Issue 2, Feb. 22 by SLP Echo

Monday, February 22, 2021 Volume 94 Issue 2 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Hybrid entails a balancing act For information on how to get help during hybrid, see pages 8-9 For information on hybrid procedures, see page 4

Art: Sophie Livingston

TABLE OF CONTENTS Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

slpecho St. Louis Park Echo The St. Louis Park Echo St. Louis Park Echo Echo Newspaper

STAFF LIST Editors-in-chief !"#$"%&$''"()*%+%,"-. -$)%/01(22) Managing editors: 3"4*$)#%5"6#"7%+% &$##8%/2*"219"7 Photo editors: :77"%;)7$'1)<=%:448% >*)'21?#-2%+%:8)#)2%>*?22"' Design editors:%/?61$)%&$@$7A'2?7%+% B998%>)"*'?7 Copy editors: :-"9%3$6'=%!)7C$7% 38"#-"2'"7A=%D?1"77"%5"6#"7%+%B#)7"% E*2$C.F$'19"7 News editor: !?4$"'%51"4$) Features editor: D"8-)%G#"('')7 :7-*)"%,)#)"* In-Depth editor: ,?##8%/01?01)2% Sports editors: 5"2)%/017)$-)* Opinion editor: ,"*$"%>)*)C.;"**$A" Assistant opinions editor: :$'1"%H)*'$ Entertainment editor: ;)7%/"7I?*Business editor: /"9%/J$'1)* Web editor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rinter: N?*21%/2"*%,)-$" Adviser: &?*$%5))<#)8 Awards: NSPA Hall of Fame member; 2011,

2016, 2017 NSPA Print Pacemaker finalist; 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020 National Print Pacemaker Award recipient; 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 Online Pacemaker; 2013, 2015, 2016 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All State.

Editors

NOTE

very year, it is Echo’s tradition to publish its first print issue on the first day of school. In an attempt to maintain that tradition, here is our first printed newsmagazine. While this year has been everything but normal, we hope our content can offer some sense of normalcy. Through a combination of Zoom meetings and a small group in-person meeting, we happily present our second issue of the year, and this time you can hold it in your hands. As soon as it became clear that this year was not going to be a typical school year, we knew it was time to transition to a newsmagazine. Switching to a newsmagazine has given us the ability to display our content in a more creative outlet — displaying content in infographics and photos, not just the typical story, photo and headlines. A newsmagazine also has a longer shelf life, which is more useful this year, as not all students will come to school on the same day when we return to hybrid learning. Because of this, we will offer a PDF version on slpecho.com. Our cover story details the transition back to hybrid. If you’re looking for information on hybrid procedures, check out page four. To read about the struggles of students and staff in hybrid, take a look at our in-depth on page eight.

Media

POLICIES

he Echo is the official student-produced news media of St. Louis Park Senior High School. It is published for the school’s students, staff and community. The Echo is a designated forum for student expression in which students make all decisions of content without prior review from school officials. The adviser will not act as a censor, but will advise students. Students have the final decision on all content. The Echo will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful and interesting to all our readers. We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters

Photo: Kate Schneider Last Echo trip: Seniors Maddie Schutte and Talia Lissauer pose in front of the U.S. Capitol Nov. 20, 2019.

If you find yourself struggling during hybrid learning, page eight also highlights resources from Park. Thank you for supporting us and taking the time to read our first ever physical edition of the Echo newsmagazine. We hope you enjoy every bit of your read.

the truth of a photograph unless clearly labeled as a photo illustration. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Echo staff or administration as a whole. The Echo welcomes reader input. Letters to the editor and suggestions must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words and may be emailed to slpecho@gmail.com or submitted in room C275. Emailed letters must be verified prior to publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to ask the writer to edit for length and clarity. Anonymous letters wherein the Echo does not know the identity of the writer will not be printed. Advertisements will be sought from local businesses and school clubs and sports. We maintain the right to reject any ads we believe to be false, misleading, inappropriate or harmful. The Echo does not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in these advertisements.

TABLE OF CONTENTS ECHO Monday, February 22, 2021

Table of

CONTENTS

FEATURES 6 7 Photo: Ava Ashby In focus: Sophomore Maya Salas Rea studies in Meredith Webster's classroom.

NEWS

4 5 Photo: Ava Ashby Great skate: Senior Sam Berry skates around Benilde St.-Margaret's defensemen Feb. 13. Park lost 6-4.

SPORTS

ENTERTAINMENT

How to read the newsmagazine Talia Lissauer talialissauer@slpecho.com

OPINIONS

his edition of Echo newsmagazine features 16 pages worth of content. Stories can range from a news story about an event to a recap on a sports game to the staff ’s opinion on a school policy. Aside from the story, information can be found throughout the page in captions, infographics, folios, web previews and photos. To the right is a deeper look into the additional elements of page four of the newsmagazine. While this is a looks at a news page, all of these elements are applicable to all other pages.

Web previews are a glimpse at a recent story that has been published on Echo’s website but is not in the print issue.

News, features and sports stories are interview based and do not necessarily the writer.

Tags indicate if a piece of content is a editorial, point-counter point, in the spotlight, or meet the athlete.

Opinions and Entertainment stories are the opinions of the writer, not the

Throughout the newsmagazine, QR codes lead to more of a story or an additional multimedia element like a podcast or video.

editorials are the opinion of the Echo editorial board.

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NEWS Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

I think it’s a good idea, because since COVID happened it’d be harder to get food especially if some people work in certain areas where they can’t get food anymore. So I think It’s really helpful.

Olivia Rabine, sophomore

WEB PREVIEW SCAN TO VIEW QR code

Photo:

Search for principal initiated While interim Principal Wendy Loberg is temporarily filling the role, Park has started the search for a permanent principal. Superintendent Astein Osei said he will make his recommendation to the School Board April 12. SCAN TO VIEW

Art: Sophie Livingston

Gov. Walz announces Due North Education plan Governor Tim Walz’s new Due North Education plan was announced Feb. 1. The goal is to support students in the pandemic, improve school funding distribution, create more opportunities for students of color and refine the teaching workforce. SCAN TO VIEW

Photo: Sam Swisher

DECA sends strong contingent to District despite struggles DECA has felt the negative impact of switching to virtual events as they have found it more difficult to keep members engaged. However, the club was able to send 18 members to compete in District competitions.

Tip: scan QR codes by opening phone camera and hover over QR code

For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

Free food available for all Park reimbursed for meals given by federal government Talia Lissauer talialissauer@slpecho.com

ince the beginning of the school year, Park has offered federally funded lunches and meal packs for all students, according to assistant principal Jessica Busse. “The free meals are based on (the) federal government (who) said that because of the pandemic they want to help support students and families, so they are offering free meals,” Busse said. For struggling families, the free meals could help ease their financial burden. “A lot of families don’t have a steady source of income now that the pandemic started, and they won’t be able to provide for their kids. So with the school providing food, it lessens a lot of their burden,” freshman Daniel Lodermier said. The free meals are not based on need and all students are encouraged to take a free lunch or meal bag. Park gets reimbursed for the number

of meals taken, which funds the lunch and nutrition staff, according to Busse. “For each meal that we give out, that is reimbursed to us, and that funds are our kitchen staff. Our food and nutrition staff is paid through the reimbursement. So if we don’t have meals going out then we’re not getting reimbursed, which means that we don’t have the money to pay for our kitchen staff,” Busse said. Meals are available for pick up 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the main doors. Lunches are also available during lunch in the cafeteria. As students spend so much time in school, senior Grace Kanyinku said she believes schools should be providing lunches so students don’t have to worry about having enough money for food. “I don’t think kids should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from at a public school,” Kanyinku said. Lodermier said free lunches have helped him on days where he didn’t bring lunch to school and wishes more students would take advantage of the opportunity. “I think the students take it a lot for granted so (it doesn’t) have a lot of impact on them,” Lodermier said.

Photo: Emmy Pearson Eat up: Senior Grace Kanyinku picks up her federally funded lunch in the building Feb. 16. Breakfasts and lunches available for pick up for both in-person and distanced learners in the cafeteria.

Free Food School and lunch are free daily

Additional meals are available for pick up every:

Monday and Wednesday from 11:45 p.m. -12:45 p.m. DESIGN BY Emmy Pearson

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NEWS ECHO Monday, February 22, 2021

Some people might have concerns, but I feel like most of the students seem like they’re pretty comfortable with going back.

Victoria Schmelzle, junior

HYBRID SAFETY PROCEDURES What you need to know to stay protected

ENTERING THE BUILDING Students who drive themselves enter through the circle doors Students who are dropped enter Students who are dropped will enter through the door closest to them: Dakota doors, Auditorium doors or pool doors Teachers will enter through the athletic doors

HALLWAYS always walk on the right side of the hallway Students are being asked to go straight to class and not linger in the hallways with friends or stop at lockers Passes are available for students to use during class if needed

IN THE CLASSROOM Teachers will be working with students in all cohorts Teachers will be required to wear a mask and face shield at all times A seating chart will be created for each class for contact tracing Students are responsible for cleaning their space after class with dish soap, water and sanitizing wipes

MASKS Masks are to be worn at all times After one instance of not wearing a mask, a warning is given After two, a meeting with an administration After three, the student will return to distance learning

LUNCH All tables face one direction and students will be sitting alone Seniors have an open campus Teachers determine if students may eat lunch in their classroom Lunches are available to everyone for free

COUNSELING OFFICE At least one counselor and social worker will be available in the main All counselors will be available virtually Students who test in the do so in larger spaces like conference rooms

BATHROOMS Up to two people are allowed in the bathroom at a time The stall doors have been marked, so only two may be used at a time The main doors of the bathroom will remain open at all times

Infographic Talia Lissauer & Emmy Pearson Source Jessica Busse

DESIGN BY Emmy Pearson

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FEATURES Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Freshman stands up against harmful Instagram account Alison Garland Freshman

(My favorite winter activity is) building snow forts in my front yard, because it’s a nice calming activity and there’s tons of things to mess around with after like just building it higher and higher.

Gabe Carlson, sophomore

Winter activities are ‘snow’ joke Interests raise spirits during COVID-19 Lilly Strathman lillystrathman@slpecho.com

I was mostly disgusted, and as it went on, the brackets switched to the “ugliest girl.” I was really hurt because me and a lot of my friends were on it, so it was really hard to see, especially because I know a lot of people with really bad body image issues. I knew it would just make it worse.

When did you decide it was time to do something? It was almost immediate. Most of the people who are in the group chat are in my civics class. We were talking about it there and then we decided that we wanted to do it for our Project Citizen. So we planned the assembly and everything.

What exactly did the assembly consist of? It was a block meeting on Google Meet (with) every single connections class in my block. We had a presentation. There were five or six people from our Project Citizen group that presented in it. We got a few upperclassmen from the Girls United group to help us with it as well.

Did you feel like your project was a success? I do, especially because immediately after the assembly there were a few people that stayed on and said they really appreciated what we were doing. They thought it was really good that we were bringing (the issue of sexual harassment) more attention — to administration, the superintendent and a lot of district office people.

Minnesota, it can be easy to spend the freezing winters confined inside, however, science teacher and assistant Nordic coach Pat Hartman said he encourages outdoor winter activities. “(Winter activities) are for sure beneficial. I’d be going crazy if I was in my house all the time. I’m always encouraging students to get outside even if it’s just for a walk. I love the old saying that goes like ‘there is no bad weather, just bad clothes,” Hartman said. According to freshman Nolan Crump, he enjoys Nordic skiing, sledding and playing hockey with friends to get outside and be social during COVID-19. “It’s a way to see my friends, that’s considered a safer way because it’s outside,” Crump said. Senior Gabbie Kruse said she has used winter activities to help her recall her childhood. “My favorite winter activities to do are sledding and ice skating,” Kruse said. “I love ice skating because I

Photo Illustration: Talia Lissauer Slippery slope: Fifth grader Judah Lissauer and eighth grader Ari Lissauer sled down a hill at South Beach on Cedar Lake Jan.16. Sledding is one of many winter activities students are using to stay entertained and active while taking COVID-19 precautions. used to play hockey, so it’s fun for me to get back on the ice and reminisce. With the pandemic, now I have the time to again.” In addition to it being a good way to stay in touch with friends, they help people stay active, According to Crump. “I like hanging out with friends. It’s a good workout. It keeps you in a good mood because you’re outside working out and keeps you fit,” Crump said. According to Kruse, sledding

divides her school routine and gives her something to anticipate. “(Sledding) gives me something to do and look forward to. It also breaks up my day, so I’m not just stuck at home doing schoolwork,” Kruse said. Kruse said doing winter activities changed her mindset and helped her learn life lessons. “I didn’t really think of (St. Louis) Park as the most fun place to be, but by sledding and ice skating I realized you can make anything fun if you look hard enough,” Kruse said.

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Infographic Emmy Pearson Source Echo Instagram Poll

DESIGN BY Lilly Strathman

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FEATURES ECHO Monday, February 22, 2021

I think it’s really cool because it gives people the opportunity to get food if they’re in need of food, and it also helps the school get reimbursed.

Cameron Pearson, sophomore

WHAT’S THE POINT Sports shouldn’t overshadow theater during pandemic Lilly Strathman lillystrathman@slpecho.com

Photo: Talia Lissauer

Danny Walsh organizes donation drive of federally-funded meals

Free food: Senior Danny Walsh carries federally funded meals to his car to be donated. Walsh will be donating the meals twice a week for the rest of the year.

More than 200 meals to be donated weekly

Maya Halpern wanted more people to have the opportunity to be involved. “We thought more people would agree to be involved if they could just sign over their meals,” Halpern said. “Over 100 people have filled out the Google Form now, so we can just pick up all of their meals at once and donate them.” For students who don’t pick up their meals and would like to have theirs donated, Walsh said to fill out the form available in his Instagram bio @dannywalsh. “Now that we’ve got the Google form going, it’s so easy to do. It takes 10 seconds,” Walsh said.

Talia Lissauer talialissauer@slpecho.com

hen senior Danny Walsh discovered Park’s lunch staff was being negatively affected by not having enough students pick up meals, he contacted his friends. In the next two days, his friends dropped off 310 meals, which he later donated. For Walsh, he said it was a matter of connecting the dots when coming up with the idea to donate

the unneeded lunches to. “It’s not terribly hard. In the end, it did take a couple of months to organize. But at least in the beginning, it was just such an easy solution that solves these two problems or at least helps these two problems become less bad.” Walsh said. Since the beginning of the school year, students have been able to pick up free meals on Mondays and Wednesdays. However, Park only gets reimbursed for picked up meals. The idea to create a Google form where students could give permission for their meals to be donated came about when senior

BY THE NUMBERS

823

Meals donated Updated as of Feb. 17.

DESIGN BY Sophie Livingston

210

out the form

out the form Infographic Sophie Livingston Source Danny Walsh

hierarchy between sports and theater has always existed. Labeling people as “weird” or “lame” because they choose the fall musical over playing football is unacceptable. The reactions to the regulations put in place by Gov. Tim Walz during COVID-19 have reiterated this ridiculous mindset. As thespian president, I want to help make theater the best it can be this year. There is no question that our director, Jodi Schifsky, has done an amazing job given the circumstances. Although coaches are persevering through their restricting regulations, they have been given more opportunities than directors have. We filmed our show, “VinWhat’s the tage Hitchcock: A Live Radio POINT? Play,” over Zoom. We had Sports and the opportunity theater to do a regular should be show taken treated away because of restrictions. At equal the same time, student athletes were allowed to play their sports. Athletes went further to complain about how they wouldn’t be able to have spectators, which further highlighted the inequities between activities and sports. Although theater is something that occurs inside, so do sports such as volleyball and basketball that were able to play. Shows can be altered to limit the amount of cast members, and the different aspects that come with making a show can be divided, limiting the amount of people involved. The last show had 10 members in the cast and there was never a point when all 10 would appear on stage. This is incomparable to the 19 on the boys’ basketball team or the 53 on the football team. If Park decided sports are worth the risk, theater should be to. By not allowing theater but allowing sports, Park is contributing to the extracurricular social hierarchy.

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IN-DEPTH Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

The lack of personal connection has made it harder for me to invest in my work, and I’m less motivated to do my school work when I can’t have personal connections with my teachers or classmates.

Ada Turman, junior

What did you miss? Here’s what happened while in distanced learning:

ESTABLISHING H

SCAN TO VIEW

Photo: Emmy Pearson

Main gymnasium, Auditorium receive upgrades Renovations to the main gym and Auditorium were completed for a total of $5.2 million. Renovations to the gym, completed the week of Dec. 1, include new flooring, ceiling and paint. Renovations to the Auditorium, completed Nov. 4, include a new rigging system, structural upgrades, and a new lighting control system.

How do you get help? In-person help

SCAN TO VIEW

Async class periods

Days not in person

Wednesdays

Photo: Lauren Thon

‘After School Help’ offers academic guidance Students can sign up for individual help sessions through the Student Support App or by emailing Kelly Brown or Kari Conroy. Sessions are available from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

SCAN TO VIEW

Oriole Study Nest

Athlete Tutoring

Come and work in the cafeteria to get help from GLCs and work in the school environment

All athletes failing a class are required to come in and work in the cafeteria on Wednesdays until their grade is at least a C

Photo: Maria Prez-Barriga

Natural Helpers offers support After going on a short break Natural Helpers have found new ways to help students virtually. They have introduced resources such as mental health tips, a virtual chill room, and organization strategies through Park Connections classes.

Tip: scan QR codes by opening phone camera and hover over QR code

Hyb ba

IN-PERSON

In-person learning prompts mixed feelings Tobias Khabie tobiaskahbie@slpecho.com

s students and staff prepare for a second stint in the hybrid learning model, science teacher Al Wachutka said he is worried he will once again have to struggle with the balance of teaching students both in-person and over Zoom. “I felt often that I had to make a choice between who I was focused on, whether I was focused on the kids at home, via Zoom, or those that were in class,” Wachutka said. “It was just difficult to decide where you put your attention.” Park returned to a hybrid learning model Feb. 22 at 50 percent capacity, opposed to the 25 percent of each grade in the fall. Wachutka said he feels as if teaching will be just as difficult despite having more students in the classroom. “One thing that is different is that there’ll be more student contact, but the logistics of what we do doesn’t change a whole lot, and so we’re still

STUDENT OPINIONS

TIME TO R DESIGN BY Emmy Pearson

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IN-DEPTH ECHO Monday, February 22, 2021

There’s sometimes a change of pace between in-person and distance so

Marley Miller, junior

HARMONY IN HYBRID How do you get help?

brid learning requires alancing once again

asked to pay attention more to one group than the other,” Wachutka said. “I don’t feel like we’ve been given ‘here’s what you should do what would do your job best,’ that’s kind of been ‘figure this out.’” Junior Truman Fillbrandt said last time he felt going into school was counterproductive, and hopes this time the lesson plans will be more advantageous for those in school. “Whenever we went in, it was all computer-based, so you basically just do the stuff you do at home. The issue was it felt pointless except from a social aspect,” Fillbrandt said. Despite the struggles that come with hybrid, history teacher Jill Merkle said she is sympathetic to administration as they are working hard to accommodate everyone. According to Merkle, she is optimistic students and staff will work out the kinks of hybrid to find the best learning plan for all. “People are excited for a change. I’m sensing that even though it’s going to be messy and people aren’t saying ‘keep us in distance,’” Merkle said. “I think people are feeling nervous but they’re being innovative with it, and as long as we can be flex-

RETURN?

ible and give each other grace, then we’ll figure out a better system.” Fillbrandt said one method of teaching he would like to see implemented is where students in each cohort get a different activity with the same content. According to Fillbrandt, his biology class has tried this method and he enjoys it. “You have kids who are there do (an activity) and then everyone else do something like that for every class,” Fillbrandt said. “Once you’re in school you get to do a thing and then everyone that’s just doing distance gets like their own thing so it’s not pointless if you’re there.” Wachutka said most teachers are dissatisfied with balancing students both in-person and online. “There’s a lot of people that know the feeling we had before and that feeling is still there— the frustration that this is not what’s best for kids,” Wachutka said. Despite the stress, Merkle said it is all worth it to be back. “I’m feeling nervous but excited,” Merkle said. “As much as it was stressful to do hybrid last time, it was also probably my favorite two weeks of teaching this year.”

YES

52.2%

47.8%

*Instagram poll of 270 votes Infographic Emmy Pearson Source Echo Instagram Poll

Online help

Async times Log onto your class during an async period to

Wednesdays Schedule a time on the student support app to meet with your teacher

teacher

ONLINE

“

SPORTS Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

MEET THE ATHLETE Jack Wandmacher, senior Hockey

What do you like most about hockey? Just the fast pace of the game. It’s always different — different situations and stuff like that. It’s never repeated, so it’s just something new every time.

How long have you been playing hockey? I started skating when I was 4 or 5. I started to play hockey when I was 6 or 7.

What’s your favorite hockey memory?

The tournaments as a kid. Going up north and stuff, hanging with the guys.

Why did you decide to play hockey?

My dad played hockey as a kid so he put me right into it and it just stuck.

How do you feel about playing for the Ice Rays? Next year I’ll be playing for them in Texas. It’s a great spot, nice and warm, so I’m really excited for that. It’s different from Minnesota.

What’s one thing you’re exciting for when you start playing for the Ice Rays? I just hope it goes well. That’s all I can hope for. Just getting along with the guys and playing well.

What do you like about the position you play? I play center, so I get to go anywhere in the rink. As my job. I get to touch the puck a lot, more than a winger. So that’s why I like to play it. I just get to touch the puck more.

What are you looking forward to for the rest of the hockey season? We’re off to a hot start so just keeping it and then a strong Section tournament. Hopefully not having a spring break and going to State.

their park pride.

Anna Haen, junior

Boys’ basketball continues through rough season Team pushes for improvement Talia Lissauer talialussaer@slpecho.com

ith half of the 2020-21 season behind it, the boys’ basketball team reflects on its work. While the team is having a rough season, junior Cameron Delorme said players are learning and bettering themselves through each loss. “It’s not going the best. We definitely need to win some more games, but despite all the losses we are improving little by little, which is all that matters,” Delorme said. Determining if the team is having a good season is based on more than the record, according to assistant coach Wayne Lott. As of Feb. 17, the current record is 2-8.

Photo: Henry Harper “As we go, we are going to get better and this is just a strange season, but the kids are working together to try to make a successful season,” Lott said. “It is not always about the wins and losses; it is about the kids getting better.” While he believes wearing a mask is necessary, Delorme said the mask mandate is negatively contributing to the team’s playing ability. “(COVID-19 restrictions) have impacted the season in a big way because it is really hard to breathe in the masks when you are playing and you have to keep them above your

nose,” Delorme said. Moving forward, junior Trevor Piehl said he hopes the team will come together to play collaboratively. “(We need to improve on) just being together more as a team and playing more as a family,” Piehl said. Because the season was delayed due to COVID-19, Lott said the team lost valuable practice time, which has left less time for the teammates to get to know each other on the court. “Normally we start earlier and we can get more practice time in now. Everything is so condensed. It takes a while for the team to be cohesive,” Lott said.

Ballin’: Senior Derric Standifer goes for a heavily contested layup in the game Feb. 16. Park lost to Cooper 64-56.

“Despite all the losses we are improving which is all that matters.” Cameron Delorme, junior

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SPORTS ECHO Monday, February 22, 2021

Due to scheduling issues our practices are now shorter so we make sure the time we have together is spent well.

Emelia Johnson, junior

OUT OF THE PARK

Girls’ hockey having best season in years

Bonding through practice Harris Keekley harriskeekley@slpecho.com

returning players Kate Schneider kateschneider@slpecho.com

irls’ hockey is on track to have its best season in several years. The teams current record as of Feb. 17 is 5-4-1. Last year the team ended the regular season 6-18-1. Junior Greta Betzer said the team’s improvements this season have been a big confidence booster for her. “It feels super good because I’ve never really had (a winning record) before on a high school team,” Betzer said. “Last year we weren’t as good as we are this year, so it’s pretty fun to be winning games.” Coach Ryan St. Martin agrees. “Every time you have a team dynamic, there is a growing as a group that has to take place,” he said. “We’re fortunate that a lot of our roster has not changed over the last three years, so we’ve all grown with each other. I think that’s led to the improvements that we’ve had so far.” According to St. Martin, the team has been feeding off the energy created by the winning streak. “It’s a good starting point for us. A lot of the wins have involved a lot of big contributions across the lineup,” St. Martin said. “That gives a lot of individuals as well as the whole overall team a lot of confidence.” Senior captain Erin Brousseau said the team’s turnaround from

DESIGN BY Sophie Livingston

Photo: Jane Pupeza past seasons proved to the team how talented they are. “It’s a nice boost of confidence compared to past seasons,” Brousseau said. “It’s really assuring to start out with such a good record and know that we are a good team and find that confidence within ourselves to carry us through some of the harder games that are coming up.” According to St. Martin, players have continued to bond despite having to maintain social distancing and other COVID-19 guidelines. “It’s been going really well; we’ve had a really good start on the ice. Off the ice, the team seems really close and all the extra protocol that we have to deal with in regard to COVID has not had a huge impact on us, which is nice to see,” St. Martin said.

Score: Senior Erin Brousseau passes the puck to a teammate in a Jan. 30 game. The girls’ hockey’s State Tournament is currently scheduled to start March 26 at the Xcel Energy Center.

History of girls’ hockey season records 2020-2021

5-4-1

2019-2020

6-18-1

2018-2019

5-19-1

2017-2018

12-13

Infographic Kate Schneider Source

wimming can be a lonely sport and COVID-19 has only complicated this issue. One of the toughest parts about swimming is that you can’t really talk to anyone during practice. I thought this would make it hard to bond as a team and grow with one and other, but over the years I have realized it’s quite the opposite. When I first joined the team in seventh grade, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Whenever I went to practice, I was always scared because of the intensity. At first it was really hard to make friends, but a few pasta parties and team sleepovers later, I found myself bonding with the team. This has made the practices a little more bearable. Swimming practices are tough — it’s high intensity with little to no rest. I often find myself scrambling to get some water with the few seconds we have in What’s the between sets, POINT? but stressful moments like Obstacles that are what improve helps hold the connections team together. It’s an experience that while difficult in the moment, we can all look back on as a good time. COVID-19 has made it much harder to have that bond as the guidelines have made the flow of practice more awkward, having half of your lane at the other side of the pool. The people who joined this year are only able to establish bonds with a few people rather than the whole team. This has impacted our performance in meets, making it harder to have friendly competitions during practice. While COVID-19 certainly made it harder to bond and get to know each other during practices. We have become stronger as a team, and it feels like this is one more obstacle to further improve the team’s bond. Even with the restrictions of COVID-19, we are still able to have a close team, just at a distance.

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SPORTS Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

We have been working really hard at practice and at virtual core and we have

senior

WINTER SPORTS

Teams perservere through COVID-19 Winter sports play in shortened season Jacob Khabie jacobkhabie@slpecho.com

fter a delay because of the COVID-19 pandemic, winter sports began its season Jan. 4. Teams are following COVID-19 restrictions that include wearing masks while playing and limiting spectators. For infomation regarding boys’ swimming view page 10 and girls’ hockey on page 11. Ava Ashby Freshman ball Jan. 14. As of Feb. 17, ketball has a

Senior Ben St. Clair practices his butterpractice Jan. 20. As of Feb

3-1. Ayelet Prottas

Lauren Thon Minnesota Junior

Senior Mimi Kniser passes a uphill stretch of the race Jan. 21. As of Feb 17,

attempts to win back the puck from Chaska in 2. As of Feb 17,

Senior Marissa Boettcher prac-

Shaydi Falcon

Anna Benishek

DESIGN BY Talia Lissauer

“

OPINIONS ECHO Monday, February 22, 2021 De’Vale Wesson,

WHAT’S THE POINT Racial minorities not prioritized for vaccine

STAFF ED

Laniyah mollyschochet@slpecho.com

Photo: Anna Benishek Typing away: Junior Murphy Fries and Ava Hanson work on their assignments in the Learning Lab Feb. 12. Students will return to school Feb. 22, split into three cohorts.

Return to hybrid learning raises concerns New hybrid plan managed

lthough distance learning has taken a toll on many, it may be a little too early for some to go back into school. Students will return back to school in a hybrid learning model Feb. 22. All grades will return at 50 percent capacity. Students are split into three cohorts. Cohort A attends classes in-person Monday and Tuesday, Cohort B is in-person Thursday and Friday. Cohort C will remain in distance learning. Returning to hybrid learning could become an issue for teachers because they have to focus on in-person students as

DESIGN BY Jane Pupeza

well as those online. The hybrid learning model will make it more difficult for teachers to teach both in-person and online students at the same time. Many teachers had trouble during the first period of hybrid in connecting online students’ lessons to those in-person. Teachers should prioritize in-person students first, allowing those in Cohort C to ask follow up questions after in-person students have been addressed. Students in Cohort C and those who need extra help should reach out to meet with teachers on Wednesdays and other available times. In-person students should use the asynchronous time to ask questions and get help.

This will allow teachers to focus on Cohort C on Wednesdays. Teachers also should take student feedback into consideration and adjust pacing and lessons accordingly. However, patience is needed from all, as no plan would satisfy every student. The Echo Editorial Board encourages the administration to keep communication between students and teachers open, as this will be necessary to ease the transition into a hybrid schedule. The administration has done a great job taking feedback with distance learning, but it’s important it pays close attention to in-school learning and listen to the needs of both the students and teachers as they proceed with the hybrid plan.

ne year after the first COVID-19 case was discovered in the United States, a COVID-19 vaccine is slowly being released. Along with having to wait for a vaccine because of your age or occupation, race has become a large factor in determining who receives the vaccine. We have seen months of racial inequality and it continues even in medicine. In Miami-Dade, a county in Florida where Black people make up 17.7 percent of the population, studies have shown that only 6.5 percent of the Black community has been vaccinated. That’s 11,001 people. This is infuriating, especially knowing that number isn’t comparable to how many Black people are in that community. On the other hand, white people make up 79 POINT? percent of Inequality Miami-Dade’s population with vaccine and 66 rollout percent of unacceptable the white community has been vaccinated. That’s 110,505 people. This is gravely concerning, as minority groups are at a higher risk for contracting and potentially dying from COVID-19. Although I believe there should be no prioritization based on race for who gets the vaccine, frontline workers and elders need to be tended to first as they are more susceptible to catching the virus. My great-grandmother just turned 80-years-old. She is blind and has yet to receive the vaccine. This is another example of the racial disparity, as she should have been one of the first people to receive the vaccine, but instead, she hasn’t received information about it. The government needs to do better. They are failing us minorities during a time in which we put all our trust and lives into their hands.

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OPINIONS Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

WEB PREVIEW

I also get in the zone while doing homework, so it’s nice to have a longer amount of time to work and not have to stop what I’m doing to join a meeting.

Rachel Katzovitz, sophomore

POINT COUNTERPOINT

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Students return 50% for Hybrid Feb. 22, safety concerns arise Returning to in-person will Photo: Ryan Barnett

Although asynchronous check-ins were initially helpful in building community and offering extra support, ending the check-ins Jan. 25 was the right decision. By making check-ins optional it gives more students the freedom to do what they need to do.

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Photo: Molly Schochet

When the School Board approved the new hybrid plan, I was frustrated initially. I felt that juniors should be able to return before freshman but what I have come to realize is that the freshman class needs the opportunity to build relationships and actually meet each other.

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Photo: Gillian Kapinos

Aisha Hersi aishahersi@slpecho.com

his school year has brought many challenges. Whether it’s the lack of communication with teachers or double the amount of stress upon students, there needs to be change. The switch to hybrid learning at 50% capacity starting Feb. 22 is the solution. According to the 2020-2021 Safe Learning Plan, many health precautions will be taken during hybrid learning. Some of these include face coverings worn at all times. These precautions will help students return to school safely. Getting direct help from teachers can serve as a gateway for those who have been struggling. Many students have had difficulties staying in contact with their teachers. Whether it’s on a 30-person Zoom call or through email, everything needs to be scheduled. However, once hybrid begins, students will have a chance to directly communicate with their teachers and receive whatever help they need. The social isolation of the pandemic has taken a toll on students mental health. By reopening school, we can value the social and emotional well beings of students while still following COVID-19 guidelines. At the end of the day, everyone has a choice on whether or not they’d like to attend hybrid.

STUDENT VOICES Are you for or against the Feb. 22 50% capacity hybrid start date? “I am against the 50% capacity on Feb. 22 because with the new strands of COVID-19 in Minnesota and other states it can spread more quickly.”

Kevin MartinezHerrera, sophomore “I think it’s a good idea since it’s not every since grade it’s just freshmen and seniors at least for the beginning.”

Ruth Erist, senior

In-person learning is wishful thinking Colin Canaday colincanaday@slpecho.com

oing back to in-person learning for good has been on the mind of every parent, student and teacher since we first started distance learning nearly a year ago. Although, an in-person environment is better suited for learning, the data on COVID-19 cases don’t indicate a safe learning environment. The number of cases in Minnesota are still too high to necessitate in-person learning. Positive COVID-19 cases have substantially dropped since last October, when a hybrid model was previously put into place. However, we are still hanging around more than 1,000 new positive cases a day; a number that, although relatively low, is still objectively high. At the end of the day, the choice on whether a person should go back to in-person learning boils down to how heavily one weighs school over health. The only time when teachers’ and students’ safety can be guaranteed during in-person learning, is when a vaccine can be effectively administered to a vast majority of students and teachers. Until that point, it should be a priority to expose as few people as possible by actively improving alternatives to in-person learning.

PARK TRAIL Andy Melear

The United States has been in lockdown since mid March. Other countries have been able to figure out ways to get back to their old normal, and yet there’s no end near for us. Tip: scan QR codes by opening phone camera and hover over QR code For more content go to DESIGN BY Emmy Pearson

“

ENTERTAINMENT ECHO Monday, February 22, 2021

My favorite board game is probably sorry because it’s simple, but also fun and can get pretty competitive.

Garrett Baudhuin, freshman

REVIEW: Board games

Three games to

Goal:

Photo: Elena Ortiz-Fishman

3-6 players Infographic Emmy Pearson Source amazon.com, the sprucecrafts.com

Elena Ortiz-Fishman

lthough “Clue” may come across as morbid, the witty character names and exciting storyline keeps things

upbeat. The small details make the game so much more immersive. It’s nice to revisit the classic board games with friends or family to bring everyone together. “Clue” has become a staple for a reason, each player must balance their problem solving

skills, strategy and luck to win. There have been many variations of it, but each follows the same basic plot. Regardless of which version you pick to play, “Clue” always satisfies. Overall, “Clue” is a classic murder mystery game I will always keep coming back to.

Photo: Sam Listiak

Goal: harvest the most crops and special season points.

Sam Listiak make a row of four pieces samlistiak@slpecho.com that share at least one thing in common. I am a fan of Quarto beQuarto” is a fun stratcause it is very easy to pick egy game that is someup and understand. Quarto where between tic-tacis my go-to game to play toe and chess. The goal is to with friends and family.

“

($30) Photo: Harris Keekley

2-4 players Infographic Emmy Pearson Source illimat.com

Goal: matching traits. Harris Keekley harriskeekley@slpecho.com 1

($33)

2 players Infographic Emmy Pearson Source amazon.com & Quarto.com

DESIGN BY Emmy Pearson

“

Illimat” was supposed to be a photoshoot with The Decemberists, but they real-

ized it had potential as a game. The player’s main goal is to earn the most points through special cards obtained through harvest or collecting Ocus and Luminary pieces. The game features some of the greatest il-

lustrations I have seen in a board game, and is a great way to spend time while trapped inside. Illimat is by far one of my favorite games because each time you play it’s a unique experience compared to the previous round.

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ENTERTAINMENT Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

It’s something unique to do right now. It would be fun to FaceTime a friend and do the virtual tour together.

Claire Bargman, senior

REVIEW: Walker Art Center

VIRTUAL

exhibitions prove insightful and engaging

Walker Art Center goes online amid pandemic

‘Designs for Different Futures’ “Designs for Different Futures” showcases different designers and filmmakers’ perceptions of what the future could look like. The virtual exhibit has multiple depictions of hypothetical futures including dys-

Ben Sanford bensanford@slpecho.com

hroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts have taken some of the biggest hits financially. With live theater put on hold and museums and art centers being empty for months, it’s clear COVID-19 has negatively impacted many artistic circles. That being said, the Walker Art Center is doing its best to adapt to these unprecedented times by moving many of its exhibits to a virtual setting that allows for people to still visit from the comfort of their own home. Through the virtual offerings, the Walker finds ways to share art of all different kinds, whether that be dystopian, feminist or abstract. These separate exhibits create a well rounded experience. The Walker includes backgrounds on the artists and photos of their artwork. With the intent of broadening the mind of the viewer, these different art exhibits change the way we look at art at life and the world around us by challenging our preconceived notions about what art should be.

Ben Sanford bensanford@slpecho.com Fair use from The Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walt Disney Animations, Interscope Records, Warner Bros. Pictures DESIGN BY Emmy Pearson

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topian technology, fashion, makeup and films that explore the different possibilities of the future. Being able to look at some of these different visual interpretations of a futuristic world was captivating and strange.

‘Five Ways In: Themes from the Collection’ “Five Ways In” begs the question, “what defines art?” The goal of the exhibit is to expand the boxes we often put different artists and styles of art into. It pushes boundaries by twisting portraits to become distanced from

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their subjects or make a sculpture of a landscape. This exhibit attempts to showcase art that doesn’t play by the rules. With a wide array of artists displaying their work, the exhibit explores what makes art beautiful.

‘Don’t let this be easy’ This exhibit displays art created by women who have created empowering and controversial art during the past 50 years. Many were born in a time when being a successful woman in art was almost impossible since they were

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kept out of elite circles by their male counterparts. “Don’t let this be easy” combines multiple pieces of art from different mediums to educate the public on the ways women have been oppressed throughout the 1900s. Fair use from the Walker Art Center

Now

March 5

March 12

March 18

The Minneapolis Institute of Art has reopened due to the change in COVID-19 restrictions. The art center has several exhibits open including art for Black History Month.

Walt Disney Animations is set to release its first film in almost two years, “Raya and the Last Dragon.” The film is set in a fantastical world inspired by Southeast Asia.

Selena Gomez is set to release her first EP that will feature music completely in Spanish. “Revelación” will be the seventh studio release for the artist, featuring a new sound.

A new version of the film “Justice League” will be released following the script and vision from director Zack Snyder. This film will run at three-anda-half hours on HBOMax.