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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
Students work hard to send an important message to the judges who will read their essay.

TEAM Westport holds annual diversity and inclusion essay contest

Addison Frankel ’27, Assistant Business Manager • March 17, 2025

The Town of Westport’s Diversity Engagement Committee, TEAM, announced on Feb 11 that the theme for this year's teen diversity essay contest will be identity. This will be the 12th year that TEAM Westport...

The Westport Library Book Sale, started 25 years ago, raises money for the Westport Library. In the 2023-24 fiscal year they were able to raise $70,000. The Westport Book Shop, created five years ago, further supports the library’s mission by raising essential funds and providing employment opportunities for individuals with differing abilities.

More than just books: Westport Library Book Sale impacts community

Ayaan Olasewere ’25, Web Sports Editor • November 13, 2024

Tables brimming with books stretch across the room, each stack begging to be explored. There’s a sense of contentment in the air as people browse, exchanging whispered recommendations. Yellowed classics...

Glen Ryan, winner of the Crossword Puzzle Contest, accepts his award while being congratulated by the runner-ups.

Renowned host Will Shortz returns to Crossword Puzzle Contest

Danisha Nasution, Staff Writer • February 13, 2024

With heads bent low in concentration, the library is a scene of quiet intensity. Whether absorbed in completing a puzzle or observing from above, avid puzzle players who are prepared to win first place...

This starting slide introduces the panelists to the audience and prepares them to begin the AI Tea Talk.

Panelists discuss effects of AI on art industry

Alice Frascella ’25, Web Opinions Editor • November 28, 2023

The Westport Library held a talk about Artificial Intelligence on Nov. 5. Panelists included Yale University professor Luciano Floridi, Visual Artist Liz Leggett, Composer Brian Keane, Westport Public...

The Westport Bookshop has been able to provide 3,500 hours of paid employment for 12 adults with differing abilities. Those hours are primarily spent organizing books and completing data entries on their online eBay store.

Westport Book Shop provides employment to disabled community, expands business ambitions

Caitlin Jacob ’24, Communications Coordinator • November 16, 2023

It’s a tranquil Saturday morning where a tiny book shop blends into its surroundings on the corner of town. The inside, on the other hand, is anything but quiet. That morning, volunteers and employees...

Authors Neil Gaiman and Stephan Graham Jones discuss Gaiman’s work in front of an eager crowd.

Neil Gaiman speaks about his life in writing at Storyfest 2023’s opening night

Elsa D’Elia ’25, Paper Editor • November 11, 2023

Neil Gaiman, winner of roughly eighty various literary awards, is a household name whether people realize it or not. He is the author of “Coraline,” “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies...

Spencer Yim '23 delivers his speech to the crowd at the Westport Library. Mia Bomback '25, to the right, had previously spoken to the audience. Photo by Benjamin Buchalter '25.

Bomback and Yim Inaugurate Library “Common Ground Initiative”

Benjamin Buchalter ’25, Staff Writer • May 12, 2023

Staples students Spencer Yim '23 and Mia Bomback '25 closed the first night of the Westport Library's "Common Ground" initiative on Tuesday May 2 with a pair of speeches. "Tonight's event marks the...

Darden reads his essay aloud for an audience at the Westport Public Library. His piece centers around his experience coming to terms with his sexuality.

Tyler Darden wins TEAM Westport Essay Contest, encourages sensitive conversation

Talia Moskowitz ’24, Web Managing Editor • May 3, 2023

The 2023 TEAM Westport Teen Diversity Essay Contest challenged high school students to focus on one thing: dialogue.  Tyler Darden ’25 took the prompt and ran with it, elegantly reflecting on his...

Elena Nasar ’27, member of the Teen Advisory Board, operates the drop-in tutoring booth on Thursday afternoons where she helps students in grades two through five with math and language arts.

Westport Library institutes drop-in tutoring program for elementary students

Charlotte Berner ’25, Staff Writer • March 28, 2023

It isn’t a rare occurrence to hear about a Staples student who turns to a tutor to help with an upcoming test or a hard homework assignment. It’s easy enough for them, as they can facetime a tutor,...

Westport Library receives 5-star rating, staff members reflect

Lily Hultgren ’25 Features Editor • January 23, 2023

From Nov. 11-14, the Westport Library hosted their biannual book sale, which takes place every fall and spring. Westport residents are encouraged throughout the year to donate "gently used" books and vinyls to the library to be included in the sale.

Library Book Sale amazes with extensive book collection

Alex Gaines ’25, Paper Arts Editor • January 5, 2023

Horror panel of John Palisano, Gus Moreno, Lorien Lawrence, Clay McLeod Chapman and Eric LoRocca talking about their experiences writing Horror

Westport Library hosts annual Storyfest

Matthew Stashower ’25, Staff Writer • September 21, 2022

The Westport Library held its fifth annual Storyfest from Sept. 9-10. The Library held over 40 authors from all over the country, from all different genres.  Alex Giannini, the Associate Program Director...

Library book sale provides more than just books

Library book sale provides more than just books

Alex Gaines ’25, Creative Director • May 12, 2022

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