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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
On Oct. 5, former student, Anaya Maignan-Thompson filed a lawsuit against Staples, accusing her teachers of verbal harassment.
Former Staples student seeks compensation for harassment claims
Seven Staples High School seniors were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. In February, the finalists will be announced.
National Merit Scholarship semifinalists announced among the senior class
On Oct. 5, students across Fairfield County who were planning to attend the 2022 County Charity Ball and the Red and Whites Charity Ball were informed of the dances cancelation due to a lack of funding from local businesses. (The dates selected do not reflect the original dates of Counties and Red and White dances)
2022 Counties, Red and Whites dances canceled
In response to the Texas abortion ban and subsequent Supreme Court ruling, protesters yelled chants such as “my body, my choice” and “we won’t go back” throughout the rally.
Protesters for abortion rights gather on Saugatuck River Bridge
Assembly Bill 245 was passed in California on Oct. 6, 2021 by Governor Gavin Newsom to prohibit public universities from misidentifying students on their diplomas and school reports.
New Assembly Bill 245 should inspire Staples High School to create a more inclusive community
The 8:00 a.m. school start time has caused student athletes to miss classes for games and meets.
Delayed school start times prove harmful to student athletes 
In both chambers of the United States Congress, men over the age of 61 years old make up the majority of delegates.
Generation gap creates divide in political sphere    
The popular app Instagram recently pressed pause on their mission to create a kid-friendly version of Instagram for users younger than 13.
Instagram for kids destined to construct safer social media environment
At Staples, the music department—including band, orchestra and chorus groups—does not receive as much attention as other school activities, such as academic groups, athletic teams and Players.
Staples music department lacks representation, attention
Pictured here is GG and Joe’s iced pumpkin spice latte, one of the various fall inspired drink options in downtown Westport.
Downtown Westport fosters perfect fall inspired food and drink options
Whistleblower Frances Haugen, former employee of Facebook, contends that the algorithm is highly complex and targets teenagers, particularly young girls, into constant comparison and body image issues.
Facebook deemed detrimental, confirms Haugen’s findings
The Westport Library held their 29th annual book sale this past weekend. All of the books are donated by the Westport community and are sold at discounted prices, with the proceeds going to the library.
Westport Library book sale provides something for everyone
Westport Library’s fall book sale offers warming experience like no other
Westport Library’s fall book sale offers warming experience like no other
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
The players from the third season of Netflix’s entertaining and mindless reality show, ‘The Circle’
‘The Circle’ season three breaks new ground, entertains
Money Heist season five came out on Sept. 3 on Netflix. It is the fifth and final season, and has been split into two volumes. The second volume comes out on Nov. 3.
Netflix releases highly-anticipated new season of ‘Money Heist’
New sustainable clothing store, Unsubscribed, opened next to Benefit in downtown Westport.
Unsubscribed brings eco-friendly fashion to downtown Westport
Cinderella starring Camilla Cabello can be viewed on Amazon Prime. It takes on a modern and accurate storyline that enhances the theme that one should prioritize their self before others.
Live-Action ‘Cinderella’ takes on an exciting contemporary storyline
This crowd-pleasing traditional Jewish dessert is a sweet and savory dish that everyone can enjoy.
Sweet, savory Jewish dessert promises to please
This crowd-pleasing traditional Jewish dessert is a sweet and savory dish that everyone can enjoy.
Sweet, savory Jewish dessert promises to please
This classic pumpkin cake is perfect for ringing in the season and adds a unique twist on a popular fall flavor.
Maple pumpkin cake, great way to ring in the fall
About seven years ago, my grandfather and I made a S’mores layer cake together, so, after not seeing him for nearly 500 days, I wanted to surprise him by baking him that same cake for Father’s Day.
S’mores layer cake honours early Father’s Day gift
These easy to make muffins make the perfect light and sweet treat.
Blueberry muffins are great for a light snack
Following this simple recipe makes a delectable snack to enjoy this summer or anytime.
Homemade guacamole pairs deliciously with homemade tortilla chips
In order to abide by social distancing regulations, the Sherwood Diner has started to build an outside seating area for customers.
Restaurants open socially distanced seating areas for Westporters
Up-cycling helps beautify old clothes, pass time during quarantine
Up-cycling helps beautify old clothes, pass time during quarantine
Quarantine has uprooted our typical routines. However, with two months having gone by, my family slowly has settled back into new routines, as captured in this collection of photo spanning a current type of typical week.
Images from quarantine: time at home creates a change in routines
Ways to reduce waste; turn food scraps into gardens
Ways to reduce waste; turn food scraps into gardens
Making scrunchies is a great way to have fun and pass time when in quarantine.
Making scrunchies serves as a fun quarantine activity
Last Thursday, BLAME IT ON BABY appeared on spotify, apple music, and other music websites.
Second album this year further drives young rapper DaBaby’s music career
The new release show “Outer Banks” enhances a mysterious, adventurous teen drama show to allow viewers to binge watch during this time of being stuck inside.
‘Outer Banks’ creates a binge-worthy T.V series
Phoebe Waller-Bridge dominates airwaves with fantastic new releases
Phoebe Waller-Bridge dominates airwaves with fantastic new releases
The Strokes released “The New Abnormal” on April 10.
The Strokes new album makes great comeback
With two episodes each Sunday for the next five weeks, sports fans have something to look forward to in the short-term.
‘The Last Dance’ provides reprieve for sports fans worldwide
Many dancers at Staples go to studios in or near Westport to pursue their passions for dance, as they are not able to at Staples.
Staples dance team is necessary to create community for dancers
Many student-athletes have athletic early dismissals to get to their game/meet in time, causing them to miss hours of school. Pictured above, the Staples girls’ swim & dive team is on their way to an away meet, where they were dismissed from school around 1 p.m.
Later school dismissal time increases athlete stress levels
Tyla Ozgen ’25, number 28, won the Ruden Report player of the week after playing just two games for the Staples field hockey team.
Tyla Ozgen proves crucial to field hockey team
Like this
Westport PAL cheerleading suffers from lack of volunteers
The Staples boys’ varsity soccer team fought their toughest competition in their league, Greenwich, on September 18 on their home turf. The players walked away from the game unsatisfied with the tie but are looking forward to possibly facing the Cardinals again in the future for a rematch.
Staples boys’ soccer battles Greenwich to a draw
Pictured here is GG and Joe’s iced pumpkin spice latte, one of the various fall inspired drink options in downtown Westport.
Downtown Westport fosters perfect fall inspired food and drink options
Whistleblower Frances Haugen, former employee of Facebook, contends that the algorithm is highly complex and targets teenagers, particularly young girls, into constant comparison and body image issues.
Facebook deemed detrimental, confirms Haugen’s findings
The Westport Library held their 29th annual book sale this past weekend. All of the books are donated by the Westport community and are sold at discounted prices, with the proceeds going to the library.
Westport Library book sale provides something for everyone
Thousands of people without masks bunch together in mosh pits in order to see artist Megan Thee Stallion. Attendees wear yellow bracelets that indicate proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test.
Students share opinions on Gov Ball experience
The most popular acai bowl from Gg and Joe, located in Downtown Westport, provides a great afterschool snack.
Students search for the best acai around Westport
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
Longshore golf course opens with COVID-19 restrictions
Longshore golf course opens with COVID-19 restrictions
COVID-19 couldn’t stop these stunning movie stars from rocking the Oscars red carpet Sunday night.
The Oscars lookbook: glitz, glam, and gorgeous gowns
The new Dunkin’ Donuts spring menu displays new and exciting food and drink options that are sure to brighten up this spring season.
Dunkin’ Doughnuts Review
Those who identify as “super straight” have already adopted their own version of a pride flag, a rectangle divided between black and orange. Critics of the label have seen it as exclusionary and take issue with the attempts of “super straight” people to insert themselves into the LGBT community.
‘Super Straight’ trend provokes ire, discussions about transphobia 
Some vaccinated families were able to celebrate Passover traditionally, while others held their seder’s over zoom.
Staples students celebrate passover amid COVID-19
Hasbro announces new Potato Head toys that dropped the pronouns Mr. and Ms. due to recent controversy. However, the iconic Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head are still available for sale.
Newest Controversy: The gender of a potato
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
The Staples Varsity softball team high-fives last year before COVID-19 began. This year, social distancing and mask wearing will be enforced so on field play will be very different.
Spring sports season brings mixed feelings to players
Last rec season, swapping jerseys with a member of the opposing team after the game was the ultimate sign of respect and gratitude players could share. Angelo Casabianca ’21 and Haydn Siroka ’21 share a moment together after a close game between the two.
Seniors reflect on rec basketball cancelled
Staples girls basketball celebrates after upsetting Norwalk on the road.
Students discuss status of winter sports
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
A hand showing female empowerment, which is similar to drawings that were shown in the movie.
Moxie inspires high schoolers to make a change
Emma Losonczy ’23 uses music as a way of focusing while studying in the library. The music helps Losonczy keep her mind awake while she writes an essay for English class.
Reviewing La Di Die
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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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...

Board of Ed votes 5 to 2 to approve SRO

Board of Ed votes 5 to 2 to approve SRO

March 28, 2018

By Kaya Leitner '19 In light of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida and the Feb. 27 Shelter in Place at Staples High School due to a student’s violent threat, the Westport Board of Education...

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