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Sidewalks in Westport are in poor condition, affecting civilians and prompting the new allotment of repair funds.
Westport given new sidewalk repair funds 
Statistics given that allow for Connecticut schools to be ranked 2nd in the country when compared to other schools in US states according to WFSB.
Connecticut schools rank in the top three for education quality
While the town of Westport may originally have planned on seeing all of Staples’ repaved by next year, that appears to not be the case.
Staples’ repaving project incomplete, timetable of completion unknown
On Sept. 13, parents of students in grades 11 and 12 leave the SHS building after meeting with their childrens teachers on Back to School Night. BTSN consisted of teachers introducing themselves as well as discussing their goals for the upcoming school year to parents.
Staples parents attend Back to School Night in-person for the first time in two years
As of the 2022-2023 school year, students will store their phones in holders for each class period.
Administration introduces, enforces new personal device policy
Harry Styles interacting with the crowd at Madison Square Garden while singing Adore You.
Post-concert depression is real, the worst.
Parents look over a youth soccer match (Photo contributed by Katharine Murray)
Parents over-involvement in youth sports detrimental to kids
Students face new, extreme punishments including having phones taken away and immediate Saturday detentions.
New school policies punish students unwarrantly, merit system more suited
Microaggressions are more hurtful than you think
Microaggressions are more hurtful than you think
A stairway at Staples goes empty without students present. Currently, students get nine days and three week-long vacations off during the course of the year, with vacation days more common towards the beginning of the year and vacation weeks more common towards the end.
Extra vacation days prove disappointingly implemented
‘shshallupdates’ returns and so does the mystery of who’s behind the screen.
‘shshallupdates’ account throne passed on
Kaya Law ’24 runs Anya Nair’s ’24 Educate the Elementary club stand. This club had over five pages of students eager to sign up.
Involvement Fair promotes new Staples clubs, increases involvement
Dresses at Winged Monkey, a clothing store in Westport, await the rush of junior girls going shopping for their outfits.
Junior girls count down to Counties
Students in AP Music Theory during period 4, featured in the middle of a busy day with Mr. Giampietro and Ms. Mascaro. Photograph by Audrey Curtis
AP Music Theory blends creativity, challenge for musically gifted students
Some students plan their schedules to make sure they get enough credit early in their high school careers. Others cram their graduation credits in junior or senior year.
Students stress over art credits
With Halloween right around the corner, reviews on the most essential horror movies are in to perfect a night of jumpscares, candy and popcorn. Graphic contributed by whatsageek.com
Four to Watch for Fright Night
Two Staples students received All-National Honors, making them the top performing high school musicians in the country. The musicians will travel to National Harbor, Maryland to participate in a prestigious ensemble where they will showcase their talents in the annual ANHE program showcase taking place at the beginning of November this year.
Staples musicians receive ‘All-National Honors,’ deemed top high school musician in country
Toquet Hall is located on 58 Post Road E, Westport and is open to everyone. Whether it be game night, arts and crafts, live music, or drop-in hours, the hall has something for everyone. Photo by Margot Richlin ’23
Students reflect on affordable Toquet Hall musical performances
Satire image describing many viewers’ thoughts on the upcoming season of Disneys “Dancing with the Stars” Graphic by Rachel Olefson ’25
‘Dancing with the Stars’ premiere leaves audiences with mixed reactions
No relationship is perfect, yet the many inappropriate, bigoted traits her characters posess could be destructive to the youth
Colleen Hoover’s lack of viewer discretion harms audience
Staples and Darien show good sportsmanship by high-fiving each other after the game ends.
Girls’ JV field hockey ties Darien
Staples celebrates Matthew Shackelford’s ’23 last minute goal (Photo by Mark Sikorski)
Wreckers come out on top in dramatic game vs Westhill
Parents look over a youth soccer match (Photo contributed by Katharine Murray)
Parents over-involvement in youth sports detrimental to kids
The swimming pool at Staples High School is used for freshmen aquatics and other student extra curricular activities
Return of freshman aquatics creates controversial splash
Isabelle Nahon ’23 and Emma Nahon ’23 are both committed to colleges to continue their athletic journey playing Field Hockey. Isabelle plans to attend Hamilton College while Emma plans to attend University of Pennsylvania.
Committed Staples athletes enjoy stress-free year
Under the cell phone policy, students are required to place their phone into a designated sleeve. However, this policy isn’t enforced in every class.
Students and teachers on new cell phone policy
Appreciating small accomplishments: Finding positivity in times of stress
Appreciating small accomplishments: Finding positivity in times of stress
English teacher Alexandra McHale provides insight to her personal and professional lifestyles while tending to her teacher duties.
20 Questions with Ms. McHale: cruising the Staples halls
In the video, students and faculty shared their opinions on superstitions, as well as some superstitions they hold and the weirdest superstitions they’ve heard.
Students share opinions on superstitions
The line for sandwiches at lunch at Staples is often lengthy and filled with people from all corners of the building. School members share their opinions on the sandwiches, and why this lunch item is so special at the school.
Why are Staples’ sandwiches so special? Students and staff share their input
In a report created by Colliers Project Leader for the Westport Finance and Facilities Subcommittee earlier this year, it was recommended that $600,000 of a $8.16 million improvement plan should be used on electrical improvements and repairs.
Long Lots Elementary School fire causes evacuation for students
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
Under the cell phone policy, students are required to place their phone into a designated sleeve. However, this policy isn’t enforced in every class.
Students and teachers on new cell phone policy
Westport Nutrition held its grand opening on May 21. Its focus is healthy, fueling drinks for the community, targeting athletes.
Westport Nutrition fuels community with healthy options
Most students have plans to travel this summer, whether it is visiting the beach or a foreign country.
Students share plans for upcoming summer break
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
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
Westport Nutrition held its grand opening on May 21. Its focus is healthy, fueling drinks for the community, targeting athletes.
Westport Nutrition fuels community with healthy options
Most students have plans to travel this summer, whether it is visiting the beach or a foreign country.
Students share plans for upcoming summer break
Valerie Dreyfuss and Lily Caplan discover what students are listening to.
What’s Staples listening to?
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
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
On the Wreckord - Episode Two
On the Wreckord – Episode Two
On The Wreckord - Episode One
On The Wreckord – Episode One
Inklings Wordle 9/27/22
Inklings’ Wordle 9/27/22
Inklings Word Search 9/19/22
Inklings’ Word Search 9/19/22
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Inklings’ Word Search 9/11/22
Inklings Word Search 9/5/22
Inklings Word Search 9/5/22
Inklings Wordle 6/13/22
Inklings’ Wordle 6/13/22
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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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