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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
Student government at Staples High School would provide more leadership opportunities to students, and improve communication amongst the student body.
Staples student government would provide leadership roles, efficiency
Protesters in Westport gathered downtown on Sept. 5 in opposition to Texas’ restrictive abortion law. The event was organized by community members and leaders, and gained the attention of dozens of Westporters.
Texas abortion law despicable, but provides unexpected hope
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
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
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
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
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
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
Staples offense battles for a shot on goal in Wilton territory in an effort to increase their 2-1 lead.
Wilton field hockey stumps Staples ending in a 2-2 overtime draw
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
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
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

NGSS testing comes at inopportune time

Charley Guthartz '22 and Hannah Kail ’22 • May 27, 2021

PSAT scores were released in an email sent out to students on April 19. These scores are helpful for sophomores as they begin the college process and seek out tutoring options to prepare for their grade 11 SAT or ACT.

PSAT, useful benchmark for students beginning college process

Alix Glickman ’23, Web Features Editors • May 4, 2021

Annually, Staples provides a PSAT for all freshmen, sophomores and juniors in March. Although it is just a practice SAT, the results are useful to begin the college admission process. With Staples supplying...

College board abolishes essay section of standardized tests, subject tests

Samantha Felner ‘22 • February 1, 2021

https://soundcloud.com/samantha-felner/college-board

The demand for COVID tests increases as cases continue to rise throughout the country. However, not everyone is ensured free testing, which discourages many people from taking action to get them.

COVID-19 test pricing disparities require significant change

Gabriella Gerig ’23, Staff Writer • January 22, 2021

As COVID-19 cases reach new heights across the country, the demand for testing continues to grow at an exponential rate. Unfortunately, a vast disparity exists within test pricing. According to Money...

The College Board has implemented changes to their registration and cancellation policies regarding the Advanced Placement exams. This renders them the ability to charge students the full price of a normal test.

Changes to Advanced Placement test justifies College Board to charge full price

Marina Engler '21, Staff Writer • November 25, 2020

Uncertainty of the future seems to be looming over everyone as the pandemic once again begins to surge. While the future has become impossible to predict, we have time and time again found ways to adapt...

Many universities have adopted new test optional policies, no longer requiring students to submit their ACT, SAT and subject test scores.

Colleges’ test-optional policies lack benefits to applicants

May 3, 2020

As News broke that many colleges are becoming test optional. While many students are celebrating the change, arguing that it will relieve pressure and increase their chances of getting into their dream...

Although standardized testing has been postponed due to these unprecedented circumstances, students still feel the impending stress of working to achieve a higher score. Students utilize textbooks to practice their skills.

Colleges become test-optional, relieving students of excess stress

Rebecca Kanfer '21, Paper Sports Editor • April 20, 2020

As the 2020 college admissions year comes to a close, aspiring juniors look onward to their upcoming year of the Common Application and the College Board with one noticeable change. Standardized test scores...

Bedford Middle School (BMS) offered Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests on April 7 to Westport and Weston residents, following the first round of testing on March 31.

BMS offers drive-through COVID-19 testing

Annabelle Iannone , Web News Editor • April 13, 2020

Bedford Middle School (BMS) offered Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests on April 7 to Westport and Weston residents, following the first round of testing on March 31.  “I think it’s great that we have...

An American College Testing (ACT) test preparation book. Starting in 2020, students will have the ability to retake any of the four individual sections.

ACT individual section retakes allow students to improve test scores

Tierney Kugel '22, Paper Arts Editor • October 23, 2019

Many high schoolers know the feeling of suffering through a long ACT test session, only to find out weeks later that they scored lower than expected. American College Testing, or the “ACT” is a three...

ACT changed their testing policy so that students can retake individual sections of the standardized exam beginning in 2020.

ACT test change allows students to retake individual exam sections

Emily Stone '20, Business Manager • October 12, 2019

The ACT announced Tuesday that students will be allowed to retake individual sections of the exam starting Sept. 2020. According to USA Today News, for a fee, students will be able to retake specific...

Juniors take NGSS Science Test

Roxy Augeri ’20 and Dana Perelberg ’20 • June 13, 2019

AAPPL testing should not be mandated

AAPPL testing should not be mandated

Holden Cohen '20, Staff Writer • May 1, 2019

This year, all language courses were required to give students the Assessment of Performance Towards Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL), which evaluates understanding of languages based upon listening, speaking,...

The PSAT is important

The PSAT is important

October 23, 2017

By Isabella Bullock '19 The PSAT is known to help prepare students for the SAT, and all high school students who are looking to improve their scores should take it. It’s main purpose is to give students...

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