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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
First COVID-19 vaccine dosage yields difficult side effects in 12 to 15 year olds
First COVID-19 vaccine dosage yields difficult side effects in 12 to 15 year olds
Hannah Even ’21 and Rishabh Mandayam ’21 were awarded a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.
Two Staples seniors received the $2,500 National Merit Scholarship
She La La, a retail business, along with other buildings in Westport, have put signs in their storefront to inform customers of their mask policy.
Connecticut stores, restaurants individually decide mask mandates for vaccinated customers
The fireworks this Fourth of July in Westport have pretty much faded out of existence, due to the town’s decision. But it’s absolutely clear now it shouldn’t have.
Fourth of July fireworks should not be canceled
With prescription drug prices increasing by 33% since 2014, there has been an epidemic of medicine rationing that puts the lives of Americans at risk. Connecticut must promptly pass legislation that caps drug-price increase in order to end this deadly issue.
Connecticut legislation must end medicine rationing epidemic
Tennis Player Naomi Osaka receives support from fans after withdrawing from the Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka withdraws from Australian Open due to Mental health, inspires many
The Dunkin’ and Starbucks summer menu contains lots of bright summery colors, however, the flavors they included were bland and not at the same level as past seasonal releases.
Dunkin’ and Starbucks summer menu falls short of sweet expectations
Acne, although common, is not talked about often enough and the struggles that having acne can cause need to be further understood.
Acne shouldn’t be taken at face-value, when issues can lie beyond the skin
The junior picnic ran from 12:15 to 2:15 at the football field. The picnic included music, food and games like Kan Jam and Spikeball.
Junior picnic proves short, sweet end to chaotic year
The Yankee Doodle Fair, usually an event that signals the end of school and the start of summer, will instead take place in September.
Yankee Doodle Fair postponed to September due to COVID-19
Connecticut governor Ned Lamont lifted the mask mandate for vaccinated individuals on May 19, posting the above information on his twitter account, @GovNedLamont. Local businesses have differed in their approaches to lifting the mask mandate, and Staples will not be lifting the mandate for this year.
Westport’s differing mask protocols create issues with consistency, facilitate stigma and confusion
In the state of Connecticut, 63% of the population has received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Despite the worries from the beginning, many individuals have gotten the vaccine.
Students reflect on vaccine controversy
Bobby Valentine, former New York Mets manager, may now be managing a whole lot more than one team: an entire city.
Former Mets player and manager to run for mayor of Stamford
Paige Toglia ’22 admires the work of her classmates after saying that much of her inspiration comes from conversations with them.
AP Studio Art students channel creativity, individuality for College Board exam
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
Reusing pasta sauce, peanut butter and salsa jars is a great way to reduce waste. They are perfect for storing pantry items, craft supplies or just being used as a drinking cup.
Four daily habits increase sustainability
These easy to make muffins make the perfect light and sweet treat.
Blueberry muffins are great for a light snack
The new Cruella de Vil is a riveting Disney storyline that rewrites the original storyline.
New “Cruella” film has some bumps, but overall pain-free
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
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
Linnea Jagenberg ’21, Lizzie Kuendorf ’22 and Leni Lemcke ’22 all scored birdies in their victory against St. Joe’s while Keeva Boyle ’23 scored an eagle. The girls received flamingo and parrot prizes in recognition of their accomplishments. (Pictured left to right) Linnea Jagenberg ’21, Lizzie Kuendorf ’22, Leni Lemcke ’22, Keeva Boyle ’23 Merin McCallum ’21, Kathleen Coffee ’24
Girls’ golf secures spot in FCIACs with close victory against St. Joe’s
Staples girls’ track placed and scored in several events at FCIACs on May 24. This is their first time placing in six years. They hope to further qualify in States and States Open in the upcoming weeks.
Girls’ track secures spot in States after placing in FCIACs
The Longshore Golf Course is a public golf course in Westport where town residents can pay to hit at the driving range or play a round of golf. The Staples golf team practices at the course four days a week, playing nine holes.
Boys’ golf match comes down to last stroke
Charlie Howard ’22 was a leading scorer in the game against Ludlow. Starting off the game strong, Howard scored 1 of his 6 goals in a 15-9 win.
Staples dominates Ludlow once again in FCIAC quarterfinals
With summer right around the corner, it’s time to find a relaxing and fun activity; introducing altered books.
Creative art project perfect for the summer
Paige Toglia ’22 admires the work of her classmates after saying that much of her inspiration comes from conversations with them.
AP Studio Art students channel creativity, individuality for College Board exam
Hook’d on the Sound opened over Memorial Day Weekend at Compo Beach. They serve a myriad of different food choices — smoothies, sandwiches, soft serve ice cream, and many more.
Hook’d on the Sound Opens at Compo Beach
According to the CDC, people with the vaccine can, “Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel” (CDC.gov). The vaccine is enabling all vaccinated people to travel and get back to things that weren't able to happen over the past year.
Vaccine enables students to enjoy summer to the fullest
Every year, shops and businesses receive an overwhelming amount of applications from teens for summer jobs. Some students in Westport are having a challenging time finding a job while others already have one.
Students search for summer jobs in Westport
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 town's 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
Closed ecosystem terrariums are miniature ecosystems of moss kept indefinitely within glass containers.

Closed ecosystem terrariums bring spring inside

Kristina Chaney ’23, Staff Writer • May 26, 2021

Inside a jar, a tiny world of moss flourishes. The water from the moss evaporates, condenses on the glass sides, and "rains" back down into the moss. The tiny world supports itself forever. Closed ecosystem...

Spring sports now allow fans into games. Some players say it has had a positive impact on their performances.

Staples’ games positively affected by return of fans

Finnegan Courtney , Paper News Editor • May 13, 2021

Fans will always be a major part of sports, regardless if it is professional sports, college or high school sports and even sports intended for younger children. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans have...

Warmer weather welcomes the spring season to Westport

Margot Stack ’22 Business Manager, Brooke Dembin ’22 Business Manager • May 11, 2021

Blue flower cupcakes serve as ideal spring dessert

Blue flower cupcakes serve as ideal spring dessert

Gabriella Gerig ’23, Paper Sports Editor • May 7, 2021

https://spark.adobe.com/page/EnWIUNtRmpio4/  

Pasta salad caters to different tastes as different ingredients can be swapped out for those of your choice. For example, adding beans or chickpeas can make this a high-protein dish. You can also play around with using different vegetables, cheeses and dressings.

Pasta salad serves as refreshing start to spring

Mishael Gill '23, Staff Writer • April 5, 2021

Closed ecosystem terrariums are miniature ecosystems of moss kept indefinitely within glass containers.

Closed ecosystem terrariums bring spring inside

Kristina Chaney ’23, Staff Writer • April 5, 2021

Dunkin’ Doughnuts Review

Maddy Tansley '23 • April 5, 2021

https://youtu.be/VrrdGVTpJWg

With spring around the corner, what better time is there to bake an iced lemon pound cake?

Zesty lemon pound cake perfect to welcome springtime

Charlotte Gurley '23, Staff Writer • March 30, 2021

This southern caramel cake is the perfect sweet treat for anyone’s household.

Southern caramel cake: perfect to serve for start of spring

Lily Klau '23, Staff Writer • March 26, 2021

Pound cake with berries and whipped cream is the perfect dessert to share with friends and family on a beautiful spring day.

Pound cake with berries provides perfect spring dessert

Gabriella Gerig ’23, Staff Writer • March 26, 2021

Lemon bars are easy and quick to make. They are perfect for the spring because of their light and refreshing taste and sunny color.

Lemon bars make perfect treat for spring

Audrey Kercher ’23, Staff Writer • March 24, 2021

The iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso (left) and iced chocolate almond milk shaken espresso (right) are two new non-dairy drinks now available at Starbucks locations. These added milk alternatives now allow a more inclusive menu for those who don’t consume dairy.

New dairy-free Starbucks drinks add inclusive taste to their menu

Margot Stack ’22 , Business Manager • March 24, 2021

Moving into a new season, the Starbucks menu now incorporates more inclusive dairy options. The new line of non-dairy drinks has provided plant-based beverages for new audiences to enjoy. Now let's dive...

The highly anticipated senior internships have changed this year to allow students to choose from one of three options. This change allows for more flexibility and freedom when choosing an internship, something that should not be overlooked despite complaints.

Flexibility, options allow senior internships to prevail amidst pandemic

Marina Engler '21, Staff Writer • March 10, 2021

To say I wasn’t devastated that my last year of high school consisted of no football games, spirit week, school dances and countless other rite-of-passage moments that we seniors have been looking forward...

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