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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
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Inklings’ Wordle 6/13/22
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Despite rising COVID cases, cases are less severe as more people are vaccinated and less deaths are occurring due to COVID. This means that people will remain safe without bringing back COVID restrictions.

Rising COVID cases should not alter normality

Audrey Kercher '23, Breaking News Manager • May 3, 2022

Spring of 2022 is looking far different from spring of 2021. As opposed to the masks, clear plastic lunch dividers and strict COVID restrictions of the past year, this year boasts uncovered faces, packed...

Superintendent Thomas Scarice lifted the mask mandate in Westport public schools on Feb. 28. Staples students now choose between wearing a mask or not wearing one.

Students react to lifted mask mandate

Audrey Kercher ’23, Web Arts Editor • March 8, 2022

Students' faces have been concealed for the past two years due to COVID-19. The Board of Education, with advice from Superintendent Thomas Scarice, has put an end to the mask mandate in Westport Public...

Mask Choice Westport’s signs protest in intersections across Westport, similar to Unmask Our Kids CT, despite being unaffiliated with the group.

Unmask Our Kids CT conquers state

Samantha Sandrew '25, Staff Writer • March 2, 2022

Governor Ned Lamont announced the end of the school mask mandate on Feb. 2. Organizations like Umask Our Kids CT have been protesting this requirement for about a year.  This group advocates for the...

A Staples student after getting their first COVID-19 vaccine, the Pfizer shot.

Immunization changes life perspective

Anonymous Writer, Staff Writer • February 3, 2022

As the child of divorced parents, I was forced to decide which side of the vaccine debate I favored. Although my situation is unique, I encourage more high school students to separate  themselves from...

The temporary remote learning option for symptomatic or quarantined students will be redacted on Jan. 28 due to zero students in isolation or quarantine at Staples and Coleytown, and merely seven at Bedford.

Live streamed classes discontinued in Staples, middle schools

Anastasia Thumser ’22, Web Managing Editor • January 28, 2022

Staples High School, Bedford Middle School and Coleytown Middle School will discontinue live streamed classes through the Google Meets platform on Jan. 28. The decision was made due to a lack of necessity...

Some Staples teachers provide study guides or make time for extra review and questions during class in order to help students prepare for exams.

Midterm weighting, schedule revised as COVID cases rise

Ava Cordella ’24, Staff Writer • January 13, 2022

Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr. announced on Jan. 7 that midterms would begin on a later date, the week of Jan. 19, as well as count for a quarter two grade, as a result of the new COVID-19 conditions. Taking...

As the COVID-19 test positivity rate in Westport has increased rapidly to 253 new cases from Jan. 2 to Jan. 6, Westport Public Schools has put into place a temporary online learning option for symptomatic and vulnerable students.

Westport Public Schools to adopt temporary remote learning option for symptomatic, vulnerable students

Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Staff Writer • January 13, 2022

Westport Public Schools are planning to include a remote option for students who have symptoms of COVID-19 as of Jan. 28. This decision came along with news from the Connecticut Department of Public that...

Covid-19 cases rise after winter break

January 10, 2022

Omicron, a more contagious COVID-19 variant, has officially been detected in Connecticut.

Omicron variant arrives in Connecticut, US

Phoebe Miller ’23, Sports Editor • December 16, 2021

The World Health Organization classified a new COVID variant dubbed “Omicron,” a Variant of Concern after it was discovered on Nov. 26 in South Africa. According to medical scientists, the variant...

Students celebrate their winter break in a variety of ways. While some will not be traveling due to the Omicron variant, others will be traveling to their designated destination.

Students differ in plans for upcoming holiday break

Julia Leitner ’23, Web Sports Editor • December 16, 2021

With winter break right around the corner, several Staples students are gaining excitement for their upcoming plans. After a year of restricted travel, COVID-19 precautions and limited opportunities, many...

The CDC announced that 16 and 17 year-olds are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. The CDC recommends receiving a booster shot six months after the second vaccination.

Vaccine boosters approved for ages 16-17

Amanda Rowan ’22, Web Photostories Editor • December 13, 2021

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters for 16 and 17 year olds in the United States, which are being administered at Walgreens, CVS, and other pharmacies.  “Vaccination...

The schedule rotates between eight periods, dropping two a day. There is a built-in communication time on days without connections.

PRO: New schedule offers valuable change to school year

Gabi Gerig ‘23, Sports Editor • December 2, 2021

The decision to revert back to the pre-pandemic 50 minute period schedule has already proven to be a practical and beneficial change for the 2021-2022 school year.  The 2020-21 school schedule consisted...

American airports are filled with visitors as the travel ban for dozens of countries has now ended.

America terminates the international travel ban for dozens of countries

Jolie Gefen ’24, Staff Writer • November 18, 2021

Travelers from countries around the world are now allowed back in America as of Nov. 8. After almost two years of strict pandemic restrictions, travelers are now able to enter the United States. Although...

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