Editor’s Note: Each week in November through December, the newspaper will be featuring area businesses and organizations to support shopping and gift giving that supports our local area this holiday season.

In the state of Minnesota, there exists a teacher- led organization among alternative school educators called Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP). A part of MAAP includes a student focused program called MAAP Stars, in which students from alternative learning programs throughout the state can participate in challenges involving real life scenarios, and work together in leadership roles towards opportunities for refining life skills. The student group additionally works to educate the public, and elected representatives on what alternative education is and why it is important.

David Arrow of Granite Falls visited ECHO Charter School last Tuesday afternoon to share his American Indian heritage in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Arrow said he was honored to do so and returned the honor by singing a new song in honor of those at ECS.