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Pro-abortion rights protestors gather in downtown Westport holding signs supporting DefenDemocracy’s cause and listening to speakers.
Connecticut protests for abortion rights
The authorized $222.8 million budget for Westport will be spent on many areas.
Representative Town Meeting approves $222.8 million budget
As the price of regular unleaded gas rises nationally, prices in Connecticut rise as well.
Gas prices in Connecticut spike to record highs
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 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
According to Coach Jack McFarland, the Wreckers’ baserunning has been stellar this season, hopefully leading them to more victories.
Baseball team navigates up and down season
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
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
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
In this podcast, we take a look at Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers playoff predictions.
New York Rangers embark on NHL playoffs
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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

Phoebe Miller '23, Associate Managing Editor • May 2, 2022

The Westport Board of Education began discussions Monday on the results of a climate and equity report done on Westport schools in consultation with the New York University Steinhardt Metropolitan Center. The...

Heather Wirkus misses the emotional connection she makes with her students in person, however believes safety is more important as of right now.

Teachers openly speak out about school schedule

Abigail Nevin '23, Staff Writer • November 6, 2020

As COVID-19 cases have begun to rise in Fairfield County, the Westport Public School system has been nervously awaiting the news of whether or not the schedule will remain hybrid, go fully remote, or eventually...

The Board of Education voted to cancel April vacation for the 2019-20 school year. Students will continue doing online lessons through the district Distance Learning model on April 6 through April 9. There will be no virtual teaching on Good Friday, April 10.

Board of Education eliminates April break for 2020 school year

Claire Redmer ’21, Social Media Director  • March 25, 2020

The Board of Education voted to cancel four days of the Westport Public School spring recess during a special meeting held virtually via Zoom on March 23. The vote was unanimous with member Vik Muktavaram...

The Board of Education (BOE) voted 5-2 to remove the Innovation Fund funding for the 2020-21 school year in a 5-2 vote during their meeting on Feb. 10 to reduce the budget and because of the lack of applicants.

BOE votes to remove the Innovation Fund

Katie Simons ’22 , Arts Editor • March 3, 2020

The Board of Education (BOE) voted 5-2 to remove the Innovation Fund funding for the 2020-21 school year in a 5-2 vote during their meeting on Feb. 10 to reduce the budget and because of the lack of applicants. The...

The Westport School Start Time Committee unanimously agreed to push back start times for Westport Public Schools by 30 minutes.

School Start Time Committee presents unanimous agreement for 8:00 a.m. Staples start time

Natalie Bandura '22, Paper News Editor • January 14, 2020

The Westport School Start Time Committee presented the unanimous agreement on Jan. 13 to move start times for Staples High School to 8:00 a.m., start times for the middle schools and Saugatuck Elementary...

Error in 2020 calendar planning raises questions

Eliza Barr ’21 and Tallula Stvan ’21 • January 5, 2020

Municipal elections may not garner as much attention as those at a national scale, but participation is just as, if not more so, important.

2019 municipal election reminds us of the importance of local politics

Kaela Dockray '20, Paper Managing Editor • October 24, 2019

There is no doubt that next year’s presidential election will be monumental. For many, November of 2020 will serve either as a testament to the resilience of our democracy or an indication of the failures...

Due to the construct on Coleytown Middle School due to the mold, the BoE has considered redistricting areas to help balance the amount of students at the schools as Westport’s enrollment is declining.

Board of Education examines redistricting for elementary, middle schools

Katie Simons ’22, Arts Editor • October 8, 2019

The Westport Board of Education (BOE) discussed plans to redistrict the elementary and middle schools at a meeting on Sept. 23. Although redistricting would balance out the recent decrease in enrollment...

Dr. Colleen Palmer announced her resignation on March 14. Until Aug. 1, Palmer will continue to receive her annual base salary, insurance benefits and transportation allowance.

Palmer continues to receive transportation benefits, salary while on medical leave

Audrey Bernstein ’20 and Allie D'Angelo ’20 • May 2, 2019

Superintendent Dr. Colleen Palmer will continue to receive her annual base salary and insurance benefits while on leave for medical reasons until her retirement on Aug. 1. Palmer will additionally be receiving...

Assistant Superintendent Anthony Buono (middle) will serve as Acting Superintendent while current Superintendent Colleen Palmer is on a leave of absence due to a medical emergency. Buono will hold the position until an interim or official Superintendent is hired.

Board of Education appoints Anthony Buono Acting Superintendent of Schools

Audrey Bernstein ’20 and Allie D’Angelo ’20 • April 8, 2019

The Board of Education (BOE) voted unanimously (7-0) to appoint former Assistant Superintendent Anthony Buono as the Acting Superintendent of the Westport Public School District on April 8. Buono will...

Board of Education Vice Chair Jeannie Smith voices her sentiments to BoE members about the proposals of creating a new purpose for Coleytown Middle School.

Board of Education discusses Coleytown Middle School proposals, improvements

Jack Dennison '21 • April 3, 2019

The Board of Education (BoE) met to discuss improvements for Coleytown Middle School and propose possible redistricting for the Westport school system on Monday, April 1. The Board of Education’s...

Dr. Colleen Palmer announced her resignation after three years as superintendent of Westport Public Schools.

Palmer announces retirement

Sophie Driscoll '19 • March 15, 2019

Superintendent Dr. Colleen Palmer announced on March 14 that she will retire on Aug. 1.   “The district is in a time right now where it can be handed over to another superintendent, and I...

Earlier last year, First Selectman Jim Marpe spoke during the State of the Town Meeting on Feb. 10, expressing positivity in the overall condition of town and schools.

State of the Town Address clarifies Coleytown plans, future of Staples

Natalie Bandura ’22 • March 1, 2019

First Selectman Jim Marpe spoke at the State of the Town meeting on Feb. 10 at the Town Hall to discuss fiscal challenges, multi-family housing developments and Coleytown Middle School (CMS), among other...

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