Staff Editorial: Permanent block scheduling feels unnecessary
March 4, 2020
As new start and end times come into effect in the 2020-21 year, the Scheduling Task Force has turned its focus on the 2021-22 year. Currently, it is presenting its options for the daily schedule. The seven-period option allows for meeting time before school and collaboration after third hour. The block sch...
Staff Editorial: Protest at state capitol highlights community values
February 1, 2020
On Jan. 26, more than 200 people, many of Indian descent, arrived at the Minnesota Capitol to protest India’s new law regarding citizenship. The Citizen Amendment Act causes religion to be taken into account when immigrants apply for citizenship in India. Many protesters believe the law is discriminatory ...
Staff Editorial: SOAR meeting sparks important dialogue
December 5, 2019
The St. Louis Park community places significant value on diversity and student voices. This culminated in the meeting of Students Organized Against Racism (SOAR) Nov. 19. The Echo Editorial Board applauds SOAR for creating this opportunity for student voices to be heard. Conversations about race are very impo...
Staff Editorial: U.S. Bank Stadium should prioritize bird safety
November 22, 2019
Although the U.S. Bank Stadium’s transparent exterior design is aesthetically pleasing, the 200,000 square feet of reflective glass is killing over 100 birds annually. Out of the 21 buildings in the Twin Cities metro area, the U.S. Bank Stadium has the third highest bird fatality rate, according to MPR News. ...
Staff Editorial: Volleyball attendance sets example for how all activities should be supported
November 17, 2019
The girls’ volleyball team made history when it made it to the State tournament for the first time ever Nov. 7. The news was blasted throughout the school, with posters and a pep fest, as it should be. The atmosphere and experience the game was unforgettable. However, this support is not present for all...
Staff Editorial: BARR Conference, program beneficial to community but needs improving
April 10, 2019
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...
Staff Editorial: Districts’ attempts at collecting feedback limited
February 18, 2019
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: Student election judges present opportunity in politics
October 25, 2018
As Election Day approaches, high school students in St. Louis Park have been contacted about applying to be a student election judge. The jobs are available to students all around Minnesota. The Echo Editorial Board also see the election opportunity as a way of exposing young citizens to the voting...
Staff Editorial: Discrimination lawsuit needs more attention, student input
October 11, 2018
Last fall, the district was charged by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights for discrimination against students of color and disabled students for disciplinary action. Suspensions and expulsions of these groups were found to be higher than white and non-disabled students at Park. According to...
Staff Editorial: City should commit to change Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day
October 8, 2018
In 46 states, the second Monday in October is celebrated as Columbus Day. But in the past few years, there have been initiatives to focus on celebrating native culture instead and rename the holiday Indigenous People’s Day. According to Time, the change has gone into effect in Minnesota, Vermont, Alaska and South Dakota, as well as some other individual cit...
Staff Editorial: Voter registration drive educates students on civic duty
September 25, 2018
As the November midterm elections approach, students have organized an assembly to register eligible seniors to vote. The ACT club ran the event, with the help of a few independent student leaders. The assembly will occur during Advisory Sept. 24. It will include three guest speakers, one of whom i...
Staff Editorial: Trump’s attack on journalists provides motivation
September 17, 2018
After President Donald Trump’s statement naming journalists “the enemy of the people” July 31, the Boston Globe spurred a movement Aug. 15 to showcase that the enemy is not the journalists. This movement encouraged publications nationwide to write staff editorials highlighting the significance of free press. ...
Maggie Klaers and Molly Schochet
One month after the death of George Floyd, Park students continue to participate in Black Lives Matter protests. Rising junior Ezra Hudson said he came to the June 25 protest to continue to work toward...
Graduating senior Emma Roloff said the social-distancing style graduation ceremony felt strange to her, though only due to the unique set up of the event. "I can't really describe the feeling. It's...
Keeping with tradition, Echowan announced in the 6425 News it would distribute yearbooks June 25-26, but with safety precautions in place. Senior Rakesh Plantz said he is happy Echowan could keep the yearbook...
