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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

A pre-med student stressing about his upcoming advanced calculus test.

The pressure to excel: Peers influence students to unnecessarily increase course rigor

Rithwick Lakshmanan, Site Manger September 10, 2024

Many students take advanced courses despite them not being required for their future major. This trend, driven by peer pressure and a highly competitive academic environment, led to declining grades, increased...

Students open Depop to search for the same, unique vintage styles posted by resellers on the site.

A frenzy for fashion: Thrifting loses focus on sustainability and accessibility

Ishika Desai, Opinion Editor September 9, 2024

When the trend of thrifting emerged online in the recent decade, society was quick to believe that a solution had been found for consumerist fashion habits as consumers could repurpose gently worn clothing.  In...

Water bottle brands cycle in and out of popularity, encouraging the purchase of the newest design. In contrast, the underconsumption core trend opposes this mindset, championing reusing old items and buying second hand.

Underconsumption core incites criticism over privilege and performative activism

Laura Chen, Co-Editor-in-Chief September 9, 2024

Over the late summer, “underconsumption core” emerged on short-form video content sites as the newest trend in sustainability and environmental awareness. Videos tagged under the label encourage viewers...

Davenport streets filled with pro-choice protesters following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision.

Photo credit to Abby Howell

Iowa’s contentious six-week abortion ban sparks concern over women’s healthcare access

Prerna Vanga, Co-Editor-In-Chief September 9, 2024

This summer, Iowa became the newest member of a list of 12 states to impose a six-week abortion ban. The Iowa Supreme Court, made up of five men and two women, came to a close judgment of 4-3; with exceptions...

Ethan Crumbley’s parents face charges after Michigan school shooting.

Rethinking Responsibility: Why Parents Aren’t Always to Blame for Juvenile Delinquency

Ameya Menon, PV Only Editor May 22, 2024

Even with crime rates decreasing in number, the amount of juvenile delinquencies remains high in the United States compared to other countries. With approximately 423,077 cases involving children each...

The four-day school week is an idea that has recently gained more traction in the United States but there are downsides that some fail to consider.

Shortened school weeks: The risks with four-day school scheduling

Jaydon Kachappily, Photo Manager May 20, 2024

The four-day workweek has been a widely popular alternative to the current system that many people have fought for the implementation of in America. Similarly, the four day school week has been fought...

The use of bill grouping is a purposeful attempt at hiding the truth and obfuscating what a bill truly entails.

The hidden truth? Examining the legitimacy of bill grouping methods

Jaydon Kachappily, Photo Manager May 20, 2024

Bill grouping or bundling is a strategy used by members of Congress to pass multiple issues from different topics in one bill. This is most maliciously used when the added content would be much more controversial...

Gen Z thinking about why they shouldn't go out.

Gen Z: More than meets the eye-breaking the “boring stereotype”

Abby Moroney, Business Manager May 17, 2024

Gen Z has been labeled as the “boring generation.” Older generations tend to stereotype Gen Z as lacking intelligence, self-control and ability to have fun, while simultaneously calling them lazy,...

Online shopping draws in students to buy more with ease.

The illusion of necessity: How social media shapes college spending habits

Katelyn Morris, A&E Editor May 14, 2024

The illusion of necessity: How social media shapes college spending habits A young adult’s world is shaped by social media. These platforms wield a significant influence over many people’s lives,...

Suicide prevention lessons are not integrated into classes not meant for the topic.

Reactive not Proactive: Schools Fail to Respectfully Approach Suicide Prevention

Muskan Mehta, Social Media Manager May 2, 2024

Emergency drills are mandatory in every school, from taking cover in designated storm-safe classrooms to getting to an exit in case of a fire. Schools are equipped with preemptive, detailed plans for countless...

Canadian Pacific Train passing through Davenport

Challenges arise in Davenport amidst train company merger

Abby Moroney, Business Manager May 2, 2024

Train companies Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) have formed a merger to become Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). It will be the first single-line railway connecting the U.S., Mexico...

Celebrity infatuation has only grown within the last decade

Chasing shadows: Obsession with celebrities breeds disconnection from reality

Muskan Mehta, Social Media Manager May 2, 2024

“Sydney Sweeney Wore Angelina Jolie’s 2004 Oscars Dress to the Vanity Fair Party,” or “Harry Styles enjoys a stroll in the sunshine with a pal in New York after ex-bandmate Zayn Malik released...

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