Echo issue 5

Echo

TEACHER BRINGS STYLE

AFTER THE REBOUND

FUN WITHOUT THE SUN

World history teacher mixes old and new with store PAGE 4

Boys’ basketball undefeated after first few games PAGE 9

The Depot ice rink offers indoor winter fun PAGE 12

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Volume 87 Issue 5 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426

SLPECHO.COM

Middle school employee charged Olivia Sieff oliviasieff@slpecho.com

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he St. Louis Park police department arrested Jarrell Smith, an instructional assistant at St. Louis Park Middle School, Nov. 10 for alleged criminal sexual conduct, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s jail roster.

According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s court report, the incident occurred around Nov. 6, and Smith currently faces charges for second and fourth degree criminal sexual conduct. Smith posted a bond of $75,000 Nov. 15 and was released from custody. Smith appears in court Dec. 10.

The district released an automated call Nov. 10 to all middle school parents and staff regarding the alleged incident involving Smith and a student.

In the call, Sara Thompson, director of communications for St. Louis Park Public Schools, said school officials became aware of the incident Nov. 9.

Thompson said, the district no longer employees Smith.

In a letter sent to district parents, Superintendent Rob Metz said the safety of students and staff remains a high priority and policies are in place to ensure this safety. Metz also said background checks are mandatory for all employees, including checking Federal Bureau of Investigation reports.

“St. Louis Park is a childrenfirst community and all employees of St. Louis Park Public Schools, as well as community members, are vigilant in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children,” Metz said.

Amy Susman-Stillman, a parent with children in the district’s high school, middle school and the elementary school, said the district should use this incident to provide resources for families on how to deal with sexual assault.

“I think that they could be providing services to families with guidance for how families can talk about this with children and how to help their children know how to keep themselves safe,” SusmanStillman said. “And we haven’t gotten any of that.”

Les Bork, principal at St. Louis Park Middle School, and Randy Zutz, a counselor at St. Louis Park Middle School, did not respond to requests for comment.

The Echo will continue investigating this issue.

Police shooting elicits reactions Death of Minneapolis resident raises community concerns Ethan Brown ethanbrown@slpecho.com

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amar Clark, 24, was shot by police on Nov. 15 in North Minneapolis, according to the Minneapolis Police Department. The shooting resulted in an ongoing federal investigation and local protests at the Minneapolis Police Department’s 4th Precinct.

According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), officers responded to a claim of domestic assault and believed Clark to be the suspect.

Clark was shot during a struggle with officers Dustin Schwarze and Mark Ringgenberg. He died the next day after doctors removed him from life support. Both officers are on paid administrative leave.

After hearing about the shooting, sophomore Xavier Dante said he felt unhappy with how the officers handled the situation.

“I think it’s completely messed up for police to be doing these things,” Dante said. “They weren’t taught to shoot unarmed people.”

Breanna Freedman, commu-

nity liaison with the St. Louis Park Police Department, said in an email interview the police department attempts to prevent these incidents by creating local connections.

“The St. Louis Park Police Department stays on the forefront of such situations,” Freedman said.

“Positive relationships and trust with the community are key.”

Senior Sam Miller said when he hears people make generalized statements about police, he finds them unfair and confusing.

“Just like with any group, blanket statements are wrong and misleading. Are there bad cops out there? Of course. But most cops are not what many people like to claim they are,” Miller said. “They are risking their lives to protect you and your freedoms. Most of them are good people doing a hard job.”

Protests at the 4th Precinct spanned 19 days after the shooting, until they were halted by police Dec. 3. Protesters then moved to Minneapolis City Hall for a few more hours until they dispersed.

Junior Tori Carroll, who attended one of the protests, said she thinks student activism should be an important part of youth life.

“I feel that (student activism) is important because by taking part in the protests it shows that incidents

like these not only affects adults, but children as well,” Carroll said.

Freedman said the police works with local neighborhoods to address similar issues should they arise.

“The police department has been working on a project throughout the past year, of meeting with each of the 35 neighborhoods in St. Louis Park,” Freedman said. “Police staff and officers meet with residents to answer questions and talk about the police department’s mission and values.”

Miller said he thinks people should look at the context when reading about police killings.

“You see all these blank statistics like ‘cops killed this many people’ with no context,” Miller said. “Those deaths could have saved other lives. The killings could have been justified, such as when an individual is trying to harm innocent people. But with no context, cops are portrayed as power-hungry killers.”

Freedman said Park’s police force works to form lasting bonds within the school district.

“The police department has a strong partnership with the schools,” Freedman said. “The department is committed to building and maintaining relationships with the community.”

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NEWS

Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

WEB PREVIEW

Photo Celene Koller

Latino Student Association meets

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small group of students and staff members of varying Latino backgrounds sit in a circle, passing a Guatemalan-made hacky sack to whomever wishes to speak.

Latino Student Association adviser Carmen Rudin said she feels proud of the 10 students who showed up second hour Nov. 23 to C350. The club spent the first meeting of the year discussing identity and plans for the group.

Photo Will Huyck

GSA begins podcast sessions

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unior Elise Bargman speaks to the Gender Sexuality Alliance at its meeting Dec. 3.

The Gender Sexuality Alliance plans to expand its mission of educating its allies on the issues LGBTQ+ students face by sharing podcasts.

According to GSA adviser Kyle Sweeney, the podcasts will inform staff members on how they can be allies to the GSA. Sweeney said these podcasts resulted from questions faculty members asked the GSA. The GSA will gradually release the podcasts throughout the year.

Photo Peter Sherno

Girls’ swimming advances at State

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unior Kailey DeLozier warms up at the State meet Nov. 19 at the University of Minnesota Aquatics Center.

According to DeLozier, visualization and self-motivation helped her get seventh place in the 200-yard freestyle.

“I worked on my mental state towards my races,” DeLozier said. “I seemed to always psych myself out but this time I really prepared myself.”

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

The school Wi-Fi should be improved because contacting people will become easier.

Savannah Romero, freshman

Wi-Fi changes planned Dissatisfaction prompts system adjustments Jonah Kupritz jonahkupritz@slpecho.com

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enior Paul Friederichsen said he had the last straw with the school’s Wi-Fi network recently when a Schoology document he needed for class failed to load.

Friederichsen brings his laptop and smartphone to school on a daily basis, and said he stands among students and teachers who believe the current wireless internet system fails to meet certain academic necessities.

“I’m dissatisfied,” he said.

“The speed limit should be removed or just increased — at least five megabits per second.”

According to Tom Marble, director of information services for St. Louis Park Public Schools, the district implemented new infrastructure in light of the 2013 renewal of the technology levy.

“Last year, we put in a whole new wireless system across the entire district, a unified wireless system,” he said. “Up to that point, we’d been buying wireless equipment in little chunks.”

The updated technology allows for the careful monitoring of network speed and usage, Marble said.

Photo Harrison Barden

New speed: Tom Marble, director of information services for the district, works in his office Dec. 7. Marble said he works to increase the quality and speed of the Wi-Fi and plans to reintroduce the bring-your-own-device policy, which would allow students to register one device on the Wi-Fi. “It really allows us to almost drill right down to the classroom level,” Marble said.

Marble said the school may return to the previous system of device registration.

“We are looking at moving back to what we call a ‘registered network’ where you as a student would bring in a device — you connect to this particular wireless network that you see — and you log in,” Marble said.

Marble said returning to the “bring-your-own-device” (BYOD) system could quicken the network connection across the school.

“It would probably be more bandwidth available to you that way than there is with the wide-open guest network that we have it set up as right now,” Marble said.

Library media specialist Ellen George said she feels unhappy with the current wireless system and hopes to see improvement.

“It will be good if we go back to a system that works bet-

ter for students,” George said.

“The guest system just doesn’t seem to work for many people.”

Freshman Kunga Norzim, who regularly uses her smartphone on the guest network, said she does not consider switching back to the BYOD system necessary.

“I think that (the current system) works well,” Norzim said. “It works fast.”

Marble said federal laws require the school to filter certain websites, and certain sites simply have no place in an academic setting.

These restrictions will remain in place, regardless of the registration method.

“There are sites that are legitimate for educational use and there are sites that are not legitimate for educational use, so those sites get blocked,” Marble said.

George said she understands certain limits, and that the limited Wi-Fi availability should support academic endeavors.

Banned websites on the school Wi-Fi • Pandora or other music streaming • Device updates or app downloads • Voodoo or any video chatting • Hulu or any movie streaming Infographic Elise Riley Source Tom Marble

“Some restrictions are fair,” George said. “I see a lot of people misusing their personal device. I think we’ve got to deal with personal responsibility.”

According to Marble, the high school should see the individual device registration system back in place as soon as the start of the second semester.

A meeting in the spring will focus on future technology plans in the district.

Community gathers to honor outgoing mayor Jacobs’ term celebrated at Dec. 3 event Sam Orloff samorloff@slpecho.com

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ith his time in office coming to a close, community members celebrated mayor Jeff Jacobs with a retirement party.

The celebration at the Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel Dec. 3 recognized the mayor and his past contributions to St. Louis Park, according to the Jeff Jacobs Retirement Party Committee.

According to St. Louis Park communications and marketing manager Jacqueline Larson, who served on the planning committee, the party was a resounding success.

“I’m pleased we were able to recognize mayor Jacobs for his years of service,” Larson said.

“I’m happy so many people came out to our event.”

According to Jacobs, his retirement and the recent celebration provide a time to reflect on his time in office, serving the Park community.

“I have been greatly honored and privileged to serve such a great community,” Jacobs said.

“I hope that everything we did as a council and as a community helped to create a place that our children will be proud to inherit.”

Jacobs was first elected to the city council in 1991 and became mayor in 1999, according to the St. Louis Park Historical Society.

Freshman Cailey HansenMahoney said Jacobs’ retirement signifies the end of an era

Photo Emily Tifft

Final goodbye: Former mayor Jeff Jacobs talks with attendees at his farewell reception Dec. 3. Spano gets sworn into office Jan. 4. for St. Louis Park. “(Jacobs) has done great work facilitating light rail transit discussion, working with the freight rail reroute and supporting St. Louis Park Schools,” Hansen-Mahoney said.

Mayor-elect Jake Spano, who worked closely with Jacobs in the past, said the city will look markedly different with Jacobs

no longer at the helm.

“There are so many projects (Jacobs) was a part of, but I will miss his humor and love for the city the most,” Spano said. “He leaves a big void on the council, but I know he looks forward to the next 20 years as much as he has been a part of the last 20.”

Spano won the mayoral election Nov. 3.

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Teachers have to incorporate how everyone learns because no one learns the same way.

STUDENT LIFE Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Shoshi Altman, sophomore

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WHAT

LEARNING STYLE

When studying for a test, you ...

ARE YOU? Form a study group

Color code notes

When choosing an activity for a date, you are most likely to choose ...

When you read a book to yourself, you tend to ...

Read out loud

Auditory Learner

Retains information through hearing and speaking

Mini golf

Fidget often

Kinesthetic Learner

Prefers group work and a hands-on approach

A movie

Visual Learner

Learns best visually from graphs, lists and diagrams

Infographic Daniella Etzion Source Bepko Learning Center

Learning incorporates multiple styles Teaching requires adjustment, adaptation Jayne Stevenson jaynestevenson@slpecho.com

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igh Achievement Program adviser Peter Redmond remembers adjusting his teaching style by providing alternative options for students who learn differently.

Redmond said when he taught in a classroom, he preferred to use a Socratic method of discussion, in which a question-and-answer forum directed conversation.

“I prefer having a discussion more so than a lecture,” Redmond said. “When you go to college, very often classes are so big that professors lecture and you have to take notes and then you’re responsible for the content. I like the students to be more involved.”

According to the Indiana University Bepko Learning Center, most people fall into the categories of visual, auditory or kinesthetic learning styles.

Tina Kruse, an education psychologist at Macalester College, said research in cognitive psychology shows complica-

tions involving learning styles.

“What we know from the research in cognitive psychology is that the way learning styles play out is more complicated than most of us in popular culture and education really realize,” Kruse said.

Although people have different learning strengths, Kruse said information stores in other ways.

“It doesn’t always mean that teachers should teach directly to that mode, because almost all information is stored as meaning memory, not as visual, auditory or kinesthetic,” Kruse said. “People do have strengths in their cognitive modalities, but it doesn’t always mean that they learn better.”

Junior Suweyda Abdi said she learns kinesthetically. She said lectures prevent her from remembering information.

“When I write things down, I memorize them better,” Suweyda said. “When teachers lecture, I don’t remember it as much as when we answer questions from the board or we do notes.”

Junior Ben Chappell said he finds certain methods of learning ineffective and overwhelming.

“When I’m just reading from a textbook and I have to answer a bunch of stuff, I cannot do that — just copying down definitions. It’s too much,” Chappell said.

Redmond said educators must adjust their teaching style if it does not work with a particular class.

“The teachers have to be aware of the style of the learners, and hopefully the teachers will be able to adjust,” Redmond said. “Even within a particular class, some students are more visual; some students are more audio learners. You have to adjust to those specific students.”

Chappell said a good teacher should adapt to students’ needs and use communication to ensure everyone learns the material.

“I believe (teachers) should attempt to assist as many students as they can, with their main teaching style, but definitely maybe take a step out of their comfort zone to assist students who need something else,” Chappell said.

Redmond said he recommends teachers continue adjusting their teaching to support students.

“The best teacher in the world is experienced, so teachers need to be in tune with their kids,” Redmond said. “If necessary (they should) go back to their curriculum, go back to their textbooks, and figure out a way that kids can learn and not struggle as much.”

Chappell said when it comes to lecturing, teachers should demonstrate more

receptibility to questions.

“My grades have definitely taken a hit from some teachers that like to lecture but not really explain the material,” Chappell said.

Redmond said if students feel something isn’t working for them in the classroom, they should talk to their teacher.

“It’s up to the student, and also the teacher eventually, but it’s up to the student,” Redmond said. “They need to tell their teacher.”

Freshman Abby Feldman said she focuses more with videos because she learns visually.

“I can’t read as well so it’s harder to read things. If it’s a video, I can see a lot better, and it’s just a lot easier, I think.

It helps me focus more,” Feldman said.

“It’s different for everybody though.”

Redmond said students can figure out what learning style they have by what makes them most comfortable and what they do well. He said students benefit from knowing their learning style because they will have better grades and learn more.

“Our goal is to go to college or should be to go to college, but that doesn’t have to be everybody’s ultimate goal,” Redmond said. “The goal of school is to learn, and then what you do with that learning is up to you.”

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Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

For what it’s WORTH Anna duSaire annadusaire@ slpecho.com

A stranger saved my life

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FEATURES

y simply looking at me, it is impossible to know I almost did not make it past 2 years old. I underwent multiple surgeries and took medication every day. I would not be here without the generosity of a stranger.

I was born with Biliary Atresia. I didn’t have a complete biliary system, which consists of a gall bladder, bile ducts and a liver. All three parts work together to clean the blood. In my case, the bile did not drain out of my liver and was poisoning it.

To fix this health issue, I went into surgery at 10-weeks old. During the surgery, pieces of my intestine were connected to my liver to create bile ducts and allow the bile to drain out of my liver. This was only a temporary fix.

We received a call April 2, 2002. They found a liver donor.

Because of my transplant, I can participate in the Transplant Games. The event is similar to the Olympics, except all athletes are transplant recipients.

Teams come from just about every state in the United States to compete in athletic events, from track and field to ballroom dancing.

The Transplant What’s the Games are POINT? not about Don’t let competiobstacles hold tion. They you back from show transplantation succeeding works because every athlete is a transplant success story.

The Games allow transplant recipients to meet and connect with other recipients who understand their experiences.

Transplantation allows us to pursue our dreams, which is what matters the most.

I try to bring the same optimistic mindset to my daily life.

I could use my weak immune system as an excuse to receive extra attention or as a cause for any time I do not succeed.

Instead, I see it as an opportunity to prove I am as capable as my peers. To show that taking medicine every day and having monthly blood draws does not make me weaker than others.

Having a transplant does not mean I am less capable than any other student. I am able to play the sports I want without limitations. I made varsity in gymnastics and track, and lettered in both.

I feel that having a transplant allows me to have a more appreciative outlook on life. Not a day goes by where I do not think of my donor and the gift they gave me.

(DECA sponsoring children) would mean a lot to the kids who receive these gifts.

Amina Dedefo, senior

In the SPOTLIGHT

Martial artist earns second black belt Sam Birnberg Birnberg, sophomore When did you start karate?

I started karate about 6 years ago in January — fourth grade.

How did you first become involved with karate?

I was interested because I used to watch old kung fu movies with my dad. Bruce Lee inspired me. When I had the opportunity it was like an alternative to football.

Where do you take karate?

I take karate at National Karate in Plymouth.

What do you enjoy about it?

I really like the aspects of karate. It’s mental and physical. It works a lot with your physical limitations but also discipline and focus.

Do you participate in karate competitions?

I used to compete a lot. I don’t really as much (now). There’s a big tournament every year, an international tournament hosted in the Twin Cities, Diamond Nationals, that I’ve been to a couple times.

Do you teach karate?

I began teaching after I got my black belt and I taught on and off for three years.

What is your favorite part?

Sword class because it’s really exciting to work with swords. I don’t go to it much anymore, but we would learn sword techniques, sword fighting, sparring and we learned a form. Using swords itself is really fun, but

Used with written permission from Sam Birnberg

Master of karate: Sophomore Sam Birnberg performs his final move of his bō staff form for his black belt exam last April. Birnberg received his first black belt three years ago, his second one last April and hopes to continue adding onto his belt. learning the techniques and training makes it better. Learning to use weapons is one of the more exciting parts of karate.

Is it unusual for someone your age to have a black belt?

It depends on when you start. Generally, it’s three years from the starting point. There are kids who start when they’re 6 and they’ll get it by the time they’re 9 and there are people who start when they are middle-aged.

Do you have a favorite memory from karate?

My favorite memory would be finally getting my first black belt after all the hard work and years of practice.

Are classes group or individual?

Generally it’s a class, so you have an instructor teaching a group of kids or adults depending on what age and level. But a lot of it is either individual, or if you’re working in pairs

or groups, doing things together. It’s more self-defense or form.

When did you get your black belt?

It’ll be three years ago at the end of this month from my first black belt. And then I got my second black belt this April.

What are some of the challenges?

When I first got my black belt, there was a large screening process. You have to take three tests. That was really hard. The first black belt, they really work you to make sure that you’re ready.

What are you looking forward to now that you have your black belt?

I’m really looking forward to learning more techniques and really developing my skills and hoping to get higher degrees of black belt.

Ruthie Hope ruthiehope@slpecho.com

Club aids during holidays DECA partners with preschool to sponsor children Alissa Meredith alissameredith@slpecho.com

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unior DECA officer Sophie Kedrowski said she enjoys the club’s annual participation in sponsoring children because it makes her feel fulfilled during the holiday season.

DECA adviser Sophia Ross said DECA has helped the Family Partnership for more than 20 years by collecting gifts for preschool children in need.

According to Ross, every year the club sponsors 60-100 children from the preschool.

Teachers individually sit down with each student and ask them what they would like to receive.

“It’s really sad because some of the things on their list are new pairs of gloves,” Ross said. “You think they would want toys or trucks, but they really just want the bare necessities.”

DECA officers will receive

a folder representing each classroom.

They are responsible for asking friends and family to sponsor a child. Ross said sponsors have a week to shop and bring back a gift corresponding with the child’s gender and age.

“It’s very fun to see the kids’ reactions,” Ross said. “Some will take pictures and some even cry.

It’s very cute.”

According to Ross, if students want to participate, they can find an officer to give them sponsor sheets from Dec. 7-11.

The members recommend each sponsor spend $20 on gifts, and include an age-appropriate hat and mitten set.

According to Ross, DECA spends a day at the Family Partnership in North Minneapolis.

They sing holiday songs and one of the members dresses up as Santa Claus.

Kedrowski said she enjoys the event because of the opportunity to interact with children.

“I really enjoy helping them

Photo Alissa Meredith

Sponsors give back: Junior DECA officer Sophie Kedrowski hands out childrens’ wishlists Dec. 7 to junior Siona Kelly in hopes she will sponsor a child by donating a variety of gifts. read books,” Kedrowski said.

“Some kids don’t get anything over the holidays, so to be able to do this is really cool.”

Senior officer Mikey Segal said he realizes the importance of giving and improving lives during the holidays “There are people who are less fortunate than we are,” Segal said. “There is always something we can do to help them.”

Gifts can be dropped off in B226 by Dec. 14.

Gifts to give children in need Hat and mitten set must be included.

Age and gender appropriate gifts under $20.

Infographic Sari Hattis Source Sophia Ross

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(The poetry slam) is a good way for people to express how they feel through their writing.

FEATURES Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Kamia Guy, junior

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Store quick facts Location: 3505 W. 44th St. Minneapolis, Minnesota Hours: Tuesday through Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday: closed Merchandise: Furniture, apparel, custom rugs, mirrors, barwear, photos and frames

Photos Peter Sherno

Infographic Elise Riley Source shopvictory.com

New management: Lisa Balke and Susan Blankenship stand behind the counter at Victory Vintage. Blankenship, a social studies teacher, now owns Victory Vintage, a vintage shop located in Minneapolis that sells new and old merchandise.

Teacher acquires new vintage store European vintage merchandise style creates unique feel Alec Pittman alecpittman@slpecho.com

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orld history teacher Susan Blankenship sits proudly behind the register as she takes in her vintage store Victory.

Blankenship said she always wanted to own an antique store.

“Me and my best friend went to one sale at Victory, which has been there for about 13 years.

We started talking to the owner,

who I had known before, who said she was ready to be done,” Blankenship said. “We started talking about either working with her or taking over and buying the business. Over a two-month period, it just worked out that we bought the business from her.”

Sophomore and student of Blankenship Luke Mobley said he thinks owning a store shows responsibility.

“I think this displays that she has an internal drive and is good at managing time,” Mobley said.

“She seems to be a very caring person toward both her students and the store.”

Blankenship said she enjoys selling items at Victory, although

the time equates to a full-time job.

“It is a lot of time, but it doesn’t seem like it because I love it,” Blankenship said. “I am sitting at the store with my best friend, which makes it feel like a home away from home.”

According to Blankenship, the store specializes in both antique and new items.

“The previous owner had newer interior design stuff, so we have about 50 percent new and 50 percent vintage. It’s a mix of new and old. There are one of a kind items that you can’t find anywhere else,” she said. “We have a lot of vintage holiday and new holiday stuff right now for Christmas.”

According to Mobley, students should respect Blankenship as a store owner and teacher.

“I think that if someone else has a passion or interest, you should acknowledge that,” Mobley said. “I wish her good luck with her store.”

Blankenship said the layout and design makes the store memorable.

“I think opening that door and even from the outside the storefront looks like one you might see in Paris. We have a huge 12-foot, old bookcase that we set up how you might see it in your home,” Blankenship said.

Victory can be found at 3505 W. 44th St. in Minneapolis.

Photos Peter Sherno

Antiques sold: An assortment of antiques hang on the wall at Victory Vintage in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis.

36 Arts club to slam poetry Supportive setting facilitates creative expression Celene Koller celenekoller@slpecho.com

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s senior Rivka Buchbinder began planning the poetry slam for 36 Arts, she got excited knowing students would be able to express who they are through poetry.

The poetry slam will allow students an opportunity to creatively express themselves to peers within a supportive environment, according to 36 Arts adviser, Chris Nordmark. “(The poetry slam) gives students a means to express themselves and get their poems out,” Nordmark said. “It’ll be a very supporting environment with people wanting to hear other people’s writings.”

Buchbinder said the poetry slam allows students to express themselves in a different medium.

“I really like that the poetry slam gives an opportunity to bring together people who all love the same thing,” Buchbinder said. “It allows people to share what they are feeling inside without worrying about any sort of judgment.”

Similar to last year, the poetry slam

Photo Celene Koller

Practice makes perfect: Sophomore Chava Buchbinder prepares for the poetry slam Dec. 7 in the Media Center by reviewing her poetry. remains more of an open event to students than a competition, according to Nordmark.

Buchbinder said the group wanted to have an easygoing environment for anyone attending.

“We didn’t want to have the pressure of a competition,” Buchbinder said. “It is usually a pretty laid-back experience.”

Anyone can participate, but those who attend are not forced to share work, according to Nordmark.

“Those who are not participating get to hear from their classmates,” Nordmark said. “It’s entertaining and thoughtprovoking.”

The poetry slam takes place at 3:10 p.m.

Dec. 10 in C357. All students are allowed to participate in the event or spectate from the audience. The event is free for all students.

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IN-DEPTH

Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

it could happen here Student reactions to the San Bernardino shooting

“ Maggie Lingner, senior

“ Jojo Clark, senior

I was sad that I wasn’t too surprised. It’s just like, ‘oh, another shooting.’ It is becoming normal for the U.S., and that’s scary how much I didn’t react to it.

When I first heard about it, I was like, ‘woah, what happened?’ Then I saw it on the news and thought, ‘oh, that is sad’ but I had no connection to it.

People might care about what’s going on, but it doesn’t phase them.

Amber Tran, freshman

Finding personal connections t helps combat sense of dissocia Max Blackburn and Ethan Brown maxblackburn@slpecho.com ethanbrown@slpecho.com

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ophomore Hussein Al-tmeemi fled Iraq in 2012 after an explosive took his brother’s leg and his cousin was killed during political unrest. Al-tmeemi said he finds it offensive when people lack empathy toward victims of violent events.

“When I see people and they don’t care anymore, it makes me angry because they don’t know how it is for (people affected by violence),” Al-tmeemi said, through interpreter freshman Gaidah Azem. “I have lost so many people that it actually means something to me. When I see people talking about a war and it’s nothing to them, it frustrates me.”

Stacey Kanihan, associate professor of strategic communications at the University of Minnesota, said desensitization means seeing something so many times that the emotional response disappears.

“Desensitization in the media has to do with repeated exposure — when people are seeing the same messages or images in the media they no longer have the same effect as they did at first,” Kanihan said.

Al-tmeemi said he thinks people become desensitized because they see violence as a distant issue and not something that directly affects them.

“I think people should react to violence as if it were happening right in front of them,” Al-tmeemi said. “But when you don’t see it right in front of you, you don’t get the effect that people who actually see it do.”

Heather Beschizza, adjunct professor of psychology and education at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, said age often plays a large role in becoming desensitized.

“Teenagers’ brains are not only still developing, but they are rewiring,” Beschizza said. “If development during this time is stunted by the influences of desensitization, it can carry over into adulthood, causing long-term social issues.”

Kanihan said the personal connections someone has to an event can

determine whether or not “If you ask people in n about the situation with Ja more important to them th Kanihan said. “Not only b also because this is a situa and their communities.”

Beschizza said sensitivi similarity between viewers “We are more sensitive simply because they are lik are sympathetic to others cal background.”

In regard to recent scho said she doesn’t believe stu “If (students) became d respond to the possible wa “They may not think muc when we see students in th

Forms of de

B

eschizza said alt individual exper “There is a b attacks in the pa on television or YouTube,” either be something that c ment.”

Sophomore Annabella happens because of the vio “The amount of violen much. It’s in video games; our history textbooks,” St

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I think a lot of people are pretty unknowledgeable about what is actually going on right now.

IN-DEPTH

Scott Eaves, junior

Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Violence here and beyond

1.3% of United States gunrelated casualties in the past year occurred in Minnesota

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gun-related casualties in Minneapolis within the past year

39

homicides in Minneapolis between January and October 2015

353

to tragic events ation

they become desensitized. north Minneapolis right now how they feel amar Clark, they’re going to feel like it is han it is to people in outstate Minnesota,” because it’s more newsworthy if it’s local, but ation near and dear to their lives, their hearts

ity to an event can depend on the degree of s and victims. e to attacks on places like Paris and it’s quite ke us,” Beschizza said. “People in the West in the West. We share a cultural and histori-

ool shootings in the United States, Beschizza udents have become desensitized. desensitized, they would be less likely to arning signs (of a shooting),” Beschizza said. ch of them due to the media coverage, but hese situations, they do react.”

esensitization

though the public frequently sees violence, riences shape the effect of exposure. big difference between reading about the Paris aper or an article online and watching them ” Beschizza said. “Seeing the carnage can causes people to feel sadness, joy or detach-

Strathman said she thinks desensitization olence the public sees every day. nt things we see on a day-to-day basis is so it’s in media. There’s even a lot of violence in trathman said. “When we see it on screens or

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mass shootings in the United States so far in 2015 Photo Peter Sherno

read about it, it starts to not phase anyone anymore.”

According to a study by the University of Toledo, the introduction of violent video games in an adolescent’s life can raise the level of violence they display.

Beschizza said playing violent video games can cause desensitization because of the player’s association with their character’s situation.

“Video games are also different as you are no longer just the viewer, but also putting yourself as a participant in the violence, even if it is make-believe,” Beschizza said.

Junior Elliott Christopher said he thinks other factors affect why adolescents who play these video games act violently, besides desensitization.

“When I play violent video games, I don’t think I’ll ever actually do anything I do in the game,” Christopher said. “I think the kids who end up acting violently have something else affecting them besides the video games.”

Beschizza said people not only become desensitized to violence, but also to rudeness and hate speech online when using social media.

“Social media is different again as it allows us to have a veil of anonymity,” Beschizza said. “We don’t have to see the faces of the people we hurt and can walk away from the keyboard with ease.”

Junior Makila Jones said she thinks social media plays a large role in teenagers’ opinions on violence.

“If (adolescents) see a lot of fights or other violence on social media they start to not care,” Jones said. “No one makes a very big deal out of it and they just pass over it.”

The School of Interactive Computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology released a study in 2015 which found that long-term, almost every form of crime led to an increase in Twitter posts in areas where the crime took place.

Kanihan said she thinks the repetition of violence displayed in various forms of media can cause desensitization.

“With the media and desensitization, it seems to be a vicious cycle,” Kanihan said. “When (newsworthy violence) happens over and over

Infographic Maggie Bahnson Sources City of Minneapolis, shootingtracker.com

again, and we have repeated exposure, studies have shown over the years that people do become desensitized to things when there is a repeated exposure. It’s about frequency.”

Awareness leads to sensitivity

B

eschizza said in order for students to fend off desensitization, they should be more in touch with their actions and emotions to work toward becoming more sensitive to events in their communities.

“Ask yourself why you think the way you do, and understand that we all have bias and prejudice,” Beschizza said. “Practice altruistic behaviors: visiting a homeless shelter, animal rescue, reading to the elderly, standing up for someone you see being bullied. If we let ourselves be sensitive to others, it’s harder to be desensitized.”

Kanihan said the best ways to avoid dissociation from issues are to understand and recognize the effects of desensitization.

“Just by being aware of this process that desensitization can happen, that’s very important,” Kanihan said. “Violence is reported upon because it’s newsworthy, but then it’s reported on so much that people start feeling indifferent to it. I think that’s just a psychological phenomenon that happens, and we need to be aware of it.”

Strathman said in order to combat desensitization, she thinks students need to keep in mind the reality of violence around the world.

“Students should keep reminding themselves how bad this violence actually is,” Strathman said. “It’s important to remember that it’s happening in real life and not just on our screens.”

Al-tmeemi said he thinks seeking greater knowledge about the world and understanding global events can help combat desensitization.

“I want people to understand that there’s a lot more to it than what’s going on in the news,” Al-tmeemi said. “I would like people to educate themselves on what’s actually going on in the world around them.”

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SPORTS

Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Out of the PARK

If you’re nervous for anything coming up like a game or a test, yoga will help calm you down.

Olivia Guenzel, freshman

Brigid Duffy brigidduffy@ slpecho.com

Cruise past conformity

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ll the cool kids did it and by it, I mean running. In fourth grade, I wanted to fit in and the only possible solution to my outside-ness was to join the cross country team.

I wasn’t the most agile, but I figured running would be a quick fix. I was wrong.

Before school, the cross country team held practice. I usually held the back of the pack and walked, but I still saw myself as a cross country runner.

I envisioned myself as winning all meets. I let my ego get in the way when I ran in my first meet.

The What’s the bus pulled POINT? up to a Join activities big soccer field atop because you a giant genuinely enjoy hill that them — not seemed just for status endless.

My body felt heavy as I heard we would have to run three entire laps around it.

I lined up to run and all the girls around me started pushing each other. As a pompous fourth grader I was better than all of them, so I didn’t need to push to be in the front of the pack.

The horn roared and everyone started off sprinting.

Plenty of girls ran past me, pushing and shoving.

When we made it up the hill, I was stampeded to the ground.

Suffering from minor cuts and a bruised ego, I took advantage and played up that I was more hurt than I actually was.

The trainer met me as I “limped” down the hill and I decided to find another sport that would fulfill my athletic needs.

I began trying new activities; I found a healthy outlet in other sports that didn’t involve the unnatural movement of my legs.

I realized I didn’t have to try so hard to do the things I loved and running on the cross country team didn’t make me any cooler.

I found doing something for the status wasn’t fulfilling and there is a sport out there for everyone. I have formed friendships through a mutual love for a sport.

I realized there’s sports other than running to keep me active. No matter what the activity is, there’s something out there for everyone to keep active, healthy and happy.

Feel the stretch: Sophomore Savannah Kjaer holds a pose in Jessica Gust’s Friday morning yoga class Nov. 20.

Photo Julia Nathan

Yoga sessions aimed at relaxation Gust creates alternative exercise option Genesis Buckhalton genesisbuckhalton@slpecho.com

S

ynchronized swimming and strength and conditioning coach Jessica Gust brings students to a state of relaxation and flexibility, preparing them for the day every Friday morning.

Junior Santeyne Thornton, who attended the last two weeks of yoga sessions, said he enjoys what yoga does for his body and mind.

“I personally like yoga, because it’s relaxing and it helps me become more flexible,” Thornton said.

Gust said she did yoga with some teams before and realized

they enjoyed it, so she decided to open it up to anyone who’s interested.

“I wanted to give all of our students the opportunity to participate in yoga at no cost, so we added the option on Friday mornings,” Gust said.

Besides being good for spiritual health, Gust said yoga offers physical and mental benefits for the body.

“On a physical level, it is great for mobility, strength, joint health and circulation,” Gust said. “The original intention of the physical practice of yoga was for it to be a moving meditation, so on a mental level, yoga can help increase focus, relaxation and has also been used to help treat some types of anxiety and depression.”

Thornton said yoga gets his body moving, but at the same time relaxes his mind for a bit.

“It’s a great way to get your mind off things and help you focus more,” Thornton said.

Freshman Emily Kirchner said she has thought about attending a class.

“I’ve had interest in doing it, because I think it would be calming. It’s something new compared to other sports,” Kirchner said.

Gust said she wants students to know yoga is accessible to everyone.

“The first thing students should consider is that you do not need to be bendy to do yoga,” Gust said. “Secondly, it is a great practice where students can learn tools for managing the stress that comes along with a busy student schedule.”

Kirchner said going to a yoga session would allow her to break out of her comfort zone.

“I’ve never done it before so it could be a fun new experience,” Kirchner said.

Gust said yoga continues to help her in aspects of her life.

“I love yoga because it has helped me learn so many things about myself and the world around me,” Gust said. “I have found that my yoga practice enhances all the other aspects of my life, especially my coaching and teaching.”

Yoga sessions with Gust take place at 6 a.m. in the field house every Friday morning.

Session information Where: Field house When: 6 a.m. Fridays Cost: Free, small donations for charity accepted Infographic Sam Crary Source Jessica Gust

Trotter commits to Division I Athlete to run track at University of Minnesota Neda Salamzadeh nedasalamzadeh@slpecho.com

hristopher Trotter printed out and signed his Division I athletics letter of intent to run track while surrounded by his family.

Trotter committed to run track while studying at the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Nov. 7.

Trotter said he feels very confident with the school he chose, but it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

“The other schools I was seriously thinking about and talking to included Stanford, Georgetown, Berkeley, Columbia and Cornell,” Trotter said. “I chose Minnesota because it’s the best package when factoring in cost, sports and education. It has a little bit of everything.”

Throughout the recruiting process, Trotter said he did research and talked to

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Photo Polina Pekurovsky

Strong finish: Senior Christopher Trotter runs the 800 meter sprint at last spring’s section meet. Trotter placed first at sections.

many people to help decide what would be best for him.

“I talked with professors, coaches, relatives, alumni of the colleges and family friends who worked in academia or with these colleges,” Trotter said.

Trotter said he received the most valuable assistance in his search from his uncle, who was by his side throughout negotiations, carefully worded promises and advice.

“The most helpful was my uncle, who helped me talk and negotiate with all of these coaches. The recruitment process is rigorous and coaches say a lot of things to get you to commit,” Trotter said. “He helped me understand what was true and what wasn’t, or understand what some of the coaches’ promises really meant.”

Trotter said although it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of going D1, his focus will remain on obtaining an education in the sciences.

“My goal has always been to be successful and go to a college that would help me get there,” Trotter said. “Track is important to me, but my long-term goal is to study what I enjoy.”

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The basketball team puts a lot of work into practice which helps make them successful in games.

Ryan Harnanan, freshman

SPORTS Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

9

Meet the ATHLETE

Who Audrey Scalici Grade Junior Sport Gymnastics When did you start gymnastics?

I started when I was 7 by taking classes at the St. Louis Park Community Center.

Photo Peter Sherno

Eyes on the prize: Junior Erik Anderson covers Levi Brown at a home game Nov. 24 against Roseville. The Orioles won the game 77-48 contributing to their winning streak. The Orioles’ next game is Dec. 11 against Robbinsdale Armstrong at Armstrong High School.

Team maintains perfect record

Boys’ basketball work ethic paying off Ethan Brown ethanbrown@slpecho.com

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unior Mykal Howard steps on the court each game, knowing the Orioles are protecting something — an undefeated record.

The team improved its record to 5-0 after beating Hastings 8058 Dec. 4, Howard said.

“In the locker room everyone is so proud of each other,” Howard said. “We’re all so close and such good friends off of the court and that transfers onto the court.”

Howard, who currently averages nine points per game,

said he attributes his improved playing style to his hard work during the offseason with his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team.

“I had a lot of success playing with my AAU team,” Howard said. “I’ve also done a lot of work with my coach Arsenio Richardson, who helped me take my game to a new level offensively.”

Head coach Dave Breitenbucher said he praised Howard’s rebounding skill and said it’s uncommon for someone 6-foot1 to average seven rebounds per game.

“Mykal has been huge for us on the boards. To have a guard do what he’s doing for our rebounding is great,” Breitenbucher said. “He’s doing the little things that go unnoticed.”

Howard said he thinks the

team’s start can be attributed to strong offensive play, but its defense needs improvement.

“We’ll need to tighten up on the defensive end,” Howard said. “Our schedule is starting to get harder in these next couple weeks.”

Breitenbucher said sophomore Cire Mayfield, in his first year on varsity, made a large impact on the team’s success in its first five games.

“Cire is one of the best passers I’ve ever had. He has amazing court vision, and he’s making great shots,” Breitenbucher said. “He’s a great addition to the team and has a really good understanding of the game.”

Breitenbucher said while the team’s morale is high, he pressures them not to look too far ahead in the season.

“I always tell the players

that we can’t look at big season goals. Instead, we have to look at little goals, like getting better at practice,” Breitenbucher said.

“If you can break the season down into these baby steps, we can get to where we need to be at the end of the year.”

The Orioles’ next game takes place 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School.

What helps you succeed?

“I think I’m successful from a lot of practice.

Every morning I work out.”

Cire Mayfield, sophomore “My work ethic and my teammates push me everyday to get better.”

Mykal Howard, junior Infographic Sophie Yarosh

Merge unites girls’ hockey players Park, Hopkins teams blend during season Jane Anderson janeanderson@slpecho.com

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ccording to senior captain Elena Basill, the girls on the hockey team have adjusted to the merge with Hopkins and are working well together.

According to Basill, the Park girls enjoy playing with the Hopkins team, which has a record of 5-4-0.

“I know for sure the varsity group has meshed really well together, so I think it was a really good fit for us to join with Hopkins,” Basill said.

Varsity coach Chris Erickson said the teammates haven’t had issues playing together.

“The girls have worked well together, and I don’t think there’s been much drama,” Erickson said. “They’re cohesive and they seem to get along.”

Junior varsity player Makayla Jones-Klausing said even though Park isn’t represented on the jerseys, the girls still feel part of the team.

“When it comes to being in the locker room and spending time with the Hopkins girls, I think we are treated as equals and where you’re from isn’t an issue,” Jones-Klausing said.

The schools combined well together after only knowing each other for a short time, according to junior Anna Gleason.

“I think we’re connecting really well,” Gleason said. “(We’re) just playing well together, for not having played together at all.”

How long have you been participating?

Almost 10 years.

What got you into it?

My mom is a gymnast and she was really good. As a kid I just always thought stuff like that was really cool and that’s why I wanted to start gymnastics as well.

Who inspires you to continue competing?

Definitely my mom because I can always talk to her about it, and she’s always really excited for me. And myself because it’s something that is really important to me. I’ve been doing gymnastics for a long time and it’s something that I’m never going to stop liking.

Favorite aspect of the sport?

It’s challenging, so it makes it kind of rewarding. I also like that it’s a different kind of sport, where it’s not just a game, it’s a competition and a show at the same time.

What opportunities has gymnastics brought you?

The opportunity to be a leader on my team, which is really cool, and to be able to perform and do something I’m good at for a crowd.

How many hours a week do you practice?

I practice at least 10 hours a week.

Photo Jane Anderson

Sliding in: Junior Makayla Jones-Klausing skates toward her team at its game Dec. 5. They won 4-1 against Totino Grace.

The bonding helps the team grow and unite, according to Erickson.

“They have worked together off the ice and on the ice. I think that really helps the development of the whole team together,” Erickson said.

Jones-Klausing said she thinks Park and Hopkins have

successfully reached out and united the team.

“I feel like bonding has gone pretty well between the two schools,” Jones-Klausing said.

“People are branching out and getting to know more girls.”

The next game takes place 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at Braemar Ice Area against Edina.

How has gymnastics impacted your life?

Gymnastics has taught me how to work hard, how to work for something I really like and how to have something that keeps me going everyday.

Do you see yourself being a gymnast after high school?

I do not see myself continuing after high school because I think that I have to quit at some point.

I don’t feel that I would have the opportunity to continue at that collegiate level.

Paige Steward paigesteward@slpecho.com

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OPINIONS Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Echo

St. Louis Park Senior High School 6425 West 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Print editor-in-chief: Allison Cramer Web editor-in-chief: Kaylee Chamberlain Print managing editor: Jackson Eilers Web managing editor: Hannah Goldenberg Copy editors: Hannah Bernstein, Abby Hickstein & Jonah Kupritz Assistant copy editors: Sam Orloff, Alec Pittman & Elise Riley Design editors: Harry Steffenhagen & Cedar Thomas Assistant design editors: Maggie Bahnson, Max Kent & Lauren VonEschen Photo editors: Harrison Barden, Celene Koller, Julia Nathan & Heather Westwood Video editors: Zoë Eilers & Albie Sher News editor: Shoshi Leviton Student life editors: Mimi Fhima, Elise Riley & Sophie Yarosh Features editors: Sari Hattis & Emily Tifft In-Depth editor: Jamie Halper Sports editors: Joe Brandel & Neda Salamzadeh Opinions editor: Olivia Sieff Entertainment editor: Polina Pekurovsky Beats editor: Brigid Duffy Social media editor: Kate Huber Staff: Deanna Afremov, Jane Anderson, Max Blackburn, Ethan Brown, Genesis Buckhalton, Sam Crary, Jada Csikos-Monroe, Emma Dietz, Anna duSaire, Daniella Etzion, Raphy Gendler, Sydney Hall, Zack Hatcher, Ruthie Hope, Will Huyck, Adah Koivula, Ndunzi Kunsunga, Makagbe Kuyateh, Alyssa LeMay, Alissa Meredith, Katie Orton, Peter Sherno, Sophia Skinner, Jayne Stevenson, Paige Steward, Mira Swartz & Carlos Zeigle Business Manager: Mara Bacig Principal: Scott Meyers Printer: Quad Graphics

Those who made a big deal about (the cup) are trying to find something to complain about.

Gaidah Azem, freshman

OUR PERSPECTIVE

Community must discuss police brutality

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nce again, civil rights advocates rightfully gathered to raise their voices about the injustice of police brutality against people of color following the death of another unarmed black man.

Jamar Clark, 24, was shot by police around 1 a.m. Nov. 15 in north Minneapolis while allegedly interfering with paramedics assisting his girlfriend in a domestic abuse case.

Clark was involved in a struggle with white police officers Dustin Schwarze and Mark Ringgenberg. He died the following evening after being removed from life support. Both officers are on paid administrative leave.

Almost three weeks of protesting occurred at the 4th Precinct building, the police station where the officers worked. Protesters set up makeshift tents and blocked Plymouth Avenue, asking for police to release the video of the altercation.

According to National Public Radio, police cleared all protesters from the 4th Precinct building at 4 a.m. Dec. 3 with only 10-15 minutes of warning beforehand. Protesters continue to demand justice.

Often, students feel removed from tragedies because they take place far away. Even Clark’s story, while it happened close to home, remains something casually talked about over lunch rather than a call for concrete activism.

Instead of remaining on the sidelines as injustice happens in this city, students must work to support reeling communities nearby.

Students must not allow themselves to remain ignorant to the issues happening right on their doorstep.

Clark’s story happened here. Because of that, the St. Louis Park community must do more to support those who grieve and fight.

Students need to step up to make sure this

Art Emma Dietz

Police, community members and students must create a plan for preventing police brutality and violence in St. Louis Park. never happens again.

Students must promote objective conversations about important issues brought to light by Clark’s death. Listen to the stories of people who experience police violence every day and hear them without judgment or dismissiveness.

Understand while these issues do not affect everyone in the same way, they harm the equity and safety of a community. The security of those in St. Louis Park must be a priority.

The community must reject ignorance, hatred and bigotry. Students must continue to be active allies in the face of injustice. They must

stand in solidarity with the protesters, because this could happen anywhere.

If this can happen in Minneapolis, it can happen in St. Louis Park. The community must not wait to pick up the pieces afterward.

Instead, police officers, community members and students must come together to discuss a plan for prevention. The plan must be created on equal footing, in order to move toward a more balanced community.

Students can make a change in their communities. They must always look to the future, and do whatever they can to make the spaces they occupy more equitable.

Adviser: Lori Keekley

MEDIA POLICIES The Echo is the official student-produced newspaper of St. Louis Park Senior High School.

It is published triweekly for the school’s students, staff and community.

Past Starbucks holiday cups

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

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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

2012

alters 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

2015

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 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

Infographic Mira Swartz Source Starbucks Coffee

Starbucks not to blame for ‘War on Christmas’ Expectation of celebration harms holiday’s importance Raphy Gendler raphygendler@slpecho.com

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guy in a Christmas sweater complete with reindeers, snowflakes and trees, walks into a Starbucks.

He orders a venti peppermint mocha, with extra religious dominance, two shots of consumerism, no whip. The barista collects his $4.99, and wishes him a friendly “Merry Christmas.”

There’s no war on the fake, popularized, consumerist and modernized Christmas. Enjoying a latte in a red cup does not equate to an attack on religion.

As most Twitter users know, Starbucks came under fire for its new holiday cups because they lack snowflakes, trees or reindeer. Instead, the cup features an uber-controversial ombre and cranberry color palette.

Before Thanksgiving through

the new year, people of all faiths across the country will hear “Jingle Bells” blaring in Target, see Christmas trees popping up around their neighborhoods and experience the ambiance of Christmas lights wherever they go.

They’ll even enjoy their peppermint mocha in a seasonal cup.

The real ‘War on Christmas’ takes its form in the birth of Christmas — pun intended — as a month-long American holiday.

Christmas is an opportunity for corporations to make millions on a “Christmas season” of special candy and festive decorations.

This corporate Christmas turns a religious holiday into a celebration of seasonal candy and decorations, devaluing both Christmas and other faiths.

A reason for this “war” is the insistence of people, like those offended by the Starbucks cup, that all Americans celebrate Christmas.

The few who live with the

illusion of everyone celebrating Christmas, harm the holiday — the expectation of universal Christmas celebration has caused the corporate, material war on Christmas.

To say the Starbucks “controversy” either perpetuates Christian denomination or creates a war on Christmas is an extreme overreaction.

In reality, the Starbucks fiasco was one angry guy on Facebook and a few people who clicked “share.”

There exists a difficult reality for non-Christians: America has become a Christian nation.

Rather than erupt regarding senseless murders, acts of terror and daily discrimination based on religion across the world, Twitter and Facebook exploded about something that hits far closer to home: seasonal coffee.

Rather than tolerating diversity, the holiday season should focus on celebrating it, and recognizing that a red cup does not threaten religion.

local businesses and school clubs and sports.

We maintain the right to reject any ads we believe to be false, misleading, inappropriate

To yoga: Hope I don’t fart in downwardfacing dog.

or harmful. The Echo does not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in these advertisements.

NSPA All-American and Hall of Fame member; NSPA 2011, Print Pacemaker Finalist, 2013,

To bad Wi-Fi: I can’t Netflix and chill when Netflix won’t load.

To boys’ basketball: Maybe now I’ll actually go to a game.

2014, 2015. National Print Pacemaker Award Recipient; 2014 Online Pacemaker Finalist, JEM All-State; CSPA Gold Medalist; 2012, 2014 CSPA Silver Crown, 2013 CSPA Gold Crown, 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown.

Art Alyssa LeMay

B.D., R.G., O.S.

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Unmarked cars to catch texting and driving is a great idea, but they shouldn’t be used outside of that.

OPINIONS

Mike Donahue, junior

Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

11

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Protests spur controversial political opposition

Following the shooting of Jamar Clark, protesters gathered outside the 4th Precinct to voice their beliefs on the injustice.

Debate spurs on the legitimacy and safety of protests in general, following the protestors eviction from the precinct.

Safety concerns neccesitate end to protests, violence

Protests worth the risk to make public aware of social conflict Concern for shortterm effects plagues potential for change Max Kent maxkent@slpecho.com

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rom an outside perspective it is very easy to look at a protest and criticize the every move based on reports in the media.

People parading in the streets and expressing their grievances and demands often unsettle those who are uncomfortable with that type of outward expression.

But instead of blatantly denouncing the actions of angry, sad and emotional citizens, people must realize the importance of protest as a social movement.

Take the civil rights march of Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Birmingham, Alabama.

The full impact of the protest was not realized until much later when its long-term goals had strongly impacted society.

The same should be realized of all protests. Rather than a public disturbance, protests should be seen as crucial events that influence societal change.

Naturally, the struggle between

the protestors from Black Lives Matter and the police will result in hostility and commotion between the two sides.

However, because of social media, views on this relationship are often skewed by misinformed and biased sources.

We forget protesters are abiding by their First Amendment rights while the police attempt to fulfill their duty to keep the peace.

However, it is the act of violence and opposition by outside groups and political leaders that cause people to fear the consequences of protest.

These actions sever the otherwise peaceful and non-aggressive confrontation between protestors and police, leading many to believe there are safety concerns that outweigh the benefits of protesting.

The public should not allow groups like the white supremacists who shot five protestors Nov. 23 at the 4th Precinct to soil its perception of social action that benefits society.

People should value protests for their lasting impact on society, rather than see them as safety concerns due to acts of violence intended to put an end to the very causes the protestors rally for.

Police brutality in Minnesota

Threat to those involved should be main priority Shoshi Leviton shoshileviton@slpecho.com

Police officers may fire guns when a suspect resists or flees arrest, is under suspicion or endangers lives of officers or civilians

In nearly 30 percent of fatal cases, police officers reported being shot at

74 people shot by law enforcement officials since 2004

Infographic Daniella Etzion Source MPR News, Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology & Twin Cities News

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or over two weeks, protesters stationed themselves outside the 4th Precinct in North Minneapolis and City Hall following the shooting of Jamar Clark Nov. 15.

Since then, the violence continues.

White supremacists shot five protesters Nov. 23 purely for attending the protest. People should not risk their lives because they want to show support.

Protests that arouse violence must stop. Public safety or safety of protesters should come first.

The longer protests continue, the more chance there is for continued loss and suffering.

In Ferguson, Missouri the protests after the shooting of Michael Brown continued well after the Aug. 9, 2014 tragedy. Two police officers were shot March 12, 2015 outside of a protest near the police station. Nearly seven months later and shots were still being fired.

The protests need to end in order to prevent the loss of any

New tactics to catch texting and driving save lives Unmarked cars help combat dangerous driving habits Adah Koivula adahkoivula@slpecho.com

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exting and driving accounted for 61 deaths in 2014, according to the Minnesota Office of Safety. People need to get off their phones and save their lives, and this can be achieved through the State Patrol’s new tactics.

Law enforcement should do whatever it takes to drill into people’s heads the dangers of texting and driving. Everyone’s priority should be to put the phone away

PARK TRAIL

and concentrate on the road as ticket prices climb to $300.

Texting and driving remains one of the worst distractions for a driver because it reduces visual, cognitive and manual concentration. It diminishes the driver’s ability to focus on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Although texting while drivings is illegal in Minnesota, teenage drivers have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In Minnesota, officers began a new tactic by adding five un-

ing a phone without a hands-free marked squad cars to the State device.

Patrol to catch distracted drivers.

Some criticize the department The cars will monitor Brainerd, for making a mockery of homeless Marshall, Mankato and the east people, but for catching texting and west Metro.

There’sthe a problem. a problem. and driving, it’s a justifiable ofIn There’s Bethesda, Maryland, fense.

Montgomery County police Nobody in the According to the U.S. DepartNobody in the officers made national news school can connect cantexting connect ment of Transportation, 3,154 attemptingschool to catch and to the wifi to the wifi people died because of distracted driving violators by disguising driving in 2013 and 424,000 as homeless people with a sign The students are going crazy Thehomeless. students Iare people were injured because of saying “I am not amgoing crazy climbing climbing over each other over each other accidents involving distracted a Montgomery County police to of-try and get a signal. to try and get a signal. ficer looking for cell phone texting drivers. should violations.” we do?

Whydoiswhatever What do we do? What Why Offi isdo cers necessary to catch violators until According to the this Montgomery happening? this happening? everyone understands that by texCounty Police Department, in ting and driving they put everyone two hours officers handed out 35 around them at risk. citations and 13 warnings for us-

more lives: protester or police officer. Rep. Keith Ellison (D) and Minneapolis mayor Betsy Hodges have both called for an end to the protests.

Although escalating violence necessitated an end to the protests, Clark’s investigation should continue. It is important that what happened to Clark be fully uncovered, but it shouldn’t come with the risk of losing more lives at a protest.

The goal of Justice for Jamar is very legitimate, but would be more effectively reached through a federal investigation instead of an increasingly dangerous protest.

Police data recently collected by the Star Tribune showed a decrease in police response times throughout Minneapolis during the height of the protests. Clearly, the protest also endangers those uninvolved in the matter.

There are other ways to show support for these causes besides protesting, such as lobbying local representatives and senators, speaking to local police and voicing support on social media.

It is important to stand up in the face of injustice, but safety cannot be overlooked in these cases.

Texting and driving in Minnesota 61 deaths caused by distracted driving in 2014

NO WIFI

Tickets for texting and driving can be up to $300 WIFI NONO WIFI

5 new unmarked squad cars Infographic Max Blackburn Source Minnesota Office of Safety

Mira Swartz miraswartz@slpecho.com

a problem. There’s a problem.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

obody in the Nobody in the hool can connect school can connect the wifi to the wifi The students are going Thecrazy students are going crazy climbing over each other climbing over each other to try and get a signal. to try and get a signal.

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Meanwhile, In the Meanwhile, In the teacher’s lounge... teacher’s lounge...

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“

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Echo Wednesday, December 9, 2015

In motion: Visitors at The Depot Ice Skating Rink in Minneapolis skate around the ice rink under a disco ball. The rink has hosted events since 2001.

I would go at least once. I haven’t been ice skating and it would be a fun experience.

Gregory Peterson, junior

Skating through winter Photo Illustration Harrison Barden & Cedar Thomas

The Depot ice rink offers alternative way to experience classic Minnesota activity Max Kent maxkent@slpecho.com

METRO AT A GLANCE

Polina Pekurovsky & Mimi Fhima polinapekurovsky@slpecho.com mimifhima@slpecho.com Photos used with written permission from Dusty Hoskovec Photography, the Walker Art Museum, The American Swedish Institute and Union Depot.

B

uilt in 1864, the Depot was once a major train hub in the Midwest, according to the Minnesota Historical Society.

Since 2001 it has hosted group events, individual skating lessons, and romantic dates.

Despite the rink’s temperature, senior Mackenzie Evenson said the environment of Minneapolis makes it a fun place for students to spend time during the winter.

“It can get pretty chilly, but the people who work there and the atmosphere are really cool,” Evenson said.

Hannah Johnson, senior executive administrator at the Depot Hotel, said a wide range of ages enjoy the rink.

“It is a great place for people of all ages, but it is a very popular date destination for teens and adults,” Johnson said. “I wish I had known about this place when I was younger because I would have enjoyed it a lot.”

Johnson said the rink gives patrons the opportunity to ice skate in an urban environment, a unique experience unlike

that of a lake or park.

“I have been here for seven years and I think it draws large crowds because being indoors and the proximity to downtown Minneapolis enhances the classic fun of the ice skating experience,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the Depot hosts many events during the winter.

“We just opened so there are not many events scheduled yet for this season, but I am sure there will be events planned in the future at the Depot,” Johnson said. “In the past we have had events for various non-profit organizations and groups, and several private events.”

Freshman Ajaleagh Bailey said she has never skated at the Depot but heard about it from one of her friends.

“One of my friends went there and he liked it a lot,” Bailey said.

Bailey said finding something fun to do during the winter is usually entails an activity and a place where friends can have a good time together.

“The Depot seems like a great place

ABOUT THE DEPOT Admission:

to spend time at during the long winter season,” Bailey said.

17 & under: $6 Junior 18-61: $9 Ellie Cook 62 & up: $6 said what makes the Skate rental: $7 Depot an enjoyable 225 S. Third Ave. place is the Infographic ability to Cedar Thomas experience Source a winter thedepotminneapolis.com activity indoors.

“It’s a fun place to go because it’s not the same feet-numbing experience as standing outside,” Cook said. “They keep it organized, and with a food option also, it makes it a fun place to meet with friends.”

The Depot opened Nov. 27 and closes March 6. For more information go to thedepotminneapolis.com.

Dec. 9-20

Dec. 9-April 10

Dec. 22

Dec. 11-13

The Minneapolis Downtown Council and Minnesota Park and Recreation board present Holidazzle, a holiday celebration with skating, food vendors and music. Admission is free.

The Walker showcases the work of German artist Andrea Büttner, whose work explores themes of social and ethical issues while working with a range of different mediums. Admission is $9.

The American Swedish Institute holds a Winter Solstice Celebration, which honors Scandinavian traditions. Visitors can enjoy a bonfire and exhibits.

Admission is $5 for students.

The Union Depot in St. Paul hosts the European Christmas Market.

This event is based on European holiday traditions and features food, drinks, gifts and entertainment. Admission is free.