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Students from Connecticut College return to remote learning as a result of the increased COVID cases.
Connecticut College returns students to remote learning amid COVID-19 outbreak
The Playhouse suffered serious damage to several different areas of the theatre, because of the water that seeped through low-lying entrance doors and down staircases.
Westport Country Playhouse thankful for support after flood
Many Westport community members reposted this image on social media in order to educate their peers on the Texas abortion ban and the local protest.
Westport community gathers peacefully downtown, shows disapproval of recent Texas abortion ban
The Westport Board of Education returned to in-person meetings, like the one pictured above from two years ago, for the first time since March of 2020 (reused photo from previous Inklings BOE article).
Westport BOE returns to in-person meetings
An overview of the major changes expressed in Superintendent Thomas Scarice’s update, including an update on mask policy.
Westport schools update COVID guidance, masks at recess not required
The Governors ball, often called Gov Ball, is a music festival taking place this upcoming weekend on Sept. 24-26. It is located at Citi Field in New York City. This year they are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the festival.
Gov Ball proves not worth the COVID-19 risk
The County Assembly Charity Ball, also known as “Counties”, is being held in early 2022, yet many students have already started asking out dates now.
A race to the Counties dance floor: the rush to ask supersedes the dance itself
Wakeman field at Bedford Middle School is the designated parking area for juniors. There are not set parking spaces, making parking there not optimal.
Harsher punishment must be enforced for parking in seniors’ spots
Traditional campus tours are still limited because of COVID-19 regulations, but schools like Washington University in St. Louis (above) are beginning to offer self-guided tours. Visitors are given maps, phone apps or instructions to take them around to staple landmarks on campus.
Pandemic college exploration proves insufficient
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
Valerie Dreyfuss ’22 and Lily Caplan ’22 interview Staples students and administration on what they are currently watching on television.
What is Staples watching?
Kids 11 and under are more susceptible to getting Covid-19 because they are not eligible for the vaccine. Now, K-12 schools, like Westport Public Schools, face the impact.
Increased Covid-19 cases in students 11 and under
Maintaining time between school and work can be a challenge for many students. Within this podcast we go over the pros and cons of having a job during the school year and the ways to manage them both.
Students weigh pros and cons of working in summer versus the school year
The swim team practice now ends at 6 p.m. this year, which is a change for these athletes whose practice used to end at 5 p.m. This causes these athletes entire homework and night routine to be pushed back an hour, causing additional stress. Photo by Emily Goldstein ’23
Stress increases as a result of the new school year
Many Staples students celebrated Yom Kippur with a break fast, serving bagels and desserts.
Yom Kippur festivities persist in face of COVID
Dan Levy and NikkieTutorials, among other stars, used the 2021 Met Gala’s American theme to showcase the importance and power of LGBTQ+ icons and queer symbolism.
LGBTQ+ stars showcase longlasting importance of queer culture, icons at 2021 Met Gala
“The D’Amelio Show” came out on Sept. 3 on Hulu and has one season and eight episodes. Each episode is unique and discusses what life is like for the D’amelio family.
‘The D’Amelio Show’ displays the harsh reality of being an influencer in today’s society
Lil Nas X accepted VMA awards for both best video and direction for his song Montero (Call Me By Your Name).
Award shows reintroduce a sense of normalcy in a post-COVID-19 world
Drake’s song “Girls Want Girls” receives backlash for fetishizing lesbians on social media including Twitter and Instagram.
Drake’s ‘Girls Want Girls’ points to greater cultural issue, fetishizing queer women
Little Island: not just another disappointing tourist attraction
About seven years ago, my grandfather and I made a S’mores layer cake together, so, after not seeing him for nearly 500 days, I wanted to surprise him by baking him that same cake for Father’s Day.
S’mores layer cake honours early Father’s Day gift
These easy to make muffins make the perfect light and sweet treat.
Blueberry muffins are great for a light snack
Following this simple recipe makes a delectable snack to enjoy this summer or anytime.
Homemade guacamole pairs deliciously with homemade tortilla chips
A frozen fruity treat is a perfect way to start your day. These frozen yogurt barks are my new go-to breakfast and the easiest homemade treat.
Frozen Fruit Yogurt Bark: proves to be perfect breakfast alternative
Patriotic themed pretzels for Memorial Day are easy and quick to make. They help to celebrate the holiday, and are perfect to share with friends and family.
Delicious homemade pretzel desserts for Memorial Day
In order to abide by social distancing regulations, the Sherwood Diner has started to build an outside seating area for customers.
Restaurants open socially distanced seating areas for Westporters
Up-cycling helps beautify old clothes, pass time during quarantine
Up-cycling helps beautify old clothes, pass time during quarantine
Quarantine has uprooted our typical routines. However, with two months having gone by, my family slowly has settled back into new routines, as captured in this collection of photo spanning a current type of typical week.
Images from quarantine: time at home creates a change in routines
Ways to reduce waste; turn food scraps into gardens
Ways to reduce waste; turn food scraps into gardens
Making scrunchies is a great way to have fun and pass time when in quarantine.
Making scrunchies serves as a fun quarantine activity
Last Thursday, BLAME IT ON BABY appeared on spotify, apple music, and other music websites.
Second album this year further drives young rapper DaBaby’s music career
The new release show “Outer Banks” enhances a mysterious, adventurous teen drama show to allow viewers to binge watch during this time of being stuck inside.
‘Outer Banks’ creates a binge-worthy T.V series
Phoebe Waller-Bridge dominates airwaves with fantastic new releases
Phoebe Waller-Bridge dominates airwaves with fantastic new releases
The Strokes released “The New Abnormal” on April 10.
The Strokes new album makes great comeback
With two episodes each Sunday for the next five weeks, sports fans have something to look forward to in the short-term.
‘The Last Dance’ provides reprieve for sports fans worldwide
The Staples boys’ varsity soccer team fought their toughest competition in their league, Greenwich, on September 18 on their home turf. The players walked away from the game unsatisfied with the tie but are looking forward to possibly facing the Cardinals again in the future for a rematch.
Staples boys’ soccer battles Greenwich to a draw
Superfan Captains lead the school spirit at all school sporting events. Here they rally the fan section at the last Staples football game on Sept. 17 vs St. Joseph. The Wreckers lost 35-14.
Return of sports traditions reinforces sense of community
Photo of Anna Pan ’22 fencing for her club team. She is one of the four staples students to bring fencing to staples.
Fencing team embarks on new journey
On 9/10, the Staples Wreckers football team took on Trumbull for the home opener football game. They won with a score of 27-20.
Wreckers beat Trumbull in home opener football game
The Wreckers hit the field for the first home scrimmage of the 2021 football season.
Wreckers defeat McMahon
The Staples boys’ varsity soccer team fought their toughest competition in their league, Greenwich, on September 18 on their home turf. The players walked away from the game unsatisfied with the tie but are looking forward to possibly facing the Cardinals again in the future for a rematch.
Staples boys’ soccer battles Greenwich to a draw
Senior homecoming dance: restoring traditions after a decade
Senior homecoming dance: restoring traditions after a decade
Valerie Dreyfuss ’22 and Lily Caplan ’22 interview Staples students and administration on what they are currently watching on television.
What is Staples watching?
Maintaining time between school and work can be a challenge for many students. Within this podcast we go over the pros and cons of having a job during the school year and the ways to manage them both.
Students weigh pros and cons of working in summer versus the school year
This tent was added as one of the new COVID precautions for the 2021-22 school year. It allows students to eat or do homework outside without a mask.
Students adapt to new school COVID restrictions
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
Longshore golf course opens with COVID-19 restrictions
Longshore golf course opens with COVID-19 restrictions
COVID-19 couldn’t stop these stunning movie stars from rocking the Oscars red carpet Sunday night.
The Oscars lookbook: glitz, glam, and gorgeous gowns
The new Dunkin’ Donuts spring menu displays new and exciting food and drink options that are sure to brighten up this spring season.
Dunkin’ Doughnuts Review
Those who identify as “super straight” have already adopted their own version of a pride flag, a rectangle divided between black and orange. Critics of the label have seen it as exclusionary and take issue with the attempts of “super straight” people to insert themselves into the LGBT community.
‘Super Straight’ trend provokes ire, discussions about transphobia 
Some vaccinated families were able to celebrate Passover traditionally, while others held their seder’s over zoom.
Staples students celebrate passover amid COVID-19
Hasbro announces new Potato Head toys that dropped the pronouns Mr. and Ms. due to recent controversy. However, the iconic Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head are still available for sale.
Newest Controversy: The gender of a potato
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
The Staples Varsity softball team high-fives last year before COVID-19 began. This year, social distancing and mask wearing will be enforced so on field play will be very different.
Spring sports season brings mixed feelings to players
Last rec season, swapping jerseys with a member of the opposing team after the game was the ultimate sign of respect and gratitude players could share. Angelo Casabianca ’21 and Haydn Siroka ’21 share a moment together after a close game between the two.
Seniors reflect on rec basketball cancelled
Staples girls basketball celebrates after upsetting Norwalk on the road.
Students discuss status of winter sports
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
A hand showing female empowerment, which is similar to drawings that were shown in the movie.
Moxie inspires high schoolers to make a change
Emma Losonczy ’23 uses music as a way of focusing while studying in the library. The music helps Losonczy keep her mind awake while she writes an essay for English class.
Reviewing La Di Die
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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Inklings News
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Jess Leon ’22

Jess Leon ’22, Staff writer

Staff writer Jess Leon ’22 has dedicated years of her life to sports, and amid a global pandemic, she managed to find an alternative way to stay involved in the pastime she loves.

“[I] gave lessons to little girls that play field hockey or lacrosse. I love sports and it was a way to give back to my community,” Leon said.

It was her desire to connect with members of her community that initially inspired her enrollment in Advanced Journalism.

“It's a nice place to find out more about your classmates,” Leon said, “because there’s a lot about people’s opinions.”

All content by Jess Leon '22
The Governors ball, often called Gov Ball, is a music festival taking place this upcoming weekend on Sept. 24-26. It is located at Citi Field in New York City. This year they are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the festival.

Gov Ball proves not worth the COVID-19 risk

September 24, 2021
Superfan Captains lead the school spirit at all school sporting events. Here they rally the fan section at the last Staples football game on Sept. 17 vs St. Joseph. The Wreckers lost 35-14.

Return of sports traditions reinforces sense of community

September 23, 2021
Fall sports preseason begins in August with the first games beginning in the latter part of September or beginning of October.

Fall sports captains develop summer training schedules

June 10, 2021
Eli Shorrock ’22 enjoys the new schedule format because he can get more work done during class time. Although, sometimes he gets antsy during the long periods.

New block schedule provides positive take-away from pandemic

May 26, 2021
Ben Berkley ’22 has been the track and field manager for the past two years, after being a runner on the team his freshman year.

Staples managers play crucial role in team success

April 7, 2021
The Staples girls’ basketball team takes on Greenwich. Greenwich had a record of 15-6 in the 2019-20 season while Staples had a 21-3.

Staples girls’ basketball continues their legacy from last season

February 10, 2021
Mckenzie Didio is going to join the University of Delawares Womens Lacrosse team in 2023. Before COVID-19 ended their season, the Blue Hens had a record of 2-3. In 2019, they had a record of 7-10.

Athletes adjust to COVID-19 college recruiting regulations

February 2, 2021

Students consider if in-person school is the best option

December 22, 2020
The girls’ basketball team finished their 2019-2020 season with an overall record of 18-2. After losing five seniors, this team has been working hard this off season to have another dominant season.

Winter sports athletes respond to CIAC announcement

November 23, 2020
The Rolling Stones performed “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” during the Global Citizen live stream concert. Other popular singers like Billie Eilish, Lizzo and Shawn Mendes also performed from their homes.

The public adopts live stream concerts as the new normal

November 10, 2020
Jake Thaw ’20 playing football as a Staples Wrecker.

Thaw prepares to debut at Michigan

October 5, 2020
Arden Scherer and Charlotte Zhang warming up before soccer practice.

[Photo] Teams adapt to pandemic

October 2, 2020
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