The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

Prom group before the dance take a picture.
Photo Credit: Lisa Morris

Prom afterparty in danger: low turnout to Spring Semi-formal leads to potential budget cuts

Jaydon Kachappily, Photo Manager April 2, 2024

The Snowflake Soirée or the Spring Semi-Formal, previously known as Turnabout, is largely considered at PV as just another dance, but that could not be further from the truth. The Prom afterparty,...

Two high school lunches display the typical portion sizes available to students.

Inequitable portions: Disparities in school lunch sizes spark concerns over student nutrition

Katelyn Morris, A&E Editor April 1, 2024

Portion sizes across the Pleasant Valley school district reveal a discrepancy in student diets. In elementary and high school cafeterias at PV, certain meals test the idea of an acceptably-sized lunch. There...

 PV Theatre officer board hosted an Open Mic event in the blackbox on March 22.
Photo Credit: Ryan Pottratz

Iowa thespians celebrate Theater in Our Schools Month

Selah DeVore, Copy Editor April 1, 2024

March is often associated with the beginning of spring and St. Patrick’s day, but to high school theater students it also provides an opportunity to host festivals, dress up days, and other events to...

Seniors Justin Clemons and Luke Allaman are presented with Sportsmanship award
Photo Credit: PVHS X Account

Broadcasting pioneers: Senior trio takes home Sportsmanship award

Spencer Johnson, Sports Editor, Student Life Editor March 5, 2024

Pleasant Valley Seniors Luke Allaman, Justin Clemons and Kyle Almgren were recognized at the girls state quarterfinal game for winning the Sportsmanship award due to their innovative broadcasting of Pleasant...

Pleasant Valley student fine tunes her solo ahead of Solo Festival

Solo Festival presents unique platform for students to elevate their performance skills

Spencer Johnson, Sports Editor, Student Life Editor February 21, 2024

Pleasant Valley’s local Solo Festival provides members of the band the opportunity to play individually for guest adjudicators and receive feedback on how to improve as musicians, bolstering PV’s music...

Pleasant Valley students dress up to spread love on Valentine’s Day.
Photo credit: Katelyn Chen

Fostering safety and unity: School spirit week takes a stand against violence

Katelyn Morris, Arts & Entertainment Editor, New Editor February 21, 2024

Pleasant Valley students spent Valentine’s week celebrating a week of positivity and connection. February 12-16, Spartans participated in themed days aimed toward promoting violence awareness and cultivation...

Cast of the 9th grade one act play, Commercials, received division 1 ratings at district speech competition, progressing to the state level
Photo Credit: Ryan Pottratz

PV students successfully host and compete at state speech competition

Selah DeVore, Copy Editor February 13, 2024

Large Group Speech is a vital part of Pleasant Valley’s theater program. Every year students rehearse various events in theatrical categories including acting, improv, and musical theater. Performers...

The 20204 Ethics Bowl team celebrates after the state competition

Regional Bound: Pleasant Valley High School Ethics Bowl team sweeps top three spots at state competition

Jaydon Kachappily, Photo Manager February 5, 2024

Emerging from the state competition as the undeniable frontrunners, the Pleasant Valley Ethics Bowl team returns home with a full podium sweep. This finish extends PV’s dominance in Ethics Bowl competitions...

Blood Drive banner in the main hall at PVHS advertises the event to students.

Dwindling Donors: Blood drives experience reduced student involvement

Katelyn Morris, News Editor February 5, 2024

Pleasant Valley has hosted blood drives for years, but student participation has been inconsistent. Spartan Assembly continues to push blood drive sign-ups until the day of the event to reach donor goals. In...

Connor Schutte stands tall next to a snow man he built with friends.

Icy setbacks: Snow days impact students’ education

Spencer Johnson, Sports Editor, Student Life Editor February 5, 2024

As temperatures hit record lows and snow continues to fall, Pleasant Valley has dealt with numerous cancellations leaving students in a time crunch to finish out the school year. With an average of...

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