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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
Officer Ed Wooldrige hasn’t noticed an alarming spike in the number of leaving students, but believes the announcement was beneficial and clearly outlines expectations.
Closed campus reminder serves as mental reset for Staples student body
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
Kristen Devine ’25 needs to lay down in Sophomore Lifetime Activities because of how hot it is.
Staples conflicting temperature leads to unnecessary stress
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
The salad bar is popular among Staples students and faculty for its variety and self-service.
Salad bar return receives enthusiastic response, fosters healthier choices 
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
Reuse: The impact of streaming services and Covid are leading to empty movie theaters across the country from the lack of moviegoers.
Movie Theaters lose customers, risk closing
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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Inklings News
Students face new, extreme punishments including having phones taken away and immediate Saturday detentions.

New school policies punish students unwarrantly, merit system more suited

Hannah Conn ’23, Web Managing Editor • September 23, 2022

Upon entering my first Connections class of the year, I expected to relax, greet my Connections teacher and talk about the new school year. Instead, we were read the new policy changes regarding our cell...

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 

Hannah Conn '23, Web Managing Editor • May 3, 2022

When I pressed “play” on the first episode of "Heartstopper," I prepared myself for the worst. I rallied my heart to be broken once more by an unrealistic, stereotypical queer romance that categorized...

Student-led “Make Me Free” wins Voice4Change. The group aims to use the provided $20,000 to give students at Staples access to free period products in bathrooms for up to a year.

‘Make Me Free’ wins Voice4Change initiative

Hannah Conn '23, Web Opinions Editor • April 11, 2022

“Make Me Free” was announced as the winner of the Voice4Change contest in an email sent by Principal Stafford Thomas on Friday, April 8. Voice4Change allowed several student-led groups to propose...

Online SAT garners mixed class of 2023 review

Hannah Conn ’23, Web Opinions Editor and Elle Vail ’23, Paper Arts Editor • March 31, 2022

Each night, my family and I alternate which news platform we watch to gain insight into the world around us - through this practice, I have learned to be open minded and respectful of others’ political views as well as strengthening the basis of my own.

Politically diverse home fosters political empathy, perspective

Hannah Conn '23, Web Opinions Editor • March 15, 2022

Is it a CNN or Fox News night tonight? Once we finish battling over Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune over an amazing meal, and the dishes are all clean, my family normally retires to the family room to watch...

Reminiscing my childhood joy of playing video games with my siblings led to a binge-play of my favorite Pokémon games. This provided me with incredible stress relief and a week of self-care.

Returning to childhood joys increases happiness, de-escalates stress

Hannah Conn '23, Web Opinions Editor • March 11, 2022

Euphoria rushed through me as the Masterball clicked for the third time. I had done it! In just two days, with my head down and fingers glued to the buttons and toggle at every waking moment, I had collected...

Pictured above are various heroes one can play in League of Legends and are characters featured in Arcane. With an already confirmed second season, Arcane has presented fans of League of Legends and science fiction with an animated, dramatic and explosive story.

“Arcane” rightfully earns Netflix top 10 ranking

Hannah Conn ’23, Web Opinions Editor • December 14, 2021

With a perfect blend of steampunk and fantasy, "Arcane" depicts a world run by politics, magic and class divides. Even from the first episode, it was clear that the show takes the cake for Netflix’s...

Seen above, this is the current schedule for January 2022 for the exam season. Students are given two review days and a long weekend between exam days to help ease stress and provide additional study periods

Staples faces first midterm season since January 2020

Hannah Conn ’23, Web Opinion's Editor • November 23, 2021

Thinking back to 2019-20, it’s hard to picture what exactly happened during the mid-term exam week. There are faint memories of therapy dogs in front of the auditorium, warm cookies outside of guidance...

 

New 6-Period schedule disadvantages student athletes

Allie Gillman ’23, Assistant Business Manager, Hannah Conn '23, Web Opinions Editor • October 27, 2021

Every person has pronouns, queer or heteronormative. It is imperative for our society to not only accept those who identify with gender-nonconforming pronouns, but to respect them by properly acknowledging their pronouns.

Respect pronouns: failure to do so will destroy our society

Hannah Conn ’23, Web Opinions Editor • October 12, 2021

It's sad to say that I've lost track of the number of times I have heard someone say their pronouns are: “Nor/Mal” on social media. Across platforms such as Instagram or TikTok, there has been a rise...

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

Hannah Conn ’23, Web Opinion Editor • October 7, 2021

The County Charity Ball, affectionately called “Counties,” and Red and Whites Charity Ball, or Red and Whites, were canceled on Oct. 5. Both dances originally had two separate dates in February, one...

Bisexuality is defined as the sexual and/or romantic attraction to two ore more genders, normally both men and women.

Biphobia alianates, distances identifying bisexuals from LGBTQ+ community

Hannah Conn ’23, WEB Opinions Editor • May 28, 2021

Homophobia, a blanket term for hate-based discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, is a term many are familiar with today. However, a smaller, more focused term has emerged: Biphobia. By definition,...

A TikTok video, which has been since taken down, featured six men declaring April 24 as “National Rape Day”. This harmful video only plays down the issue of sexual assault, making victims feel even more uncomfortable and afraid to come forward with their experiences.

TikTok video promoting “National Rape Day” perpetuates, exacerbates rape culture

Hannah Conn ’23, WEB Opinions Editor • May 11, 2021

A few days ago, I was scrolling endlessly through my TikTok ‘For You’ page, mostly just wasting time before having to leave for school. Nothing really caught my attention until I came across a video...

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