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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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Tierney Kugel 22

Tierney Kugel '22, Breaking News Editor

Breaking News Editor Tierney Kugel ’22 has a strong passion towards her lifestyle choice, and better yet, loves to write about it. As a vegetarian, she dedicates most of her Inklings projects towards her knowledge on environmental conservation. 

“I want people to know more about the environment,” Kugel said.

Kugel has been in Inklings for three years, contributing lots to her Inklings family. She joined Inklings because she felt that writing was an important skill which led to her getting an editor position.

“I really like how collaborative Inklings is,” she said, “and I love the friendships that come along with it.” 

 

All content by Tierney Kugel '22
Social media influencers promote the overconsumption of makeup and skincare, leading to unnecessary spending.

Beauty industry, social media encourage toxic overconsumption

April 27, 2022

Students discuss value of pausing curriculum for current events

April 3, 2022
The documentary “Eating Our Way to Extinction” explores the relationship between animal agriculture and global warming, educating the audience and providing a general overview of the topic.

‘Eating Our Way to Extinction’ excels in providing overview of animal agriculture crisis

January 21, 2022
Drake’s song “Girls Want Girls” receives backlash for fetishizing lesbians on social media including Twitter and Instagram.

Drake’s ‘Girls Want Girls’ points to greater cultural issue, fetishizing queer women

December 5, 2021
Winners of the 2021 Westport election were sworn in and took the Oath of Office during the inauguration held at Town Hall on Nov. 15.

Inauguration held at Westport Town Hall for local election winners

November 17, 2021
Crystal collecting serves as a meaningful hobby

Crystal collecting serves as a meaningful hobby

November 4, 2021
The Westport Library hosted a First Selectman debate on Oct. 12. The event lasted from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Candidates responded to questions relating to Westport issues from moderator, Matthew Mandell.

Westport Library hosts First Selectman Debate

October 14, 2021
Drake’s song “Girls Want Girls” receives backlash for fetishizing lesbians on social media including Twitter and Instagram.

Drake’s ‘Girls Want Girls’ points to greater cultural issue, fetishizing queer women

September 22, 2021
Rape jokes perpetrate rape culture in schools, public places and even at home, causing many to feel unsafe and uncomfortable.

Rape jokes remain pervasive yet inexcusable

June 16, 2021
As the class of ’21 graduates, many students are making college admissions decisions. Staples students have gotten into universities across the nation, among those, Ivy league and top-tier universities.

Seniors reflect on college process, offer advice

May 17, 2021
It is estimated that 70.4% of cows, 98.3% of pigs and 99.9% chickens raised for meat are raised in factory farms, according to data collected in 2017 by the USDA Census of Agriculture.

Factory farming needs to be taught in schools

May 6, 2021

Students older than 16 eligible for vaccination starting April 5

March 24, 2021
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.

[Photo] Teacher recommendations do more harm than good

March 19, 2021
The first “Euphoria” special episode was focused around the character Rue, whereas the second is focused around the character Jules. Both episodes were filmed following pandemic safety guidelines and act as a bridge between seasons one and two.

‘Euphoria Special Episode Part 2: Jules’ offers thought-provoking plotline and unique perspective

February 9, 2021

Students utilize technology to safely celebrate the holidays

December 22, 2020
https://soundcloud.com/user-756956090/staples-students-recommend

Students share their favorite horror movies

October 29, 2020
Online learning and the hybrid model has changed the way students learn and teachers teach. For that reason, it is necessary that teachers recognize the struggles of managing online learning while they are grading.

Teachers maintaining logical, fair hybrid grading policy essential

October 26, 2020

Issues with 80-minute periods need to be addressed

October 2, 2020
When covering a current event or reviewing an event in history, students and teachers views can align with a political party, allowing for an opportunity to begin a debate.

Teachers expressing political views encourages debate, forces students to defend their opinions

April 20, 2020
The new online learning schedule consists of two alternating days, an A day and a B day. Both days begin at 8:30 and end at 12:15.

New online learning schedule has potential to be beneficial

April 2, 2020
Students were required to preregister for next year’s courses in February. Previously, teachers made course level recommendations for each student, which can be used as a guide in determining a students schedule.

Students pressured to take AP classes during course selection

March 16, 2020
Harley Quinn, the main character in the movie “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn),” is played by the actress Margot Robbie. Robbie has been featured in multiple DC comics films.

‘Birds of Prey’ fails to leave audience with anything to think about

March 3, 2020
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