The Bird is the Word: Sophisticated Schoolyard Shenanigans
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.
Stay tuned for more updates from our PVS Senior Class of ’25.
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:
Starting us off is…
“My dog, I think.”
“I don’t know, umm, I don’t know… oh, uh, I’m good at basketball, wait, no, actually sure.”
“I never wanna forget my friends.”
“My attitude.”
”When I ate that breakfast burrito from the gas station it kinda hurt if you know what I mean.”
”That I hold the record for the fastest unrecorded time of solving the Rubik’s Cube. Joking.”
“I don’t want to ever forget about my friends, even when they move away.”
“I don’t want people to forget the things we laughed and cried about together.”
“The time I built a trailer for a gokart with my cousin and then having him shoot a bow and arrow off of it.”
“I don’t really care if people forget about me.”
“Umm, when I was born.”
“Umm, that I was alive and a human on this planet.”
“My times tables.”
”That I remembered my times tables.”
“I don’t want to forget my imagination. I love that I have a sense of, um, creativity.”
“Ugh. I guess I hope people don’t forget that I care about them.”
“Sports.”
”Sports.”
“What got me to where I am.”
Louisa inserted, ”Your sparkle!”
“My friends and family.”
”My gaming abilities.”
“My friends.”
”Me altogether.”
“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.”
“My lovely experiences.”
”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.
By Freshman Louisa Richardson
If I have learned anything as a “professional” surveyor, it is that the kids at Palm Valley have strong opinions. Most opinions are very original and unique, often controversial as well. What better way to get the kids talking than to ask them, “What, in your opinion, is overrated?”
*Disclaimer: Yes, I know that Taylor Swift is overrated; this is NOT original, and since everyone had that as an answer, it will not be included in the following responses.
8th-grader Tony Ratner states, “TikTok is overrated. No one really thinks it’s good; it’s just an addiction.”
Freshman Rylie Conway says, “6th grade girls are too loud, specifically in Sephora’s. If they were a bird, it would be an angry seagull.”
6th-grader Morgan Richardson says, “Bacon is too hard to cook just right and is therefore overrated; I’d rather have a sausage.”
Freshman Brooklyn Hatrak states, “Mr. Satterfield deserves the same hype as Mr. Killeen; he is really underrated.”
Ms. Melissa Patino (the kind woman at the front desk in the high school–our Administrative Assistant) says, “Crocs are overrated; they were never stylish to begin with. I doubt anyone has ever liked them; they just liked the little fidgets.”
When I asked Freshman Pip Watson what’s overrated, he answered, “Drake’s music videos.”
Freshman Zander Eaton says Kanye West is overrated “because everyone glazes him, and he hasn’t made a good album since 2014.”
Junior Rachel De La O states (in a sarcastic tone), “Women’s rights are overrated. I want to go back to the kitchen. All this education is confusing, but I know how to cook! Take me back.”
8th-grader Alex Kirov says, “Dinosaurs are overrated. I mean ‘rawr rawr’; stop writing movies that aren’t even correct, and cry about it.”
Freshman Leah Ferreira says “Human rights” are overrated. “I don’t know why; I just want to go to sleep and never wake up.” I think she was having an existential crisis. Note: I talk to Leah quite a bit, no need for concern; she is okay.
Though this article turned out to be a bit more depressing than I had hoped, I can confidently say that I agree with ALMOST all of these opinions (especially the dinosaur one). Do you have any overrated opinions?
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:
Let’s hear what wise advice our Palm Valley teachers have to spread, starting with none other than . . .
“Get lots of sleep; read everything you can; enjoy the camaraderie of the classroom. This time goes fast.”
“Loosen up. Have fun.”
“This time will pass. You won’t always be 7-feet tall, bespectacled, with braces and flat hair.”
“The Bird on Fire is such an enchanting shared platform. Everybody should read it, get their face on it, their ideas, their opinions.“
“Identify what you can control and what you can’t, and prioritize your efforts accordingly.”
“Talk to more people. Your friends are great, but so is everybody else.”
“Pretty soon you won’t even remember the mistakes you made, so go ahead and make them.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Buy a bitcoin in 2010.”
“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.”
“Be proactive, it will make you stand out in a positive way! “
“Do what you love and people will support passion. Be a crazy plant lady and grow all the plants!”
“Don’t give yourself bad haircuts; do that and more! Express yourself!”
“Life is too short to please others, pursue your own bliss!”
“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.”
“Be yourself, for yourself.”
“Start early determining who you are. Then you’ll be ready to be yourself, for yourself in high school.”
“Experience as much as you possibly can at every opportunity.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
This is Marley.
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.
We welcome 8th-grader Jack Edelstein to The Bird on Fire stable of writers. This is Jack’s debut post.
By Jack Edelstein, 8th Grade
A New Year’s tradition many celebrate, but don’t necessarily fulfill, involves making resolutions. Typical resolutions involve vowing to work out or manage stress. A little history on New Year’s resolutions – according to History.com, “The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions some 4,000 years ago. They were also the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the new year…”
Although we aren’t ancient Babylonians, PVS staff and students make New Year’s resolutions. I went around the school and interviewed different people to see the resolutions they set for themselves.
I’ll see you there.
Hard habit to break sometimes, I’ll admit.
And to be honest, who does?
True statement.
Me too, me too.
I want a scholarship, too, Riley.
I think the most relatable and greatest resolution by far.
I wish you good luck toward your studies.
Indubitably.
These are your PVS 2024 New Year’s Resolutions!
If you were wondering, my New Year’s resolution is to learn how to play guitar and walk my dog more. If you have any interesting or admirable resolutions let us know in the comments!
Let’s use “relationship” as a verb, as in how to “ski,” or how to “cook pasta.” Here at thebirdonfire.org, we considered “how to relationship”: how to be the best we can with our loved ones, how to be healthy, giving, and strategic. We have relationships with our spouses, our boyfriends, our girlfriends, our siblings, our parents, and our bff’s. We have relationships with our furry loved ones–or, as Oliver says, our fuzzy loved ones. Oliver considers how to have healthy relationships with our dogs.
By Sophomore Oliver Martinez
Having a good relationship with your dog can be hard work. However, there is a reason why dogs are called “man’s best friend.” I have a Basset Hound and a Dachshund–Muñeca and Heidi respectively. I’ve had Muñeca the Basset Hound for three years. Heidi has been with me for ten years. Here are four things that have helped me get along well with my dogs.
This one may be obvious, but to have a good relationship with your dog, you have to spend time with it. Some ways to do so include: Take your dog on a walk; teach it some tricks; play catch with it. Dogs love when you spend time with them. It makes them feel safe and happy. According to rover.com, “The hormone oxytocin, or ‘the love chemical,’ is released in dogs’ brains during positive social interactions.” It would be wise to spend time with your dog as they enjoy it and start to like you more.
Buying your dog a gift every once in a while can feel really nice. Both the doggo and you enjoy these types of moments. Whether it’s a new toy like a chewy squeaky toy or a new bed, dogs like the attention and appreciate you even more.
According to Dr. Ellen Langer, a professor of psychology from Harvard, “When you give a gift to your dog, it’s sort of pure. You just assume the dog is going to like it, you feel relaxed, the dog senses that you’re relaxed, and the interaction is loving.” When the dog perceives that you are relaxed, it relaxes, too. So, maybe it’s time to go buy a gift for your pet–for both your sake and the sake of your dog.
Dogs love being rewarded. And, they also love treats. When your dog is being obedient, why not give it a treat? There are many different types of foods to give your dog. I usually give my dog vegetables, like carrots or celery. I also give my dog salmon bite treats. These dog treats are not only healthy, but dogs genuinely like eating them. According to Reader’s Digest (rd.com), the salmon bites “contain Alaskan salmon oil”; they “improve dog’s skin and coat and can reduce itchiness and chronic licking” and are “easily digestible”–all of which are big pros for your dog’s health.
Apart from that, treats help you train your dog to obey your commands. My dogs get carrots when they “Sit” successfully.
This one may be the most important one of them all. Respecting your dog is very important. It’s like the popular phrase “treat others like you want to be treated.” Dogs are clever animals, and they understand when you show them respect; in turn, they’ll show you respect as well. It is important that we take care of our animals because we accepted responsibility for them when we adopted them. Their well being depends on us. So, let’s make our best effort to respect our dog and show them our love. Talk nicely to your dog–no raising your voice. Pet your dog. In play or training, don’t be physical to the extent that you could hurt your dog.
Having a good relationship with your dog certainly isn’t easy, but is definitely worth it. I’ve been using these tips with my dogs since we got them, and it has worked out pretty well. Try these tips out, and let us know in the comments if they worked!
By Middle-School Blogger Penny Andreas
Here at Palm Valley School, we are required to wear uniforms: specifically (quoting from Mr. Winter in an email home to students) “white, grey, red, or black polo with the PVS logo on it, and khaki or black shorts or khaki or black pants; khaki or black skirts may also be worn, as well as the PVS plaid skirt or jumper.” There are numerous ways that these uniforms benefit us, but there are quite a few things that make these uniforms not likable, or material to protest against. I personally do not like these uniforms, but that’s my opinion on it. Here are some pros and cons of school uniforms.
First, we have pros. The first thing that comes to mind is probably the idea that students will not be worried about their clothes and more about education. There is a con to this but that’s later. Another pro is listed in Pro and Con: School Uniforms | Britannica: kids are more likely not to get peer pressured or bullied. I’m not completely sure why that would be related to uniforms, but, according to Greatschools.org, it does lower the percentage to 30-50% (School Uniforms And Bullying Statistics ). One more pro for uniforms is that school uniforms do prevent gang colors or insignia, which could be a way to “protect” students.
Now, we have cons. Circling back to worrying about education and not their clothes, students will be most probably thinking about their clothing. In fact, I can tell you that many students will be frustrated about not being able to express individuality. The National Youth Rights Association says that “Uniforms restrict students’ individuality, expression, and creativity” (youthrights.org). Lots of students believe that uniforms restrict self-expression. So, overall, yes, students WILL think about their clothing. Our second con is uniforms may cause a bad effect on students’ self image, thinking that they’re not different, or everybody’s the same, or that they look like everybody else, which, yes, very much affects their self image. An article on school uniforms in Britannica agrees: “Uniforms may have a detrimental effect on students’ self-image” (britannica.com). Another con is that most schools with uniforms are private, but some are public. In private schools, most of them require tuition, and uniforms also cost money. For example, one Palm Valley shirt that is required costs $24.99. Multiply that by four or five. Depending on the school, the uniform prices will vary. Some parents or guardians might not be able to afford these clothing items. This can be a definite con, possibly resulting in the student not being able to attend the school, or being limited to a few outfits for everyday wearing.
So, with some pros and many cons, do you think uniforms are a good thing, or a bad thing?
By Upper-School Blogger Alyna Rei
I have never been to the Philippines before let alone out of the United States. But traveling there has always been on my bucket list. Along with traveling comes food and bakery goods. Note: I eat Filipino food on a daily basis. And, sometimes, it is cooked by my grandma–who is from the Philippines. But, Filipino baked goods overall are totally different from the day-to-day food served here in the U.S. I am writing this with an American perspective.
Before you yell at me for saying a bad word, Puto is a treat. It tastes like plain pancakes. Puto is basically a steamed rice cake. For me, I have always eaten Puto shaped in a muffin form, which is the most common shape for Puto.
When I go to any Filipino store, I always search for their Kutsinta. Kutsinta is another steamed rice cake, but it’s a lot sweeter and gummier than Puto. Kutsinta tastes like brown sugar with a tapioca consistency.
Pandesal is another one of my favorite Filipino treats. To other people, Pandesal looks just like regular bread rolls. But, I prefer Pandesal over any type of bread. Pandesal is more doughy and floury than other types of bread. If I do have Pandesal, then I typically have it with breakfast before school. You can even have Pandesal with other things: such as butter, peanut butter (I like the crunchy peanut butter with Pandesal), beef, and even on the side with your meal. There are also a lot of flavors to get. My favorite is the pandan. Pandan tastes like coconut with a hint of vanilla, which confuses me since the color is green.
Mamon is Filipino sponge cake. Like Pandesal, there are many flavors: such as butter, ube, mocha, cheese, etc. My favorite is butter mamon since it’s common and easier to get. When I’m in a rush for school, I usually take mamon with me since it’s easy to eat. Mamon tastes sweet but airy.
If you do wish to try these bakery goods, I would recommend actually going to a Filipino store as that is the closest you can get to the taste from the Philippines. The only stores I am familiar with are “Seafood City” and “ Island Pacific Market.” Mind you these stores are not in the Coachella Valley. The nearest Seafood City would be in Rancho Cucamonga, and the nearest Island Pacific Market is San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. Out of all of these sweet treat options, I would recommend you try Pandesal. It may appear just like bread, but it tastes so much different.
Meet Marley. You may have seen Marley dropping off and picking up her human Jess in front of the Upper School. Marley leans authoritatively out the passenger-side window sporting a red or pink sweater. Marley, we’ve come to learn, knows much about the world. And, since it is a confusing world out there, we are fortunate Marley has agreed to share her sage advice here at The Bird on Fire.
Hello everyone! It’s me, Marley–your favorite chihuahua. I am very popular and looked up to, so I thought I’d answer some questions from my fans.
Why does your head look so weird? — Luke Sonderman
Hi, Luke, thank you for your question! I have a very large brain which takes up a lot of space. Also, unfortunately, I cannot control how I look. #bekind #bigbrains
Marley, do we have a connection? — Ms. Zachik
Hi, Ms Zachik, of course we do! I love that you got so excited to see me. It made my day. I’d love to meet you in person sometime.
Do you ever get bored of eating the same thing every day? — Louisa Richardson
Actually, I have a well varied diet. I usually begin my morning with some bacon and whipped cream. For lunch, I’ll have some turkey mince, and for dinner I’ll have chicken. About once a month, I’m treated to filet mignon.
What is a wise piece of wisdom you can share? – Maya Karpaty
Always be yourself, even if people make fun of your head shape.
Between you and me, is Jess actually your bestie? How’s our relationship? – Enzo Lomsky
Enzo, you are my true number one bestie. I love you more than I love Jess! Let’s hang soon.
Have you ever thought of running away? — Zachary Kazmouz
Yes, everyday actually. I want to live with my best friend Enzo.
How are you doing? – Simee Patel
I’m really good, thank you! I love answering questions from my friends:) How are you?
What is your favorite thing to do during the day? – Ms. Perea, US Administrative Assistant
I love to annoy my dad when he’s on work calls and sleep in the sun.
How big do you think you are? — Audrey Guess
Such a great question, Audrey! I’m proud to say I weigh 22.5 pounds.* That is a fact.
Have you had any past lives? – Ike Spry
Yes, I was a cat in my past life. #meow. Jess said she wishes I was still a cat.
What is your favorite part of living with Jess? – Mirabelle Lee
Jess is so cool and funny. I love living with her because of that!
What is your favorite toy? — Anais Lee
LAMBY!
Who is your favorite family member? — James Billimore
Obviously, it’s Jess.
Thank you for reading. Tweet me with more questions or add them to the comments here @ thebirdonfire.org. #lovemyfans
*Marley weighs in at 4 lbs.