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Cheshire High School’s fan section waved an Israeli flag during the football game versus Staples on Sept. 24.
Staples students accuse Cheshire High School of antisemitism during football game
The girls second floor bathroom was vandalized on Sept. 23. The perpetrator(s), who has not yet been identified, peeled paint off the stall walls, broke the toilet seat and drew a sexually explicit image on the stall door.
Girls bathroom vandalized, administration searches for perpetrators
Students from Connecticut College return to remote learning as a result of the increased COVID cases.
Connecticut College returns students to remote learning amid COVID-19 outbreak
The effects of a viral TikTok trend can be felt all across the state, even in our own town at Bedford Middle School, where bathrooms such as these were vandalized and stolen from.
Property stolen, destroyed at Bedford Middle School due to viral TikTok trend
The Playhouse suffered serious damage to several different areas of the theatre, because of the water that seeped through low-lying entrance doors and down staircases.
Westport Country Playhouse thankful for support after flood
The Governors ball, often called Gov Ball, is a music festival taking place this upcoming weekend on Sept. 24-26. It is located at Citi Field in New York City. This year they are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the festival.
Gov Ball proves not worth the COVID-19 risk
The County Assembly Charity Ball, also known as “Counties”, is being held in early 2022, yet many students have already started asking out dates now.
A race to the Counties dance floor: the rush to ask supersedes the dance itself
Wakeman field at Bedford Middle School is the designated parking area for juniors. There are not set parking spaces, making parking there not optimal.
Harsher punishment must be enforced for parking in seniors’ spots
Traditional campus tours are still limited because of COVID-19 regulations, but schools like Washington University in St. Louis (above) are beginning to offer self-guided tours. Visitors are given maps, phone apps or instructions to take them around to staple landmarks on campus.
Pandemic college exploration proves insufficient
The schedule rotates between eight periods, dropping two a day. There is a built-in communication time on days without connections.
Pro: New schedule offers valuable change to school year
Valerie Dreyfuss ’22 and Lily Caplan ’22 interview Staples students and administration on what they are currently watching on television.
What is Staples watching?
Kids 11 and under are more susceptible to getting Covid-19 because they are not eligible for the vaccine. Now, K-12 schools, like Westport Public Schools, face the impact.
Increased Covid-19 cases in students 11 and under
Maintaining time between school and work can be a challenge for many students. Within this podcast we go over the pros and cons of having a job during the school year and the ways to manage them both.
Students weigh pros and cons of working in summer versus the school year
The swim team practice now ends at 6 p.m. this year, which is a change for these athletes whose practice used to end at 5 p.m. This causes these athletes entire homework and night routine to be pushed back an hour, causing additional stress. Photo by Emily Goldstein ’23
Stress increases as a result of the new school year
Many Staples students celebrated Yom Kippur with a break fast, serving bagels and desserts.
Yom Kippur festivities persist in face of COVID
Drake’s “Certified Love Boy” (left) is compared to Kanye West’s “Donda” (Right).
Drake and Kanye’s albums raise some debate
Kayne West drops a new album, Donda, on Aug 29, 2021, which contains 27 songs and is his tenth studio album to write and produce.
Kayne West’s new album ‘Donda’ leaves fans disappointed
Dan Levy and NikkieTutorials, among other stars, used the 2021 Met Gala’s American theme to showcase the importance and power of LGBTQ+ icons and queer symbolism.
LGBTQ+ stars showcase longlasting importance of queer culture, icons at 2021 Met Gala
“The D’Amelio Show” came out on Sept. 3 on Hulu and has one season and eight episodes. Each episode is unique and discusses what life is like for the D’amelio family.
‘The D’Amelio Show’ displays the harsh reality of being an influencer in today’s society
Lil Nas X accepted VMA awards for both best video and direction for his song Montero (Call Me By Your Name).
Award shows reintroduce a sense of normalcy in a post-COVID-19 world
About seven years ago, my grandfather and I made a S’mores layer cake together, so, after not seeing him for nearly 500 days, I wanted to surprise him by baking him that same cake for Father’s Day.
S’mores layer cake honours early Father’s Day gift
These easy to make muffins make the perfect light and sweet treat.
Blueberry muffins are great for a light snack
Following this simple recipe makes a delectable snack to enjoy this summer or anytime.
Homemade guacamole pairs deliciously with homemade tortilla chips
A frozen fruity treat is a perfect way to start your day. These frozen yogurt barks are my new go-to breakfast and the easiest homemade treat.
Frozen Fruit Yogurt Bark: proves to be perfect breakfast alternative
Patriotic themed pretzels for Memorial Day are easy and quick to make. They help to celebrate the holiday, and are perfect to share with friends and family.
Delicious homemade pretzel desserts for Memorial Day
In order to abide by social distancing regulations, the Sherwood Diner has started to build an outside seating area for customers.
Restaurants open socially distanced seating areas for Westporters
Up-cycling helps beautify old clothes, pass time during quarantine
Up-cycling helps beautify old clothes, pass time during quarantine
Quarantine has uprooted our typical routines. However, with two months having gone by, my family slowly has settled back into new routines, as captured in this collection of photo spanning a current type of typical week.
Images from quarantine: time at home creates a change in routines
Ways to reduce waste; turn food scraps into gardens
Ways to reduce waste; turn food scraps into gardens
Making scrunchies is a great way to have fun and pass time when in quarantine.
Making scrunchies serves as a fun quarantine activity
Last Thursday, BLAME IT ON BABY appeared on spotify, apple music, and other music websites.
Second album this year further drives young rapper DaBaby’s music career
The new release show “Outer Banks” enhances a mysterious, adventurous teen drama show to allow viewers to binge watch during this time of being stuck inside.
‘Outer Banks’ creates a binge-worthy T.V series
Phoebe Waller-Bridge dominates airwaves with fantastic new releases
Phoebe Waller-Bridge dominates airwaves with fantastic new releases
The Strokes released “The New Abnormal” on April 10.
The Strokes new album makes great comeback
With two episodes each Sunday for the next five weeks, sports fans have something to look forward to in the short-term.
‘The Last Dance’ provides reprieve for sports fans worldwide
Like this
Westport PAL cheerleading suffers from lack of volunteers
The Staples boys’ varsity soccer team fought their toughest competition in their league, Greenwich, on September 18 on their home turf. The players walked away from the game unsatisfied with the tie but are looking forward to possibly facing the Cardinals again in the future for a rematch.
Staples boys’ soccer battles Greenwich to a draw
Superfan Captains lead the school spirit at all school sporting events. Here they rally the fan section at the last Staples football game on Sept. 17 vs St. Joseph. The Wreckers lost 35-14.
Return of sports traditions reinforces sense of community
Photo of Anna Pan ’22 fencing for her club team. She is one of the four staples students to bring fencing to staples.
Fencing team embarks on new journey
On 9/10, the Staples Wreckers football team took on Trumbull for the home opener football game. They won with a score of 27-20.
Wreckers beat Trumbull in home opener football game
Drake’s “Certified Love Boy” (left) is compared to Kanye West’s “Donda” (Right).
Drake and Kanye’s albums raise some debate
The Staples boys’ varsity soccer team fought their toughest competition in their league, Greenwich, on September 18 on their home turf. The players walked away from the game unsatisfied with the tie but are looking forward to possibly facing the Cardinals again in the future for a rematch.
Staples boys’ soccer battles Greenwich to a draw
Senior homecoming dance: restoring traditions after a decade
Senior homecoming dance: restoring traditions after a decade
Valerie Dreyfuss ’22 and Lily Caplan ’22 interview Staples students and administration on what they are currently watching on television.
What is Staples watching?
Maintaining time between school and work can be a challenge for many students. Within this podcast we go over the pros and cons of having a job during the school year and the ways to manage them both.
Students weigh pros and cons of working in summer versus the school year
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
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
Longshore golf course opens with COVID-19 restrictions
Longshore golf course opens with COVID-19 restrictions
COVID-19 couldn’t stop these stunning movie stars from rocking the Oscars red carpet Sunday night.
The Oscars lookbook: glitz, glam, and gorgeous gowns
The new Dunkin’ Donuts spring menu displays new and exciting food and drink options that are sure to brighten up this spring season.
Dunkin’ Doughnuts Review
Those who identify as “super straight” have already adopted their own version of a pride flag, a rectangle divided between black and orange. Critics of the label have seen it as exclusionary and take issue with the attempts of “super straight” people to insert themselves into the LGBT community.
‘Super Straight’ trend provokes ire, discussions about transphobia 
Some vaccinated families were able to celebrate Passover traditionally, while others held their seder’s over zoom.
Staples students celebrate passover amid COVID-19
Hasbro announces new Potato Head toys that dropped the pronouns Mr. and Ms. due to recent controversy. However, the iconic Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head are still available for sale.
Newest Controversy: The gender of a potato
Staples gets set to tip off at home against Fairfield Warde on March 28.
Staples Basketball Recap
Staples warming up before tip off against Brian McMahon with no fans in the gym.
The success of Staples basketball
The Staples Varsity softball team high-fives last year before COVID-19 began. This year, social distancing and mask wearing will be enforced so on field play will be very different.
Spring sports season brings mixed feelings to players
Last rec season, swapping jerseys with a member of the opposing team after the game was the ultimate sign of respect and gratitude players could share. Angelo Casabianca ’21 and Haydn Siroka ’21 share a moment together after a close game between the two.
Seniors reflect on rec basketball cancelled
Staples girls basketball celebrates after upsetting Norwalk on the road.
Students discuss status of winter sports
While the pasta options range in caloric density, all are easy to make and delicious in their own way.
Trader Joe’s offers variety of gnocchi to satisfy pasta cravings
Bachelor Matt James and winner of this season Rachal Kirkconnel had clear tension between them at the after the final rose ceremony. Rachel shed many tears, as Matt was so heartbroken he could barely speak.
Bachelor finale shocks Bachelor Nation
These are all of the materials needed to cuff any pair of pants and sew exciting stitches to the linings of clothing articles. This will revamp garments in addition to providing pops of color.
Crafting clothes proves fun quarantine activity
A hand showing female empowerment, which is similar to drawings that were shown in the movie.
Moxie inspires high schoolers to make a change
Emma Losonczy ’23 uses music as a way of focusing while studying in the library. The music helps Losonczy keep her mind awake while she writes an essay for English class.
Reviewing La Di Die
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
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The effects of a viral TikTok trend can be felt all across the state, even in our own town at Bedford Middle School, where bathrooms such as these were vandalized and stolen from.

Property stolen, destroyed at Bedford Middle School due to viral TikTok trend

September 20, 2021
The fireworks this Fourth of July in Westport have pretty much faded out of existence, due to the town’s decision. But it’s absolutely clear now it shouldn’t have.

Fourth of July fireworks should not be canceled

June 15, 2021
The Westport Board of Education returned to in-person meetings, like the one pictured above from two years ago, for the first time since March of 2020 (reused photo from previous Inklings BOE article).

Westport BOE returns to in-person meetings

June 10, 2021
The Yankee Doodle Fair, usually an event that signals the end of school and the start of summer, will instead take place in September.

Yankee Doodle Fair postponed to September due to COVID-19

June 10, 2021
Bobby Valentine, former New York Mets manager, may now be managing a whole lot more than one team: an entire city.

Former Mets player and manager to run for mayor of Stamford

June 7, 2021
An overview of the major changes expressed in Superintendent Thomas Scarice’s update, including an update on mask policy.

Westport schools update COVID guidance, masks at recess not required

June 4, 2021
While currently masks are required in school classrooms across the state until the end of the school year, the case may be very different come August.

Time to re-enter the world, vaccinated and maskless

June 2, 2021
Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, two rising social media influencers, will now star in their own show on Hulu.

‘D’Amelio Show’ likely to fall into the pits of garbage television

June 1, 2021
The 2018 Memorial Day parade in Westport will be somewhat different from this year due to COVID-19 regulations and protocols.

Memorial Day parade returns to Westport for May 2021

May 26, 2021
An overview of the major changes resulting from the last COVID-19 guidance across the state.

Masks no longer required indoors if fully vaccinated

May 18, 2021
The Staples field, which often plays host to football games, will be the venue of a much different event this year: the class of 2021’s graduation.

Graduation to take place on the football field

May 11, 2021
A partial view of the full rankings, showing the top three schools, out of a list featuring nearly 200 public high schools in the state.

Staples named Best Public High School in Connecticut

May 4, 2021
Denying full experience of Culinary Arts due to nut allergies must end

Denying full experience of Culinary Arts due to nut allergies must end

March 1, 2021
With the announcement by Lamont yesterday, a new vaccine distribution schedule was released, including when teachers are eligible to Receive.

Teachers to become eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

February 23, 2021
With rising case numbers across the state and in Westport, things like winter sports and a model change are up in the air.

Westport COVID-19 numbers increase

January 22, 2021
With the impending change to full in-person learning district-wide, schools at all levels are going about the process differently.

[Photo] Westport schools set to shift to full in-person model despite teacher, student concerns

January 22, 2021
Changes made to Connecticut sports, CIAC delays winter start

Changes made to Connecticut sports, CIAC delays winter start

November 10, 2020
breaking-Infographics

[Photo] Positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in several Westport schools

November 5, 2020
Following Scarice’s decision, Long Lots Elementary School will be staying in their current model and not going back five days a week.

Scarice recommends against full reopening of Westport schools

October 22, 2020
Impacted by a positive COVID-19 test, Long Lots Elementary School now has multiple members of its community quarantined

[Photo] COVID-19 case prompts quarantines at Long Lots Elementary School

October 2, 2020
Despite the initial announcement that barbershops and hair salons would be included in phase one of Connecticuts reopening plan, Lamont has retracted this statement and pushed the reopening date to June.

Lamont announces barbershops, hair salons delayed until June

May 28, 2020
The Westport Country Playhouse, normally a stage for plays, now has postponed its entire 2020 show season, due to COVID-19.

Westport Country Playhouse postpones season, in danger of permanent shutdown

May 14, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic raging across the world, multiple blockbusters have had their original release dates postponed.

COVID-19 delays multiple movies’ production, filming

May 13, 2020
By Monday, voters will need to make a final decision on which party they will be a member of for the 2020 election and whether or not to switch.

Westport Registrar of Voters announces deadlines for 2020 election registration

May 11, 2020
Connecticut schools, including Staples High School, will remain closed until April 20 at the earliest.

School closure further prolonged

March 25, 2020
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