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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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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...

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...

There is an influx of students taking art classes including the Introduction to Drawing class pictured above.

Staples art department attempts normalcy despite influx in students

Toby Goldfarb ’23, Web News Editor • October 19, 2021

Due to recent changes in graduation requirements that decreased the number of physical education credits for class of 2023 and beyond, there is a higher demand for primarily introductory art classes. As...

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