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 young girl is featured intently watching videos by the channel “Cocomelon” on her iPad.

“iPad Kids” and the future of early childhood development

Makenna Leiby, A&E Editor March 1, 2022

When most people reminisce about their childhood, they remember bike rides, jumping rope and creating adventure games. The current generation of adolescents or “iPad kids” will have profoundly different...

The Iowa State Senate is predicted to pass a bill restricting transgender girl athletes from competing in high school athletics.

Transphobia becomes legal: Iowa is set to pass bill restricting transgender athletes’ participation in high school sports 

Lauren Puthoff, Opinion Editor February 22, 2022

Americans have spent years fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, and with every victory, they are one step closer to equality. Though America has taken many steps forward, much of that progress is now being threatened...

Seniors Ela Ersan and Eyah Gambong (pictured left to right) work on the processes of college admissions, something they have anticipated doing from a young age.

American elitism in higher education limits perceptions of post-secondary options

Molly Rawat, Feature Editor February 22, 2022

The purpose of an American education should be to provide students around the nation with the opportunities to learn, flourish and naturally figure out what they want to do in adulthood. Unfortunately,...

Professional tennis player Peng Shaui took back her sexual assault allegations against one the most powerful members of China’s communist government.

Censorship and sexual assault: Tennis player Peng Shaui silenced

Shravani Inampudi, Copy Editor February 22, 2022

When sexual assault victims speak out about their trauma, the first question posed is almost always, "Why did you not speak up earlier?" Most are forced to remain silent due to societal backlash, but for...

Pictured above is artist Kanye West in the studio in 2008.

Kanye West’s Instagram proves how American society will never progress until it ceases making spectacles out of Black people

Molly Rawat, Feature Editor February 22, 2022

Kanye West’s recent presence on Instagram has caused a stir among both die-hard fans and casual listeners. His posts with captions in all-capital letters wishing to be back with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian...

Like many others her age, senior Addie Kerkhoff dressed up as Hannah Montana for Halloween as a kid.

Let celebrities grow up, too: The burden of public image

Jayne Abraham, Editor-in-Chief February 15, 2022

Watching shows such as “Hannah Montana” and “Shake it Up” on Disney Channel, Gen Z has essentially grown up with its favorite on-screen celebrities. But while fans of stars such as Miley Cyrus...

LGBTQ+ pride flag flies on Florida beach.

“Don’t Say Gay” bill is an alarming step backwards for progress in America

Keval Wagher, Copy Editor February 15, 2022

The Florida Parental Rights in Education bill, better known as “Don’t Say Gay,” was approved by the Florida House of Representatives Employment and Education Committee, a critical step in the advancement...

Junior Kayla Ruge is engrossed in To Kill a Mockingbird: a story that combats societal issues.

Banned books: Depriving generations of empathy and knowledge

Shravani Inampudi, Copy Editor February 14, 2022

It is human instinct to reject ideas that make one uncomfortable. This is the main reason behind the banning of certain books in libraries. However, banning certain novels can end up causing more damage...

Justice Stephen Breyer (bottom row, second from the right) made the unorthodox decision to step down from the Supreme Court, and his replacement has the potential to add both perspective and diversity to the court if President Joe Biden follows through with his promise to appoint the first Black woman to the court.

Controversy surrounds possible Supreme Court appointees as Justice Stephen Breyer steps down

Lauren Anderson, Copy Editor February 14, 2022

After 27 years on the Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer, age 83, officially resigned from his position and will step down during summer recess.  His resignation calls for an appointment by President...

Buy now, pay later services typically appears as an option when it is time to enter payment in an online checkout.

The dark side of buy now, pay later

Sidney Brockmann, Social Media Manager February 8, 2022

With an inflation rate on the rise, many people have noticed price increases; things that people were once able to afford easily are now causing people to dig deeper and deeper into their pockets. Luckily...

With an abundance of Valentine’s day gifts and marketing lining the shelves, consumers feel forced to buy expensive gifts to demonstrate their love.

Single people save more: How consumerism picks the pockets of couples on Valentine’s Day

Anagha Sudhindra, Copy Editor February 8, 2022

Valentine’s Day celebrations just do not seem right without a surplus of pricey roses, chocolates and jewelry lining the shelves. People stock up gifts for their significant other without giving a second...

Two PV students prepare to record a podcast together.

Joe Rogan controversy raises questions about the validity of present information sources

Ryan Vance and Parker Paulson February 8, 2022

Joe Rogan, an MMA commentator and founder of the podcast called "The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE)," received backlash from Spotify listeners after inviting guest Dr. Robert Malone onto his talk show where...

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