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Sidewalks in Westport are in poor condition, affecting civilians and prompting the new allotment of repair funds.
Westport given new sidewalk repair funds 
Statistics given that allow for Connecticut schools to be ranked 2nd in the country when compared to other schools in US states according to WFSB.
Connecticut schools rank in the top three for education quality
While the town of Westport may originally have planned on seeing all of Staples’ repaved by next year, that appears to not be the case.
Staples’ repaving project incomplete, timetable of completion unknown
On Sept. 13, parents of students in grades 11 and 12 leave the SHS building after meeting with their childrens teachers on Back to School Night. BTSN consisted of teachers introducing themselves as well as discussing their goals for the upcoming school year to parents.
Staples parents attend Back to School Night in-person for the first time in two years
As of the 2022-2023 school year, students will store their phones in holders for each class period.
Administration introduces, enforces new personal device policy
Harry Styles interacting with the crowd at Madison Square Garden while singing Adore You.
Post-concert depression is real, the worst.
Parents look over a youth soccer match (Photo contributed by Katharine Murray)
Parents over-involvement in youth sports detrimental to kids
Students face new, extreme punishments including having phones taken away and immediate Saturday detentions.
New school policies punish students unwarrantly, merit system more suited
Microaggressions are more hurtful than you think
Microaggressions are more hurtful than you think
A stairway at Staples goes empty without students present. Currently, students get nine days and three week-long vacations off during the course of the year, with vacation days more common towards the beginning of the year and vacation weeks more common towards the end.
Extra vacation days prove disappointingly implemented
Jack Marshall ’24 diligently works on his assignments outside of the school’s auditorium.
Different strategies prove effective for completing school work, managing schedules
‘shshallupdates’ returns and so does the mystery of who’s behind the screen.
‘shshallupdates’ account throne passed on
Kaya Law ’24 runs Anya Nair’s ’24 Educate the Elementary club stand. This club had over five pages of students eager to sign up.
Involvement Fair promotes new Staples clubs, increases involvement
Dresses at Winged Monkey, a clothing store in Westport, await the rush of junior girls going shopping for their outfits.
Junior girls count down to Counties
Students in AP Music Theory during period 4, featured in the middle of a busy day with Mr. Giampietro and Ms. Mascaro. Photograph by Audrey Curtis
AP Music Theory blends creativity, challenge for musically gifted students
With Halloween right around the corner, reviews on the most essential horror movies are in to perfect a night of jumpscares, candy and popcorn. Graphic contributed by whatsageek.com
Four to Watch for Fright Night
Two Staples students received All-National Honors, making them the top performing high school musicians in the country. The musicians will travel to National Harbor, Maryland to participate in a prestigious ensemble where they will showcase their talents in the annual ANHE program showcase taking place at the beginning of November this year.
Staples musicians receive ‘All-National Honors,’ deemed top high school musician in country
Toquet Hall is located on 58 Post Road E, Westport and is open to everyone. Whether it be game night, arts and crafts, live music, or drop-in hours, the hall has something for everyone. Photo by Margot Richlin ’23
Students reflect on affordable Toquet Hall musical performances
Satire image describing many viewers’ thoughts on the upcoming season of Disneys “Dancing with the Stars” Graphic by Rachel Olefson ’25
‘Dancing with the Stars’ premiere leaves audiences with mixed reactions
No relationship is perfect, yet the many inappropriate, bigoted traits her characters posess could be destructive to the youth
Colleen Hoover’s lack of viewer discretion harms audience
Staples and Darien show good sportsmanship by high-fiving each other after the game ends.
Girls’ JV field hockey ties Darien
Staples celebrates Matthew Shackelford’s ’23 last minute goal (Photo by Mark Sikorski)
Wreckers come out on top in dramatic game vs Westhill
Parents look over a youth soccer match (Photo contributed by Katharine Murray)
Parents over-involvement in youth sports detrimental to kids
The swimming pool at Staples High School is used for freshmen aquatics and other student extra curricular activities
Return of freshman aquatics creates controversial splash
Isabelle Nahon ’23 and Emma Nahon ’23 are both committed to colleges to continue their athletic journey playing Field Hockey. Isabelle plans to attend Hamilton College while Emma plans to attend University of Pennsylvania.
Committed Staples athletes enjoy stress-free year
Seniors reflect on Homecoming, dance-related stress
Seniors reflect on Homecoming, dance-related stress
Under the cell phone policy, students are required to place their phone into a designated sleeve. However, this policy isn’t enforced in every class.
Students and teachers on new cell phone policy
Appreciating small accomplishments: Finding positivity in times of stress
Appreciating small accomplishments: Finding positivity in times of stress
English teacher Alexandra McHale provides insight to her personal and professional lifestyles while tending to her teacher duties.
20 Questions with Ms. McHale: cruising the Staples halls
In the video, students and faculty shared their opinions on superstitions, as well as some superstitions they hold and the weirdest superstitions they’ve heard.
Students share opinions on superstitions
In a report created by Colliers Project Leader for the Westport Finance and Facilities Subcommittee earlier this year, it was recommended that $600,000 of a $8.16 million improvement plan should be used on electrical improvements and repairs.
Long Lots Elementary School fire causes evacuation for students
Bedford teacher Arthur Ellis (pictured above) turned himself in on April 27 due to sexual assault allegations. Ellis was officially charged with sexual assault in the fourth degree and risk of injury to a minor. Ellis has posted bail and is awaiting trial on May 6.
Bedford teacher turns himself into police after sexual assault accusations
Governor Ned Lamont plans to implement the most ambitious reopening plan in the tristate area since the pandemic started last year. Throughout March and April, all capacity limits for most businesses and personal retail stores are being lifted.
Connecticut’s transition to 100% capacity, eased restriction concerns among students
Increased flooding downtown threatens shops through costs and water damage
Increased flooding downtown threatens shops through costs and water damage
A COVID-19 vaccine is currently being developed.
Potential COVID-19 vaccine brings controversy
Under the cell phone policy, students are required to place their phone into a designated sleeve. However, this policy isn’t enforced in every class.
Students and teachers on new cell phone policy
Westport Nutrition held its grand opening on May 21. Its focus is healthy, fueling drinks for the community, targeting athletes.
Westport Nutrition fuels community with healthy options
Most students have plans to travel this summer, whether it is visiting the beach or a foreign country.
Students share plans for upcoming summer break
Seniors preparing to leave Staples think back on all of the memories that made their high school experience.
Seniors reflect, rejoice on favorite high school memories
Staples seniors reflect on past high school memories and gear up to graduate and move onto their next chapter.
Seniors reflect on lessons learned, highschool experiences
In this podcast, we take a look at Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers playoff predictions.
New York Rangers embark on NHL playoffs
The Staples girls’ lacrosse team played under the lights on the football field for the first time in a regular season game.
Girls’ lacrosse finally plays under the lights
In 2017, the United States had the fastest growing squash population across the globe and saw junior participation grow fourfold, as per US Squash. In line with the national trend, Staples girls’ squash is seeing an increase in involvement, with 22 girls rostered this season compared to 16 last year.
Girls’ squash commences new season, grows in popularity
This past weekend, Gonzalez traveled to Tennessee to meet her All-American teammates and play in an East vs West game, which Gonzalez’s team won 5-0.
Soccer Star Gaby Gonzalez ’22 Scores All-American
Staples gets set to tip off at home against Fairfield Warde on March 28.
Staples Basketball Recap
Westport Nutrition held its grand opening on May 21. Its focus is healthy, fueling drinks for the community, targeting athletes.
Westport Nutrition fuels community with healthy options
Most students have plans to travel this summer, whether it is visiting the beach or a foreign country.
Students share plans for upcoming summer break
Valerie Dreyfuss and Lily Caplan discover what students are listening to.
What’s Staples listening to?
Elle Vail ’23 satirically provides her insight upon this year’s junior prom dresses on the Paris Hilton’s “hot or not” spectrum.
Junior Prom Dresses: Hot or Not Satire
Summer activities to cure boredom
Summer activities to cure boredom
Photo by Shira Zeiberg “Operation Varsity Blues” is a documentary investigating the mastermind behind the scheme to get kids of rich families into top colleges.
Netflix film ‘Operation Varsity Blues’ sheds light on college admissions scandal
Staples students are cautious to travel due to the looming threat of COVID-19.
Students traveling for vacation raises COVID concerns
Each year, students must receive recommendations from teachers to enroll in specific level classes. Though these recommendations are helpful, they also can restrain students from taking classes they know they can handle.
Teacher recommendations do more harm than good
After making our way through the towns best diners and delis, we found that the classic Sherwood Diner breakfast sandwich was our favorite.
Students search for Westport’s best egg sandwich
First Lady Biden brings education to forefront of American politics
First Lady Biden brings education to forefront of American politics
On the Wreckord - Episode Two
On the Wreckord – Episode Two
On The Wreckord - Episode One
On The Wreckord – Episode One
Inklings Wordle 10/4/22
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Inklings Word Search 9/5/22
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All content by Allison Gillman '23
Through the shared experience of navigating a new environment largely independent of adult support, I learned to be a strong traveler and how to move around and live with a tight-knit group of peers.

Spain cultural immersion trip creates unforgettable experience, breaks barriers

May 3, 2022
With American-style handmade chocolates boasting European quality, the Bridgewater Chocolate Box Shop is hosting a pop-up on 11 Church Ln, open weekends until Dec. 19.

Bridgewater Chocolate pops into Westport for the holidays

January 8, 2022
From something as simple as garlic to more complex blends, spices serve as flavorful and beneficial additions to daily meals. Certain spices like masala can tease out stronger, more aromatic flavors, while others, including turmeric and trikatu, contain key health-promoting ingredients.

Spicing food offers practical and tasty approach to cooking

October 7, 2021
In MONTERO, Lil Nas X reveals his personal struggles with identity that had long travelled under the public radar, while also championing the hard work and perseverance that led to his success and stardom in the music industry.

Lil Nas X’s ‘MONTERO’ reveals artist’s personal journey, illuminating prevalence of identity in the modern world

October 2, 2021
As Connecticut welcomes summer weather, many of wild birds’ natural prey becomes more prevalent. However, we can still help birds fulfill their ferocious daily feeding schedules by getting crafty with household materials to make bird feeders.

DIY bird feeder serves as productive pastime, supplement to wildlife

June 11, 2021
Disney’s new “Raya and the Last Dragon,” which was released on Disney+ on March 5, 2021, demonstrates the complexity and capability of well-developed female lead characters. In addition to phenomenal storytelling, both the protagonist and antagonist in the film are skilled, nuanced women with passions, issues and strengths.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ revolutionizes traditional portrayal of Disney princesses

March 24, 2021
For those who do not have a readily available selection of books at home, libraries are the best place to start. Not only do they offer books on virtually any subject imaginable -- including Westport’s own downtown public library -- but libraries create the perfect peaceful environment to dig into nonfiction or get lost in a magical storyline. Besides, removing environmental factors that shutter a teenager from reading is the first step in opening the heart to books.

Today’s teens must rediscover emotional, creative outlet provided by books

March 5, 2021
WandaVision kicked off Marvel Studios’ new bracket of television shows on Jan. 15, with episode five set to air on Feb. 5. Straying from the action-packed genre that characterized Marvel productions for over a decade, the beginning of the show harkens to the era of classic American sitcoms such as “I Love Lucy” and “Leave It To Beaver.”

Beguiling first episodes of Marvel Studios’ ‘WandaVision’ are worth the watch

February 4, 2021
Mexica Kitchen & Cantina opened its doors Dec. 5 on 221 Post Road W. The Osorio family owned Villa del Sol, a former Westport Mexican dining location, for a number of years, serving a plethora of traditional Mexican dishes and beverages. The Mexica team hopes to continue with an atmosphere similar to Villa del Sol’s, keeping with traditional cuisine and adding multiple new dishes to showcase a stronger sense of the food and culture of Mexico. Mexica follows appropriate social distancing guidelines and offers both curbside and takeout services.

Newly-opened restaurant Mexica achieves ideal dining experience

December 23, 2020
Two competing houses on Maple St. express opposing political viewpoints of the upcoming presidential election through banners, signs and flags. The WPD’s press release stated that signs placed on private property may not extend beyond the property line. In addition, it is recommended that residents remove their respective signs within two days after the election, or other specified event.

Removal of political signage around Westport prompts WPD response

October 15, 2020

Trump administration lacks transparency, misinforms public amid COVID-19 crisis

May 11, 2020
Lamont mandates face coverings in public areas

Lamont mandates face coverings in public areas

May 4, 2020
Westport’s first two official cases of the coronavirus were declared Friday, bringing the total number of infected Connecticut residents to 11..

Westport confirms first two COVID-19 cases

March 13, 2020
P.E. class records their stress level in mindfulness activity tracker.

Mindfulness curriculum garners positive response from students, teachers

March 10, 2020
Dobin-Smith smiles next to flag of Switzerland during a quick exploration of the Swiss Alps. The group house he would share with other participants of the Wisdom Accelerator for Youth program is located across the valley.

Dobin-Smith emphasizes push for climate action in community

March 10, 2020
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