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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

The image represents the animals Colossal plans to de-extinct while suggesting that dinosaurs and things of science fiction could potentially follow suit. Since Colossal's announcement, the Internet has wrapped themselves up in the idea that one day they might be able to visit Jurassic Park themselves.

Dire Wolf “de-extinction” catalyzes discourse concerning the ethics of genetic modification and the desire to turn science fiction into reality.

Reid Yoder, Photo Uploader April 14, 2025

Last week, Colossal Laboratories & Biosciences announced that they had genetically recreated a “dire wolf,” a carnivorous mammal that went extinct over 10,000 years ago. This revelation has since...

Graphic includes maps from the American Meteorological Study showing the before and after location of the center of Tornado Alley, and behind that an image of southern tornado destruction.

Climate change brings Tornado Alley eastward as destruction follows

Estelle Treiber, News Editor April 14, 2025

In the United States, tornadoes have historically called “Tornado Alley” home, but as storm season approaches in the great plains, Americans are left wondering if their homes will be the next unexpected...

Students at Iowa State University meet, despite efforts from the school to dissolve DEI-oriented clubs.
Photo Credit: Malinali Sanchez Carmona

Shifting policies: DEI reversals cause massive changes in universities

Mau Sanchez Carmona, Sports Editor April 2, 2025

For seventy years, the United States has made several attempts to compensate for ongoing systemic injustice towards marginalized groups and races. The passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act advanced such...

Entrance to Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming.

National parks: Preserving nature, combating climate change and inspiring generations

Katie Haas, Photo Manager April 2, 2025

U.S. National parks span across over 85 million acres of land across the nation, preserving land, wildlife, history and resources. National parks are an important part of the country’s past and future.  These...

Disney World celebrates Women’s History Month by acknowledging female characters. As Women’s History Month continues to be celebrated, women work to feel seen and appreciated.

Moving forward together: the month of march celebrates National Women’s History month even as DEI’s continue to cease

Emily Thoreson, Business Manager March 25, 2025

In a month filled with spring break festivities, changing weather and students starting to look towards the end of the school year, Women’s History Month celebrates the accomplishments women have achieved...

The graphic shows the progression of generations through aging. Despite age and experience differences, increased social interaction and friendship will help overcome these divides.

Overcoming generational differences through friendship

Sabrina Richards, A&E Editor March 25, 2025

“When I was your age….” is a phrase most children have heard at least once in their lives. It is often followed by the expression of disapproval over the actions and habits of younger generations...

Iowa’s First Tech Challenge Championship was held in Xtreme Arena, at Iowa City. There were 72 teams who qualified for the competition.

Iowa takes action to boosts support towards opportunities for robotics

Raina Mishra, Copy Editor March 25, 2025

The state of Iowa has recently passed legislation significantly boosting support for the growing field of robotics. These opportunities are aimed to help students from all age groups showcase and nurture...

Increased number of plane crashes since the start of 2025 leaves travelers questioning the safety of their travels.

Recent plane crashes leave travelers questioning safety for upcoming and future travels

Mackenzie Fah, Copy Editor March 3, 2025

As of Feb. 19, there have been 94 plane incidents this year alone in the US. With spring break upcoming, many vacationers with flight plans are reconsidering the safety of their travel plans. While...

Egg prices have shot up at local grocery stores, making it difficult for consumers to add them to their shopping list.

Egg prices are on the rise, raising concerns about the president’s “prices down day 1” promises

Reid Yoder, Photo Manager February 26, 2025

Inflation has strained America’s pockets in the last several weeks, resulting in less spare change and higher grocery bills. Egg prices have recently been considered the most dramatic price increase...

The birth spike of 2007 makes it harder for the class of 2025 seniors to gain admission in top colleges.

2007 birth spike fuels rigorous competition for college admissions

Raina Mishra, Copy Editor February 25, 2025

Class of 2025 high school seniors are among the largest graduating class in the country, facing increased competition for college admissions due to the birth rate surge in 2007. That year, U.S. births...

These are some of the most banned books in Iowa that can luckily be found in the PVHS library.

Iowa schools alter English curriculums in response to Iowa’s book ban law

Swetha Narmeta, Feature Editor February 25, 2025

On Aug. 13, 2024, a temporary injunction against law SF 496 was lifted, which led to over 3000 books being banned in Iowa public schools. The law states all public schools must have “age appropriate”...

Family Museum Dance Company dancers warm up before one of their spring performances for the community.
Photo Credit: Amy Thoreson

Movement as medicine: Increased mental health benefits can come from dancing

Emily Thoreson, Business Manager February 24, 2025

High school can be a stressful time for many students between trying to balance academics, sports, clubs and so much more. However, recent studies are encouraging people to use dance as a way to relieve...

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