees things differently. That takes a long time to develop and understand.” The two said, “Do not lose your temper; that’s really scary for the other person. And, don’t live beyond your means because that one thing alone can put stress on everything else in a marriage.”

–Morgan and Soleil

After reviewing the knowledge from these three couples, we have learned that relationships take effort to be successful. Both partners need to support each other and work as a team, especially when children are involved.

Inspired by these heartwarming responses, Morgan created a love poem.

I love you, he said,

A big heart painted red

A white gown and golden rings,

Wedding band, one blue thing.

Patient and kind

Love never died.

In sickness and in health,

Your love is my greatest wealth.

My heart will always be with you,

My cheeks turn a red hue.

I love you, he said,

Together forever and till the end

How to Create a Better Relationship with your Cat and Dog

January 30, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By 6th-Grade Bloggers Lina Kakoussian and Greenlee Bartley

You might be wondering, how can I make a better relationship with my dog or cat? If you ever asked yourself that, then you are at the perfect place. We will inform you about some things that dogs and cats love and enjoy so that they will love you even more!

How to make a better relationship with your cat

I own a cat named Archie, who is a little boy who can be sleepy and hyper in the same hour. I have a great relationship with my cat, especially because I have always wanted one! Something that cats love are soft surfaces like blankets, beds, and sofas. So, if you want your cat to have a comfortable place to sleep, give them a soft bed. A lot of the time they like to sleep on your bed because they feel secure when they are around you and they know someone is with them. Cats love to be scratched under their chin. You can tell if they like the chin scratching if they close their eyes and lie down while they get petted. Make sure to teach your cat the sound of their treat bag if you want them to come to you. They will know that you are the person that gives them treats, and they will like that. They also love to be in a place where they feel covered up, like a tiny fort with a blanket on them. – Lina

Archie was three months old when this photo was taken. He is a Domestic Longhair Mix.

How to make a better relationship with your dog

I have a cute big dog named Remy. I love my dog because I have known her since I was three. Over that time period I have figured out some things that all dogs love! The first step you have to do to create a better relationship with your dog is you have to know how to pet them. If you don’t pet them correctly, they might get mad and walk away. One way you can pet your dog that many dogs enjoy is being pet on their ears and their chin–just like cats! You can tell if they like the spot you are petting them in if they start to lie down, put their paw on you, or become more comfortable. Dogs and cats are very similar! The only difference about them is that some dogs can be very big in size. Dogs also love treats and food. Most dogs know the sound of the treat bag, so if you don’t want your dog to run over to you then be careful shaking the treat bag! Also, make sure they feel safe and comfortable. To do that you can get them a bed, or let them sleep on your bed–like my dog! – Greenlee

Remy is a puppy in this picture. Now, she’s nine. Remy is a Boxer.

We hope that this information helps you and your pets’ relationship. Make sure to tell all your friends and family with dogs and cats to check our post out. Thank you!

Mark’s Advice for Brotherly Love

January 29, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

By Mark Huber, 6th Grader

Meet Mark’s little brother, David. He is in Mr. Spurlock’s 3rd grade class. Mark said he chose to interview David because “I see him all the time.” Recently Mark and David and the whole family went to Niagara Falls, Canada, for a hockey tournament. David is pictured here after the semi-finals. Photo Credit: Judith Ebbin Yee.

2 Questions for my Brother

Q: We do a lot of things together. What are the things that we do together that other brothers should do with their little brothers?

A: Play with LEGOS together, ride bicycles in the park, and play chess.

Q: When I get sad, you always try to comfort me. How do you think other little brothers should comfort their big brothers when they get sad?

A: Give them a popsicle, sing “Ode to Joy” to them, and do what they want for them.

3 Silly Quotes From my Brother

“I love you with all my bean!”
“May your path be littered with nothing but flowers!”
“Give them a turtledove!”

My OWN Advice For Friendship

If you want a good, strong friendship–especially with your brother–you need to be nice to your friend and they need to be nice to you. Otherwise, your friendship will be weak, and you won’t be friends for long.

If you want to get to know your friends better, you should hang out with them more, and that kind of stuff could double as bonding experiences.

“Always be kind and never be rude”

January 28, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 4 Comments

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

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

Underrated, Maybe Undiscovered, Snacks

April 12, 2024 by szachik@pvs.org 7 Comments

By 8th-grader Jackie Padgett

Everyone always has some sort of secret recipe or combinations of food that not many people know about, so I’m here to share mine. You’ll notice a lot of these have peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate. Do I know why? To be honest, not really; I guess those three go really well with many things. Anyway, enjoy my five-course menu of odd and absurd food combos.

According to PartsTown, “A typical five-course meal consists of one-bite hors d’oeuvres, a plated appetizer, a palate-cleansing salad, the main entrée, and dessert.” So, this is how I have organized my snack menu.

The Hors d’oeuvres

Starting this five-course meal will be no other than the hors d’oeuvres, Oreos Dipped in Peanut Butter.

*The Parent Trap’s* Lindsay Lohan dips Oreos in peanut butter. So why shouldn’t Jackie? Photo Credit Devour Dinner

If this sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because they had this snack in The Parent Trap. When I first watched the movie, I felt the need to try the weird mix of food, and I immediately loved it. While talking to students about this, 8th-grader Hunter Harrington said, “By that point why don’t you just take the cream out of the middle and replace it with peanut butter?” So, I’m stealing this idea when I get an opportunity to talk to Oreo developers.

The Appetizer

Enjoy your lovely appetizer of Crackers with Nutella and Cream Cheese.

Jackie prefers to use Saltines for her cracker base, but Ritz works, too. Photo Credit Ifood TV

I think this is probably going to be the weirdest one here. So grab some crackers, any crackers; I prefer saltines. Also, grab any type of cream cheese and Nutella. Then, you carefully apply on a cracker the cream cheese and on another cracker the Nutella. Stick them together, and you have your appetizer. My grandma used to make this for me a bunch, but she also added peanut butter to the Nutella side of the cracker (so you have one cracker with Nutella and peanut butter and the other with cream cheese). If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try that extra step of adding peanut butter.

The Salad

After that appetizer, enjoy a Cheesy Rice Stuffed Green Bell Pepper.

Meat in your bell-pepper concoction is optional. Jackie prefers the vegetarian option. Photo Credit Food Network

This isn’t technically a salad–more as something green, but this is my menu, so it works. I’m also aware that this is an actual thing and definitely has been discovered, but I feel like more people should try it as a snack. All you do is cut off the top of the bell pepper, then scrape all of the bell-pepper insides out. After you fry some rice with whatever you want in it (for example eggs, onions, etc…), put the rice into the bell pepper, top it off with a cheese of your choice, and boom. You have the most meal-like thing on this menu.

The Entrée

Now for our main meal–Pasta with Cream Cheese. You choose a pasta of your choice (I recommend bowtie or just spaghetti), and we will make it however you want.

Cream cheese on pasta can be yummy, so says Jackie. Photo Credit: Don’t Go Bacon My Heart

I think this is one of the easiest snack dishes to make. You make any pasta, drain it, then put some cream cheese and a bit of salt into the bowl with it, then enjoy! I have this a lot at my grandma’s house as this is her secret combo that I stole. This is definitely a comfort food for me as it brings back a lot of summer movie-night memories.

The Dessert

For dessert, you will be served Any Ice Cream or Sorbet, with Any Cereal, and Optional Fruit.

Ice cream with cereal is like a birthday surprise. Photo Credit Hil and Dairy

This along with the entrée is pretty self explanatory and not that unique. You scoop out some ice cream. Put it in a bowl, take out a cereal of your choosing, sprinkle it on top (just a bit, don’t over do it), maybe add some fruit and milk–those are optional, then bam: Ice Cream and Cereal. My favorite combos have been Count Chocula with chocolate ice cream, raspberry sorbet with Fruit Loops, and finally vanilla with Honey Nut Cheerios. I personally like this a lot because it adds a lot of customization into the ice cream, like you could literally try any fruit and cereal combo, and I doubt anything would taste that bad together.

I promise I eat other things that are different colors than beige, white, and brown. These snacks just happened to be similar food groups and colors. Do you have any underrated, maybe undiscovered, snacks? Share in the comments below; I’ll try them out!

Teaching Advice

March 15, 2024 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

. . . from PVS teachers

Compiled by 8th-Grader Jackie Padgett

Everyone in life has had a moment where they’ve needed some advice on a situation. I know I have. So, who else to get advice from than our PVS teachers? I asked all of them the same four questions:

What advice would you give to the middle and upper-school students of PVS?
What advice would you give your high-school self?
What advice would you give your middle-school self?
Is there any extra advice you want to share through our blog?

Let’s hear what wise advice our Palm Valley teachers have to spread, starting with none other than . . .

Ms. Zachik, the multitasked Blog and English teacher–

What advice would you give to the middle and upper-school students of PVS?

“Get lots of sleep; read everything you can; enjoy the camaraderie of the classroom. This time goes fast.”

What advice would you give your high-school self?

“Loosen up. Have fun.”

What advice would you give your middle-school self?

“This time will pass. You won’t always be 7-feet tall, bespectacled, with braces and flat hair.”

Is there any extra advice you want to share through our blog?

“The Bird on Fire is such an enchanting shared platform. Everybody should read it, get their face on it, their ideas, their opinions.“

Ms. Zachik enjoys Blog Class. Immensely. And, she can solve Wordle in three.

Next, Mr. Satterfield, our Daily Journal history teacher, shares a short but insightful answer.

What advice would you give to the middle and upper-school students of PVS?

“Identify what you can control and what you can’t, and prioritize your efforts accordingly.”

What advice would you give your high-school self?

“Talk to more people. Your friends are great, but so is everybody else.”

What advice would you give your middle-school self?

“Pretty soon you won’t even remember the mistakes you made, so go ahead and make them.”

Mr. Satterfield gives all the right answers at Faculty meetings.

Ms. Maguire, the English teacher, shares a kind response:

What advice would you give to the middle and upper-school students of PVS?

“I would advise middle school students at Palm Valley School to give many sports and activities a try. You may think you are terrible at basketball, let’s say, but if you practice and play you will get better. It’s a small school and everyone’s participation is welcome and even needed, so why not put yourself out there and give it a shot? I would actually give the same advice to upper school students.”

What advice would you give your high-school self?

“I am one of the lucky ones whose high school self had things pretty much together. I would definitely tell myself not to leave that project for Mr. Schultz’s class until the last minute, though. That was my first all-nighter and it was no fun.”

What advice would you give your middle-school self?

“My middle school self was acutely self-conscious and, in sixth grade, in a state of low-grade misery pretty much all the time. I would tell myself not to bother with what the mean kids were doing and saying. I let them get into my head too much.”

Is there any extra advice you want to share through our blog?

“It costs you nothing to be kind, so just do it. Whatever momentary ego boost you may feel after being mean to someone, even if you are allegedly ‘just joking,’ is not going to last. And friendships formed on the basis of excluding or targeting others can blow up in your face if you become the new target. If you are consistently kind to people, they will reciprocate eventually. If they don’t, why would you want to be friends with that miserable human being anyway? Be kind.”

Ms. Maguire has constructed the famous “Know, Wonder, Learn” board in her classroom.

Up next Mr. Hesson, our math teacher, shares his serious but humorous response–

What advice would you give to the middle and upper-school students of PVS?

“Don’t conflate confidence with arrogance. If you have to look down on others to feel good about yourself, then your confidence is fake and easily shattered. True confidence is predicated on your ability to remain humble and to recognize that your talents and privileges exist to be shared, not hoarded.”

What advice would you give your high-school self?

“The concept of giving my past self advice is kind of disturbing to me. We make mistakes in our lives, and we learn from them, and over the course of several mistakes we build a foundation of accumulated knowledge that is wisdom. The idea of forcing that wisdom onto a version of myself that never had to make the mistakes seems fundamentally wrong, like teaching a person to speak without teaching them the meaning of the words.”

What advice would you give your middle-school self?

“Buy a bitcoin in 2010.”

Is there any extra advice you want to share through our blog?

“Every once in a while, spend some time listening to music without doing anything else. No screens, no conversation, no distraction. Just close your eyes and listen.”

Mr. Hesson performs a reenactment of the thought process it took to think of his answers.

Ms. Castellano, who teaches science and loves plants, says, . . .

What advice would you give to the middle and upper-school students of PVS?

“Be proactive, it will make you stand out in a positive way! “

What advice would you give your high-school self?

“Do what you love and people will support passion. Be a crazy plant lady and grow all the plants!”

What advice would you give your middle-school self?

“Don’t give yourself bad haircuts; do that and more! Express yourself!”

Is there any extra advice you want to share through our blog?

“Life is too short to please others, pursue your own bliss!”

Ms. Castellano knows to sprinkle your leftover coffee grounds in your garden to make your garden grow.

Mr. Griffin–GSA leader and excellent English teacher–says…

What advice would you give to the middle and upper-school students of PVS?

“Teach yourself to not procrastinate. Believe me, it feels better to have something done early than to wait and be rushing because it’s too late. Also, the weight of an assigned task grows in direct proportion to the length of time you carry it. Do it. Get it done and off your mind.”

What advice would you give your high-school self?

“Be yourself, for yourself.”

What advice would you give your middle-school self?

“Start early determining who you are. Then you’ll be ready to be yourself, for yourself in high school.”

Is there any extra advice you want to share through our blog?

“Experience as much as you possibly can at every opportunity.”

Always generous, Mr. Griffin steps into Blog Class to share advice.

Ms. Schapiro, note-taking professional and history teacher, provides a thoughtful response:

What advice would you give to the middle and upper-school students of PVS?

“Ask thoughtful questions. Don’t always look for the easiest answer or course of action: think critically and carefully. Don’t assume you know what other people are going through.”

What advice would you give your high-school self?

“Don’t stop taking math after your freshman year. Don’t be so worried about what the popular kids think. Be proud that you’re so smart and recognize that you are NOT fat, in spite of what your mom thinks.”

What advice would you give your middle-school self?

“Choose your friends more carefully and don’t believe everything everyone tells you. Don’t take everything so personally. Don’t kiss David Seidel when you’re going out with Scott Singer.”

Is there any extra advice you want to share through our blog?

“No matter how important/life-changing/immediate EVERYTHING may feel now, I promise you it’s not. Try to focus on the things that will still be important to you in the future, as well, not just now. Also, don’t wear so much perfume/body spray: you don’t want people to know you’re coming from a mile away.”

Ms. Schapiro gazes toward the horizon through her mountains of advice.

Advice is such an important thing, and I think people shouldn’t be embarrassed or shy when needing help with a situation. If you ever find yourself needing advice, I would definitely recommend our PVS teachers. I think they’ve proven themselves to be pretty wise.

Dear Marley…again

March 1, 2024 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

This is Marley.

You can catch Marley most days in front of the Upper-School dropping off and picking up Jess.

Marley lives with senior Jess Billimore and her family. And, while Marley loves Jess and family best, she graciously embraces the whole Palm Valley community (when the mood strikes her). Marley is here, today, once again, to answer your questions and offer you some of her wisdom.

Audrey Guess – Marley, can you help me with my math homework please?

Hi Audrey! I wish I could, but I don’t want to.

Landon Elder – Can you do a double backflip?

I can sit (on my own terms), and I can also roll over, which is pretty close. Can you do a double backflip, Landon?

Gil Maruvada – If you had one wish, what would it be?

Hi Gil. My wish would be for a sister because Jess really wants another dog, and I think a sister would be cool.

Mr. Jowett – How can I maintain inner peace?

Hi, Mr. Jowett! I love this question. My best tip would be not to place so much value on what others think of you. For example, people always think I’m an annoying chihuahua, but I know that isn’t true, so I don’t let it bother me!

Ms. Zachik – In the morning, when I’m trying to get to school, how much time should I dedicate to my dog Charlotte who really wants to play.

Hi, Ms Zachik. I think you should take her to school with you and let her play all day long!

Tori the Barista – Who is your favorite barista here at the Vintage Coffee House?

Hi, Tori! I love you all equally, but I think I am the best barista! Everyone should go to the Vintage Coffee House. It’s my favorite place because I get to see all my friends and they have dog treats!

That’s it for today, guys! I hope everyone enjoyed the chit chat. Do you have any questions for Marley? Contact Marley through thebirdonfire.org or through Jess.

Jack’s Advice On How to Not be Annoyingly Rude

March 1, 2024 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

By 8th-Grader Jack Edelstein

To be honest with you, there are a lot of things that people do that just irritate me. The things they do are not really serious but just so annoying that it’s like, “Really?!” An example of this is when people don’t move in the middle-school HALLWAYS (you know who you are). People have things to do, places to be, so please stop moving so slowly, or move off to the side. But, there are other things that really annoy me, and I’ll tell you what they are. I’ll also give advice on what YOU should do to stop it–because if you’re annoying me, you’re probably annoying others.

Not being able to accept you are wrong

I’m guilty of this; I’ll be honest, but I accept that I’m wrong for doing it. An argument turns sour when you can’t accept that you’re wrong. You want to make sure you’re correct with your evidence and own up to it when you’re wrong. “The pinnacle of ignorance is not being able to admit to your own mistakes,” says senior Gil Maruvada. It feels like you make it much more serious and personal then it has to be when you demonstrate no intellectual humility. Advice on how to stop this stubbornness? Actually listen to the person you are talking to. Simple as that.

Using unrelated or untrue points in an argument

Again another argumentative irritation is using unrelated or false points in an argument. Stop doing this. People who do this are out of things to say, or they switch the topic of the argument. It’s actually really rude when people do this. You’re willfully ignoring the point of an argument. Advice on how to stop this, don’t lie.

Talking over people

I have a severe dislike when people talk over me. Especially when they are dominating a conversation when I really want to say something. Please just close your mouth for one minute and let me say what I want to say. When people talk over, it does two things: makes the conversation very boring, and it actually makes it not even a conversation–it becomes a lecture. Advice on how to not make a conversation into a lecture? Stop, and listen to me, or whoever you’re talking to, then take your turn to respond. Easy as that.

Acting stuck up

My final maddening habit that people have is acting stuck up. You are not better than everyone else. Don’t act super disrespectful to teachers or adults. It’s just a major… ugh. I see these people, and I wish someone would humble them. Advice on how to stop this? Be humble, and respect people who are older than you.

Conclusion

If you do any of these habits, fix them. I know that sounds rude, but people do not think you are cool for being stuck up or not letting people speak. Ask the people around you if you do these annoying things about how you can stop. Anyways, if you have any other advice on how to not act rude, let us know in the comments.