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views on education reform at the campaign event, their responses to his plan are mixed.

Junior Sahaam Abdi said she feels taking the tests twice each year is not the solution and takes too narrow of an approach to Kelsey Reid!| editor-in-chief judging student learning.

“The tests are not really an rom a closed school to effective way of measuring how postings of cut classes, we’re doing because you can easthe impact of budget ily have an off day or get tired becuts on students is clear. But cause the tests are so long,” Abdi the solution is yet to be found. said. “It would be better if they Superintendents, school !"#$#%&%:0,;%<,#4(,* measured based on what we are acboard members, teachers and !"#"$%&'()&*"'+(,&!"#$%&'()%*'+,-'&.*.'($,/'%0,1'2()&,'..%$33$3,*33"$3,*&4)+4*&5,3-6))+,7"&.*&58, tually learning in our classes.” parents from various metro39$-*:,-'++2,7)%,39$-*'+,$."-'(*)&8,."%*&5,',-';9'*5&,$4$&(,*&,<=>?,@-(A,BA Minnesota House Speaker Mararea schools presented to Dayton’s policies for high schools include recent loss of opportunities for students,” garet Anderson Kelliher said she feels the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party gubernatocurrent administration has put too much rial candidate Mark Dayton about the im- increasing funds to lower class sizes, reduc- Dayton said.

One of Dayton’s plans is to reform the emphasis on standardized testing. pact of recent budget cuts on education Oct. ing activity fees, offer a greater variety and “It’s become the Department of Testing, number of elective courses, give students current standardized testing model to one 6 in C350.

Dayton also presented his education plan experience with technology and increase the that measures student improvement from not the Department of Education,” Kelliher said. “Standardized testing isn’t education.” the beginning to end of the school year. and received feedback from local school number of students who attend college.

Though Dayton didn’t hear any students’ “We have to be concerned about the leaders.

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Information compiled by Brandon Klugman | health editor

sources | www.horner.com, markdayton.org, www.emmerforgovernor.com, www.minnpost.com, www.startribune.com, www.mncharterschools.org, minnesota.publicradio.org

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he old saying, don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill, seems more relevant than ever at Park.

Since the start of the school year, multiple confrontations have occurred. Sept. 21, several students in world drumming locked a substitute teacher in the band closet. Oct. 5, a physical confrontation between two students outside the school occurred. Oct. 6, three students engaged in a verbal confrontation in a sophomore English class.

Additionally, the number of cases of In School SuspenDespite the gossip about fights running throughout the student body, assistant principal Clarence Pollock said the sion from Sept. 1 to Oct. 13 have dropped from 194 cases in number of fights and assaults is actually lower than last year, 2008 to 170 this school year. However, some students like sophomore Greg Jacobs attest to a feeling of hot blood runand no connection exists between fights. ning through the student body.

“These fights are occurring among less “There is definitely a different feeling than 2 percent of the student body,” Police this year,” he said.

Liaison Troy Peek said. “The reason [for the M#!*/*0#)&*2+!* While Jacobs may be referring to the fights] is usually a personal issue between stu$"",+(40*2-$40* student environment where 25 more susdents, but it is rarely anything more serious.”

5!&&*)#24*Q*'!+"!4)* pensions occurred than last year, Peek Freshman Naris Uzzell said he thinks the $.*)#!*&),3!4)* said he can’t contribute any of the hapfights are fairly isolated. <$3> penings to any single cause.

“The fights are mostly over stupid things,” Troy Peek| Police Liaison Despite rumors, according to the adhe said. “Some are as stupid as someone pushministration violence is average this year. ing someone else accidentally.”

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eniors interested in submitting childhood photos for the yearbook should do so by Nov. 1. Parents must submit childhood photos by Nov. 17.

Photos can be dropped off by students to the Echowan Pub (B229) or by parents to the Student Office.

Sonia Robiner | staff writer

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he Echo is one of 22 finalists in the group of 9-16 page newspapers up for the National Scholastic Press Association’s Pacemaker award. The winners of the Pacemaker will be announced at the NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City the weekend of Nov. 11-14. The Echo was a finalist for the Pacemaker Award in 2007 as well.

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omplications with new bus routes this year due to the reconfiguration has prevented students from arriving to school on time.

In an effort to remedy the situation, select bus routes will be adjusted starting Oct. 20. Under the new routes, all buses are set to arrive at the high school between 8 and 8:05 a.m. and to PSI by 8:10 a.m.

For more information on specific bus routes, visit www.slpschools.org.

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n Oct. 2 deraliment of a freight train east of the St. Louis Park section of the track sparked worry in residents about the planned reroute. The St. Louis Park Project Management Team will further discuss the plan in a meeting Nov. 9. Local organization Saftey in the Park is distributing signs and petitions across the community to protest the reroute.

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ational Merit Scholars were announced Oct. 2, determined from test scores of the PSAT taken junior year by 1.2 million students.

Semifinalists from Park include seniors Andrew Ford, Robbie SeltzerSchultz, Charlie Shapiro, David Kinney, Matan Applebaum, Nathan Schneider and Sarah Skinner. From this goup finalists will be determined in January through an application process. National Merit Commended Scholars include seniors Katie Caron, Taylor Delaney, Nico Johnoson, Ben Kahn, Alex Kersten, Kelsey Reid, Mara Olson, and Katelyn Palmatier.

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Dayton also supports elective courses for wheelchair, said he sees the impact of budget high school students and said he was disap- cuts on special education.

“There is usually an after school activity pointed by how many classes have been cut.

“When we cut electives, we cut the reason bus I can schedule,” he said. “Now (because for many teenagers to go to school,” Dayton the bus was cut) it’s conflicting with staying after school and being able to said. “Their whole motivation get home.” is lost.”

Repala said his biggest Last year, Park cut 25 ;<$.*G*%2/+& concern is that cuts to special courses. Sophomore Sahra 6#,7)21$4"5).15(L education will continue and the Muhammed said she appreciM)N=EOGG).15):",) number of paras will decrease. ates funding to elective courses :1:&%)2A)6#0%"'5A “Paras are really helpful and after World Religions was cut. luckily they’re not cut yet,” he “Students need classes to M)=P):",."'5)+*) (./++%)$&(5,&.5Q() said. “But there are less paras enjoy themselves,” she said.

21$4"5).15)&')%#(5) than there are kids so it’s hard “Students need a say in the ("<"')A"#,( to manage everyone.” classes they take.”

M)NF)3&%%&+')(/+,5*#%%) Though Dayton expressed Another issue Dayton fo*+,)5/")$&(5,&.5)&')#) high hopes for education, the cuses on is special education. *"0)A"#,(E)0/"') decrease in budgets of school As a junior U.S. Senator, Day(/+,5)5",3)4,#'5() districts is significant. ton supported the reinstitution +15) Source | Mark Dayton, State Senator Ron Latz said of Individuals with Disabilities Nancy Gores and this struggle caused him to enEducation Act, which ensures Debra Bowers courage Dayton’s campaign to all disabled students can rehold the event at Park. ceive resources and support “Park is a great example of providing a from their public school. An Oct. 7 decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court also sup- great education, but it’s facing the same isported special education by mandating extra- sues and difficulties with budgets as everyone cirricular activities be offered to special needs else,” he said. “It’s the perfect example of students. Junior Tarun Repala, who uses a what’s right and what’s wrong in education.”

innesota was one of only two states to experience a rise in uninsured children from 2008 to 2009 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

However, new health care opportunities are appearing locally and at the Federal level. With the Affordable Care Act, which went into effect Sept. 23, children under 26 years old can stay on their parent’s insurance plan, and out-of-pocket or co-pay expenses are nonexistent.

“With these changes, teenagers are more likely to go get treatment because there are no co-pays,” junior Kelsey Agather said.

Reflecting this trend of affordable health care, St. Louis Park opened a low to no cost dental clinic July 12.

“It is easier to find medical care for things such as sore throats, but it is hard to find low to no cost dental care,” school social worker and counselor Leigh Abrahamson said. “Dental care without insurance can be very expensive even for just a check up, so many just go without dental care,” she said.

The Central Clinic Advisory Board, on which Abrahamson serves, joined with Jeff Bartleson, the manager of Children’s Dental Services (CDS), a low to no cost dental care agency, to initiate a clinic at Central Community Center.

The clinic operates the second Monday of each month providing a full range of dental care including cleanings, Xrays, crowns and fillings.

“The people who are in need, CDS will help them get cheaper care because they will be able to afford it. Dental health is a necessity,” freshmen Tyler Robb said.

Those in need can get referred to the clinic by school social workers.

“CDS provides dental services to referred students,” Abrahamson said.

“Eventually people will be able to call themselves, but we are running through mainly referrals until people know more about it.”

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n increased number of classes is decresing teacher and student stress.

Extra periods were added Oct. 4 to Spanish II, U.S. history and English 11, classes with sizes nearing 40 students.

Scheduling complications contribute to this issue.

Each year students decide to take higher level classes and later decide to drop it. AP U.S. history teacher Scott Miller believes if students drop their history class, they should not be able to take history for that year.

“That way kids will really have to evaluate their decision in the spring when they

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are signing up because it doesn’t just impact them but also the teachers and other students as well,” Miller said.

Junior Chloe Juaire, who dropped Miller’s class this year, does not believe such a policy would be fair.

“Students don’t know what they are getting into before they take a class. Give them two weeks to see and then a policy like that can be set in place,” Juaire said.

Open enrollment impacts class sizes as well.

Principal Rob Metz believes while open enrollment adds to the diversity of the school, it also complicates planning.

“It causes a last late rush where students show up right before school starts,” Metz said. “I hire teachers for a certain amount of

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students. If new students come in, our classes will be too big because we don’t have the teachers. That’s what happened this year.”

Open enrollment also provides the district with much needed money.

“In our financial situation and given our demographics where only 13 percent of households in St. Louis Park have schoolaged children, we need to generate outside sources of revenue,” assistant superintendant Robert Laney said.

Metz proposes setting a fixed number for open enrollment at the high school.

“My suggestion is we decide on a certain number we want for the school and hire enough teachers for that number,” Metz said. “Once we reach that number we close open enrollment for that year.”

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eens who think eating more and weighing less contradict each other may be doing themselves a disservice by skipping the “most important meal of the day.”

In an attempt to combat the growing number of students skipping breakfast, Burnsville High School recently launched a “Breakfast To Go” pilot program with the help of a grant from the University of Minnesota. Upon arriving at school, students are encouraged to purchase a number of breakfast items.

Programs like “Breakfast to Go” could be crucial in getting teenagers to eat breakfast, which many students find difficult to fit into their schedule even with the later start time at Park.

“I’ve been trying to eat more in the morning because I know it’s bad for me not to, but I’m not usually hungry enough to eat when I wake up,” sophomore Allisa Newman said.

However, teens sacrifice more than they know by waiting until midday to eat their first meal. Studies conducted in 1998 and 2003 by “Project EAT,” a research team from the University of Minnesota headed by Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, has been studying adolescents and high school students over the past 10 years.

They found eating breakfast and rates of obesity often have an inverse relationship.

“We’ve found that previous habits are the biggest predictor for eating habits later in life,” Neumark-Sztainer said.

Neumark-Sztainer believes the “Breakfast to Go” study, which will publish its results about teens and breakfast, will support her conclusion that eating breakfast is an important factor in fighting obesity.

Many students wonder how consuming more

calories in the morning could lead to weight loss. Neumark-Sztainer said it’s related to a teen’s eating schedule.

“We think it could have to do with a lot of teens developing reversed eating schedules,” Neumark-Sztainer said. “They’re eating more high calorie foods later in the day and before they go to bed, whereas breakfast foods tend to be lower calorie.”

Waiting for lunch is the biggest problem for junior Nina Schroeder, who said she rushes out the door most mornings without breakfast.

“I get really hungry during class and I’m just waiting for lunch so I can eat,” Schroeder said.

While schools like Burnsville High School now allow students to consume food in their first period classes, teachers at Park have become more serious about eliminating food from the classroom.

“I understand why teachers don’t want us to eat in class, but it would be nice if we had an opportunity so we weren’t hungry all day,” Schroeder said.

For now, students hope a similar program will arrive at Park.

“I think I would definitely eat breakfast at school some days,” Newman said. “It would be great if I get breakfast once I’m up and moving.”

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I5;6,8&*6:6*& %#1'&B)(3",5$ Turning 18 can bring numerous opportunities: the ability to buy cigarettes and pornography and being tried as an adult in court. But to be honest, the most important change that comes as an 18-year old in the United States is gaining the right to vote.

With the Minnesota gubernatorial election approaching Nov. 2, I realize the golden opportunity in front of me: the chance to have a voice in our government and make my opinion count.

The process to register for voting is simple. As I recently filled out my registration form, I felt a sense of responsibility and pride as an American adult, even though the questions asked for simple responses such as my birth date and address.

Voting is an important privilege, and one in which all students of age should take advantage.

For the first time in my life, I’ll $%&'()#'%*& have a say in E&B"6,14 what goes on in F& /:)('",)& our government.

32"#$%&:"1)& My opinion final>2),&12)'& ly is going further 25:)&12)& than just my peers.

"BB"(1#,61' So for anyone old F& G)),3&,))%& enough, it’s our 1"&$)5(,&2">& responsibility to 1"&+5;)& make our voices 6,%)B),%),1& heard and help %)*636",3& decide the leaders F& H"16,8&63& of our country. ",$'&",)& The most im>5'&1"& portant part to re)CB()33&'"#(& alize, however, is ">,&"B6,6", voting can be an important way to start finding your own independence in decision making.

I have always been influenced by my parents’ political views and values.

Growing up in a home of liberal-minded parents has definitely rubbed off on me, but it’s important for new voters to realize they don’t have to follow the crowd, whether or not pressure exists from family or peers.

I’ve come to realize it’s OK for me to focus on issues important to me, such as education, and not just issues my parents discuss.

The most important part is figuring out what you believe in and support, and finding a candidate who you believe will be the best for the welfare of the people and who supports similar ideals to your own.

For those unable to vote yet, turning 18 represents just one milestone in the life of a teenager. Every year in high school can bring important new independence such as the opportunity to drive when turning 16.

So whether or not my opinion is different than others, new voters like me must realize two very important aspects to this issue: voting may be a right, but it’s truly our responsibility as citizens and to ourselves to make our voices heard as adults. Never be afraid to find your own ideas and find issues that are important to you.

So instead of going to the convenience store to buy your first lottery ticket, go to the polls and fill out a ballot instead.

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There’s also a lot more options for lunch on campus than there were at the high school. !25193&12)&7)31&*$533&'"#9:)&15;),&3"&<5(4 I took an introduction to creative writing class in the fall of my junior year. It’s something I don’t do very often, and I enjoyed the creative aspect of it. It was a nice change from just

writing down and answering questions. We wrote short stories and poems. =3&61&>)6(%&1"&7)&5&2682?3*2""$)(&51&*"$$)8)4 Normally, people just assume I’m at college, since I can easily pass for 18- or 19-years old. I’ve actually met some other PSEO students on campus, so it’s not as bad. But sometimes, when people know that I’m younger, I do get playfully teased about my age. @"&'"#&316$$&<))$&5,'&*",,)*16",&1"&-5(;4 I definitely still feel a connection. There are other people around campus from St. Louis Park who I feel connected to. Plus I still show up at the high school for Math Team, Quiz Bowl, soccer and tennis. That makes it easier to keep in touch.

A">&+#*2&25(%)(&5()&12)&*$533)3&6,&*"$$)8)&125,&6,&2682& 3*2""$4 The classes are a little harder, but not much. It can’t be too hard, otherwise the people who party like four days a week wouldn’t pass any of their classes. There are some nights where I have a lot of homework, but most of the homework in college isn’t required. Occasionally I’ll have a big assignment, but most of the work is just optional reading. !251&5()&'"#(&B$5,3&<"(&,)C1&')5(4&A">&%6<<)(),1&>6$$&61&7)&1"& 5*1#5$$'&7)&5&*"$$)8)&31#%),1&(512)(&125,&5&-./0&31#%),14 It will probably be different because there will be a lot more students my age, and I’d definitely live on campus, which will be a very different experience. The (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) is one of my top choices, but I’m looking at other places too. I think I’ll major in mechanical engineering. I’ve taken a couple introductory classes about that, but I should probably take more.

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runken driving is known as a universal taboo, but another road problem is taking over: distracted driving.

According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Sept. 20, crashes related to distracted driving caused 16 percent of the traffic fatalities of 2009 — the same percentage as in 2008.

Despite the many campaigns and laws against distracted driving, including those enacted in Minnesota, such as the 2008 texting ban and the 2006 cell phone law prohibiting drivers under 18 from using a cell phone while driving, the issue remains a major road problem.

Driver’s education teacher Tim Donahue sees teenagers as part of the solution,

Freshman Aldo Gil Castro said he rather than part of the problem.

“Education is one of the only routes to agrees education is the best and most practicable solution in addition to stricter reduce the accidents and deaths related laws and law enforcement. to distracted driving, and teens are bom“I think if teens are taught the dangers barded with messages when they’re in of distracted driving and shown high school against pictures and clips of what can driving while happen and the consequences, distracted, so they +&)'&E&<5*1 that’s what they will listen to,” are well educated Gil Castro said. about it,” Donahue >9")7&/7/&$:/,)/!)

Donahue said he believes said. $&#!D)0)!#$#8:$:"')&"8#$"+) because distracted driving is so Although the $/)+:'$&#0$"+)+&:;:,@) universally practiced, it is a difoverall number of :,0&"#'"+)!&/B)43) ficult problem to solve. traffic fatalities in 7"&0",$):,)233E)$/)4F) “It’s very hard to say what 2009 fell to their 7"&0",$):,)233G can be done to fix the problem lowest levels since source | National Highway Trafbecause it’s so widespread,” he 1950, the proporfic Safety Administration said. “Along with the contintion related to ued implementation of stricter distracted driving laws, I don’t know what else can be done increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 other than educating new drivers, teens percent in 2009, suggesting the need for and preventing or stopping them from a different approach to combatting the continuing the trend.” problem.

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“I would want the teacher to be available to talk before or after school so I can talk to them about when I’m going to be missing class, and then be able to have an extra day to make up the assignment.”

“Students should be encouraged by their teachers to ask questions if they’re having problems in class. The teacher should also be available to help students before or after school, because class time can be hectic.”

“It’s really the student’s responsibility to approach the teacher and fix the situation, because it is something that they did. The student is the one that should initiate the conversation; it’s not the teacher’s job.”

“Teachers sometimes forget that students have other classes they need to deal with, so I think they should be understanding of our work load and be open to extensions if they are presented in an appropriate way by the student.”

Megan Berens | sophomore

John Hengel | freshman

Athena Carlson | senior

Kyle Klausing | junior

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“If a student knows he or she is going to be gone, the best thing to do is come and talk to me as soon as they know so I can let them know what they are going to miss and what they will have to make up.”

“Students should approach their teacher before or after school with specific questions about the problems they’re having. When students know exactly what they need help with, it’s much easier to get them the help they need.”

Annamarie Wilfahrt | English

Julie Wavrunek | Math

“There are many reasons why a student might have made a bad first impression, and a teacher shouldn’t hold the student to that for the rest of their time in that class.”

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“The key thing is for the student to recognize that they need an extension before the assignment is due, and let the teacher know either by e-mail or talking in person in advance.”

Justin Barbeau | Social Studies

Peter Redmond | English

Emma Vitale | staff writer

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8

n light of debate over Anoka-Hennepin school district’s “neutral policy” meaning teachers must remain silent about issues of sexuality, questions of harassment policy changes have arisen at Park.

Every two years, discipline policies laid out in the student handbook are revised and updated districtwide, allowing for community input before any decisions are made by the school administration. This year is one of those years.

“We get feedback from parents, students, teachers and other community members in regards to any possible changes,” assistant principal Clarence Pollock said.

“I would like to hear as many voices as possible.”

Now, administrators across the district are reviewing current discipline policies and researching ones in other school districts with School Board meetings to follow.

While this process is in early stages, Pollock said he suspects future policy changes regarding harassment cases involving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) issues. He said though he does not want to speak too soon, he thinks this may involve making bullying policy more GLBTQ-specific.

Now, harassment policy is laid out in the student handbook mentioning students’ “sexuality,” but policy modifications could include expanding on this.

Guidance counselor and GLBTQ support group head Jeremy Riehle said he thinks Anoka-Hennepin’s neutral policy is a timid response to an important issue, and said he would support a policy change at Park.

“When you look at it, GLBT students are more regularly bullied and harassed than others, and I think it’s something that needs to be openly addressed,” Riehle said. “I think there should be a more specific policy.”

Sophomore Lizzie Herbert said she agreed neutral policies like those at Anoka-Hennepin leave too much unsaid regarding GLBTQ issues.

“It’s crazy teachers can’t say anything there,” she said. “How are teachers supposed to do anything about it if a kid is getting harassed and there’s no policy?”

Freshman Joshua Kuether, who is openly gay, said he thinks a new policy at Park could be beneficial in outlining exact procedures for GLBTQ-related issues.

“They should have it be more drawn out what has to be done so teachers know what to do in any situation,” Kuether said.

Regardless of possible future policy changes, Pollock stressed the need to report any issues to him now.

“Unfortunately, there is some possible bullying, but out of fear students are afraid to report it,” he said. “No one should have to deal with harassment of any kind.”

Both Pollock and Principal Rob Metz said they think overall the high school provides an environment where students feel safe and accepted.

“Are we perfect? No. Do students get discriminated against? Yes. But I think we’re further along the path as far as accepting people than other schools,” Metz said.

Kuether said he agrees the community is generally accepting of GLBTQ students, and wouldn’t have a problem approaching Pollock.

Students may voice their opinions by supporting two bills now being proposed in the House and Senate. The Safe Schools Improvement Act would require schools to enact policies to prevent bullying of all students, while the Student Nondiscrimination Act would ban discrimination in schools based on sexual orientation.

Riehle said he supports these bills and encourages students to voice their opinions to legislators.

“If there are organized blocks of people going to legislators it could possibly have an impact,” he said. “I think there needs to be more noise about the issue.”

Sophomore Katie Sweeney said she thinks these bills are long overdue.

“It already should be passed,” she said. “It would be good because it would make it mandatory for schools to have the right policies.”

In a climate of potential change, students can actively voice their opinions, making an impact in the area of GLBTQ rights both in and outside of school.

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ecent media exposure on harassment against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) students in Minnesota, and across the country, has brought issues existing within school walls into sharp focus.

Anoka-Hennepin schools have been making headlines with the news of seven GLBTQ student suicides within the last year. The students allegedly were repeatedly ostracized by peers, and didn’t feel safe talking to faculty. However, Park is regarded as uncharacteristically open by its staff and students.

Two major school groups currently address the concerns of this group of students. The Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA), an after-school club concentrated on uniting GLBTQ and straight students alike, works on raising consciousness of GLBTQ concerns in the community.

The second, the GLBTQ support group run by counselor Jeremy Riehle, takes place during school and provides a safe place for approximately 35-40 students to seek advice under a strictly confidential setting.

Junior Alex Demarco believes Park is so successful due to its diversity.

“It comes down to our generation and who we are, but at the same time, we’re not backward in our thinking,” he said. “We’ve had the necessary exposure to diverse racial

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r Kayla Dziedzic agrees and, though several stuy remain in the closet, she sees diversity as good. school has dealt with a lot of people coming out, all the different kinds of students we have, people ignorant here as in other schools,” she said.

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Sweeney, French teacher, head of GSA and advoGLBTQ students, sees opportunities for the school re helpful toward the community. e’s training that needs to happen for staff,” she me teachers don’t know how to best provide for dents, since we live in a culture that doesn’t necesommodate GLBTQ people.” e said he believes incorporating more GLBT hiscurriculum, though it could prove challenging, GLBT students feel more comfortable in school. , he doesn’t foresee this happening any time soon. till a touchy subject. The dividing line about what acceptable is religion. It’s OK to educate on reut it’s not OK to blur the lines between religion ational teaching,” he said. “Still, there’s no policy eaching about the GLBTQ struggle.” ant principal Clarence Pollock said counselors he concerns of all students, and GLBTQ students same priority. One issue for some transgender stus been privacy. In order to assure a comfortable ment for these students to change and use the bathey may be given access to unisex bathrooms other aren’t able to use.

Junior Isak Fruchtman thinks simply respecting a transgender individual’s name choice is a way of making such students comfortable.

“I know teachers try their best, but it’s just the little things like that matter,” he said.

.#)'()/()*+(00/10 However, an issue for some GLBTQ students can be reduced to an even simpler need: confidentiality.

“We are supporting all students, no matter what their needs. We as a school do everything we can to make sure students are successful and [that they] feel safe,” Pollock said. “Some are not open to everyone. To respect them and their own level of openness, we maintain strict confidentiality for those who want it.”

Sweeney connects this to issues with personal identity, a common problem for teens.

“Some students wonder what their friends will say, if they’ll still fit in, if their teachers will still like them or even if their families will accept them,” she said.

Riehle said he agrees, and sees rejection as a common fear among GLBTQ students.

Dziedzic, who is bisexual, agrees with Riehle. She believes people may be deterred from coming out if they don’t have friends who are out as well.

“You can only fight it for so long though,” she said.

“And if someone comes out and people don’t accept it, it’s on those people.”

However, with its accepting nature, Park may encounter fewer problems than other schools, providing for a safer environment for GLBTQ students, as well as the student body as a whole.

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Abby Bongaarts | sports editor

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hen most people watch a cross country race, the most popular runners to watch are the fastest ones.

However, when I watch race, my favorite runners to watch are those who finish at the back. I admire the guts and determination it takes to finish a race when there is no trophy or conference title at stake.

Cross country races are excruciatingly painful no matter what one’s speed. Running three miles as fast as possible kills everyone’s legs and scorches even the most elite athlete’s lungs. But it’s arguably even harder when less is at stake and the race boils down to the limits to which one is willing to push oneself to finish.

It’s tough for someone to continue to work hard while barreling down the final 100 meters of a race, neck and neck with another runner for first. But it’s even tougher to stay motivated when the only competition becomes oneself.

I am by no means a fast runner, but I usually finish in the middle of the pack. I’d like to think I would be the type of person who would continue to participate in cross country ,)-&./#&)*#+# regardless 4"1%09 of where I placed, even :& ;&/$<*&0/*& 3",0&+*,4*(0& if it was last.

5"+&(+",,& But in all hon("2%0+=& esty I prob+2%%*+,&>/"& ably wouldn’t 6&%1,/&$0&0/*& and I doubt ?$() the winners :& @2((*,,& would either.

A"*,%B0&$#>$=,& Too often %**A&0"&?*& high school A*6&%*A&C2,0&$,& sports be>1%%1%7 come defined :& ;&/"4*&0"&($++=& in a limited "%&>/$0&;B<*& scope of suc#*$+%*A&1%& cess and fail(+",,&("2%0+=&& ure. However, in a cross country race since only one person out of 300 can win, success should be measured in terms of finishing.

Success is beating your best time and continuing to put one foot in front of the other after running up a 300-foot hill with two miles to go.

One of my teammates, Tali Shapiro, is a great example of someone who has had success without being the best. When she started her first year she could barely finish a mile and struggled through practices. She stuck with the sport despite its difficulty and is now a varsity captain.

She may not be the fastest runner on the team but the extent of her improvement is an achievement in itself.

These lessons do not only apply to sports. Applying them to other undertakings can be valuable as well.

It’s important to take risk and participate in activities that interest you despite a lack of experience or skill.

If people only open themselves up to ventures in which they are comfortable they may miss out on other worthwhile experiences.

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Navigating the Field: Freshman Artis Curiskis maneuvers through several Irondale players during the Sept. 30 varsity game. Park defeated Irondale 4-1.

-10/&0/+**&5+*,/3$%&"%&<$+,10=E& 4#$=*+,&#"")&0">$+A&$AC2,03*%0 Elena Potek | news editor

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reshman Artis Curiskis’ pregame ritual consists of placing a warm paper towel over his eyes and visualizing a win.

As he comes onto the field, he hears the cheering of fans and the encouragement of the team.

This year the boys’ soccer team, which in the past relied heavily on upperclassmen, has refocused its goals on working with younger players.

After a winning 1-0 against Holy Family Oct. 14 in section quarterfinals, the team played Benilde Oct. 19. At press time the final score was unavailable.

“Last year the majority of the team was juniors and seniors.

This year almost half of the team is made up of freshmen and sophomores,” senior captain Nathan Brubaker said. “It’s fun having the new guys. We’re lacking experience but there is a lot of new skill too.”

While the younger contingency of the team may be an adjustment for players, it doesn’t affect coach Chato Alvarado, who

views his players on ability, not on age.

“Personally I don’t care if I get a freshman or a junior. The way I see it the team is no different from past years because I don’t look at grade level. For me they are all part of the team,” Alvarado said.

One of three freshman on the team, Curiskis is happy to have the chance to play varsity at such a young age.

“The higher the level you play the more you can improve, so I feel like I’m learning a lot from the seniors,” Curiskis said.

This season, players said they struggle to approach games with the proper mindset. Consistency is a problem as the team beat Spring Lake Park, ranked first in the conference, but also lost to many lower ranked teams.

“Mentally we don’t figure out what we have to do or how we have to play soon enough in a game. Once we get that figured out it won’t matter who we’re playing, we’ll come out hard and beat them,” Brubaker said.

With a more competitive section this year, Alvarado said he encourages the team to put added pressure on its opponents.

“We need to be more aggressive at challenging the other team. Putting more pressure on them during games will help us a lot,” Alvarado said.

!*>&("$(/&*34/$,1H*,&2%A*+(#$,,3*% G1+#B,&<"##*=?$##&0*$3,&>"+),&"%& ?$,1(,&$%A&"20+*$(/&0"&C2%1"+&/17/ Sam Vinitsky | staff writer

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sually freshman and sophomore athletes have to work their way up to play on varsity teams as upperclassmen.

But this year, the girls’ volleyball team is taking a different approach.

New coach Mark Nelson is focusing on teaching the fundamentals and preparing the team for the future by working with the junior high school athletes. The team’s record at press time was 8-14.

“We focus on a lot of fundamentals with the varsity team this year,” Nelson said.

Senior captain Caitlin Laughlin said Nelson’s coaching has helped improve their team. They won two games in total last year and this season they have won eight as of press time.

“The improvements that we’ve had all across the team this season are quite impressive,” Laughlin said.

In addition to focusing on basic skills, sophomore Grace Steffenhagen said Nelson has helped lay the groundwork for the future by giving underclassmen extra attention.

“He’s been putting us in varsity games, talking to us one-onone, and helping us with individual things,” Steffenhagen said.

Steffenhagen said nine of the team’s 18 players are seniors, so many positions will need filling next year.

Nelson said having ninth graders on the team who are new to the game is a problem, so offseason outreach to the junior high is important.

“Most girls (in other programs) start playing at a younger age and we’re not starting until ninth grade,” Nelson said. “That puts our girls behind a lot of the top programs.”

Laughlin said the effectiveness of Nelson’s plan relies on him working at it in the next couple years.

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Taunting Spike: Senior Desiree McGinley leaps into the air preparing to spike the ball in the game against Park Center Oct. 4. Park beat Park Center 3-2.

“I think that the more time he has and the more influence on incoming grades, the better the program is going to become,” Laughlin said.

The team played its first section game Tuesday. The score was unavailable at press time.

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5&$-6"$&/-"7&*+"#+&()&2()24**,()* order to prevent long-term brain damage. The guidelines are currently under development.

According to the Sports Concussion Institute, nearly 20 percent of high school athletes with concussions sustain permanent brain damage. This affects the athlete’s ability to continue playing for the remainder of the seaElana Vlodaver | staff writer son and function through daily tasks.

Junior Danny Schwartz acquired a concushin guards, knee pads and jock straps help protect the body from injuries sion while playing football earlier this month.

“I was on the ground, recovering a fumble. common in sports. Yet, one very important organ may require further protection: I jumped on the ball and (other players) hit me in the head,” Schwartz said. “I kept playthe human brain.

A concussion, a traumatic injury causing ing because I didn’t think it was a concussion. temporary brain malfunctions, can be caused Then, I came in (to the trainer) later.”

Schwartz said the concussion has affected by any kind of bump, hit or shake to the head. his academic sucDuring a concussion, people’s cess. brains shift inside their skulls, H<(!/799!7"!+!:$$)!

“It was a lot causing bruises, nerve dam7)(+!/(.+6"(!7&!%+7"("! harder for me to age and blood vessel tears. +'+%(*(""!+;$*:!#($#9(! focus (during the Concussions can be mild, but #+%&7.7#+&7*:!7*!"#$%&" PSAT). As the test they can gain severity with went on, my headeach shot to the head.

Brian Goodman | emergency physician ache kept getting Because concussions occur worse,” he said. frequently in high school athAccording to letes, the U.S. House of Representatives passed regulations to counteract the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, concussions cause approximately 52,000 the dangers of this injury Sept. 20.

Emergency physician at Fairview Ridges deaths a year. This encourages athletes to reHospital, Dr. Brian Goodman, said he be- ceive immediate medical care after the injury.

Goodman said patients often appear in lieves students are better off safe than sorry.

“The bill is a good idea because it raises the emergency room for testing, even without awareness among people participating in symptoms of a concussion.

Sophomore Nathan Silver said he acsports,” Goodman said. “It’s always a good knowledges the risks, but believes athletes idea to wear a helmet and to be careful.”

This bill includes prevention, identification already do all they can to avoid concussions.

“People who join sports know the risk,” and treatment of concussions with an emphasis on student safety before returning to a Silver said. “There’s nothing we can do differgame. It will create federal guidelines regard- ently about concussions without completely ing the well-being of the young athletes, in changing sports.”

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;,#$*<&+-)),*&=&),*/-*&*-2()7&,)&2()>-#-)2On the Ball: Senior Laura Priddy of Park’s girls’ tennis team strikes the ball against a member of the Hopkin’s girls’ team. Hopkins won the match 4-3. Park finished second in the conference before being eliminated in sections by Wayzata Oct. 11. “It was a really good season, but it was dissappointing to lose to Benilde because that was for the conference championship,” Priddy said. Multiple players also participated in individual sections on Oct. 18. For full details and results from the season and sections, visit the Echo website at www.slpecho. com.

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Who: Ingeborg Hopstad, junior Sport: Soccer How long have you played soccer?

This is my sixth year playing soccer.

Why did you start playing soccer?

A lot of my friends played and I just wanted to play a sport and in Norway there are not a lot of different sports so soccer was the best choice.

What position do you play and why do you like it?

I play outside defense. I feel like I have to be down on the field protecting the goal.

What was it like coming to play a sport in a different country?

It was hard in the beginning because I have never played with 11 players on the field before. In Norway we played seven players on each team. Also I did not know the players’ names, but once I learned the names it was better. Also, in Norway we only had one game a week and one practice, so now it is a little stressful and feels like I do not have time for anything but soccer. But I find myself improving.

How is the popularity of soccer different in the United States and Norway?

Soccer is the main sport in Norway, but here it seems to be football.

What is your favorite thing about soccer?

It is a team sport and everyone works together to do their best.

How does the team you are on now differ from your team in Norway?

This team handles losing much better. In Norway people would get angry about losing and talk a lot about it after the game. The game does not end at the game in Norway.

Do you like better your Norwegian or American team better?

I like the team here better, I got sick of people in Norway because it had been six years with them. The teams are pretty equal in regard to talent.

What is your favorite soccer brand?

Adidas – that is the brand of my soccer cleats.

What is your strength in soccer?

I am good at clearing the ball away on defense and being aggressive and physical.

What is your favorite soccer move?

The scissors because it works well to get around defenders.

Who is your favorite soccer player?

I do not know many players, I do not like specific ones. I just play the sport.

But my favorite team is Rosenborg, the team from where I am from and play for.

Do Norwegian soccer players have similar habits Americans, such as wearing prewrap in their hair or taping their shinguards?

Some players use tape, but no one uses prewrap.

How does soccer fit into your future?

I do not think I will play much in the future. I will probably play with my same team for the next year until college. But I do not think I will play in college.

M.O.

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St. Louis Park Senior High School 6425 West 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426 )*#/!1'#$'.8#)@#| Kelsey Reid ;+$+9#$9')*#/!1'| Katie Caron .!",')*#/!1% | Scott Foltz, Ben Kahn & Charlie Shapiro *)%#9$')*#/!1%'| Sendrea Best & Taylor Delaney "8!/!')*#/!1% | Paris Delaney & Alex Kersten $)(%')*#/!1'| Elena Potek 8)+7/8')*#/!1%'| Michael Cork & Brandon Klugman @)+/61)%'')*#/!1' | Robbie Seltzer-Schultz #$?*)"/8')*#/!1'| Nico Johnson %"!1/%')*#/!1 | Abby Bongaarts !"#$#!$%')*#/!1 | Josh Crandell )$/)1/+#$;)$/')*#/!1 | Mara Olson ()0')*#/!1'| Marcus Eeman %/+@@ | Spencer Butler, Sam Dawson, Sofia Gonzalez, Katie Johns, Cali Nguyen, Sonia Robiner, Abrar Salad, Hannah Sieff, Michael Tuschman, Abi Tupa, Duha Vang, Emma Vitale, Sam Vinitsky, Elana Vlodaver 06%#$)%%';+$+9)1'| Art Elmer "1#$.#"+7'| Robert Metz

-

ecently, a few incidents have occurred on school grounds, including a fight and verbal altercation.

Though the events are not related and the number of fights has actually decreased this year, students have made the few incidents an even bigger deal by feeding rumors and blowing the events out of proportion.

Our school is ranked as one of the top high schools nationally and Park was recently named one of the 100 best communities for young people for the fourth year in a row, yet some students are not adhering to the high standards in our community.

High school should be a time when students learn to deal with conflicts by talking through them, rather than using violence.

If students have a conflict with another student, they should seek the alternatives the administration has offered to prevent fights and seek out conflict mediators Oscar Reed and LeAnn Stephens.

If students resort to handling conflicts through violence, they should consider the consequences for both themselves and the school environment. Every student deserves a sense of well being and security at

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art | Cali Nguyen

school, and this shouldn’t be threatened by the actions of other students.

It’s not just the students directly involved in the incidents who are to blame.

Students shouldn’t glorify fights by standing around to watch them or even running to the fights to get a better view or encourage conflict for their entertainment value.

Also, if students hear a fight is going to happen, they should tell a staff member so it can be stopped.

It’s time for students to live up to the good reputation our school has earned by avoiding violence and not feeding into the negative environment created by these conflicts.

"1#$/)1 | American Color +*B#%)1 | Lori Keekley "607#.+/#!$'"!7#.#)% The Echo is the official studentproduced newspaper of St. Louis Park Senior High School. It is published triweekly for the school’s students, staff and community.

The Echo has been established as an open forum for student expression. The Echo will not be reviewed by school administrators prior to distribution, and the adviser will not act as a censor.

Content represents views of the student staff and not school officials.

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NSPA All-American and Hall of Fame member; NSPA 2007 and 2010 Pacemaker Award Finalist; JEM AllState; CSPA Gold Medalist; 2006 Gold Crown Winner.

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To Halloween.

If I wanted to get scared I’d just look in the mirror.

To talking to teachers. I might be able to get a couple more Facebook friends.

To the governor’s race. I only vote for prowrestlers and movie stars.

To healthy breakfasts. Does it count if the cereal’s called “Reese’s Puffs”?

E.P., R.S.S.

and “uncomfortable” straight soldiers to stay and fight while hard-working and dedicated homosexuals are sent home. The homosexual soldiers should be judged on their commitment, not their sexuality.

If homosexuals are discharged from the military for being open about their sexuality, it forHannah Sieff | staff writer wards the idea of homosexuality as unaccepted exually open, and sometimes socially un- in America. In addition, it encourages the idea that ignoring the issue will be the solution, but accepted.

The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) that simply is not the case.

The injunction passed by Judge Phillips is a policy continues to ban openly gay, lesbian or bisexual soldiers in the military since its pass- step in the right direction. Many people admire ing in 1993. If a soldier openly identifies him or and respect the decisions made in the military, herself as a homosexual, the person will be im- and those decisions are often transferred into the systems of American inmediately discharged. While the law stitutions. implies neutrality, it has over time The neutral approach become more harmful than helpful. $%&'';'9"024 was recently implemented U.S. District Judge Virginia PhilD' E$'#$F6$./#!$'(+%' in Anoka-Hennepin schools. lips made a monumental ruling by "+%%)*'G./<'42' Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transordering the Department of Defense 0,'H<A<'I#%/1#./' gender, and questioning to stop applying DADT Oct. 12.

J6*9)'K8#77#"%-' (GLBTQ) students already %6%")$*#$9'IEIL U.S. Department of Justice attorneys struggle with homosexuality, have 60 days to appeal the injuncD' L8)'G0+;+' and remaining neutral only tion. +*;#$#%/1+/#!$' 1)C6)%/)*'+'%/+,' worsens the problem. NeuThe Obama administration asked !$'/8)'#$F6$./#!$ trality generates an uncomJudge Phillips to stay her ruling, fortable and unsafe environD' G0+;+'%+#*' meaning the ban on DADT would 8)'(#77')$*'/8)' ment for students. be put on hold. In that case, the is0+$-'06/'#/';6%/' Continuing the policy will sue would most likely be brought to 0)'*)0+/)*'0,' only harm those who have Congress. Obama’s reasoning is the M!$91)%% already suffered. If Congress decision must be made by Congress, Source | Associated Press votes to continue the policy, rather than a state court, because it will create a standard for the military is a federal institution. the treatment of homosexuIn addition, the administration is waiting on a Dec. 1 study from Secretary of als. This idea will be the approval of harassDefense Robert Gates on how to best transition ment, bullying and ignoring the bigger problem: from this policy. Obama said he fully supports our tendency to avoid uncomfortable topics.

Even if people don’t accept the issue, they ending DADT but with a different process.

Even so, the urgency of the issue cannot be must be open-minded. Thus, the law must be reoverstated. Since 1994, an estimated 14,000 pealed as quickly and easily as possible.

Homosexuals deserve the same rights as evservice members have been discharged from the military simply for being open about their ho- eryone else, including the right to fight in the mosexuality. Regardless of their performance military.

If not, the military and the government are or loyalty, these soldiers aren’t allowed to serve because military leaders say they disrupt unit concluding it’s OK to mistreat homosexuals. It’s necessary to repeal DADT to achieve equality cohesion.

As a country, we shouldn’t allow prejudiced for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

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n an economy largely financed by public funding, extensive taxes are quickly chipping away at wallets of Americans nationwide. Fortunately for Minnesotans, a clothing tax is not one of them.

However, with the state’s gubernatorial elections in the near future, this may not be the case for long. Independent candidate Tom Horner has proposed broadening Minnesota’s sales tax to cover clothing and some personal services, such as advertising and auto repairs. Aimed to shrink the budget deficit and fund education, this measure would not only be harmful to teenage consumers, but burden families with lower incomes.

Though the proposition involves lowering the sales tax by 1 percent statewide, the savings provided by doing so would be minimal in comparison to the added costs to retail customers of extending the tax.

For families on a budget, increasing the clothing tax In effect, teens will be buying less and the economy would would cause hardship. Though the economy is on the mend, suffer.

Extending the sales tax would also harm the Minnesota by no means have the expenses of essentials, such as clothing, ceased to be a problem. Much like food, clothing is a marketplace.

As one of only 10 states in the United States without a necessity, and should therefore remain tax-free.

Horner’s plan would leave blue-collar families struggling clothing tax, Minnesota shopping centers, such as the Mall to afford a truly fundamental part of life, while Minnesota’s of America, rely on out of state consumers who come in search of affordable shopping. By imposing the upper class residents would be left uninhibadditional tax, Minnesota’s market loses its ited by the tax. +',&(8(A#3-/ competitive edge.

Though the wealthy tend to spend more, D32!&.*.(&!$%-67)$%;!

Instead, the measure would create unwanted a greater portion of lower class families’ inB$%%(&".*!)"!%".! competition between individual counties. Uncomes would go toward the tax. Therefore, 9*:(!*!-6".9$%;!.*< der Horner’s plan, each county would have the proportionately the working class would be D!E0"#"&()!-6".9$%;! option to raise its sales taxes half a percent in paying more. .*<!'"76)!/(! addition to the statewide tax, essentially defeatClothing today, especially brands marF=GHFI!&.*.('$)(,! ing the purpose of lowering it in the first place. keted toward teens, already comes with steep /7.!8*+!:*0+!/+!

-"7%.+ In search of the best deal, buyers would price tags attached. make purchases in areas with the lowest tax, With the added tax, adolescents and their DJ%!(&.$8*.()!K1FH! deferring sales from other counties. families would have to dig even deeper to pay 8$66$"%!'"76)!/(!

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Despite intentions to fund important instifor clothes. *!-6".9$%;!.*< tutions such as education, extending the MinThe extra expense would be particularly Sources | MN House of nesota sales tax to cover clothing is simply not costly to teens responsible for buying their Representatives and MN Department of Revenue in the best interest of consumers, nor the state own clothing, especially for those without as a whole. jobs to compensate for the price increases.

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Robbie Seltzer-Schultz | features editor

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ecades after Brown v. Board of Education, big, yellow school buses continue to be an important force for social change.

Beginning in October, Eden Prairie will take the laudable step of setting new school boundaries to address inequalities in its schools. This proposed plan reduces a 33 percent gap between elementary schools in the number of students on free and reduced lunch to 2 percent.

And while integration through redistricting and busing almost seems a debate of the past, the issues it seeks to address remain just as important, namely equity and the achievement gap.

Recently, however, the general trend is toward segregated, neighborhood schools.

According to Myron Orfield, executive director of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Race and Poverty, the number of segregated schools in the metro area, where non-white and poor students make up 75 percent of students, increased from only nine in 1992 to 109 in 2002.

Even though the notion of “separate but equal” was struck down long ago, the move away from school integration stands firmly on this flawed argument.

Put simply, this trend only broadens inequity and the achievement gap by creating inherently unequal schools with inherent-

Sam Dawson | staff writer

ly unequal student bodies.

Therefore, while busing opponents complain about increased costs and divided neighborhoods, neither of these can outweigh the societal costs and economicracial divisions of school segregation.

St. Louis Park schools have also grappled with the problem of unequal elementary schools and finally this year, the School Board made a similar redistricting policy. The odds are now much better that five years from now, parents of incoming kindergartners won’t have to worry if sending their child to one elementary school over another will cause differences in education quality.

St. Louis Park’s single high school isn’t involved in the specific busing debate, but it still must deal with the greater debate on equity. Here, the question becomes: How do we create equity within our school?

School administrators should apply the principle of intentional integration in diversifying classrooms and all school settings. In doing so, they make an active effort toward addressing inequalities.

More than 50 years of trying to solve the intractable problems of race, class and education in this country has led to many dead ends. Even so, at least one road remains clear: the one with big, yellow school buses on it.

!

t seems like a flashback to the idealism of the 1970s Civil Rights Movement.

While the Eden Prairie School District undergoes intense redistricting efforts, Park’s school district also struggles to find new ways to increase socioeconomic diversity not only in the district, but also in classes at the high school.

However, while forced integration may seem like a good way to increase diversity, it is simply ineffective. Even after the redistricting in which socioeconomic class distribution took a high priority, schools still remain socioeconomically segregated.

Illustrating the complexity of this issue and the school board’s task is Susan Lindgren Elementary. During the 200910 school year, Susan Lindgren had 32 percent of their students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and following redistricting, the number is still 31 percent, according to the Minnesota Department of Education.

Additionally, 40.8 percent of students at Peter Hobart Elementary qualify for free or reduced lunch, creating a 9 percent gap between the two schools. Despite minor steps forward, these continuing disparities between schools demonstrate the insufficiency of redistricting to address inequity in education.

Furthermore, the idea of redrawing school boundaries in Park is problematic.

The process is not only inconvenient, but also disrupts a sense of community.

Eden Prairie may be used as an example. According to a Star Tribune article published Oct. 12, parents have voiced their concerns involving the redrawing of school boundaries. The issue of going from a school which is walking distant from a child’s house, to one that is a 30-minute bus ride away, may become an inconvenience for students.

Parents who are involved in schools closer to their homes also believe becoming involved in a new school will add to the difficulty of transitioning their child to the school.

Although only one high school exists in the Park district, increasing diversity is important. However, students should not feel pressured to take higher level classes such as IB or AP courses if they are not comfortable doing so.

Measures such as the multi-cultural room have been taken to encourage students to challenge themselves academically without adding additional pressures.

The idealism behind forced integration is applaudable, however, in order to meet the needs of students, school districts and administrators must think realistically.

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One Valleyfair Drived Shakopee, MN 55379

)*$+! Weekends through Oct., and Oct. 20 and 21.

Cost: $39.99 or $28.95 depending on time.

,$-".#&: (952) 445-6500 or at http://www.valleyscare.com, Rides, indoor and outdoor mazes, scare zones and various shows. /--("'-.0+&!"“At Valleyscare we

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incorporate the thrill of being scared in a safe environment with the opportunity to experience rides,” said Kim Hubner, group sales manager.

“High school students are attracted to Valleyscare because there’s an element of surprise involved. It’s fun for teenagers to be out in the dark, in haunted houses, clown houses, and on rides,” she said.

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“It was a lot more interesting this year.

The rollercosters really add to the fun,” freshman Ari Pepper said.

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3525 145th St. West Shakopee, MN 55379

)*$+!"Oct. 21-24 and 28-31.

90&-! $18.95 or $15.95 at Walgreens ,$-".#&! (952) 445-7361 or at www.trailofterrorfest.com

/--("'-.0+&! Haunted hayrides, haunted houses and monster truck rides. “We also have a comedic hypnotist, heated tents where you can get a drink and relax,” said Tiffany DeMuth, marketing representative for Trail of Terror. “We also have karaoke sessions from 7-11.”

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1-23$+-&4&"%: “It’s tons of fun, espe-

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cially if you go with a group of friends,” sophomore Rachel Geressu said.

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#$%&"'( The pop-rock of One Republic meets the complementary sound of Maroon 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Target Center. Featured songs include “Secrets” and Teen Choice Awards nominee for best rock track “All the Right Moves.” Ticket prices start at $63 at TicketMaster.

#$%&"') “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” concludes the “Millennium Series” based off Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s original award-winning crime novel “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.” Starring Noomi Rapace, the movie is rated R for violence as the mysterious and untraditional character Lisbeth Salander fights three charges of murder.

)*$+!

Halloween events run Fridays,

Saturdays and Sundays until Halloween.

90&-! $6 ,$-".#&! (651) 224-1191 or at www.wabashastreetcaves.com

/--("'-.0+&! Cave tours, Ghosts & Graves Tour, Caves & Graves Tour and Lost Souls Tour. Tours require reservations.

“This bus tour takes you into a cemetery and explains the significance of all the tombstones,” owner Donna Bremer said.

“It is a historic and learning experience, but is also fun and funny,” she said.

1-23$+-&4 &"%!" “It’s

really cool, it’s where the 1930s gangsters used to hang out during prohibition,” junior Ben Verhasselt said.

Photos | Spencer Butler

#$%&"'"*"+,-&"' The Minnesota History Center hosts the tasty exhibit “Chocolate,” which explores the history, processing and culture of the delicious treat. The exhibit includes experiments and interactive activities. History Center admission is $5 for students 17 and under and $10 for adults.

Mara Olson