Staff Editorial: Park’s Prom timing error inexcusable
April 16, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
How can we call ourselves a “caring, diverse community” — as the district does in its mission statement — if we are an exclusive one? By originally scheduling Prom on Ramadan, the administration isolated Muslim students and failed to act in the best interest of the entire community. Although ...
Staff Editorial: BARR Conference, program beneficial to community but needs improving
April 10, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
The morning of April 11 will be a crowded one for Park, as around 500 educators from around the country will be coming together for the National Building Assets, Reducing Risks Conference hosted by the school. Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) contains policies that are meant to create teacher-stu...
College scam hurts Park student’s chances
April 3, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
The arrest of 50 celebrities, business owners and a number of other wealthy individuals has exposed what many already assumed about college admissions; the wealthy have the easiest access to the most elite schools. The Echo Editorial Board feels it is unfair for colleges to prioritize money over actual...
Staff Editorial: Nature center renovation needs re-evaluation
March 19, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
This month, the city of St. Louis Park is exploring the use of bonds to obtain $22 million in order to work toward several projects and renovations. The Echo Editorial Board sees this as a misdirected use of funds. The majority of the money will go toward renovating the Westwood Hills Nature Cente...
Staff Editorial: Introduction to new net neutrality bill beneficial to community
March 17, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
The issue of net neutrality has been a lingering question in our government for several years now. Earlier this year, the Federal Communication Commission repealed net neutrality, allowing internet providers to block and prioritize certain users over others. To combat this, Rep. Paul Thissen and Sen. ...
Staff Editorial: Hands-free driving bill presents solution
February 28, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
Recently, a bill to restrict phone usage while driving has gained support in the House of Representatives and Senate among both Republicans and Democrats. The Echo Editorial Board sees this as a step in the right direction, towards safer driving for everyone. According to the Minnesota House of Representative...
Staff Editorial: Districts’ attempts at collecting feedback limited
February 18, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
Recently, St. Louis Park superintendent Astein Osei met with the Student Leadership Advisory Council to discuss possible changes to the start and end times of the schools in the district. During the meeting Jan. 16, the district was able to collect student recommendations. The Echo Editorial Board commends the superi...
Staff Editorial: Evicted before convicted program must be stopped
January 23, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
Since 2008, the crime-free housing ordinance has been in effect in St. Louis Park. According to the city, it was put in place to address concerns about disorderly and criminal activity in housing units. The ordinance allows St. Louis Park police to tell landlords to evict tenants for reported instances ...
Staff Editorial: MN Can’t Wait rally should inspire action
January 17, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
With issues such as climate change, student activism is essential to impact politics. This is why the Echo Editorial Board applauds MN Can’t Wait’s campaign. The student-led organization, MN Can’t Wait, held a rally and discussion to take action against climate change, at 4 p.m. Jan. 9 in Gov....
Staff Editorial: Locker room policy requires clarification, exceptions
January 15, 2019
Filed under Staff Editorials
The locker rooms are supposed to be locked during school hours, and only used before or after school to store sports equipment. The Echo Editorial Board believes this is the best possible option for success, however there are caveats to this issue. It is difficult for students to adjust to this policy, not becau...
Staff Editorial: Minneapolis 2040 Plan will improve St. Louis Park
December 19, 2018
Filed under Staff Editorials
The Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan will allow for the production of new higher density living conditions throughout the city. The plan’s zoning changes are the primary action that alter the city, allowing developers to build certain types of apartments in new neighborhoods. These changes will ...
Staff Editorial: ‘Change my mind” booths spark discussion around societal issues
December 16, 2018
Filed under Staff Editorials
As part of an IB English SL project, juniors Will Schwietering and Bryce Bonine set up “change my mind” booths where they stated an opinion and encouraged other students to change their mind. The controversial topics included male privilege and the 2nd Amendment, with one booth stating “I’m Pro ...
Noah Orloff, Marta Hill, and Emma Leff
As sophomore Kaylee Quick painted the senior wall, she said her first Roots and Shoots event was a fun way to honor the upcoming Earth Day. “I thought it was a really cool idea as a way to prepare...
Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
Sophomore Keely Berntsen said yoga club has been a comforting and centering addition to her daily routine. “I like how it’s calming and a good start to the day and it gets me in a good place for...
As senior multicultural show host Sabnyyah Bilal fought to maintain the scheduled evening performance, she said she felt disrespected having to constantly stand up for her beliefs. “We...
Maria Perez Barriga, Gabriel Kaplan, and Katie Hardie
After being nominated for teacher of the year and becoming one of only nine finalists, band teacher Steven Schmitz said he felt enthused about the nomination, but cared most about what his students think. “It’s...
