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After raining for multiple hours, snow from the storm is finally seen sticking to multiple surfaces.
Connecticut weathers second major storm
The Staples Best Buddies Chapter poses for a group picture to post on their instagram to promote outside of school events.
Best Buddies hosts annual Friendship Ball
Most of the rates for Compo Beach parking have seen a 10% increase; however, this does not apply to the price of non-resident passes where the price was decided based on the rate from 2017. All data compiled from WestportNews. Graphic by Aidan Sprouls 23.
Compo Beach updates prices for 2023 season
A car crashes into the culinary classroom before 8 a.m., causing a gas leak and fire alarm, and forcing an evacuation.
Car crashes into school, causes fire alarm and evacuation
Proposed Connecticut legislation would require parental consent for social media users under the age of 16 to sign up for popular social media platforms, including but not limited to, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok.
Proposed Connecticut legislature requires parental permission for young social media users
Young boys may spend their time on the weekends outdoors catching fish or swimming in nearby waters.
Traveling abroad provides purpose, value learning new cultures
An artificial intelligence robot named ChatGPT was created by OpenAI and released in November 2022. Students and teachers have debated how and when to use the tool for academics as its popularity rises.
ChatGPT dominates school debate; helping or hurting?
Personal Financial Management should be a graduation requirement to ensure that students are able to make informed financial decisions.
Personal Financial Management necessitates new graduation requirements
In modern days, Valentine’s Day has become less of a holiday centered around love, and more focused on how much money one spends. It is imperative that people remember that this holiday should be embraced and used as a way to showcase genuine feelings of affection for loved ones, and not to conform to society’s consumerist expectations.
Modern Valentine’s Day centers around money, must refocus on love
The AP African-American Studies course has sparked Republican criticism and served as a lightning rod in the debate over parents’ influence in education.
Gutting AP African-American studies sets dangerous precedent
While some students prefer taking the SAT on paper, the online version is a shorter amount of time and has fewer questions. The College Board says they have made it more precise to fit students’ needs.
NHD exhibits created by U.S. History Honors students filled an entire room at Sacred Heart University.
NHD competition exhibits sophomores’ research talent
Students who receive a score of five or higher across all four sections are eligible for the Seal of Biliteracy.
STAMP testing for juniors proves helpful
Some students choose to take the ACT on top of the required SAT, as it is a differently structured test and can play to certain strengths the SAT does not.
Standardized testing culture jumpstarts an early start in preparations
Westport resident Jeni Paolella models for Bella Bridesmaids with hair styled by Whip Salon. Bella Bridesmaids is one of 20 local retail stores to participate in the fashion show.
Westport strikes pose for Homes with Hope at Fashionably Westport
Kylie Jenner’s bold faux lion head accessory upset many animal activists, prompting reflection upon how much animal cruelty has influenced the fashion industry.
Oscars do modern fashion justice post-Jenner’s Paris Fashion Week outfit scandal
Raia Badurina ’23 created a short film ‘Neither One Of Us,’ and has won and been nominated to numerous film festivals.
Badurina presents short film, recognized nationwide
New restaurant Yuki Kitchen opened at 903 Post Road East in Westport in Nov., 2022. They serve Korean, Japanese and Chinese food.
Yuki Kitchen cooks up homemade Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine
Lomito diversifies Westport’s restaurant selections
Lomito diversifies Westport’s restaurant selections
Reading independantly and non-educationally provides an opportunity for readers to relax, engage their minds and de-stress. Choosing to read a book over scrolling through social media has proved to encourage mental health and healthy sleeping habits.
Rediscovering love for independent reading provides comfort, improves mental health 
Girls’ lacrosse pre-season has been going on for two weeks. Players are preparing for tryouts which began on March 18.
Girls’ lacrosse works hard to prepare for success
In an article from Well + Good, clinical psychologist Alicia H. Clark, PsyD states, “We are creatures of habit, and habits allow us room to relax and avoid things and situations that are needlessly stressful.”
Branching out of comfort zone proves helpful
(Left to right) Eoin Cuddy ’23, Rohan Narang ’23, Sam Pirkl ’23 and Ari Perkins ’23 come together as official 2023 Spring season captains at the annual preseason meeting.
Rugby players prepare for highly anticipated season
Following the win of the Staples Wreckers, the coaches and players shake hands with the opposing team, the Manchester RedHawks.
Staples cruises past Manchester to advance in state tournament
Cooper Levinson ’24 (in the middle) competes during the Head of the Charles rowing meet.
Levinson rises to the top with rowing
Spring sports with exciting seasons ahead include track, tennis and lacrosse. Athletes from these sports have been preparing for their daily practices and are ready to take on the competitive season that lies ahead.
Student athletes anticipate spring season
Laminating one’s eyebrows at home is a quick and easy way to elevate your look provided the right guidance and application.
Laminated brow sets prove easy, trendy
The Spot at Just Dance Studios participated in their first competition of the season this past weekend.
The Spot wins multiple awards at Starquest Dance Competition
The new Future Business Leaders of America state officers for the 2023-24 school year were elected at the FBLA conference on Friday, March 17.
FBLA in-person conference revitalizes interest in club, business
Recommendations for classes at Staples are discussed and reviewed by upperclassmen.
Favorite classes enrich student experience
Spring sports with exciting seasons ahead include track, tennis and lacrosse. Athletes from these sports have been preparing for their daily practices and are ready to take on the competitive season that lies ahead.
Student athletes anticipate spring season
Laminating one’s eyebrows at home is a quick and easy way to elevate your look provided the right guidance and application.
Laminated brow sets prove easy, trendy
The new Future Business Leaders of America state officers for the 2023-24 school year were elected at the FBLA conference on Friday, March 17.
FBLA in-person conference revitalizes interest in club, business
Recommendations for classes at Staples are discussed and reviewed by upperclassmen.
Favorite classes enrich student experience
Savvy & Grace and The Porch at Christie’s are both potential internship opportunities for seniors. Savvy & Grace provides experience in retail entrepreneurship, and The Porch allows interns to learn the intricacies of a small business.
Anticipation heightens as internships approach
The Spot at Just Dance Studios participated in their first competition of the season this past weekend.
The Spot wins multiple awards at Starquest Dance Competition
Lomito opens weeks after Westport Chinese takeout leaves. Business is off to a strong start.
Lomito brings diversity to Westport
On Feb. 3, Westport, Wilton and Weston seniors attended the Red and White Charity Ball, hosted by The Counties Assemblies.
Westport, Weston, Wilton seniors dress for a cause at Red and Whites
Chef Gans and her students spent weeks planning the event down to how each meal would be displayed, such as this spam misubi served in cones.
Staples community supports Orphenians
From Nov. 11-14, the Westport Library hosted their biannual book sale, which takes place every fall and spring. Westport residents are encouraged throughout the year to donate gently used books and vinyls to the library to be included in the sale.
Library Book Sale amazes with extensive book collection
On the Wreckord — Episode Seven
On the Wreckord — Episode Seven
On the Wreckord - Episode Six
On the Wreckord – Episode Six
On the Wreckord - Episode Five
On the Wreckord – Episode Five
On the Wreckord - Episode Four
On the Wreckord – Episode Four
On the Wreckord - Episode Three
On the Wreckord – Episode Three
06880 founder Dan Woog and Lyah Muktavaram ‘22 collaborated during her senior internship to produce a photo book. The project, “Pick of Pics” includes photos captured of Westport for over a decade.
Woog and Muktavaram publish “06880: Pick of the Pics”
Co-presidents Freddie Aldridge ‘24 and Noah Salpeter ‘23 are advocating for the complete restoration of the Compo Beach skate park. They are currently communicating with Westport Parks and Recreation and the Westport Youth Commission to figure out the budget plans for the project.
Staples Skate Club advocates for mainstream, inclusive culture through Compo Park renovation
The AP African-American Studies course has sparked Republican criticism and served as a lightning rod in the debate over parents’ influence in education.
Gutting AP African-American studies sets dangerous precedent
The 10 year anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting leaves many Americans reflecting on the insignificant growth that has been made in regards to gun control over the last decade.
10 year anniversary of Sandy Hook shooting allows Americans to reflect
The large community of TikTok that discusses and recommends books is commonly called “BookTok.” The hashtag “#BookTok” has over 93 billion views across the app.
BookTok praises few books, proves dangerous for most authors
Inklings Wordle 3/15/23
Inklings’ Wordle 3/15/23
Inklings Wordle 3/7/23
Inklings Wordle 3/7/23
Inklings Wordle 3/3/23
Inklings’ Wordle 3/3/23
Inklings Wordle 2/17/23
Inklings’ Wordle 2/17/23
Inklings Wordle 2/13/23
Inklings’ Wordle 2/13/23
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Alex Gaines ’25

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor

In middle school, Paper Arts Editor Alex Gaines ’25 wrote for her school newspaper, Ursus. Through Ursus, Gaines was able to incorporate her passion for writing as well as her hobby of crossword puzzles.

“I really enjoyed [Ursus], I loved the community sense of it, I made a lot of friends there and I also just love to write in general,” Gaines said. “I thought Inklings would be perfect for me at Staples.”

For fun, Gaines enjoys crocheting, a hobby that she picked up over the pandemic through TikTok, along with completing daily crossword puzzles from the New York Times.

All content by Alex Gaines ’25
NHD exhibits created by U.S. History Honors students filled an entire room at Sacred Heart University.

NHD competition exhibits sophomores’ research talent

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor
March 22, 2023
Co-presidents Freddie Aldridge ‘24 and Noah Salpeter ‘23 are advocating for the complete restoration of the Compo Beach skate park. They are currently communicating with Westport Parks and Recreation and the Westport Youth Commission to figure out the budget plans for the project.

Staples Skate Club advocates for mainstream, inclusive culture through Compo Park renovation

Allison Gillman '23 and Alex Gaines '25
March 3, 2023
From Nov. 11-14, the Westport Library hosted their biannual book sale, which takes place every fall and spring. Westport residents are encouraged throughout the year to donate gently used books and vinyls to the library to be included in the sale.

Library Book Sale amazes with extensive book collection

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor
January 5, 2023
Thefts in the girls’ locker room occurred on Thursday, Dec. 8, and Friday, Dec. 9, and have left female Staples students in shock and missing belongings such as AirPods, debit cards and cash.

Locker room thefts leave female students missing belongings

Alex Gaines ’25 , Paper Arts Editor
December 26, 2022
The large community of TikTok that discusses and recommends books is commonly called “BookTok.” The hashtag “#BookTok” has over 93 billion views across the app.

BookTok praises few books, proves dangerous for most authors

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor
December 13, 2022
The cast of “Guys and Dolls” bow on the Nov. 12 evening performance. The show runs for about 3 hours including a 15 minute intermission.

‘Guys and Dolls’ amazes with classic Broadway

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor
November 28, 2022
Staples Players’ production of Guys and Dolls will run from Nov. 11-19. The show features classic Broadway songs such as “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat” and “A Bushel and a Peck.”

Players prepare for “Guys and Dolls”

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor
October 17, 2022
Alex Gaines ’25 deleted the newly popular app BeReal in light of her skepticism with its authenticity.

BeReal not “real” enough for enjoyment

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor
October 7, 2022
Library book sale provides more than just books

Library book sale provides more than just books

Alex Gaines '25, Paper Arts Editor
May 12, 2022
Throughout the school day on April 8, the library had a station for students to pick up their paper desk stand to show to teachers that they’re staying silent, as well as a pride tattoo to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride.

Day of silence demonstrates LGBTQ+ community’s strength

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor
April 28, 2022
Staples Players’ production of Disney’s “Descendants” runs from April 1-3 and 8-9. The lighthearted musical tells the story of the teenage children of classic Disney villains being faced with threats from their parents, forcing them to explore the world of “good” Disney characters.

‘Descendants’ enchants with extreme talent, Disney magic

Alex Gaines '25, Arts Editor
April 27, 2022
The cafeteria served new dishes every day in celebration of the week, including chicken fried rice for Chinese language day on Monday, March 14. Other dishes such as churros, éclairs and tacos were offered exclusively on other language days.

Staples celebrates World Language Week

Alex Gaines '25, Staff Writer
April 3, 2022
“The Power of the Dog” and “Dune” lead this year’s Oscar nominations. 53 distinct films were nominated for the Oscars this year, which will air on March 27.

2022 Academy Award nominees feature adventure films, many musicals

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor
February 23, 2022
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
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