The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield
Our Best of SNO Published Articles
The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield
The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield
All content by Ingrid Hofmann
PV graduate Ingrid Hofmann transferred to the University of Michigan in her sophomore year of college.

[Photo] Ingrid Hofmann – Campus Capture

Shobini Iyer, Co-Editor in Chief
February 15, 2023
Over the years, these have been the top favorites for books required in literature classes.

[Photo] Top 5 pieces of literature from English courses

Sid Sharma, Feature Editor
April 28, 2021
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[Photo] The future of fashion: Celebrities fight against gender stereotypes

Ella Litchfield, Photo Manager
April 25, 2021
After spending a year masked up, not being able to attend sporting events and record low college acceptance rates, did the class of 2020 really have it worse than 2021?

[Photo] ‘20 vs. ‘21: Who really had it worse?

Alex Thorne, Business Manager
April 26, 2021
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[Photo] 5 things you need at your graduation party: COVID-19 edition

Paris Fietsam, Social Media Manager
April 22, 2021
Parents of North Scott High School students were outraged after a dual-enrollment teacher assigned an assignment to students the "backfire effect." Despite student support for the teacher, the parents reaction led to threats and harassment directed towards the teacher.

The view from the Valley: When parental interest becomes intense interference

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
April 23, 2021
After spending a year masked up, not being able to attend sporting events and record low college acceptance rates, did the class of 2020 really have it worse than 2021?

[Photo] Bullish bureaucrats: Public servants making millions off of the stock market

Alex Thorne, Business Manager
April 27, 2021
Basketball fans tune in to this list to find out the biggest upsets of the tournament.

[Photo] Top 5 upsets during March Madness

Seth Clausen, Photo Manager
April 7, 2021
Read the following guidelines on how to be a gentleman at prom.

[Photo] Top 5 things for a gentleman to do for a dance

Alex Clemons, Sports Editor
April 7, 2021
If you are a baseball fan pay close attention to the following list for the biggest events in its history!

[Photo] Top 5 moments in PV baseball history

Alex Clemons, Sports Editor
April 7, 2021
Watch these movies before graduating high school and learn all the lessons to prepare you for adulthood.

[Photo] Movies to watch before you graduate highschool

Lauren Guinn, Opinion Editor
April 7, 2021
Look at this list if you suffer from boredom in the springtime!

[Photo] Things to do in the springtime

Kendall Jarvis, News Editor
April 7, 2021
As the seasons change, so do tastes in music. Gear up for the summer of a lifetime with this country music playlist.

[Photo] Summer Country Playlist

Alex Thorne, Business Manager
April 5, 2021
Freshly cut grass, full flowers in bloom and sunny days are ahead of us, so prepare to get excited about these five things you can look forward to this summer!

[Photo] Top 5 things to look forward to this summer

Anna Thorne, Arts & Entertainment Editor
April 3, 2021
If you’re having trouble deciding what to read or watch, check out these 10 works separated into your favorite genres!

[Photo] Five books or movies that represent a genre well

Beth Mooy, Infographic Manager
April 1, 2021
Alyce Brown runs over the layout for the upcoming edition of “The Spartan Shield” with her staff before publication.

Meet the press: Alyce Brown wins Iowa Journalist of the Year

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
March 30, 2021
Women face sexual harassment at alarmingly high rates and are often the ones who face the blame for these incidents, rather than the perpetrators. It is time to shift the accusations, bring justice for these women and address the societal norms that have allowed them to take place at all.

When women walk: Why the need to address sexual harassment is greater than ever

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
March 28, 2021
The negative effects of pornography run deep with so many involved in the industry behind the scenes and many more addicted and exposed to it.

[Photo] The silent killer of love: How pornography has infiltrated society and relationships

Beth Mooy, Infographic Manager
March 26, 2021
If you're staying home for spring break and need something interesting to do, try baking one of these five items that are sure to bring your tastebuds to life!

[Photo] Top 5 items to bake if you’re at home for spring break

Anna Thorne, Arts & Entertainment Editor
March 12, 2021
Many schools’ literary curriculums often feature non-diverse authors and texts, but to accurately represent student bodies and populations, it is dire that the narrative changes.

Time for a new narrative: The need for greater representation in English curricula

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
March 10, 2021
Focusing on any work can be hard to do and this playlist cuts out distractions like lyrics and the english language.

[Photo] Mindful Focus Playlist

Ella Litchfield, Photo Manager
March 9, 2021
Take a look at the upcoming fashion trends for Spring 2021.

[Photo] Top 10 fashion trends for the spring

Lauren Guinn, Opinion Editor
March 9, 2021
What you should do while traveling to your next destination!

[Photo] 5 things to do on a long plane ride

Matt Mickle, PV Only Editor
March 8, 2021
Need some new ideas to travel this summer? Here are ten places to visit for your vacation.

[Photo] Photo fanatic: The area’s best locations to take your next Instagram post

Kendall Jarvis, News Editor
March 4, 2021
Need some new ideas to travel this summer? Here are ten places to visit for your vacation.

[Photo] Best travel destinations during summer

Kendall Jarvis, News Editor
March 4, 2021
Life is tough, but these 12 shows are guaranteed to bring you back to your childhood!

[Photo] Nostalgic TV shows that are sure to take you back in time

Anna Thorne, Arts & Entertainment Editor
March 2, 2021
Beginning March of 2021, senior Nick Hammes will begin an apprenticeship at Eckhard Manufacturing in Eldridge, Iowa. Hammes plans to pursue welding as a career and bring attention to the trade as a viable career.

Forging his own future: Student pursues welding apprenticeship while in high school

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor-in-Chief
March 2, 2021
Staying at home for spring break can be boring, here are five ways to make it more fun!

[Photo] Five things to do if you are stuck at home for spring break

Paris Fietsam, Social Media Manager
February 23, 2021

Villainizing the vulnerable: The media’s portrayal of struggling women

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
February 23, 2021
In its 89th session of General Assembly, the Iowa General Assembly has introduced and/or passed several pieces of legislation regarding Iowa public schools which has done more harm than good.

More harmful than helpful: Iowa education legislation hurts public schools

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
February 18, 2021
Teens often search for approval in anyone but themselves, but only find true confidence when they stop and focus on who they alone want to be.

[Photo] Looking within when without: Finding love in yourself rather than others

Beth Mooy, Infographic Manager
February 14, 2021
Choosing a college is hard, but these 5 tips will guide you to choose the best school for you!

[Photo] 5 tips to choose the best college for you

Ramya Subramaniam, Student Life Editor
February 15, 2021
“Valentine’s Day is often accompanied with a lot of worry about what to get for your partner”

[Photo] Things to get your high school boyfriend/girlfriend for Valentine’s Day

Alex Thorne, Business Manager
February 13, 2021
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[Photo] 21 things to Do If You Are Alone on Valentine’s Day

Laci Roberts, Copy Editor
February 11, 2021
With the inauguration of Joe Biden, the new initiatives he plans to take, the impeachment of Donald Trump and the division in D.C., there are a myriad of events taking place in D.C. right now.

What’s up in Washington?

Ingrid Hofmann, Lauren Guinn, and Ramya Subramaniam
February 9, 2021
The House of Representatives votes in favor of impeaching former President Donald J. Trump for the second time on Jan. 13, 2021. Questions and concerns over the future of the Republican Party have risen after the division following the impeachment and Trump’s actions throughout his presidency.

United or divided: Fighting for the future of the Republican Party

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2021

A student in scrubs: Working as a CNA while in high school

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor In Chief
January 12, 2021
Temple Emanuel of Davenport, Iowa was one of several Jewish institutions and monuments targeted during the holiday Hanukkah when it was spray painted with an antisemitic message.

Antisemitic rhetoric on the rise

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor In Chief
December 22, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic altering the way that students are learning and their curriculums, it is time that College Board adapts AP exams to meet the educational needs of students.

College Board, adapt those AP exams!

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2020
The influence mothers’ have on their daughters’ appearances goes far beyond genetics with their comments about their own bodies having a significant impact on their daughters’ perspectives of themselves.

More than just DNA: A mother’s influence on her daughter’s appearance

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
December 7, 2020
Wearing a face mask in public during this pandemic is not only considerate, but shows caring of other peoples' health including those at higher risk for the COVID-19 virus.

[Photo] Why wearing is caring

Addi Steele, Photo Manager
December 8, 2020
Many Type 1 Diabetics face complications and consequences due to the exorbitant price tag on insulin — a medication that is necessary for them to live.

Putting a price on life: The exorbitant cost of insulin in the United States

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
November 23, 2020
As media sources become more polarized and biased news continues to spread, the need for true journalism in American society is greater than ever.

Tending to the truth: The importance of good journalism

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2020
Climate change is imminent, so politicians need to put partisan politics to the side and help heal our planet.

[Photo] Climate change has no time for politics

Nathan VanUtrecht, Copy Editor
November 10, 2020
With women being severely underrepresented in politics, there is a dire need for women in politics in the United States.

Let’s hear it for the girls: The value of women in politics

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor-in-Chief
November 10, 2020
The pressures of college applications are a heavy weight among many students' shoulders, causing severe ramifications which can manifest as physical and mental health issues.

Cutthroat competition: The desire and impact of elite universities

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
November 3, 2020
One of the promotional posters for “Emily in Paris,” featuring protagonist Emily Cooper, portrayed by Lily Collins.

REVIEW: A love letter to Paris: “Emily in Paris”

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
October 27, 2020

Culture Over Coffee Episode #5, Scholarly Stigma

Ingrid Hofmann and Ani Pradeep
October 22, 2020
Spartan Assembly’s 2019-2020 council celebrates winning River Bend Foodbank’s Student Hunger Drive on Nov. 14, 2019. Despite the delay of the 2020 competition, the council is still hosting smaller fundraisers in order to make a bigger impact once it begins.

Hunger does not wait for a pandemic: The impact of delaying the Student Hunger Drive

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Cheif
October 20, 2020
Due to COVID-19 and regulations put in place, PVHS postponed its homecoming until April in hopes it will be safer for students. However, this decision has prompted several students to host their own versions of the dance.

Independent freshman homecoming frustrates staff, students

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor In Chief
October 14, 2020
Senior Owen Jones utilizes these tips on the Common App portal in order to make college admissions easier and his application stronger.

6 tips to hack your college applications

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
October 13, 2020
With several prominent Washington, D.C. schools breaking away from the AP program, it has left administrators, teachers and students questioning its benefits. Many recognize its duality, having both advantages and disadvantages such as senior Lauren Guinn. “Dual credit and AP classes are extremely challenging and push me more than other classes I have taken,” said Guinn. “However, I think there is too much pressure to take the classes only to spend a majority of them prepping for a test rather than learning.” Although she does not think PV should break away from the AP program entirely due to the complicated relationship between the classes and colleges, Guinn finds dual credits more promising as they are a guaranteed credit and more focused on content.

Administrators, students question benefits of Advanced Placement curriculum

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor-In-Chief
October 5, 2020
It’s always important to remember self care during these stressful times.

[Photo] 8 Ways to Keep Up with your Self Care

Addi Steele, Photo Manager
September 29, 2020
Thousands of people have flocked to pay their respects at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. where Ginsburg lies in state, the first woman ever to do so. Ginsburg is to be buried in a private cemetery at Arlington National Cemetery within the following week. Ginsburg was well respected and acknowledged for her groundbreaking work in the fight for equal rights as both a lawyer and a judge. Senior Christina Li reminisced upon Ginsburg’s legacy, having said: “As long as her rulings stay in tact, her legacy will continue to live on through those who are treated equally because of them.”

A fight from behind the bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s notorious legacy on the Supreme Court

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor-In-Chief
September 28, 2020
Junior Vinay Joshi attempts to navigate the new ACT registration process.

Get your ACT together

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor in Chief
September 21, 2020
Picture of Iowa COVID kit: A COVID-19 kits given to all students, which contained essential items such as two surgical masks, two cloth masks, hand sanitizer, a thermometer, alcohol wipes, and gloves.

COVID-19 spikes on college campuses

Ingrid Hofmann, Editor In Chief
September 14, 2020
Junior Ingrid Hofmann checks her grades online.

[Photo] A guide to grading policy changes

Margaret Huang, Feature Editor
May 2, 2020
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Ingrid Hofmann