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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
The group visited the Panama Canal and took a boat ride with a biologist along the canal, observing local wildlife in the process.

Students hike, snorkel and save the wetlands on seven-day Panama trip

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • March 6, 2023

For chemistry teacher Dominick Messina, deciding to spend his vacation on a trip with over a dozen students was an easy decision. “I studied abroad when I was in school, so I think I knew what I was...

On Jan. 30 at Toquet Hall, Lighthouse hosted its “A Night of Queer History” event at Toquet Hall. Dan Woog (pictured above), Westport LGBTQ+ advocate, spoke on the history—and future—of the gay community.

Lighthouse, LGBTQ+ support organization arrives in Westport

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • February 7, 2023

Lighthouse, a LGBTQ+ youth support group within the Connecticut-based organization Kids in Crisis, opened an additional location in Westport. Currently, there are three Lighthouse locations: Stamford,...

According to FranklinCovey, approximately one third of resolutioners give up on their goals before the end of January, typically because of a lack of personal passion (i.e., setting a goal to conform to societal standards or pressures), practicality or specificity. However, by following the above steps when setting a goal—known as the “SMART” method, developed by the journal Management Review in 1981—you may be more likely to follow through with your resolution. All information taken from “How to Make (and Keep) a New Year’s Resolution),” New York Times

New Year’s resolutions prompt self-reflection, growth

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • January 10, 2023

I rang in New Year’s by sleeping. In fact, I was asleep before midnight, meaning I indeed missed the Times Square Ball Drop, midnight fireworks and celebratory toasts to 2023. While many may find...

Bhatia and Pogue converse about monthly crosswords

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • November 8, 2022

Over the years, I’ve collected my fair share of astrology paraphernalia, including a notebook, an informational book about Cancers and a Hello Kitty keychain dressed as a crab.

Generalized astrological assumptions are invalid, fail to encompass a person

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • October 13, 2022

I’m a proud Cancer. For as long as I can remember, I’ve strongly identified with my astrology sign—the crab that reigns over those who are born between June 21 and July 22. In my opinion, I’m...

As of the 2022-2023 school year, students will store their phones in holders for each class period.

Administration introduces, enforces new personal device policy

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • September 20, 2022

Superintendent Thomas Scarice announced on Aug. 25 the enforcement of a new cell phone policy for all Staples classrooms. This policy requires all students to submit their personal devices—such as AirPods,...

New teachers eagerly anticipate new school year

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief and Ella Shi ’23, Paper Managing Editor • September 6, 2022

NHD participants create their projects in a variety of mediums, such as Annika Redding ’24, Tessa Tobias ’24 and Talia Varsano’s ’24 exhibit on the development of the polio vaccine amid the Cold War.

Coyne honored, recognized with Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • June 7, 2022

Academic papers, fully-functioning websites, embellished exhibits and self-directed performances are all viable and encouraged projects for the annual National History Day (NHD) Contest—a staple of the...

Classical music is a rich genre that is often overlooked by today’s youth—even within our own school community. At Staples, the Amati Chamber Orchestra (pictured) as well as the Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra receive little attention from administrators and students alike, reflecting the diminishing interest in classical music today.

An ode to classical music and its everlasting value

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • May 31, 2022

Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Drake and Kendrick Lamar, to name a few, are not among the artists that frequent my personal playlists, unlike the majority of my peers. Instead? I’m a diehard fan...

Jet Tober '23 developed a passion for music at the age of 3, and has since delved into songwriting.

Tober builds beats, constructs compositions

Julia Herlyn ’23, News Editor • April 4, 2022

When listening to the opening lines of Kanye West’s song “Touch The Sky,” an immediate, electrifying response bubbles in Jet Tober ’23—in only a few seconds, his head begins to bob, his eyes...

Music department introduces honors credit

Julia Herlyn ’23, News Editor and Ella Shi ’23, Features Editor • March 31, 2022

Reading for a few minutes a day can have numerous benefits, improving upon your mental wellbeing in addition to your physical health.

Lack of reading for pleasure, practicing self-care deteriorates the self

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • March 7, 2022

As a wide-eyed, energetic fourth grader who was always eager to learn and grow, reading—to me—was one of, if not my favorite pastime. I recall dedicating December break of 2014 to the joy of reading—at...

Spiced apple walnut cake is the perfect autumn and winter dessert to satisfy one’s sweet tooth.

Spiced apple walnut cake serves as a warm, inviting treat

Julia Herlyn ’23, Editor-in-Chief • January 28, 2022

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