October Issue 2017

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nklings

Staples High School

September 29, 2017

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News Opinions Features Arts Sports

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Volume 86, Issue 1 inklingsnews.com

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Westport residents collect items, such as food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies to donate to victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas.

Westport pitches in to assist Hurricane Harvey relief efforts Sophie Driscoll ’19 & Julia Rosier ’18

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extreme flooding in the aftermath of the hurricane, which they gave to AquaFence Director Adam Goldberg. On Sept. 9, Goldberg held a charity drive on Imperial Avenue in Westport.

“AquaFence is a business that I’ve been involved in for five years, and we protect a lot of buildings in the northeast,” Goldberg said. “Being in the flood business, seeing disasters that happened, we wanted to figure out a way we could help, since we weren’t there to help before.”

Goldberg and his team spent two-anda-half hours loading the provisions onto an AquaFence truck.

That afternoon, Goldberg’s team drove the truck to Harris County in Houston, where Goldberg donated both the provisions he had collected and the truck itself.

The next day, he hosted a barbecue for roughly 500 peo-

LOCALS PROVIDING AID WUSY members and their parents, including Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of The Conservative Synagogue in Westport, loading donations onto Adam Goldberg’s truck.

70 North Ave., Westport, Connecticut, 06880

ple. Goldberg then donated the barbecue grills, as well.

Goldberg has been impressed by the concerted effort Westport residents have made to help Hurricane Harvey victims. “I just think Westport’s shown it’s an amazing town,” Goldberg said. “Just everyone pitching in, and seeing how good our town and nation is as a whole, just feeding through all of the negative news that’s out there, and just doing something good. It’s fun.”

Photos contributed by Dan Woog and Mili Cattan ’19 and Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

tudents are working to aid victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas.

Westport groups and businesses such as the Staples music department, the Assumption Church Youth Ministry, the Staples Gender Sexualities Alliance (GSA), the Westport United Synagogue Youth (WUSY) and portable flood barrier company AquaFence organized charitable efforts.

The Category 4 hurricane hit Houston on Aug. 25 and lasted until Sept. 2, bringing 130 mph winds and approximately 52 inches of rain, according to The Weather Channel.

The Staples music department, led by Orchestra Director Adele Valovich, will hold a string concert at Saugatuck Elementary School at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Donations will be collected at the concert, and the money raised will be used to replace Texas schools’ sheet music that was

destroyed by the hurricane. The freshman orchestra, the sophomore orchestra, the symphonic orchestra and the chamber orchestra will perform.

“I thought it was a great idea,” Valovich said.

Students involved with the Assumption Church Youth Ministry have raised money for Hurricane Harvey relief through a car wash. “People who got their car washed would donate $10 to Hurricane Harvey victims,” Assumption Church Youth Ministry member David Kalinowski ’18 said.

According to Mariella Alderucci ’19, GSA members are working “to express our moral support to the LGBT+ community in affected areas, to show them that they aren’t discriminated against in relief efforts.”

Additionally, since the hurricane hit, students involved with WUSY have been selling water bottles and donating the proceeds to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

“It felt good to help others,” WUSY member Mili Cattan ’19 said.

Members of WUSY also collected items such as food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies for those affected by the

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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News

Inklings

September 29, 2017

Staff offices relocated for student accessiblity Nicole Dienst ’18

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ver the summer, Principal James D’Amico and administrative staff moved several offices to different locations around the school, primarily due to the selling of the Westport Public Schools technology building and in an effort to be more accessible to students.

In the front of the main office, there is a new reception area home to a large-wooden circular desk, where attendance secretary Ericka DeJesus resides. She

is primarily in charge of the attendance hotline, excusing students for absences and other activities. “This will make her easier to find for students who need her,” D’Amico said, “as well as create a friendlier environment in the main office, where there was no one to help visitors when they walked in.”

Christian Myers ’18 agrees with DeJesus being more accessible. “I think that it’s important for her to be accessible so that kids who have an issue with their attendance can go talk to her easily,” Meyers said. “Moving her to the front of the office will definitely help make it easier.”

One other major change was the relocation of the grade level assistants’

offices. The grade level assistants, Andrew Carroll, Dee Hychko, Jack McFarland and Jesse McCray, are now located across from the cafeteria, next to the student outreach counselor’s office and in the previous room used for academic study hall.

“The new location is the most accessible for students because when they have an initial question or a problem, they don’t have to go all the way down to the main office to find us, and can just come to the cafeteria,” Carroll said. “It is also easier for us because most of where I interact with students is in the cafeteria.

Now that my office is nearby, it is much easier and accessible for me.”

The relocation of Maria Vailakis-Wippick’s office, who is in

charge of PowerSchool and data support, has been moved from the main office to the guidance department. “I’m like anyone else, I don’t like change. But now I get to interact with a different group of people including counselors, psychologists, parents and students,” Vailakis-Wippick said.

D’amico believes that these changes will have a positive effect on students and is excited to see the impact. “Making room for the technology offices was an important factor in moving things along,” he said, “but moving the grade level assistants to a space where there is more interaction with students was the primary reason.”

Photos by Sophie Driscoll ’19 and Zach Horowitz ’19

NEW FACES, NEW SPACES

The semi-circular desk (left) is now occupied by attendance secretary Ericka DeJesus (middle). All but one ofthe offices in the main office corridor (right) are currently unoccupied.

Kaya Leitner ’19 PowerSchool is finally up and running!

Wait what? Access was lost again? When is it supposed to open… tomorrow at 4 p.m.?

In the opening of the 2017 school year, the significant technological renovation in the software systems from eSchool to PowerSchool left students anxiously waiting to check their grades. Similar to eSchool, PowerSchool dictates all functions from attendance and grading to scheduling.

However, the release date wasn’t immediate, and the date for students to access the app was postponed from Sept. 4 to Sept.

20.

The district’s contract under eSchool expired over the summer, requiring the administration to evaluate the advantages and flaws of the system. Ultimately, they decided in favor of the easy-to-use grading program, PowerSchool.

“From my understanding the contract with eSchool was up, so the district had to make a decision whether to continue with eSchool or to look for another product,” Principal James D’Amico said. “We’re always looking for something better or something that runs smoother. Additionally, very few school districts use eSchool.”

While D’Amico foresees a positive future with the new grading system, initial student reactions were unfavorable because of the multiple set backs in the applications release date. PowerSchool was initially set to release on Sept. 4 but was postponed on multiple occasions until Sept. 20. Staples is highly regarded as a blue ribbon school and students are notoriously concerned

with their academic success, therefore, setbacks in student accessing abilities resulted in notable student angst.

“Senior year requires so much, so I need to be really on top of my grades. It’s so frustrating that we don’t have access yet,” Ella Jarvis ’18 said prior to the PowerSchool release date.

“They’re tricking us. They’re never going to actually show us our grade,” Amanda Samuels ’19 added.

Following the release date, student frustration remained due to the inability for students to constantly access GPA, a significant difference between eSchool and PowerSchool. While this might not have been by design, D’Amico believes it will be beneficial to the well being of students and school climate.

“I’m hoping that we are re-training our brains a little bit to know you can do okay without having access to [GPAs] every couple of minutes. We hope to concentrate on the bigger picture,” D’Amico said.

While administrators wish for stress to be reduced with restrictions to GPA, Christina Brittis ’19 believes it will be counterproductive “In the midst of my most important year at Staples, not being able to have constant access to my GPA is counterintuitive as it will add stress rather than remove it,” Brittis said. “Especially being new to AP courses, not being able to measure the weight of that course is incredibly nerve racking.”

Student Outreach Counselor Ed Milton is in agreement with D’Amico and believes that the GPA restrictions will alleviate anxiety and better the school climate.

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

“I’m really excited by PowerSchool. I think it’s going to be really emotionally and academically beneficial to students. It’s really user friendly and constantly watching GPA can be really destructive to a kids well being,” Milton said.

Now that PowerSchool access is confirmed, Grace Roseme ’19 weighs the advantages and downfalls of the new application.

“I think PowerSchool is a lot easier to navigate but the fact students don’t have access to their GPA’s can be really detrimental to a students stress levels,” Roseme said.

Regardless of the obstacles that came with the transfer to PowerSchool, D’Amico anticipates the best for the new system in the grand scheme of things.

“There will be bumps in the road throughout the year[…] [but] we need to figure things out and in the long run [PowerSchool] will be better for the whole district.”

Graphic by Cat Graham ’19

Administration enacts PowerSchool, new grading system

September 29, 2017

Inklings

News

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LOCAL BRIEFS Ben Pearl ’18

Month of October

Breast Cancer Awareness All pink everything—the entire month of October is dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer. Many Staples clubs and athletic teams participate in the cause through fundraisers and events, including football’s annual pink-out game on Oct. 13 home against Darien in which all proceeds go to the Pink Aid foundation. Tickets will be on sale the week leading up to the game. Additionally, girls’ soccer is hosting a luncheon and fashion show at Mitchell’s on Oct. 5 to raise money for Pink Aid to improve breast cancer testing, treatment and recovery.

October 6 Homecoming The first week of October is dedicated to displaying school spirit. Each year students participate in pajama day, USA day, twin day, color rush and blue-white day. On Friday, the final part of the school day is dedicated to the pep rally which honors all of the fall sport programs on the football field. Each team creates an exciting entrance complete with music, dancing and candy. In recent years, this spirited event has included former Principal Dodig dancing with the cheerleaders and more than one promposal.

The festivities continue well after the school day has concluded as girls’ soccer faces off at Stamford, girls’ volleyball plays away against Brien McMahon and football has a redemption game under the lights versus Ridgefield at Staples Stadium.

PINK OUT The pink ribbon connotes breast cancer awareness.

October 3

MOTORCADE: Seniors begin their Homecoming festivities with the motorcade, a

Jessica Bruder

October 7

Award winning journalist and Columbia University professor Jessica Bruder will speak Tuesday at the Westport Public Library from 7 to 8 p.m. Bruder’s talk will center around her new book, “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-first Century,” which was released in mid-September. As with her previous contributions to literature and journalism, this book focuses on the “dark underbelly of the American economy,” as stated on Bruder’s website. Prior to her library presentation, the author will be hosting a private question and answer session open to Staples students with a specific interest in writing and journalism.

fun drive from the beach to school, where they all arrive for the game together.

SAT On the second SAT date of this school year, Staples students will need to travel outside of Westport because Staples High School is not a testing site. The test will be offered in Weston, Wilton and Fairfield. SAT subject tests will also be offered on this date.

Seniors look to get one last score under their belt before college and juniors and even sophomores will look to get a jump on the process.

Photos labeled for reuse under Creative Commons license

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

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News

September 29, 2017

Westport Public Library renovations aided by $1 million donation Olivia Foster ’18

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he Transformation Project for the Westport Public Library has been underway ever since the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) approved the $5 million necessary to start the initiative in January. This September however, the project was aided by a generous donation of $1 million made by Westporter Christian J. Trefz, owner of Fairfield County’s McDonald’s franchise.

Isabel Handa ’19, a frequent visitor at the library, is looking forward to the new renovations and believes it will entice more students to use the library. “I think the plans are great. I’m always looking for a quiet place to study,” Handa said.

One of the largest renovations will take place in what is currently known as the Great Hall. This space will be transformed into the Forum and named after Trefz. It will feature an open floor plan with room dedicated to research, studying and patron services. Its most boastful feature will be the 600 people venue for events and programs that the Forum can accommodate.

The initial reason for the Transformation Project was due in part because of the shift towards a more digital age. In its current state, the library does not reflect the technological and cultural adaptations of our society, and Executive Director Bill Harmer is looking to change that by making the space

more flexible.

“Spaces will be more functional and support more than one purpose. Places where education and recreation comes together. Places where you can dig into a book, socialize, get a coffee, collaborate on a project in the MakerSpace or attend a class or program. Libraries are shifting from places where information is used to places where information is created and shared. Today’s libraries are social and collaborative spaces.”

Trefz has been a member of Fairfield County for a while and currently operates 45 McDonald’s restaurants in Connecticut and New York. His donation makes him one of the many donors in the community who make up the Library’s Cornerstone Society and have supported this project.

Although the project will end up costing a total of $19.5 million, it has been substantially aided by a number of private donors, such as Trefz. The library has raised over $17 million so far and they received a grant for $1 million from the Connecticut State Library.

Like Handa, Jacob Qiu ’19 frequently uses the library, especially around midterms and finals, and feels the upstairs portion of the library could be improved upon. “A lot of the times around finals or testing days, it would be too

crowded to find a seat to study at. I don’t speak for everyone, but more times than not, I’m going to the library to study, not to find a book to read.”

The main goals of the renovation will include a main level with conference rooms and quiet areas, a larger cafe space, an art-recording studio, as well as a new and improved MakerSpace. On a more technical level, the Transformation Project will replace inefficient mechanical systems, specifically the elevator, which hasn’t been replaced since 1986.

Another innovative feature that will build on the MakerSpace program in the library is the HackerSpace. This will become a workshop area where people can put their creative minds to action and use equipment, such as laser cutters and wood lathes.

Students can look forward to a state of the art library the summer of 2019 with increased study space, window views of the river front and a more peaceful environment for all that midterm and finals studying. Harmer believes that the the vision for this project will positively change the community’s view of the library as a whole. “Libraries, as spaces, need to inspire communities to dream big and to think great thoughts,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing how the creative minds of Westporters leverage the dynamic and flexible spaces in the new Library to discover, exchange and create new ideas.”

LOOKING FORWARD Computer-generated images display plans for the future of the Westport Public Library, including new stairs (above), a forum that holds up to 600 people (bottom left) and a study area with a view of the Saugatuck River (bottom right).

Graphic contributed by Westport Public Library

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Inklings

Consumers reconsider purchase of new iPhones Brett Franklin ’18 The late Steve Jobs stood on a stage to unveil a device that combined a mobile phone and a music player on Jan. 9, 2007.

“An iPod. A phone. And an internet communicator,” Jobs said. “Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the Steve Jobs Theater, Apple launched the muchanticipated iPhone X that Chief Executive Tim Cook called “the “We remain biggest leap positive on Apple forward since the original and expect strong iPhone.” demand for the Tamikah new iPhone X, the Boyer ’20, who has an new Apple Watch iPhone 7 and associated plus, would not “pay that Services revenue.” much” for the $999 iPhone -Macquarie Group X. “[The iPhone X] is the same thing as the iPhone 7, but with a different shape and no home button,” Boyer said. “I am not going out of my way to buy it.”

The iPhone X has wireless charging, an enhanced camera, augmented reality features, hardware for facial recognition replacing Touch ID and no home button.

Users instead swipe up from the bottom of the device to wake it up.

Without the home button “nothing has ever been simpler or more natural,” Phil Schiller, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, said.

Back in May, Apple reported a sudden fall in iPhone sales for the second quarter.

Apple sold 50.76 million iPhones in its second quarter, while the year before 51.19 million iPhones were sold in the second quarter.

Apple attributed the drop in sales to customers delaying making purchases in anticipation of the iPhone’s 10th anniversary.

Despite the high price tag and a drop in recent iPhone sales, many analysts, like the Macquarie Group, are bullish after Apple’s event on Tuesday.

“We remain positive on Apple and expect strong demand for the new iPhone X, the new Apple Watch and associated Services revenue,” Macquarie said to Business Insider.

Victoria Cao ’19, who does not have an iPhone, does not have plans to change phones after Tuesday’s announcement.

“I’m really happy with my current phone and the Android operating system,” Cao said. “iPhones aren’t worth the price and often times push improvements that aren’t necessary.”

In addition to unveiling the iPhone X, Apple also introduced the iPhone 8, a new generation of the Apple Watch and an upgraded Apple TV. At the iPhone 8’s $699 cost, some might consider purchasing the iPhone 8 over the iPhone X. However, Sarah Maybruck ’18 values the iPhone X’s upgrades over its $999 cost. “[The iPhone X] is the phone with the most advances,” Maybruck said.

The iPhone 8, along with the new Apple Watch, became available on Sept.

22. According to Apple, the iPhone X will be available on Nov. 11.

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September 29, 2017

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Inklings

OPINIONS

6 Editors-in-Chief

September 29, 2017 Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

Amelia Brown & Anay Simunovic

Managing Editors

Max Appell & Ian Bernstein

Creative Director

Melanie Lust

Associate Managing Editors

Izzy Blansfield & Alex Reiner

Web Managing Editors

Megan Doyle & Tori Lubin

Breaking News Managing Editors Emma Greenberg & Julia Rosier

Assistant Public Relations Manager Cate Casparius

Assistant Creative Directors Charlie Colasurdo & Ellie Kravetz

Business Director Brett Franklin

Outreach Managers

Bri Zeiberg & Hannah Bolandian

Broadcast Directors

Jack Caldwell & Jonathan Kaner

Video/Podcast Manager Nicole Shapiro

News Editors

Jack Beck & Zach Horowitz Sophie Driscoll & Dan Harizman

Opinions Editors

Izzy Connors & Alexandra Sprouls Kaya Leitner & Layla Wofsy

Features Editors

Bailey Blaikie & Lili Romann Jonathan Kaner & Liv Ronca

Arts Editors

Allie D’Angelo & Olivia Foster Audrey Bernstein & Anna Rhoads

Sports Editors

Jack Caldwell & Erin Lynch Jackson Daignault & Amanda Kaplowitz

Web News Editors

Nicole Dienst & Adam Wenkoff

Web Opinions Editors

Kaela Dockray & Arin Garland

Web Features Editors

Nicky Brown & Sasha Narang

Web Arts Editors

Constant comparison creates unnecessary stress

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ith PowerSchool finally up and running, students experience greater ease in accessing their grades. However, the influx of text messages as soon as an assessment is posted has also started again. “What did you get?” “How did you do?” “Good or bad?”

Inklings

EDITORIAL

Molly Mahoney & Maddie Phelps

Web Sports Editors

Elliot Kaufman & Ben Pearl

Advisors

Mary Elizabeth Fulco, Joseph DelGobbo, & Matthew Bohn Crown Finalist for Inklingsnews.com from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2015 Silver Crown Award for Newspaper from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2014 Pacemaker from National Scholastic Press Association 2013 All the opinions, news and features in this paper are those of Staples High School students. Inklings, a curricular and extracurricular publication, has a circulation of 1,800 and is uncensored.

All letters to the editor must be signed. The editorial board reserves the right not to publish letters and to edit all submissions as it sees fit. The editorial board determines all editorial opinions, which are authored faithfully by the Editors-in-Chief.

Inklings reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health. The paper is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center.

Rarely do peers ask about the content or what they need help understanding.

Students are more preoccupied with the grade they receive on an assessment rather than what that says about areas in which

they need to improve.

Instead of focusing on our own academic achievements and growth, we have developed the tendency to compare ourselves and our grades. We have even created apps such as MyHAC and PowerGPA that calculate an unreliable “live GPA,” serving as another form of constant comparison.

Wanting to know where you stand in a class is inevitable; it can be helpful in determining if a class is the right level of difficulty. Yet, many students feel uncomfortable when asked to share their exact grades with peers for fear of being ashamed. Still, the fear of not having any way of knowing where they stand is even worse.

We need the help of teachers and the administration to keep students from comparing themselves with others.

In order to solve this dilemma, teachers should present the class average

[INKLINATIONS]

on an assessment prior to handing it out. By doing so, students will be able to understand where they stand relative to the whole class without having to directly compare letter-grades with the person sitting next to them.

Furthermore, even just a brief statement in which teachers formally express their dissatisfaction towards “grade talk” can be helpful in dissuading students from engaging in this competitive behavior.

Ultimately though, we are the ones asking about grades, telling about grades, creating GPA apps and using GPA apps.

Measuring success based on our own expectations and abilities is what will really change this culture. Learning for the sake of learning is what will really change this culture.

High school is hard enough as it is.

Comparing ourselves to others doesn’t make it any easier.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT POWERSCHOOL?

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

70 North Ave. Westport, CT 06880 Phone: (203) 341-1994 Inklingsweb@gmail.com Decisions of Inklings and Westport Public Schools are made without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.

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Sam Effman ’18 “It made me super stressed because first quarter grades get sent to colleges so it was stressful not knowing what they were for the first few weeks.”

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Arshjott Bhangu ’21 “I think we should have stuck with Home Access because it is much easier to navigate and it showed you your GPA.”

Matt Hirschler ’19 “I think the school was not being efficient. They should have kept it open to students and let us see our GPAs. I think PowerSchol has really not been working well.”

Opinions

September 29, 2017

Inklings

We have the power to make America great again Anay Simunovic ’18

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n President Trump’s pursuit to “Make America Great Again,” he has attempted to rip apart a fundamental pillar of American democracy:

independent press.

By calling professional journalists “enemies of the people” and referring to facts that challenge his reality as “fake news,” Trump is making Americans lose trust in the news media. In fact, a 2016 Gallup poll found that only 32 percent of Americans have trust and confidence in the mass media “to report the news fully, accurately and fairly.”

Americans no longer know what to believe or what sources to trust.

It is true and unfortunate that the news media is not perfect. Critics say we are too cynical, others say we are too elitist. Conservatives believe that we are too liberal and people on the left claim that corporate-owned media institutions like The Times are too centrist.

We are not flawless; however, the Trump administration’s reference to the

unpopular it may be, has the chance to be heard and understood. The ability to form an opinion based on information is what makes a democracy a democracy.

Trump’s bullying of the media should not stop us from being anything other than objective, fair and open-minded.

I hope that journalists across the country, no matter how discouraged they may be, will continue to persevere in their pursuit of the truth.

“Jou r n a l i sm shouldn’t measure itself against any one campaign’s definition of fairness,” Jim Rutenberg, the New York Times’ media columnist, said. “It is journalism’s job to be true to the readers and viewers, and true accountability to the facts, in a way that will in not only stand up to history’s judgment. individual politicians To do anything less would be but in institutions untenable.” across the country.

As journalists, we have Furthermore, it the power to make America makes sure that every Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19 great again. opinion, no matter how media as the “opposition party” is uncalled for. Contrary to Trump’s beliefs, we are not treating him with “dishonesty, total deceit and deception,” as he stated in an interview with David Brody.

According to the L.A. Times, the role of a media institution is to be, “independent and aggressive in pursuit of the truth — not to take sides.”

N e w s media is and always will be an essential component in the democratic process.

The media serves a huge role in ensuring

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PolitiFact maintains list of over 100 FALSE statements made by Trump.

There is “no system to vet” refugees from the Middle East.

-Donald Trump on Monay June 13th, 2016 FALSE. SYSTEM HAS BEEN IN PLACE SINCE 1980

“We’ve signed more bills — and I’m talking about through the legislature — than any president ever.”

-Donald Trump on July 20th, 2017 FALSE. SEVERAL MODEN PRESIDENTS HAVE SIGNED MORE

Wages “haven’t gone up for a long time.”

-Donald Trump on August 17th, 2017 FALSE. THEY HAVE BEEN RISING FOR AT LEAST 3 YEARS

New schedule; new struggle

Why I think this year’s schedule is lousy

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The new rotating schedule is not accommodating to many students at Staples High School.

Athletes, drama fanatics, Inklings writers, the freshest freshman and the seasoned seniors — the whole bumbling bevy is getting swindled.

First, let’s consider the “rotating” aspect of the new schedule. Every four days it restarts, so no weekday is the same as the last. For example, this Monday will have different classes than next Monday.

This may not seem like a big deal to the administrators, but for students working after school jobs, it’s a huge inconvenience. For instance, I work at a restaurant in town on the weekends, and I would like to pick up weekday shifts.

My boss is particularly vexed with me at the moment because of my inability to commit to a specific weekday. But the shifts are from 4 to 9 p.m., certainly not an ample amount of time to work and also finish my homework.

Last year, I would’ve been able to say, “I can work Mondays because I have extended free and last period free so I’ll be able to finish all of my homework before I go to work.” But, due to the fact that each week is different than the next, I can no longer allocate certain days to take shifts, hindering my position at that

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needs to consider the concerns of every company.

Fortunately, my family’s financial student, this issue isn’t widespread. In position does not require me to have a job. fact, he admits himself that it’s only a But, for the students at Staples who need minority of students who require a nonto work, the schedule makes it difficult rotating schedule.

For instance, students involved in to set aside the perfect day. The school is essentially forcing them to choose sports have to miss thirty or more minutes between schoolwork and money. And I of the last period for away games. This is a problem because now that the afternoon assume most would choose the latter.

The schedule has also changed so it no classes have been condensed to four, the longer rotates class periods. Now, periods likelihood of them missing the same class one, two, three and four are always in multiple times is much higher. Last year, the chances of missing the morning, and My proposal to the same class was one periods five, six, five, and now it’s one seven and eight the administration in in four. are always in the In addition, the is feasible: simply afternoons. Yes, new schedule negatively I do realize that revert back to affects teachers. Their some periods were the same last year, the old schedule. assigned classes might obligate them to teach like periods two Newer doesn’t periods five through and three, but those are the exception. necessarily mean eight, so they’ll have no classes in the morning, I w a s n’t better. but have to teach straight completely sure why through the afternoon. the administration And vice versa for would change this, so I asked Principal James D’Amico for his periods one through four.

Similarly, some students have a input.

“In the old schedule, because all the harder time working in the mornings. This periods rotated throughout the day, it made new schedule may affect their ability to it really difficult for us to look at a school learn, as their more difficult classes might day and come up with an alternative plan always fall in the morning.

My proposal to the administration for students that the eight-period day may is feasible: simply revert back to the old not work for,” D’Amico said.

With the new schedule, D’Amico schedule. Newer doesn’t necessarily argues, some students are able to fill mean better. I may not be here next year, up their morning periods with core but I know that my freshman sister and classes, and then go to work, meetings or many other students will benefit from the replacement of the old schedule. internships in the afternoon.

Although I understand D’Amico

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Megan Doyle ’18

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

8 Opinions

September 29, 2017

The Artichoke Inklings Satire *

Inklings

Elimination of planners hinders students’ organization and learning Emma Rojas ’18

New parking rules have awful drawbacks* Emma Greenberg ’18

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he new parking r u le s at St aple s , pla i n ly put, are horrible.

They’ve been met with widespread criticism at every level of the Staples community, and I wanted to share some of the hardships I face. Administration, please take note of the atrocities that just one student out of the many now faces during her morning commute.

For one thing, there is the decrease in traffic in the morning. All of a sudden there are only seven minutes of traffic as opposed to the normal 13. This is very bad for me because now when I walk in late to my first period class, with a Starbucks

coffee in hand, I can’t blame it on the traffic anymore. Now my teachers will know that I just wanted to go to Starbucks and blow off their class.

Secondly, I feel badly for juniors.

I really do. They have to get up an extra 15 minutes earlier every morning to walk a quarter mile to and from school.

I can’t actually imagine what that’s like, being as I had what many historians are now referring to as “junior parking.” The administration fails to understand the schism this decision has created between me and my friends in the junior class. It seems as though every conversation they have is about their parking hardships, something to which I simply cannot relate.

Now I know how in “Mean Girls” Cady feels when Regina George talks about the size of her pores.

Don’t even get me started on the numbered spots. The fact that the administration is trying to be accommodating to the senior class by

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19 & Photo by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

giving them their preferred spots has absolutely backfired. I used to look forward to aimlessly driving around the vast parking lots looking for a space when I would come in late to school. It was another great excuse to miss class.

And having a spot right next to the school entryway has left me deficient in Vitamin D. I used to rely on my twice daily walks to and from my car to soak in those sweet solar rays, before I began my afternoon ritual of huddling over my computer to watch Netflix in the dark until 3 or 4 a.m. Principal James D’Amico, expect my medical bills in the mail next week.

As you can see, these new parking installments are no bueno. I can’t believe this is what the administration is choosing to spend their “valuable” time and resources on. We have real issues that need to be addressed. For instance, the cafe always runs out of California rolls by third lunch on Sushi Mondays, and I’ve heard rumours that one of our kayaks has a hole in it.

In my four years at Staples, there has never been so much change than there was this school year (i.e. parking, daily schedule, PowerSchool, etc.).

With the state cutting the budget, the school needed to cut back on “unnecessary” purchases; I just didn’t expect that to include cutting the purchase of our planning handbooks.

The administration has spent years telling students that planners are important tools that we should use. While none of these changes will hinder my education, having the planners back would most certainly help me and others stay on top of schoolwork.

They were specifically helpful to me because writing down my assignments helped me remember them better. There have been many studies that show writing Whatever it information d o w n may be, not i m p r o v e s m e m o r y. relying on Accordi ng a PBS technology to a r t icle made doing “For More Effective my homeSt udying, Notes work a little Take With Pen and Paper,” less of a “St udents hassle. who write out their notes by hand actually learn more than those who type their notes on laptops.” When I look online to see what is due, I often get sidetracked with other notifications coming through on my computer and lose focus on my work. Not to mention, technology can fail us. There have been many times when my computer died or didn’t have internet access, or the assignment simply was not posted. Whatever it may be, not relying on technology made doing my homework a little less of a hassle.

The handbook helped me stay organized with my assignments because there was a full month calendar and a week-by-week calendar helping me plan long term projects. Each day had a designated row for subjects and a space for students to write down homework. If used properly, there really was no way to forget what’s due and when. A study skills teacher told me that she ordered Staples planners for her students because it is a better way to stay on top of assignments.

I’m pretty sure the rest of us want to stay on top of our assignments, too. Therefore, having the planners back, or at least having the option for those that want them, would be beneficial.

Even so, some students, like Matthew Bidgood ’18, believe that “Planners are a waste of money and paper.” It is true that not all students use a planner and that there are many other ways of keeping track of assignments.

However, for those of us who learn best by utilizing a planner it seems unfair to be denied them. It would not have been a waste if the planners were provided only to the students who wanted them.

Inklings

September 29, 2017

FEATURES

9

Boys’ locker room newly refurbished

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Sophie Driscoll ’19

ver the summer, the boys’ locker room was refurbished with new lockers and showers.

The renovation occurred after years of complaints from students and faculty that the old facilities were in poor condition.

Health and Physical Education Department Head Christine Wanner is new to Staples High School this year and therefore did not see the boys’ locker room before it was renovated. However, she reported that physical education teachers have shared positive feedback about the newly-renovated boys’ locker room with her.

Physical education teacher Jennifer Mitteness, for example, praised the renovated space. “I took all my freshman classes on a tour, and all the boys went in there and said that they were absolutely gorgeous, so it seems like kids appreciate

Photo by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

them,” Mitteness said.

Wanner also expressed appreciation for the now-pristine space. “I’ve heard that it was not a very welcoming environment in terms of the lockers being usable and the space just being a clean one that people would want to be in,” she said. “From what I understand, [it’s] a much betterpresented area than it used to be.”

According to Ry Cohen ’19, the renovation has greatly improved students’ locker-room experience. “The locker room is much cleaner, and it's easier to find your things,” Cohen said. “It also smells a lot better than last year.”

While many students reported that the boys’ locker room was in poor condition prior to the renovation, not all students felt that such an extreme renovation was necessary.

Martin Menz ’19 acknowledged that the old locker rooms were outdated, but he questioned the necessity of the renovation.

“I’m not sure if a full renovation was necessary, because I think that besides the broken lockers, the locker room last year served its purpose,” he said.

There are noticeable differences between the boys’ locker room and the girls’ locker room. “Anything brand new is going to have the brand new look.

The girls’ locker room isn’t brand new,” Wanner said.

One extreme difference between the two locker rooms is the way the lockers lock. Neither the previous boys’ lockers nor the newly-installed boys’ lockers have built-in locks, while the girls’ lockers do have embedded locks. “[The built-in locks is] one thing that a lot of students wished that they got,” Mitteness said. “But for some reason they didn’t get those.”

The dissatisfaction with the locks stems from the fact that the boys are required to purchase a $5 padlock, which

they may return at the end of their junior year for a $3 refund. Some students see this as a challenge. “I don't think it's that fair because nobody uses them, and they should just have automatic locks on the lockers,” Cohen said.

However, there are certain benefits to using padlocks rather than embedded locks, according to Wanner. “If there’s [an embedded] lock that’s not working properly, you can’t just change it out,” she said. “If it’s a padlock that’s not working, you can just change out the padlock. That’s one advantage, if you will, to having the padlocks.”

Wanner expressed her excitement for boys to enjoy their locker room. “My hope is that the locker room is going to be used frequently and used well by the students here because now they have this great room to be able to use and store their things,” she said. “I hope it gets really wellused and well taken care of.”

REALM OF RENOVATIONS The newly renovated boys’ locker room includes brand new lockers, locks, showers and changing areas.

Wakeman Town Farm stays fresh with new director and initiatives

While the stereotypical nine-to-five work day may be a popular choice in the United States, Corey Thomas has chosen the much less popular five-to-nine lifestyle.

Thomas, the new farm director of Wa k e m a n Town Farm, begins his day at 5 a.m., cares for the animals by 7 a.m., can be found outside tending to the garden in the afternoon, inside answering emails in the evening and finally in for an early bedtime at 9 p.m.

“I’d heard about this job from a professor of mine,” Thomas said. “I went to University of Connecticut and received my bachelor’s in animal science, then I continued on to get my master’s in education with a certification in agriculture education,” he said. “So,” he

added, laughing, “I like teaching about is trying to get the farm into aquaponics, a way of growing plants using water, fish farms.”

One of the goals Thomas has for the and the plants in a symbiotic relationship.

Having only farm is to build “There’s something new l e a r n e d up the livestock program, stating he to learn everyday work- about it in theory, the hopes that it would ing on a farm and that’s practice of it draw more kids to the farm, what I really like about a is proving to as well as have some job like this.” the fact difficulties, that -Corey ThomasT h o m a s said while “everyone likes cute pointing to a dying spot on one of the baby animals.” plants. Still, he isn’t worried.

The animals are “ T h at ’s definitely helping the h o w farm get volunteers f a r m i n g already, with sisters goes; you kind Anna Sivinski ’18 and of learn as you Aly Sivinski ’20 both go and you learn from new people, get saying that the animals new experiences,” Thomas said. “There’s are a big part of why they something new to learn everyday working work and volunteer at the on a farm and that’s what I really like farm. about a job like this.”

“I love the animals It’s also the new experiences that and helping kids learn about volunteers love, from halter training the them,” Aly Sivinski said. While Anna animals to discovering what cover crop is.

Sivinski emulated those sentiments, she “I also love learning about new added that what really drew her in was vegetables and sustainable living because the atmosphere. It’s a bunch of really nice it was something that I was not too people who love the farm and it creates familiar with when I started out,” Anna a wonderful community that keeps you Sivinski said. coming back,” she said.

Overall, Thomas is looking forward In addition to the animals, Thomas to getting the community more involved

with the farm, imploring anyone to volunteer or just stop by.

“It’s really great [to] see everyone that’s done so much to help the farm,” Thomas said, “and also see everyone who was interested in continuing here and helping out to always help this place improve.”

HARD AT WORK (left to right) Corey Thomas tends carefully to the plants in the outer layer of the garden in attempt to grow the garden even larger over the next year. He directs other members of the farm and explains the objective of the day. Thomas looks to further his involvement in the Westport community through this new position.

Photos by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

Amelia Brown ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

10 Features

Photo Dramatization

Septembe

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18 Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19 Drawing by Tabby Burke ’19

Finstas: where teens portray their flawed selves

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Layla Wofsy ’19 & Amanda Kaplowitz ’19

hat accidental selfie. Last night’s fight with your mom. A failed science test. An amusing meme. All of these may be found on a person’s fake instagram (finsta) account.

These secondary, more private Instagrams serve as a place for people to rant about life’s struggles and post what they find to be funny or embarrassing.

Finstas are becoming a staple in the lives of many young Instagrammers, and users have a chance to express another side of

themselves.

“I think people act very differently on finstas, [because ‘real’ Instagram accounts] are a lot about followers and likes,” Kylie Cohen ’20 explained. “A finsta displays a more candid version of yourself.”

A person’s main Instagram account usually displays positive aspects of their life, often including pictures of cool or unique highlights that the instagrammer wants to showcase to their followers.

“A scroll through a typical feed is likely to reveal improbable images of just the right artisanal pizza,” Valeriya Safronova wrote in a New York Times article about

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

fake instagrams, “all captured in perfect So much thought goes into an Instagram light and enhanced with various editing post, but people post on their finsta with tools. The pressure among Instagram’s no restriction.” regular users to present idealized images According to April 2016 data from of themselves has only increased.” These comScore, a company that measures staged and edited posts are common to real Internet traffic, almost 60 percent of Instagram accounts and they often require Instagram users are female, which also more time and effort in comparison to leads to more females in general having pictures posted on finstas. finstas. “[A] finsta is kind of like the real However, this can lead to finstas p e r s o n as often being “[A] finsta is kind of like the perceived b e c au s e as they're just more of a ‘girly’ real person because p o s t i n g thing that can anything they're just posting anything perpetuate drama from their teen from their life with no filter, amongst life with no girls, according to filter, like Elle magazine. like bad photos of thembad photos of “At Staples, selves, embarrassing videos,more girls have t hemselves , embarrassing finstas than guys, etc,” videos, etc,” but I think that - Julianna Raho ’19 is because finstas avid finsta user Julianna provide a place to Raho ’19 said. “Real Instagram is where rant or share awkward stories,” Martin everyone actually cares about their Menz ’19 said. “Generally, but not always, appearance and how others perceive them. girls are more comfortable sharing their

er 29, 2017

Inklings

11

Photo Dramatization

struggles and awkward moments with a large group of people than guys are.”

These “struggles and awkward moment” posts tend to lead users to pour out their emotions and stress regarding school-related matters or personal experiences.

“I am definitely guilty of ranting on my finsta, and everyone does it once in awhile,” Raho said. “The finsta community is filled with emotions, and people totally try to channel their [...] experiences through their finsta so that people can relate to them and show sympathy for them,” she added.

Because many believe that finstas allow users to ironically portray a truer version of themselves, posts, including rants, may appear malicious or hurtful.

This can lead to serious consequences and

even administrative involvement.

“It could be somebody taking the liberty of posting a funny picture that they deem is humorous but mocks someone else,” Assistant Principal James Farnen said, “or just because their name isn't associated with it they think they have the ability to go on inappropriate, mean spirited rants.”

The tendency of users to rant on their accounts could not only get them in trouble with the school, but also with their friends.

“I used to rant a lot about my social stuations or if I was in a fight with a friend, but I have stopped,” Molly Gold ’21 said. “I realized it just creates more problems and ultimately causes me to feel worse. Now that I don't rant about specific people or situations, some of my friendships have gotten a lot less dramatic.”

“I realized it just creates more problems and ultimately causes me to feel

worse.”

-Molly Gold ’21

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

12 Features

September 29, 2017

Inklings

Catching up with newest Spanish teacher, Lauren Mattera

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panish teacher Lauren Mattera speaks with Inklings journalist regarding her interests and hobbies beyond the teaching world.

Charlie (C): OK, Ms. Mattera. Let’s dispense with the formalities. You’re new to Staples—so the obvious first question—how did you end up here?

Lauren (L): I was doing a one year maternity leave—I was covering that position in Weston—once the year ended, I needed to find something somewhere else. So logically, I looked to Westport because it’s kind of Weston’s “big sister” in a way. I knew it would be a bigger school, and it would be more challenging, but a more diverse and fun environment, so I looked here and was lucky enough to get hired.

C: Name, hometown, where you live now.

L: Lauren Mattera, my hometown is Weston, and I’m still in Weston!

C: What did you do this summer?

L: I read a lot of books—James

Patterson (mysteries). I was at the library all the time. With family, I went to Rhode Island. I spent a few days on Long Island.

It was a low-key summer.

C: If you weren’t a Spanish teacher, what would your chosen profession or job be? Do you have a secret hobby or passion or something you love to do on the weekends?

of the studios there. I was mostly involved with ballet, but I basically did everything except for tap. I’ve always liked languages; I took Latin and Spanish all four years, and then senior year I also took Chinese.

I did all of that.

C: What did you think of Chinese?

L: It was really hard—super fun, really intricate, but it was really interesting because as different as Latin American cultures are from our culture here in the United States, Asian cultures are totally different.

C: What’s your favorite type of food?

Do you have a go-to place you frequently go in these parts? What’s your secret indulgence?

L: If I weren’t a Spanish teacher, the most logical response for something else I would do would be something in the translation field— which I tried after college, but I wasn’t really a huge fan— something else that has to do with Spanish. In my mind, if my alter ego would be able to have a job, then I would like to be an FBI detective, or somebody undercover like that. Just because I’m obsessed with murder mysteries.

L: I love Valencia Luncheria—their arepas are my favorite. Barcelona (the restaurant). I studied abroad in Madrid, [and] Barcelona was the only one that could compare to the Spanish food that I ate in Madrid. Stew Leonard's ice cream— that’s a guilty pleasure of mine.

C: As a Spanish teacher, have you done extensive travel to Spanishspeaking countries?

C: In high school, who were you? What were you into? Sports, BUILDING BONDS (from top to bottom) Mattera assists her theater, etc? students, Maddie Baildon ’19 and Maya Namasivayam ’18

L: Dance—I’m on a class assignment involving grammar practice. Mattera not super athletic, so I discusses Spanish vocabulary with her class while her danced in Wilton, in one students listen closely.

Photos by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

Charlie Colasurdo ’18

L: I was abroad for five months in Madrid during college. I’ve also been to Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic—I’ve been around Spain a lot.

I’m dying to visit Argentina, and I’d also like to go to Colombia.

C: Tell me something funny in Spanish? Now, what does it mean?

L: “¿Que te pasa calabaza?” It’s “What’s up, pumpkin.”

John Suggs offers non-partisan values in First Selectman race Melanie Lust ’19

gotten more and more removed from the he is tired of the “partisan wrangling” interests of the residents,” he said, citing from the state, federal government and the common use of outside consultants to whole nation.

As election season draws nearer, manage projects within the town.

He claimed Westport could be a Westport First Selectman candidate, John For high schoolers, Suggs intends leader by saying, “We don’t want our local F. Suggs, hopes to win the support of local to address bullying, which he believes is town to be driven by political parties. We residents and expand citizens’ voices in among the greatest problems currently want our elected officials to represent us.” the municipal government. facing students. He relates this to an He added, “This is not a national election; The town selectman is the chief overarching issue of pressure and this is about Westport. We have to bring it executive of Westport. It is the First competition.

Selectman’s job to oversee all departments “It’s not politically popular to and offices, directly handle economic say, but I know bullying is an issue. issues, set budgets and manage the town’s I used to be a high school teacher; I relationship with the state of Connecticut. know. You’re having to grow up with Suggs, a member of the Representative enormous pressure, competing with Town Meeting (RTM), a genetic analyst, a the whole world, and it’s just glaring former political corruption investigator on you,” he said. “It can often be and college unrelenting.” professor, entered “I’ve learned a lot Suggs has the race last voted on school about the town, and August as an budgets nine I know what people Independent. times and was Due to the town a key figure in want and what they charter, thirdrestoring funds don’t want.” party candidates cut by the Board are not allowed Finance -John Suggs of to have a running this past year. mate.

His multi-part plan, campaigning “I’ve been on the RTM for about ten under the slogan “common sense years, and I’ve learned a lot about the solutions,” also addresses the school town, and I know what people want and budget and plans to redirect pension what they don’t want,” Suggs said. savings towards public schools.

His main focus will be to let Westport Another main focus of his citizens have a greater voice and presence platform is managing traffic and in the town government. If elected, he will congestion. Calling the Downtown reinstitute the once-popular tradition of Master Plan— an agreement by allowing any citizen to have lunch with the the Board of Selectmen and others SUGGS BY THE WESTPORT WATER First Selectman on one specific week day, to reform the downtown area— John Suggs poses by the Saugatuck River every week. a “disaster,” his campaign has awaiting further campaign planning for this “That served as a valve to be able promised to improve traffic flow at upcoming election. He stresses “advocacy, to get a sense of what was going on and various problematic intersections. common sense solutions and a nonpartisan what people were concerned about. In As for his choice to run as an approach.” recent years, the administrations have Independent, Suggs explained that

back to our lives, our home, our taxes, our schools.”

Ultimately, Suggs hopes to bring new leadership and energy to Westport.

“We need to be able to inspire, to energize, to develop our community, to develop the leadership, to build off the strength that we already have,” he said.

“Westport’s best days are still ahead of us.”

Photo by Melanie Lust ’19

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Inklings

September 29, 2017

Features

13

Attkiss pursues two passions Emma Greenberg ’18

Attkiss’ devotion is evident to his friends. “Nick works really hard and you can tell so just by the way he talks about or Nick Attkiss ’18, his two what he loves,” Luke Sauer ’18, Attkiss’ greatest passions are music friend, said. “He’s so adamant about and mathematics. These two practicing his music while also keeping up disciplines require dedication and with school.”

Outside of piano, Attkiss said he hard work and Atkiss willingly gives focuses a lot of his attention on academics, both.

Attkiss first began casually and hopes to do a dual major in music playing piano in third grade where he and math in college after taking his gap studied under Myra Garvett. Garvett year. Although academics are of high remained his teacher up until last year importance to Attkiss, he stresses that because according to Attkiss, her piano comes first, then academics.

“One thing that I admire a lot about vision began to get blurry and she felt as though she could no longer train him is how devoted to his work he is,” him to the best of her abilities. Garvett Sophie Attkiss ’19, Nick’s sister, said.

“He does then recommended “One thing that I admire really well piano teacher, in school Yoshi Akaimoto a lot about him is how and is to Atkiss so he really good could continue his devoted to his work he at piano lessons. is.” and that’s Since studying under Akaimoto, -Sophie Attkiss ’19 because he puts in a lot Attkiss claims that of effort.” his piano skills Even though much of his time is spent have increased tremendously.

He now has a much more rigorous on academics and music, Attkiss claims he practice schedule, taking lessons still has time to “actually be a teenager.” twice a week for two and a half hours, He enjoys watching many T.V. shows as he as opposed to his hourly weekly lesson says music can be really exhausting and he he took with Garvett. Atkiss said he sometimes just needs a break. His favorite was “honor[ed] to study with her.” shows include “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Speaking with nothing but praise for “Master of None” and “The Office”.

“He’s really just a good guy though his new teacher, Attkiss dubbed her a “prodigy maker. ” He said he plans and is incredibly kind,” Sauer said. “He’s to take a gap year next year in order to just a big jokester.”

In the future Attkiss hopes to either study under her. “She’s changed my life. It’s unbelievable what she’s done have a professional music career or become a math teacher. [for me].”

F

PURSUING HIS PASSION Nick Attkiss ’18 practices his own composed music

on the piano in the music room at school, a place where he often plays.

Although Attkiss practices a lot at home, he also plays a lot in school. He is pictured above reading his music.

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

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September 29, 2017

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Inklings

ARTS

September 29, 2017

15

Fashion for a Cause stomps runway for second showing Molly Mahoney ’18

Kobak, the president and founder of Fashion for a Cause, and Alessandra ore than 100 pairs of hands Nagar ’18, the vice president of design for clapped together, filling Toquet the club, were the only two designers in the Hall with applause as Emerson show. Each had specific visions for their Kobak ’18 emerged from behind orange models, and each transformed their visions curtains, to begin her second annual into reality by sewing custom clothing, Fashion for a Cause show. The funds overseeing models’ hair and makeup and raised will be donated to STOMP Out working with a professional photographer Bullying, “the leading nat iona l and choreographer to ensure that the show nonprofit dedicated to was polished. changing the culture for To kick things “I wanted to all students,” according to off, the Wreckers spread the message in Tune, a club the organization’s website.

“We want everyone to of positivity and this that performs in know that if they are going a band at nursing was the perfect through a rough time that homes, performed opportunity to do it will get better,” Kobak “Santeria” by said, “and that there are Sublime and “I Will so.” resources like STOMP Out Survive” by Gloria -Emerson Kobak ’18 Gaynor, amongst Bullying or the members of this club to help you get other covers. “When through it.”

Emerson asked us to perform at the Kobak knows from personal fashion show, I was so excited because it experience what it feels like to be a target is for such a good cause that is applicable of bullying and mistreatment. “I had a to so many high school students,” Gabriela hard time with bullying and I was able Vega ’18, lead singer of the student music to push through it and not give up hope,” group, said. “All designs were amazing Kobak said of her elementary and middle and I thought the music complimented it school years. “I wanted to spread the nicely.” message of positivity and this was the After live music and speeches from perfect opportunity to do so.”

Kobak and other Fashion for a Cause

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members, Nagar’s show began. She opted for grayscale colors matched with varying types of high heels. Each of Nagar’s designs ranged from a flowing, flowered gray dress that almost brushed the ground, to dark, suede crop tops paired with miniskirts.

“I wanted each outfit to be unique and represent the different models,” she explained.

In contrast, each of Kobak’s designs was bold, integrating vibrant red, orange and yellow colors as well as black and white checkered fabrics. The outfits tied together, and in the finale each model donned a pair of funky clout glasses as the finishing touch. “Alessandra’s designs were definitely more fancy, especially with the heels, whereas Emerson’s were more street-style and trendy,” Ida Nevstad ’19, who walked in one of Kobak’s bright orange pieces.

According to another Kobak model, Chloe Adda ’18, the lighthearted, positive community of students that came together to make the show possible is what prompted her to get involved, despite the pressure that can come with walking for more than 100 people. “It has a lot to do with body image and loving yourself,” Chloe Adda ’18 said. “I think there’s a really good sense of camaraderie amongst the models. We’re all in this together.”

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

PRESIDENT KOBAK

VICE- PRESIDENT NAGAR

Watch out New York Fashion Week, Emerson Kobak `’18 is making headlines with her second annual fashion show. Kobak, with the help of others, planned the entire show herself in hopes to make an impact on others with her love for fashion. Kobak is pictured wearing her own designs.

Alessandra Nagar ’18 also made her second debut at the Fashion for a Cause show this year. Her pieces featured darker colors with a more serious undertone.

She intended to make every outfit represent each model. Nagar is pictured wearing her own designs.

MODELS DEBUT (From left to right) Larkin Corr ’18, Vrinda Kareddy ’18, Julia Feldman ’18 and Ida Nevstad ’19 hit the runway to spread positivity and awareness about bullying. Corr and Nevstad are wearing staples from Kobak’s fashion line, while Kareddy and Feldman are donning pieces from Nagar’s designs. Many of the models felt that the atmosphere held a strong sense of camraderie and shared passion for both fashion and kindness.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

16 Arts

September, 29 2017

Inklings

“IT” remake revives the horror genre Adam Wenkoff ’18

Finn Wolfhard, who is played by “Stranger Things” star Richie Tozier and provides a ton of comedic relief with his aggressively efore I begin, I want to disclose crude humor. some information about myself. I’m In addition to the great characters, the terrified of clowns and I hate jump directing in the film was fantastic. I was scares with a passion. That being said, I constantly blown away from the beautiful managed to love watching “IT,” a movie camera work, awe-inspiring imagery and where the main antagonist is a killer clown a bone-chilling score. It was by far and and there’s a jump scare about every five away one of the most incredible works of minutes. art that I’ve seen on the screen this year.

“IT” takes place in the fictional town My only complaint for “IT” was that it’s of Derry, Maine, and follows a group of main character and antagonist, Pennywise kids (the self-proclaimed “Losers’ Club”) the Clown, lacked the depth that normally who investigate a series of disappearances comes with a character of his magnitude. of kids in their town.

Little background information The Losers’ Club’s It was by far and was provided, he doesn’t have characters instantly away one of the much dialogue in the film and his make you like them, most incredible motives for terrorizing Derry are and they are the main works of art that still unclear even after the movie reason why I really came to an end. Not a huge issue, enjoyed watching “IT.” I’ve seen on the but some more information about Bill Denbrough, played screen this year. Pennywise would have been great

by Jaeden Lieberher, to have in the otherwise fantastic is the group’s strong yet sincere film. leader who lost his younger brother as a Staying true to the worldresult of the disappearances. Then, there’s famous Stephen King novel, I think that Beverly Marsh, played by Sophia Lillis, “IT” is going to be the movie that brings who is the bravest member of the club and horror back as one of the general public’s suffers from an abusive father. In a male- favorite genres. Earlier this year, “Get Out” dominated movie like “IT,” Lillis gives the started this movement, but this movie is male-heavy movie a much-needed strong definitely much scarier and more true female character. Last but certainly not to the roots of horror. All in all, I really least, the lovable overweight fan of poetry, enjoyed watching “IT,” and anyone that Ben Hanscom, who is played by Jeremy thinks they can handle the jump scares Ray Taylor adds a comedic touch to the should definitely go and see “IT” while film. However, my favorite character was “IT”’s still in theaters.

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Taylor Swift shakes off the haters with musical comeback

$478

million

internationally

$266.3 million

domestically

Graphic by Catherine Graham ‘19

“It” became the highest grossing R-rated horror film of all time both domestically and globally when it was released this September, surpassing “The Excorcist.”

but the more open-minded Swifties —like me— will continue to listen to her.”

Grace Roseme ’19 is on board with Taylor Swift is back. After a year Swift standing up for herself. “I like the hiatus, the 27-year-old country singer new Taylor because she doesn’t care what turned pop star debuted the “new” Taylor people think of her,” Roseme said. “I think in her two songs “Look What You Made Me her new image and her statement about Do” and “...Ready For It?” in late August. developing as a person is important.”

“Look What You Made Me Do” is Swift’s album, titled “Reputation,” is set to release Nov. 10, according to her website. currently ranked first on the Billboard top The album echoes the dark themes of her 100, and according to NPR, was played two most recentsongs, where she hints at 43.2 million times in its first 24 hours, the past personal issues, such as her sexual largest one-day view total of all time. The assault case, as well as feuds with artists song also broke first day records for views on Vevo, as well as plays on Spotify.

Kanye West and But despite Katy Perry.

“New Taylor is feisty and the hype, some Swift is fans want the often known frightening, but I dig it.”

Taylor back. for her works -Alejandro Perez Elorza ’18 old Samantha Pacilio including ’19 does not “Shake It Off” support Swift’s latest work.

“I think she is and “You Belong With Me,” where she maintains an upbeat persona, but now her crazy,” Pacillio said. “She is trying to be so different [than] her old self by basically music seems to have taken a darker turn.

Alejandro Perez Elorza ’18 has taken roasting the ‘old her,’ but the old Taylor a liking to Swift’s recent change in image. was better.”

Pacilio was frank on her opinion of “New Taylor is feisty and frightening, but I dig it,” Perez Elorza said. “Her two new Swift’s new songs too. “Her new songs are horrible,” Pacilio said. “[They] sound like songs are good so far.” trainwrecks.”

But not all people are fans of Regardless of how the change. Swift’s actions people perceive Swift’s have caused a stir in the new work, Sydney pop culture world. Many Panzer ’19 believes seem to be surprised that she made a great by her sudden business move. “I transformation, believe that this and Perez Elorza rebranding will have believes it will be a positive impact on a hit or miss. “It her career,” Panzer really depends, if said. “Taylor Swift you ask me,” Perez is an extremely Elorza said. intelligent business “There are those woman, and I conser vative believe that in the Swifties that next few months, really don’t this album like the new will break Taylor and m a n y will stop m o r e listening Graphic by Catherine Graham ‘19 records.” to her,

Jackson Daignault ’18

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September, 29 2017

Inklings

Arts

17

Music festival boasts artistry and food galore

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tudents flocked to Citi Field the weekend of Sept. 16 to hear the numerous singers and bands performing at The Meadows Music & Arts Festival. The festival was a hit, and featured popular artists and groups, such as 21 Savage, Migos and Two Door Cinema Club. Aside from the music, the festival boasted unique food options, like the Ramen Burger and cookie dough ice-cream. The festival is produced by Founders Entertainment, which also puts on the Governors Ball Music Festival that takes place in June.

Photo by Kendall Kowalsky ’19

Photo by Molly Mahoney ’18

MEADOWS MEMORIES

MIGOS

(above) American rapper Dennis Coles, otherwise known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, performs on the American Eagle Stage. Coles was a member of the popular group Wu-Tang Clan, but the group went their separate ways after their collective success.

In 2006, Coles made it on MTV’s honorable mention list for the Greatest MCs of All Time.

(above) Quavo, a member of the popular rap group Migos, sings onstage with the other two members Offset and Takeoff.

The group was founded in 2009 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. They released their first commercial single titled “Versace” in 2013.

Another one of their most popular songs was “Bad and Boujee,” which released in 2015.

TRIMBLE’S BEATS

21 SAVAGE

(below) Alex Trimble, the lead singer of Two Door Cinema Club, sings from the band’s hit album, “Gameshow” at the festival. The Irish indie rock band formed in 2007. Their debut album “Tourist History” was released in 2010, and the band is currently signed to Glassnote Records.

(below) Rapper 21 Savage belts songs from his album “21 UZI.” Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, 21 Savage is best known for his song “Bank Account” and “X.” He is most recognizable by a pair of tattoos on his forehead. 21 Savage performed on the Shea Stage at Meadows this year.

Photo by Kendall Kowalsky ’19

OFFSET

(above) Offset performs on the Meadows Stage. Migos was originally known as Polo Club, and they released their first mixtape called “Juug Season” in 2011.

Photo by Ian Bernstein ’18

Photo by Kendall Kowalsky ’19

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

18 Sports

September 23, 2017

Inklings

Field hockey team not fazed by higher standard to the season. “We’re really excited that we’ve started the new season on the right he Wreckers threw their sticks in foot,” Moro said. The team won 6-2 against the air and stormed goalie Bridget Brien McMahon at Ginny Parker field in Mulloy ’19 who had just saved their opening game, followed by a 2-0 a penalty shot. On the cold November victory in Danbury four days later. “We afternoon, the superfans who made the have to continue this momentum into the trip to Wethersfield jumped out of their rest of the season, especially with the tough seats in celebration. The game was over, opposition coming up,” Moro added. and Staples was crowned state champions.

One of the Wreckers’ toughest Back onto the turf a year later, the opponents is Darien. After tying with Staples field hockey team is looking to them in the State Championship last repeat their historic championship season. season, Staples sees this matchup as a “I am extremely pumped for this potential thriller. “We know what they can season,” Hannah Roseme ’18 said. “I’m do,” Moro said. “But we also know what excited to build on the success we had last we are capable of, and this game is very season.” important to us.”

The Wreckers have 14 members of last Besides the Darien game on Oct. 19, year’s state championship winning team other key games for the Wreckers include returning for Wilton on this upcoming “This is one of the biggest Oct. 9 and s e a s o n , and strongest senior classes Ridgefield on according to Oct. 17, who M a x P r e p s . we’ve had in a long time.”

Staples lost to “This is one -Liv Ekholt ’18 in the FCIAC of the biggest championship and strongest game last senior classes we’ve had in a long time,” season. captain Liv Ekholt ’18 said. “We have This season, the Wreckers will have a lot of really promising incoming three captains. While Ekholt and Christine underclassmen, too, like Laine Ambrose Taylor ’18 will serve as senior leadership, [who] is already a starter as a freshman.”

Elle Fair ’19 will be a junior captain. “[A But the Wreckers are not overconfident junior captain] works perfectly,” Ekholt from last season’s success. “Every season is said. “She honestly feels like a senior in the a new one,” Alexa Moro ’18 said. “We are way that she’s one of our best players and very determined to repeat the success of is friends with everyone in all grades, so last season.” Moro added how she knows everyone respects her.” the competition is going to be more Having a junior captain isn’t a new difficult than ever. phenomenon for the field hockey team, as However, the Wreckers are Taylor had the role last year. “I like having determined to continue their strong start a junior captain,” Roseme said. “It makes

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it more team-oriented and not focused on individual players and seniority.”

The captains were faced with an early challenge given that Kyle Kirby ’20, who took the team by storm as a freshman last year, will be on the sidelines this season with a torn ACL. “It’s absolutely awful to be injured,” Kirby said. “But I’m so lucky to have my teammates by my side. I still get to be on the team despite being injured, which I think is pretty awesome.”

The rest of the team has been

Photos contributed by Sam Pacilio ’19

Jonathan Kaner ’18

affected by Kirby’s injury. “We were very disappointed to lose Kyle since she is such a strong player and close teammate,” Ekholt said. “But she has been at almost every practice, game and meeting we have been at so it feels like she never left.”

As for the rest of the Wreckers, they know that they have a great opportunity to recreate history. “We have to go in with a strong attitude,” Roseme said. “We have a target in our mind now and other teams realize what we can do.”

TAKING CHARGE Varsity field hockey players Meghan Johnson ’18 (left) and Christine Taylor ’18 (right) drive down the turf on Ginny Parker Field against Stamford High School. Staples defeated Stamford 5-0, marking their fifth win this season.

Few freshmen featured on varsity teams

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Photo contribted by Samanth Paciliio’ 1`9

a younger player on varsity, but Staples athletic personnel have other opinions.

“I always try to put kids in situations The competition of varsity sports can be overwhelming, and it often takes players where they are comfortable,” Lisevick said years on j.v. before they achieve varsity while explaining his slight hesitation of status. But for a few of Staples freshmen, some potential varsity freshmen. He added varsity will be the only level of high school that if a freshman is not going to play much athletics they experience. Freshmen on varsity, then they should be playing on Madeline Ambrose ’21 and Izzy Deveney the junior varsity or freshman team.

It is noteworthy that freshman boys ’21 play varsity field hockey, which is ranked 23rd in the country coming into are not represented on varsity teams, but the season, and Autumn Smith ’21 plays there may be a few reasons why. Soccer coach Dan Woog explained that some varsity soccer.

Athletic Director Marty Lisevick factors of picking a varsity team are fitness, explained some of the benefits of having skill, intelligence, work ethic, chemistry and age. freshmen on “There is the aspect of Woog asks varsity teams. certain questions “My experience nervousness, because when watching has been you kind of want to freshmen in sometimes [f resh men] impress them in a way. tryouts. “Can he handle the speed bring a ton of You want to be at that and toughness, energy,” he said. roughness of Lisevick added level.” playing against kids that many times -Izzy Deveney ’21 who might be one older kids feel a or two or even three need to match years older?” Woog and surpass the skills and results of the freshman, so said that juniors and seniors have the size it bumps up the competition and effort of and strength to compete against the bigger and faster kids, and while occasionally the whole team.

“It definitely helps me with staying a freshman has that physicality, it is very at a level where I am going to keep on rare.

“Physically, I think it is easier for growing,” Deveney said. “If I am on a team like varsity that has higher level players girls to have freshman on varsity because who are very good and very fast, it helps they mature earlier than guys generally,” me grow at a quicker rate so I can keep up Woog explained. He said that this idea of maturity and physical development in girls with them.”

Coaches explained that there are can explain the amount of freshman girls some developmental upsides to having of varsity and the lack thereof for guys.

Photo contributed by Staples girls’ soccer

Elliot Kauffman ’19

SHE SHOOTS SHE SCORES Autumn Smith ’21 (pictured), the only freshman on varsity girls’ soccer, scored her first-career goal on Sept. 14 in a 2-0 win against Fairfield Warde.

PASSING THE TORCH Laine Ambrose ’21 (right), one of two freshmen on varsity field hockey, poses with captain Christine Taylor ’18 (left). Ambrose scored and assisted in the Wreckers’ opening game, a 4-1 win over Fairfield Ludlowe.

Inklings

Sports

September 23, 2017

T

19

he Staples Wreckers look to continue an undefeated campaign with a crucial Homecoming matchup against Ridgefield on Oct. 6. The two games highlighted below were victories against Bridgeport Central and Brien McMahon.

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Jean Desir’1, running back of Bridgeport Central, is brought down by several Wreckers.

Scouting reports cited Desir as a potential threat, but the Wreckers defense proved otherwise.

The Wreckers storm into Staples Stadium on their Sept. 8 opening night game, a win over Bridgeport Central.

Kevin Rabacs ’17 gets tackled at the one yard line on a controversial play. The drivew was capped off by a Harris Levi ’18 rushing touchdown.

Harris Levi ’18, running back, carries a rush in for his first touchdown of the season. He has since added seven more TDs to his season total.

Dan Thompson ’18 takes a snap and sets his feet in a 44-7 win over Brien McMahon.

Harris Levi ’18 fights off McMahon Senators as he sprints towards the endzone.

Levi tallied 119 yards on 19 carries.

Dan Thompson ’18 (left) and Harris Levi ’18 (right) dash across midfield at Brien McMahon. The dynamic duo surged, with Thompson targetting Levi for one touchdown and 90 total yards at McMahon.

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September 23, 2017

Sports

Inklings

Ben Seiple ’18 leads cross country team to success Sasha Narang ‘18

“relaxed tone” throughout practice, which makes it more enjoyable. His attentive focus has helped him grow as a runner and achieve great race results.

Although his individual f you’re ever looking for Ben Seiple ’18, chances are he’ll times stand out, Seiple’s team be running the perimeters of has worked hard to earn positive Staples, motivating himself and results as well. Determined to his team to reach their limits, as uphold Staples’ track and cross he co-leads the spring and winter country reputation, he talks track teams. Although he has about the team as a whole.

“Our greatest achievement big shoes to fill, with last years captain Zak Ahmad ’17 pursuing as a team was winning our state track in college, there’s no doubt title my sophomore year,” Seiple Seiple will attempt to carry on the said. “That one was really special because we weren’t supposed to team’s reputation.

Being a part of the teams win, and it was the first one in since his freshman year, Seiple a long time that we’ve actually was recently named captain for won.”

Seiple has impacted the cross country, spring and winter track. Seiple initially signed up team, being “a great role model for the teams to use them as for the younger kids” due to his conditioning for the baseball “very diligent and hardworking” season, but quickly changed qualities, Lawrence said.

Of course, being a four year his mindset. “After a few races member of the teams means my freshman year, I realized I actually had potential in the leaving them won’t be so easy. sport, so I kept doing it after that,” In regard to these seasons being his last, Seiple said he said.

“After a few races his experience will S i n c e then, he’s ran my freshman year, be remembered by the support of his impressive I realized I actually teammates and sense times for the had potential in of community. “That one and two the sport, so I kept was definitely one of mile track the most important events, his doing it.” things on the team,” best being -Ben Seiple ’18 Seiple said.

4:21 and 9:13, As for the future as well as his cross country meets, which of Seiple’s running career, he average about three miles. Cross plans on pursuing track in country, spring and winter track college. “I will probably make coach Laddie Lawrence speaks a decision within the next highly of him, declaring him “the month,” he said in regards to number one runner” on the team. which school he will commit to.

Although cross country However, being a fast runner isn’t all it takes; a positive attitude and track will be losing one of goes a long way in bringing home their key runners in the next the gold. “His mindset [...] towards school year, Seiple’s motivation racing this season is going to be a and focus has greatly impacted major factor in our success,” Co the teams. Landowne said, “We wouldn’t be where we are as a Captain Will Landowne ’18 said.

Landowne admires Seiple’s team today without him.”

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TEARING UP THE TRACK

As captain, Seiple ’18 is a leader both on and off the track, driving the Wreckers to an undefeated record so far this season.

Photos by EllieKravetz ’18

Graphic credit: Jordi Katz ’20

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