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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
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
Bighorn sheep are one of the most renowned animals in Palm Springs. They are easy to find on the golf course or in the mountains.
Spring break inspires reflection
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?
Staples High School marches in the Memorial Day parade in 1971.
Staples band prepares for Memorial Day parade after long wait
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
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
The girls’ lacrosse team has had a solid first half of the season. They hope to close out the season strong.
Girls’ lacrosse continues to fight through competition
Recommendations of activities to do to keep yourself busy over the summer.
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
Recommendations of activities to do to keep yourself busy over the summer.
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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Coleytown Elementary School (CES) is adding two portable classrooms to its property in order to address spatial concerns due to the growing populations of both CES and Stepping Stones Preschool (which is located inside of CES).

Portable classrooms at CES attempt to alleviate overpopulation

Lilly Weisz ’23 and Alex Gaines ’25 • February 14, 2022

Two portable classrooms have been proposed to be added to the Coleytown Elementary School (CES) building, costing the Westport Board of Education approximately $750,000. This is a beginning step in the...

The Westport Board of Education returned to in-person meetings, like the one pictured above from two years ago, for the first time since March of 2020 (reused photo from previous Inklings BOE article).

Westport BOE returns to in-person meetings

Finnegan Courtney '23, Paper News Editor • June 10, 2021

The Westport Board of Education (BOE) returned to in-person meetings at Staples High School on June 7 for the first time since before the pandemic began in March of 2020. This announcement comes as Connecticut...

With the impending change to full in-person learning district-wide, schools at all levels are going about the process differently.

Westport schools set to shift to full in-person model despite teacher, student concerns

Natalie Bandura ’22, News Editor • January 22, 2021

All Westport Public Schools plan to transition from the hybrid model to a fully in-person school model per Superintendent Thomas Scarice’s directive, the Board of Education (BOE) announced during a meeting...

Westport Public Schools were closed for the rest of the academic school year on March 11th.

BOE appoints Thomas Scarice as superintendent

Anastasia Thumser '22, Web Opinions Editor • April 5, 2020

During a virtual meeting on Apr. 2, the BOE unanimously voted to designate the Westport superintendent position to Thomas Scarice, who has been superintendent of Madison Public Schools since 2012. At the...

Nearly 500 people have signed a petition in under a month that aims to reverse the 30 minute delayed school start time taking effect next school year.

New school start time frustrates parents

Giselle Oldani ’22, Web Arts Editor • March 15, 2020

Nearly 500 people have signed a petition in under a month that aims to reverse the 30 minute delayed school start time taking effect next school year.   Westport parent Elena Shmonia started the petition,...

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...

BOE considers cutting 2 Staples staff positions

BOE considers cutting 2 Staples staff positions

Katie Simons ’22 and Prasaus Yeager ’22 , Arts Editor and Staff Writer • February 7, 2020

The Board of Education (BOE) announced on Jan. 27 that they were considering cutting two teacher positions, one position each  English and science departments at Staples High School. Costs accrued...

Dr. Joseph Erardi outlines a rough schedule of the superintendent hiring process for attendees of a Board of Education meeting.

Board of Education continues superintendent search, anticipates naming candidate in March

Anastasia Thumser ’22, Web Opinions Editor • January 29, 2020

The Board of Education (BOE) is continuing its nationwide search for a new superintendent who will resume the responsibilities of Interim Superintendent Dr. David Abbey on July 1. The BOE previously...

The new redistricting plan creates difficulties for middle school students

The new redistricting plan creates difficulties for middle school students

Lyah Muktavaram '22, Staff Writer • October 14, 2019

Recently with the new redistricting plan to rebuild Coleytown Middle School, the district has come to the decision that there needs to be more enrollment in the Coleytown schools. As a result, the elementary...

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...

Stafford Thomas Jr. addresses the Board of Education at the meeting where he was announced as Principal of Staples High School on June 20. Thomas graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, and proceeded to earn a law degree and Masters in Education Administration from Boston College.

BOE names Stafford Thomas Jr. principal of Staples

Andreas Lolis '21, Paper News Editor • June 25, 2019

The Board of Education unanimously approved Stafford Thomas Jr. as Principal of Staples High School on June 20. The Principal seat was vacated by James D’Amico, who earlier this year announced his...

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...

Community Advisory Committee recommends options for 2019-20 school year

Community Advisory Committee recommends options for 2019-20 school year

Eddie Kiev '20 and Marlo Von Der Ahe '20 • December 9, 2018

After extensive research, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has recommended three options to the Westport Board of Education (BOE) on how to proceed in the 2019-2020 school year to compensate for...

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