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The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo

The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo

The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo

Junior Calvin Otos gets ready to take the MCA during biology March 26. All juniors took the MCA during the block scheduling.

Standardized testing returns

Serena Bovee, Copy Editor April 1, 2024

The MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) season has rolled around the corner to measure schools’ ability to teach their students and what can be improved. The MCA is an annual test done in Minnesota...

Illustration by Zara Fakier

Students seize their chance to boost ACT scores

Kayleigh Bishop, Copy Editor March 20, 2024

Most students spend their junior year in anticipation for the ACT test. People adapt different study methods and practices to help them achieve the best possible score. They are given a substantial amount...

Graphic by Ruby Viot

Students debate if ACT is worth it

Ryan Moran, Staffer March 5, 2024

Park’s juniors have had to prepare all year for just one test: the ACT. However, there are many opinions about the test, like whether it is a good representation of a student's knowledge or whether teachers...

Illustration by Alan Gardener

Busy ‘til the bell

Alan Gardner January 25, 2024

In a typical finals week schedule, Park students would face two days worth of block period scheduling on Wednesdays and Thursdays to give students more chances to ask questions and get help before their...

Junior Eliana Montero-Ward prepares for the ACT. The test is scheduled to take place on March 8 during Park Connections.

ACT coming up at Park

Rachel Arkis March 5, 2023

With the ACT approaching in less than a month, students  have already started preparing. According to junior Vivi Thomas, taking the ACT is important because having good test scores can be beneficial...

Block schedule put in place for testing

Block schedule put in place for testing

Abby Bartleson and Rachel Arkis March 22, 2022

As Park approaches the spring testing season, Junior CC Peter said she is not excited for the block schedule and communication has not been clear.  “Block scheduling is kind of pointless, especially...

Standardized testing beneficial

Standardized testing beneficial

Sam Swisher May 16, 2021

Throughout my high school years, one of the most daunting aspects has been standardized testing. Whether it be the ACT, SAT or MCA, standardized testing is present throughout many students' time in school....

Gifted and Talented for all is crucial

Gifted and Talented for all is crucial

Danny Shope March 22, 2021

St. Louis Park Public Schools District leaders have announced a big change in the Gifted and Talented programs at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. Instead of selecting a small group...

Photo illustration by Gabriel Kaplan. The PSAT has been postponed, presenting students with more time to prepare.

PSAT date pushed

Laniyah Thornton October 17, 2020

With the School Board decision Sept.19 to postpone hybrid learning, test coordinator Jami Lapray said Park would push back the testing date of the PSAT because of concerns for student and staff health. “Because...

College Board announces COVID-19 plan

College Board announces COVID-19 plan

Gabriel Kaplan March 20, 2020

This story is updated as of 12:10 p.m. March 20. According to a release published by the College Board, which administers Advanced Placement exams and the SAT tests, the testing will focus on what students...

Junior Jamie Sorenson studies for the ACT during his study hall. All Park juniors can take the ACT at school Feb. 20.

Math department plans test prep

Emma Leff January 10, 2019

According to math teacher Amanda Forsberg, as the ACT date for all juniors at Park quickly approaches, the math department is working to prepare students for the high-stakes test. “The last couple...

Senior Ian Sandbo takes test in math class on Sep. 23. No students qualified for the National Merit Award this year.

Park lacks National Merit Scholars

Yonit Krebs October 13, 2017

After discovering his grade is the first in several years to not have any National Merit Scholars named, senior David Salamzadeh said he thinks the lack of National Merit Scholars does not accurately represent...

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