Join the discussion.

Inklings News
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
‘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
Some students plan their schedules to make sure they get enough credit early in their high school careers. Others cram their graduation credits in junior or senior year.
Students stress over art credits
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
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
The line for sandwiches at lunch at Staples is often lengthy and filled with people from all corners of the building. School members share their opinions on the sandwiches, and why this lunch item is so special at the school.
Why are Staples’ sandwiches so special? Students and staff share their input
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 9/27/22
Inklings’ Wordle 9/27/22
Inklings Word Search 9/19/22
Inklings’ Word Search 9/19/22
Inklings Word Search 9/11/22
Inklings’ Word Search 9/11/22
Inklings Word Search 9/5/22
Inklings Word Search 9/5/22
Inklings Wordle 6/13/22
Inklings’ Wordle 6/13/22
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Finnegan Courtney ’23

Finnegan Courtney ’23, News Editor

For Paper News Editor Finnegan Courtney ’23, journalism has always been a passion of his, even before his time at Staples High School. 

“I’ve always loved writing, and especially journalism,” Courtney said. “Ever since middle school, I’ve been doing journalism and writing for the school paper, and Inklings was the next step.”

Other than working on the paper, Courtney indulges in many other interests. 

“I love a lot of sports. [I] love basketball, baseball, [I] love to run. Also, I’m really interested in sports broadcasting,” he said. 

Yet, journalism still remains Courtney’s top interest.

“It’s just something I love to do,” Courntey said. 

 

All content by Finnegan Courtney ’23
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

September 21, 2022
“The Fallout” could just be the movie of the year, but it also heartbreakingly tells a tale that has become all too real to our generation.

‘The Fallout,’ a defining film of Gen Z, tells heartbreaking yet real story

February 15, 2022
Masks: a staple of the last 20 months, but now, they’ll likely be a thing of the past in schools come Feb. 28, due to Governor Ned Lamont lifting the state wide mask mandate in schools.

Governor announces school mask mandate to end Feb. 28

February 11, 2022
Students oppose further plastic divider use

Students oppose further plastic divider use

January 27, 2022
Recently, the second season of ‘Euphoria’ premiered in an excellent follow-up to its acclaimed first season.

‘Euphoria’ season premiere satisfies, lives up to acclaimed first season

January 26, 2022
Recently, Bedford Middle School was announced as one of the top 10 middle schools in the state.

Bedford ranked eighth on top middle schools list in Connecticut

November 1, 2021
The first of planned Wellness Activity Days occurred on Oct. 20, yet many students chose to depart prior.

Wellness day presented unfair procedures regarding attendance

October 29, 2021
With blood supply dangerously low across the country, Westport’s VFW recently held a blood drive.

Local blood drive hopes to alleviate dangerously low blood levels

October 19, 2021
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

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
Load More Stories
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Inklings News • © 2022 • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in