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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
Inklings’ Wordle 10/4/22
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
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Maya Hruskar ’23

Maya Hruskar ’23, Paper News Editor

Paper News Editor Maya Hruskar ’23 has loved art, specifically drawing, ever since she was little.

“I love doing self-portraits,” Hruskar said. “I think they are really cool and help people, especially teenagers, improve their self-esteem and perception of themselves.”

Hruskar has a passion for reading and became interested in journalism after entering high school and looking for an inclusive environment that fit her interests.

“Inklings really allows you to explore this community and get to know a bunch of different types of people,” Hruskar said. “It forces you to come out of your comfort zone, which is really nice.”

 

All content by Maya Hruskar ’23
Stranger things season four breaks the mold of the previous seasons by being more expansive, more complex, and with a run-time to match. Despite struggling with bloatedness, it achieves a level of entertainment unmatched by its predecessors.

‘Stranger Things’ expansive fourth season exceeds expectations

June 20, 2022
Veganism has many benefits for your health and the environment, but negative stereotypes and all-or-nothing biases are even harder than giving up your favorite foods.

Junior year made me stop being vegan

June 12, 2022
Many people flaunt the importance of classics and critically acclaimed books, however it may be this snobbery that drives many away from the joy of reading. We must learn to enjoy trashy books guilt and judgment free.

Trashy books trump time-honored classics

May 31, 2022
In the spirit of the holidays and saving money, this imitation recipe provides the blueprint to create the flavor-bomb that is sugar cookie syrup, for use in coffee or whatsoever you choose.

Starbucks sugar cookie imitation syrup warms the soul

January 8, 2022
“Dune” 2021, starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, is based on the 1965 sci-fi classic book. Taking place on an alien world with stunning cinematography, the movie succeeds at recreating the worldbuilding of the book.

‘Dune’ is the perfect book recreation, but fails to reach new audiences

November 22, 2021

High-achieving students discuss toxic environment, importance of mindset when managing stress

October 31, 2021
Families paid for children to take part in the variety of activities around the fall fest. The money raised from the festival will go towards supporting Earth Place’s nature-oriented programming and providing scholarships to underserved families.

Fall Family Fun: Earthplace’s Fall Festival inspires community gathering, raises funds

October 12, 2021
Over the summer several Staples students took EMT classes to pursue a certification. These students are now beginning to volunteer in EMS locations in or around Westport.

Summer EMT courses challenge students, promote growth

October 6, 2021
Connecticut governor Ned Lamont lifted the mask mandate for vaccinated individuals on May 19, posting the above information on his twitter account, @GovNedLamont. Local businesses have differed in their approaches to lifting the mask mandate, and Staples will not be lifting the mandate for this year.

Westport’s differing mask protocols create issues with consistency, facilitate stigma and confusion

June 7, 2021
Netflix’s new book adaptation, “Shadow and Bone” is based on Leigh Bardugo’s “Shadow and Bone” trilogy as well as her “Six of Crows” duology.

Take notes, book-to-screen adaptations: ‘Shadow and Bone’ rivals ‘Harry Potter’ in masterful portrayal of source material

May 12, 2021
Amid rising vaccinations, Governor Ned Lamont announced that CT will lift COVID business restrictions on May 1 and May 19.

Lamont announces refined outdoor business restrictions for May

April 30, 2021
The sci-fi classic “Dune” explores religious and ecological themes ever-more relevant to modern day. Providing unique parallels to the oftentimes villainized middle-eastern culture, its alien story can give insight on misunderstood aspects of the modern world.

Don’t miss out on the book: The sci-fi classic “Dune” explores modern themes of religious fanaticism, ecology

March 26, 2021
The Westport Bookshop, Westport’s first used book store, officially opened January 28. They are open Thursdays and Fridays from three to six p.m and on weekends from noon to five p.m.

Westport Book Shop dazzles book-lovers, provides community space

February 9, 2021
Wonder Woman 1984, released in theatres and HBO Max on Christmas day, fails to meet expectations set by the first film.

‘Wonder Woman: 1984’ fails in face of expectations set by its predecessor

January 13, 2021

Students discuss hesitancy, misinformation on coronavirus vaccine

December 22, 2020
With winter coming in, and snow in the forecast, this rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate will definitely warm you up.

Warm spirits with homemade hot chocolate

December 15, 2020
Many holiday practices, such as using wrapping paper or ordering presents online, are bad for the environment. This holiday season, we can avoid these unnecessarily wasteful practices by seeking friendly alternatives.

Ditch wasteful consumption, embrace sustainability this holiday season

December 3, 2020
Staples parents Holly Rogers (right) and Zoran Hruskar (left) watch virtual back to school night presentations from the comfort of their home. As a precaution to stay safe from COVID-19, teachers pre-recorded or streamed their presentations live through zoom.

Virtual back to school night provides convenience, cannot recreate in-person experience

October 13, 2020

Westport offers a variety of pumpkin spice treats for fall

October 5, 2020
Social studies teacher Suzanne Kammerman’s classroom board depicts the Democratic and Republican tickets as well as dates for the online and absentee ballots and Presidential and Vice-presidential debates.

Social studies teachers approach election education with confidence

September 26, 2020

Quarter four grade weight reduction may demotivate frustrated students

May 15, 2020
Ingredients include: three eggs, one cup milk, one-third cup club soda, one cup flour, three tablespoons sugar, three-fourths teaspoon salt and two tablespoons vanilla extract.

Easy crepes for quarantine indulgence

May 12, 2020
Lamont signed an executive order following the revelation that Connecticut now has 26 confirmed cases since March 15.

Lamont temporarily closes all Connecticut public schools

March 16, 2020
P.E. class records their stress level in mindfulness activity tracker.

Mindfulness curriculum garners positive response from students, teachers

March 10, 2020
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