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According to US News, most of the schools within the top five are within the towns surrounding Staples High school and three of the five schools are public.
Staples High School ranks highly among other Connecticut schools
Westport parents, educators and residents attended the Board of Education meeting Monday night, contributing to conversations about the equity study on the climate of Westport district schools.
Board of Education equity report release from NYU causes division, frustration
The Westport Police Department will host Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Westport Center for Senior Activities on April 30 from 10am to 2pm. Since its creation, the event has removed nearly 15 million pounds from circulation.
Westport Police partners with DEA for Prescription Drug Take Back Day 
“Employment is for Everyone” initiative attempts to improve the general quality of life disabled.
‘Employment is for Everyone’ initiative aims to create job opportunities for disabled
Acceptance rates for the class of 2026 reach an all time low due to miscalculated yields and over-enrollment.
Class of 2026 acceptance rates plummet
The Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade may be overturned, taking away necessary reproductive and human rights for millions of women across America.
Potential overturn of Roe vs. Wade wrongfully strips women of their human rights
Teachers should provide the class average for assessments in order to prevent students from sharing scores with one another.
Class averages foster a less competitive environment
As upcoming juniors decide where they will apply to college, it’s important that they don’t rule out colleges just because they’re “unrealistic.”
Advice for juniors: The 25-50-25 rule is not a universal mantra
Students wait in an empty classroom for a substitute to show up; however, at Staples, there is no reason for there to be a substitute for the class. Students should be allowed to work on their own without a substitute watching over them, benefiting both the school and the students.
The kids are alright: substitute teachers prove unnecessary
Some students tend to choose hobbies they are uninterested in, strictly based on how well it will appear on a college application or resume. Students must remember that in a competitive high school environment, having fun should remain as a top priority.
Students should explore true passions, abandon resume fillers
Nicholas Blanco ’25, Dylan Kurpiel ’25, Jack Srihari ’25 and substitute teacher Hannah Mata enjoy a game together after school on Fridays.
Cooperative video games club connects students through games
AP Chemistry classes watch “Indiana Jones” since the completion of the AP college board administered test on May 2.
End of AP classes leaves students relieved, allows for fun learning experiences
A longstanding Staples tradition, Senior Showdown is a nerf-shooting tournament during which participating seniors are given a target to “assassinate” while avoiding elimination at the hands of a foam dart themselves.
Seniors take aim at ‘Senior Showdown’
Students of the month receive a certificate of achievement.
Students reflect on ‘Student of the Month’ award impact
Books and a chalkboard represent all that teachers do for students, including picking course materials and covering what they feel is important for students to know.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Do teachers actually feel appreciated?
Sophie Alcyone ’22 (left) and Sasha Maskoff ’22 (right) attended the CAS Awards ceremony on April 5 in Plantsville, Connecticut. The CAS awards their Outstanding Arts Award based on demonstrated scholarship and leadership across the realm of visual and performing arts. Two students from each member school are awarded annually, and students must be referred by teachers.
Seniors Maskoff, Alcyone, win 27th annual High School Arts Awards
After getting ready, most students will take pictures before going to the prom.
Senior prom sets unnecessarily expensive standard of beauty
Released on April 22, 2022, Heartstopper provides relatable, loveable LGBTQ+ romance and journey. While season two has not been announced, season one has climbed the top-watched list in America and the United Kingdom.
Netflix’s “Heartstopper” illustrates heartwarming, intricate LGBTQ+ journey, romance 
Netflix released season four of Drive to Survive on March 13. Drive to Survive captures the behind-the-scenes moments of the Formula 1 race season, including team rivalries, driver lineups and the role of money in the sport.
Season four of ‘Drive to Survive’ delivers the behind the scenes of a thrilling Formula 1 season
The new Kardashians show excites fans across the nation.
The Kardashians on Hulu stylishly shifting to showcase real, raw life
The girls’ golf team has members from every grade; each player has different strengths that have helped contribute to the team’s victories this year.
Girls’ golf victorious in almost every match, leads state
Evelyn Chudowsky ’24 celebrates a goal from her team in a game against Bermuda on April 28.
Evelyn Chudowsky ’24 embarks on Dominican Republic national team
Club sport athletes at Staples do not get the recognition they deserve despite their immense dedication.
Inclusion of Staples athletes in club sports is a must
Students compete in a full speed gym class game.
Athletes forced to participate in gym class at the expense of their performance, health and academics
The boys lost the first set 28-26 but went on to win the next three sets in a four set game.
Boys’ volleyball defeats Norwalk in vital 3-1 victory
Summer activities to cure boredom
Summer activities to cure boredom
Bonkers Cupcakes opened this spring in downtown Fairfield. They serve a variety of cupcakes with different buttercream frostings.
Bonkers Cupcakes sweetens Fairfield County dessert scene
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
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
The first round of Senior Assassin begins on Monday, May 23 and will end on Sunday, May 29 at 11:59 PM.
Senior Showdown sparks excitement
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
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
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
The first round of Senior Assassin begins on Monday, May 23 and will end on Sunday, May 29 at 11:59 PM.
Senior Showdown sparks excitement
Seniors announced college decisions by May 1, the decision deadline for many schools.
Seniors share college decision considerations
Many seniors have created their own internship plans catered to their personal interests or potential future career choices. Some examples include working with a psychologist, interning at a music school and teaching dance classes.
Seniors find value in creating self designed internships
While many students begin their college search before junior year, the bulk of the college process, including standardized testing and essay writing, takes place at the end of junior year and the beginning of senior year.
Students evaluate approach to college process
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
Staples warming up before tip off against Brian McMahon with no fans in the gym.
The success of Staples basketball
Summer activities to cure boredom
Summer activities to cure boredom
Bonkers Cupcakes opened this spring in downtown Fairfield. They serve a variety of cupcakes with different buttercream frostings.
Bonkers Cupcakes sweetens Fairfield County dessert scene
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
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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Mishael Gill ’23

Mishael Gill ’23, Features Editor

Features editor Mishael Gill ’23 is a committed student who enjoys participating in communities. She hopes to volunteer at Stamford Health because of her interest in medicine. 

“I’m interested in medicine and I want to get involved with helping people,” Gill said.

Gill’s passion for helping and working with others drew her to Inklings. 

“I was looking for a fun and open community and Inklings embodied that,” Gill said.

Her dedication to journalism continues to grow.

“I wanted to get involved with something,” Gill said, “that I can be committed to throughout high school.”

 

All content by Mishael Gill ’23
Sophie Alcyone ’22 (left) and Sasha Maskoff ’22 (right) attended the CAS Awards ceremony on April 5 in Plantsville, Connecticut. The CAS awards their Outstanding Arts Award based on demonstrated scholarship and leadership across the realm of visual and performing arts. Two students from each member school are awarded annually, and students must be referred by teachers.

Seniors Maskoff, Alcyone, win 27th annual High School Arts Awards

May 6, 2022
In the 1990s, Oligarchs emerged as young entrepreneurs with formidable connections to Russias new government, led by President Boris Yeltsin. Their rapid financial growth allowed them to become mega-billionaires with considerable influence within the government.

The U.S. needs to sanction Russian oligarchs, not the Russian people

March 30, 2022
With a robust menu and ideal location, The Whale Tea’s Westport location is attracting many customers. The menu features numerous add-ons and customizations to cater to a wide variety of tastes.

The Whale Tea arrives in Westport, satisfies bubble tea cravings

February 16, 2022
Haskell is the Senate Chairman of the joint Transportation Committee, Vice Chairman of the Government Administration & Elections Committee and serves on several other state committees.

Haskell seeks intermission from Senate position to begin law school

January 6, 2022
Much of Alex Jones’ content has been taken down by big tech companies such as Youtube, Facebook and Apple, who all cited hate speech and glorification of violence as their primary motives for doing so. Jones has frequently used dehumanizing language when speaking about the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants and Muslims.

Political polarization is resulting in loss of empathy, humanity

November 24, 2021
Owner Chris Marcocci invites artists from around the community to come perform and showcase their art on the patio. Contact information is on their website localtomarket.com. Photo by Mishael Gill 23.

Local To Market opens up downtown, paves the way for sustainable businesses

September 20, 2021
Ms. Iannetta and Ms. Simpson spent the last few weeks planning the show, creating fliers to promote the event and preparing all the pieces for exhibition in the hallway in front of the auditorium.

Pride art show encourages expression, inclusivity

June 7, 2021
This year, Muslims are fasting through the month of April until May 13. While congregating in mosques for prayer remains unsafe due to Covid-19, Muslims are keeping the community spirit alive this Ramadan by delivering contactless iftars (the traditional dinner to break fast) to houses of friends and family.

Yes, not even water: a Muslim student reflects on Ramadan

April 27, 2021
Pasta salad caters to different tastes as different ingredients can be swapped out for those of your choice. For example, adding beans or chickpeas can make this a high-protein dish. You can also play around with using different vegetables, cheeses and dressings.

Pasta salad serves as refreshing start to spring

April 5, 2021
Despite having only one remote Wednesday this month, teachers have adapted different systems to manage their own kids who are also learning remotely. The constant schedule changes have forced teachers to rapidly make changes to their childcare—often without warning.

Constant schedule changes force teachers to abruptly adapt

March 27, 2021
According to the CDC, Black, Hispanic and Native American people are dying from Covid-19 three times faster than white people. However, they are getting inoculated much less.

Disparity in vaccine distribution must be addressed, eliminated

March 1, 2021
Cohort E has been implemented to provide students the ability to bond with their teachers and have a more hands-on and direct learning experience. Students attend in-person classes Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The opportunity to transfer to Cohort E is available to any student. You can talk to your guidance counselor for more information.

Cohort E maximizes student resources and provides stability

January 19, 2021
The open house gave the public a chance to become more involved with the museum especially since it has expanded and now provides the community with art classes in addition to events and exhibitions. It is also where the Westport School of Music operates.

MoCA Westport holds Holiday Open House to support community

December 15, 2020
The film is a product of Netflix’s support for Black Excellence, particularly in the arts, as the entire movie was written, produced and directed by black men and women.

‘The App that Stole Christmas’ embodies importance of togetherness during holidays

December 3, 2020
Lamont anticipates an increase of students arriving in Connecticut from states that have higher infection rates.

Governor Lamont reveals criteria for out-of-state college students traveling to Connecticut

December 2, 2020

Students debate if adjustments to hybrid learning merit pass/fail grading system

November 10, 2020
Crimson leaves (pictured above), have an abundance of chlorophyll that gives them their vivid red color.

Fall Foliage shines in October

October 16, 2020
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