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Packet of Zyns
Growing popularity of Zyn nicotine packets among teenagers create health risks, raising concerns
US tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China and the expectation of new, even greater tariffs on April 2nd will do more than impact the price of everyday items like groceries. Instead, for Staples and students across the US, it will make almost every essential school supply more expensive and stretch households at the lower ends of the income bracket.
School equipment prices jump as U.S. tariffs stick
Ground News had previously relied on a combination of human determination and algorithms to determine the news bias of articles. The introduction of AI to replace this system can allow for a more trustworthy, reliable system as personal human biases are removed.
New AI news app decodes newspaper bias
RTM members (left to right) Jimmy Izzo from District 3, Kristin Mott Purcell from District 1, Lauren Karpf from District 7, Pam Kopack from District 3 and Andrew Bloom from District 1 participated in a panel discussion about the RTM’s responsibilities, functions and importance.
RTM Community Conversation promotes engagement with local government
Multiple antisemitic incidents have occurred at Weston Middle School over the past few weeks. Photo contributed by Homes.com
Rising antisemitism at Weston schools sparks community response
Teachers should transition from test based assessments to collaborative group projects.
How project-based learning made Mandarin my favorite class
Ap Government and Politics can be a challenging class, but taking it in a politically active year can make it more enjoyable.
Benefits of taking AP Gov in an election year
Sophomores like Lucy Basso ’27 often have too much on their plates, making it stressful to think about completing everything on their schedules.
High school should be about growth, not pressure: a message to underclassmen
A recreation of the Staples parking lot
An Argument for Jeep World Domination
At the end of the summer, Compo Beach lifeguards wrap up their final shift with a swim to the buoy—an annual tradition. This year’s crew included guards from Staples, Ludlowe, Trumbull and several other high schools.
The best summer job? Here’s why lifeguarding stands out
The recent inflation rate of Staples students with 504 plans has led students to question the validity and necessity of the accommodations.
The 504 trend: 504 accommodations on the rise, creating a negative stigma for recipients and hampering academic equity
Staples Symphonic Band will be performing at Carnegie Hall April 1.
Symphonic Band debuts at Carnegie Hall
Academic pressures have students falling into unhealthy behaviors like comparison and overloading on work in order to keep up with expectations.
The unseen race: balancing academics, extracurriculars and social pressures
Seasons can impact an individual's mood and well-being, often leaving people's mood to worsen during the winter and improve as it gets warmer
Daylight savings brings brighter days ahead
Trump's use of calling himself “king” and being depicted with a crown does not violate any Constitutional rights against tyranny. It is protected under the first amendment right.
Instagram posts on official White House account cause backlash
Seniors may feel confused as their college process comes to an end because while the decision might be made, the stress does not vanish immediately.
College decisions are in, but where’s the relief?
The flowers of the golden afternoon all pose with their head pieces. They are practicing with them to prepare for the show.
Bedford Acting Group puts their production of “Alice and Wonderland Jr.” to stage!
Contrary to its name, the Department of Education acts in a support function to states rather than outlining what the nation’s children should learn. It’s primarily in charge of mundane bureaucratic tasks like compiling statistics and organizing student loans. After its closure, these responsibilities are widely expected to be transferred over to the Treasury department.
Trump’s shutdown of the Department of Education will harm more than students’ academics
The senior tradition of taking one last opportunity to bond with the classmates you have grown familiar with has become an activity that pushes classmates further into their own, separate groups.
Joint spring break trips build bonds and challenge independence 
While it is easy to ignore current world issues, it is necessary to understand what is going on and how it affects everyday life.
Stop plugging your ears, start paying attention to current issues
The 2025 Staples boys' lacrosse schedule (photo from @staplesboyslacrosse).
Staples boys’ lacrosse starts season, the five most important games
The new Staples head football coach Matty Jacowleff stands for the national anthem (Photo from wreckersgreershotz).
BREAKING NEWS: Wreckers name Matty Jacowleff as new head football coach
The Staples boys' lacrosse team has won two state championships and one FCIAC championship in the past three years. They will be looking to continue to add to their trophy cabinet in the upcoming campaign. (Photo by William Murray '25)
Boys’ lacrosse prepares for upcoming season
Students share their insight about their upcoming participation with spring sports. With the season changing, many are excited and highly anticipating the success of the upcoming sports season.
Excitement builds for upcoming spring sports
Amelia Guimond ’28 wins her wrestling match against Stratford High School (Photo Contributed by Amelia Guimond ’28).
Inside wrestling’s gender divide: Guimond challenges norms on the mat
Feeling pretty for yourself in high school can be difficult. With factors like social media and peer comparison, it is a constant battle.
Stop letting beauty standards define you
From stepping out of their comfort zones to exploring new interests, there are many things high school students wish they had done differently. Today we are going to hear about what Staples students would change if they could go back.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Zara Saliba ’26 (pictured) and Mia Bomback ’25 rank CAVA, Just Salad and sweetgreen on taste, costliness and service to determine the best of the bowls.
Battle of the bowls: comparing Just Salad, sweetgreen and CAVA
In honor of March being Women’s History Month, we compiled multiple interviews to review different perspectives of who are the most iconic women in history.
Women’s History Month celebrates iconic women
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is about a fun group of six middle schoolers that compete in a high-stakes spelling bee. They navigate personal insecurities, interesting personalities and unexpected life lessons along the way.
Staples players cast spelling success in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Feeling pretty for yourself in high school can be difficult. With factors like social media and peer comparison, it is a constant battle.
Stop letting beauty standards define you
From stepping out of their comfort zones to exploring new interests, there are many things high school students wish they had done differently. Today we are going to hear about what Staples students would change if they could go back.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Zara Saliba ’26 (pictured) and Mia Bomback ’25 rank CAVA, Just Salad and sweetgreen on taste, costliness and service to determine the best of the bowls.
Battle of the bowls: comparing Just Salad, sweetgreen and CAVA
In honor of March being Women’s History Month, we compiled multiple interviews to review different perspectives of who are the most iconic women in history.
Women’s History Month celebrates iconic women
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is about a fun group of six middle schoolers that compete in a high-stakes spelling bee. They navigate personal insecurities, interesting personalities and unexpected life lessons along the way.
Staples players cast spelling success in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Food is my love language; I love to host and share homemade dishes with friends and family. These are two of my favorite things to serve when hosting!
My love language… food!
Homes with Hope Super Bowl food drive at Gillespie Center: Staples students help
Homes with Hope Super Bowl food drive at Gillespie Center: Staples students help
These cute mutts compete for the place as cutest pup at the fair.
Top 10 cutest dogs at the Westport Dog Festival
My hand, clutching the smoothie, freezes as I anticipate sunset. Finally, as the clock strikes 7:30 p.m., I can finally indulge in this long- awaited beverage.
A Ramadan Temptation: Indulge in an Avocado Smoothie
The bulk ferment is when the yeast fully developed through rest. The dough should nearly double in size and get bubbly. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will ferment. If you leave the dough on the counter it will take about eight to 10 hours. For a more sour dough, leave it in the fridge for up to three days for a slower fermentation.
Sourdough: A simple but challenging craft
On the Wreckord - Episode Twenty Two
On the Wreckord – Episode Twenty Two
On the Wreckord - Episode Twenty One
On the Wreckord – Episode Twenty One
On the Wreckord - Episode Twenty
On the Wreckord – Episode Twenty
On the Wreckord - Episode Nineteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Nineteen
On the Wreckord - Episode Eighteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Eighteen
The recent inflation rate of Staples students with 504 plans has led students to question the validity and necessity of the accommodations.
The 504 trend: 504 accommodations on the rise, creating a negative stigma for recipients and hampering academic equity
Three students, Melissa Pappas (left), Mia Lewis (center) and Jona Bernstein (right), took on the challenge of restocking tampons and pads in every female bathroom following the implementation of the Connecticut Menstrual Equity Act.
Students speak up: Menstrual Equity Act brings back tampons, but will they stay?
Matthew Corrigan ’26 warms up for the game.
Corrigan’s homecoming: a hometown rivalry as Warde faces Staples
Aidan Lapatine ’26 (left) and Logan Noorily ’25 (right) co-lead Staples’ Students Demand Action chapter, aiming to educate the greater Westport community about gun violence.
Students Demand Action: school club combats gun violence through educational efforts
Reported weapon threats and concerning comments at CT schools as of Oct. 16.
CT faces school threats, local teams work to ensure student safety
Inklings' Wordle 4/2/25
Inklings’ Wordle 4/2/25
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
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Caroline Zajac ’25

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager

Business Manager Caroline Zajac ’25 knows budgeting. Whether it’s her time split between school and rowing or the funds for Inklings News, Zajac ensures everything in her life runs smoothly.

“I row nine times a week: daily after school and in the mornings on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday,” Zajac said.

Zajac’s solace comes in her work for Inklings. She gets to manage her love for business with a well-needed break from other extracurriculars. 

“I wanted to do business in a more creative way,” Zajac said. “Really, there is no newspaper if there aren’t any funds.”

All content by Caroline Zajac ’25
Extracurricular activities are super important for curating a healthy lifestyle. This is me rowing at Youth Nationals at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, FL. (Photo contributed by Row2k).

Everyone wants to be healthy, but no one wants to do the work to get there

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
March 4, 2025

Red and Whites hosts Charity Ball

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
February 28, 2025
Captains Ella Harrington ’25 and Poppy Harrington ’25 pose with their parents during the ceremony before the game. (Photo contributed by Sage Cohen '25).

Girls’ basketball senior night ends in close defeat, playoff hopes remain

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
February 10, 2025

Winter break: finding joy in the pause

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
January 24, 2025
Spending time in local book shops can rejuvenate your love for reading.

Start reading: you will thank me later

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
January 8, 2025
Flippers’ lemon ricotta pancakes located in Soho, NYC are a must try.

It’s time for Staples to put pancakes on the menu, permanently 

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
December 17, 2024
Enjoying the warm embrace of mid-July in Santa Barbara, where 85 degrees and sunny skies create the perfect backdrop for a mood boost.

Why warm weather saves lives

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
November 12, 2024
Reported weapon threats and concerning comments at CT schools as of Oct. 16.

CT faces school threats, local teams work to ensure student safety

Bianca Mastocciolo ’26, Alexis Jacobs ’26, Caroline Zajac ’25, and Angelina Matra ’25
October 31, 2024

February break timing prompts varying opinions

Mia Kirkorsky ’24 and Caroline Zajac ’25
February 27, 2024
This mentality that Staples’ students have adopted creates a stressful environment.

The battle for limited spots

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
November 10, 2023

Superfans: Fueling teams to victory

Caroline Zajac ’25 and Liora Perkins ’25 Web Opinions Editor
May 24, 2023
Students observed both historic and modern German culture during their April trip. Various street artwork is displayed on the Spandauer Vorstadt street in Berlin.

Germany trip sparks curiosity, gratitude in students

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
April 30, 2023
This exhibit displays Coco Chanel's life as an innovator and activist. Not only did she break barriers in women's fashion, but she also broke barriers in women's rights. By eliminating Victorian-style corsets and long skirts, she created practicality and mobility through looser-fitting clothing. This then led to more independence and freedom for women to leave domestic roles at home.

US History Honors Participates in National History Day

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
March 24, 2023
This photo is taken from a ferry going along the Amalfi Coast; this stop is in Positano, Italy. From Easter to October, they have about 12,000 tourists. This seaside paradise has colorful, cliffside villas towering over their black sand beach.

Luxurious trips do not outshine budgeted trips

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
January 3, 2023
The Wonderland House is found on Roseville Terrace in Fairfield. It has 500,000 lights and takes five people six to eight months to set up this display. They have lights ranging from minions to a Sandy Hook memorial throughout their yard. Although energy costs are rising in New England, the Halliways are already aware of the 20% increase in electric bills.

Inflation spikes electric bills during holiday season

Caroline Zajac ’25, Business Manager
December 13, 2022
Birria tacos became a hit tik tok trend supporting Mexican culture.

Birria Tacos become hit Tik Tok trend supporting Mexican culture

Caroline Zajac ’25, Staff Writer
October 31, 2022
Harry Styles interacting with the crowd at Madison Square Garden while singing Adore You.

Post-concert depression is real, the worst.

Caroline Zajac ’25, Staff Writer
September 30, 2022
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