i
April 2021
inklings news
Sexual Assault
Students share experiences, strive for awareness | Page 12 Photos by Lys Goldman ’21 and Eliza Barr ’21 Graphic by Simon Sandrew ’21 Photo dramatization. Students depicted are models.
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contents
Volume 88, Issue 8 | April 8, 2021
04 NEWS
Teachers such as Antonio Coccoli reflect on experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine.
21 SPORTS
11 FEATURES 08OPINIONS
Student athletes downplay or hide injuries to minimize trainer guidelines and rules.
Melissa Bernstein discusses mental health struggles and the launch of ‘LifeLines’ book and website.
16ARTS
Ella Shi ’23 speaks on the recent surge of Asian hate crimes and their impacts.
inklings staff
Thrifted items offer environmentally friendly and unique-looking alternatives.
STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER
Editors-in-Chief
Poppy Livingstone, Claire Redmer
Managing Editors
Lys Goldman, Remy Teltser
Web Managing Editors Lucy Arrow, Rachel Suggs
Creative Director Molly Gold
Business Managers
Brooke Dembin, Margot Stack, Theresa Vandis Associate Managing Editors Chelsea Strober, Carly Kaplowitz
Photography Director Eliza Barr
Social Media Directors
Grace Livecchi, Charlotte Smith
Asst. Creative Directors Rachel Greenberg, Claire Hanley, Simon Sandrew, Lilly Weisz
Broadcast Directors
Breaking News Editor
Web Arts Editors
Outreach Manager
Web Sports Editors
Andreas Lolis
Rebecca Kanfer
Lexie Moskovit, Maya Reiner
Natalie Bandura, Tierney Kugel, Finnegan Courtney, Katie Simons
Amanda Rowan
News Editors
Opinions Editors
Mimi Casey, Prasaus Yeager, Maya Hruskar, Chloe Murray
Features Editors
Abbie Goldstein, Betti Kobak, Samantha Felner, Karina Murray
Arts Editors
Lucy Dockter, Tallula Stvan, Aidan Rogers, Emma Smith
Sports Editors
Mishael Gill, Jared Leonard, Lily Caplan, Charley Guthartz
Web News Editors
Giselle Oldani, Anastasia Thumser
Web Opinions Editors
Emily Goldstein, Ella Stoler
Allison Gillman, Maria Krug
Shira Zeiberg, Lucy Zuckerman
Ella Alpert, Lyah Muktavaram
Asst. Business Managers
Lea Rivel, Ella Shi
Web Features Editors
Web Photostory Editor Advisers
Joseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco
join the virtual discussion. inklingsnews inklings.news Inklings News Online www.inklingsnews.com Featured: Anna Diorio ’23 argues the benefits of pet chickens.
More About Us
Inklings News is uncensored, unedited by administration and does not allow for prior review.
Opinions
The Editorial Board determines editorial opinions that are authored by the Editors-in-Chief. Inklings News serves as an open forum for the public and welcomes letters to the editor and other submissions. Send signed letters to inklingsnews@ westportps.org. Submissions will not be edited prior to publication.
Advertisements
Inklings News reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health.
Membership
Inklings News is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center. ........................................................................ The decisions of Inklings News and Westport Public Schools are made without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability orany other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.
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editorial
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Graphic by Molly Gold ’21
Local news undervalued, vital to inform, connect communities
S
ince 2004, over 1,800 news publications have shut down across the United States. Local news stations have been rapidly bought up by large media conglomerates. National publications, purchased by billionaires, experience conflicts of interest when reporting on their owners. We’ve seen Sinclair Broadcast Group buy up hundreds of local media stations around the country. We’ve seen the Washington Post’s editorial page favor their owner, Jeff Bezos, during a series of conflicts between Amazon executives and union workers. Locally, we’ve seen the closure of WestportNow, with no similar news organizations opening to fill its absence. These trends are not likely to slow down with time. As such, we encourage our
readers to be aware of the ways that these changes may affect the spread of information, and to support local news through both readership and respect. In order to counteract the possibly insidious effects of media consolidation, the Editorial Board suggests that students and citizens think critically about the media that they consume. That students should reference multiple news sources when engaging with current events is common advice. That said, we suggest that smaller, local news sources be included in this cohesive approach to media consumption. Small news sources are largely independent, free from the possible structural bias that is present in some national outlets. Additionally, the coverage
of national news on the local level provides a unique and personal lens to view current events, adding another perspective to readers that would be lost without local publications. Unlike national media outlets that must appeal to a wide audience in order to bring in views, local news sources have the freedom to focus on the stories that hit their readers close to home, literally and figuratively. Feature stories highlighting hidden local talent, reviews of struggling small businesses and announcements for town-wide events are found exclusively in the same publications that are rapidly disappearing from local doorsteps. Regardless of their level of readership, small publications create community-wide links that cannot be found else-
Letter to the Editor Jennifer Cirino Nicole Moeller
Library Media Specialists
In the opinion piece, “We Need to Fix the Way Black History Month is Taught,” the library was misrepresented. As stated by the author, “All we did this past year was create a quilt.” However, the library staff has honored Black History Month
in many more ways. These were not stated in the article and may have not been publicized as well as they should. First, the library created a bulletin board called “The Periodic Table of Black History.” The bulletin board celebrated black activists, actors and actresses, artists, authors, athletes, entrepreneurs, scientists, musicians, politicians, and scientists. Also stated in the article, “Black History Month should
where. The loss of these publications would mark a loss of connection that is much needed during these trying times. The Editorial Board feels compelled to acknowledge that our support of local news is not merely a tactic to boost our readership. Our belief in the importance of independent journalism is not the result of our involvement with the newspaper, but rather the motivation for our involvement in the first place. We implore our peers and neighbors to treat small publications as valuable means of obtaining information, in order to maintain the integrity and connection of our community. The editorial board voted unanimously in favor of this opinion.
Have an opinion? Write in to inklingsnews@gmail.com.
not only illustrate the struggles we’ve had to endure, but also display Black excellence. Many of the artists, actors, athletes and icons Americans idolize today are Black.” This bulletin board did just this. Each individual on the bulletin board linked to a book on our Black History Month book display in the library. In addition, the library collaborated with Bethann Camillo, Science teacher, and students from the Sci-
ence National Honor Society to showcase scientists in the STEM fields for Black History month. Posters were created with QR codes to multimedia slides with more information. We heard the concerns raised last year before the shutdown, and made a concerted effort to display “Black excellence” this year. The library staff appreciates feedback, and are always looking to improve our program.
NEWS
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Local Briefs
Madeline Michalowski ’22 Staff Writer
April 2June 13
Teachers reflect on receiving COVID vaccines Natalie Bandura ’22 News Editor
T
eachers wore masks and sanitized their hands, all while maintaining six feet of distance. But since all teachers and staff became eligible to receive the COVID vaccine on March 1, many Staples teachers have now received both shots, and are expresing relief and graditude.
Photos by Lys Goldman ’21
Jeri Muehleise Orchestra Teacher
“I definitely feel more comfortable [since getting my vaccine]. I’m still taking all the necessary precautions just to be responsible for other people, but my anxiety has definitely gone down considerably.”
MoCA Exhibition The Museum of Contemporary Art in Westport will open its new exhibition spring “Smash” featuring videos by contemporary American visual artist Marilyn Minter. Reservations can be made on the MoCA website.
April 22 Testing Webinar The Staples Guidance Department, alongside The Westport Library and Summit Educational Group, is holding an hour-long webinar to provide the latest updates on the college testing process and the key differences between the SAT and ACT.
David Harvey
April 25 May 2 Minute Man Race The Westport Young Women’s League is hosting its annual Minute Man Race virtually. Participants can run the race anytime between April 25 and May 2 and can track, verify and submit their time through the Active Experience app.
Latin Teacher
Antonio Coccoli Science Teacher
“I got lucky because science teachers are on a text chain and I got a heads up from a colleague that there was a clinic opening in Fairfield, and I was able to get an appointment [...] the day we were eligible to get vaccinated.”
“I would say nothing has really changed in my approach to kids [since getting my vaccine]. The only thing is we have more kids in class now because of going [100%].” Scan this QR code to listen to a podcast by Tierney Kugel ’22 & Emma Smith ’22 about vaccine rollout.
Vaccine rollout continues at Staples Remy Teltser ’21
T
“
NEWS |
5
100%
of CT residents 16 and older can register to get their vaccine
36.7% of CT residents have gotten their first vaccine
32.75%
of Westport residents have received one vaccine
Scan this QR code to read an article by Jared Leonard ’22 about students’ hopes for the vaccine.
Information from Connecticut Public Radio
April 8 clinic, the administration announced April 9 Managing Editor would be an asynchronous learning day where students he Westport Pub- will receive class assignlic School district ments but not attend classes. held the second Two weeks from their secteacher vaccination clin- ond vaccinations, teachers will ics on April 1 and April 8. be considered at full immuAccording to an email sent nity, and some faculty are exby Superintendent Thom- pressing relief and gratitude. as Scarice, of 214 surveyed “I feel safer to do what teachers who teachers were vaccinathave to do ed on April if they’re I feel more 1, 92% expebeing truly comfortable rienced side responsive effects. There moving around the to kids in a was some upclassroom, leaning classroom,” set among Bell said. “I the faculty feel more in over students’ who realized comfortshoulders when they might be able movsick during they need my help ing around Good Frithe classwith something, day and Easroom, leanter weekend. ing in over [and] sitting in “I do unstudents’ on small group derstand the shoulders f rustration when they work.” of people for need my - Sarah Bell, whom Easter help with BMS Language Arts Teacher weekend is s o m e the most important holiday in thing, [and] sitting in their religious calendar and I’m on small group work.” sympathetic to the possibility In an email on April 6, that they will be feeling poor- Principal Stafford Thomas ly,” Bedford Middle School Jr. announced that the Comlanguage arts teacher Sarah munity Health Centers Inc,. Bell said. “Everyone has had to will provide vaccinations to miss out on traditions - secular Staples Seniors on April 25 and religious - in these past 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at months. Hopefully, this will be the Lord and Taylor site on among the last before we can High Ridge Road in Stamreturn to a kind of normal.” ford. The center will adminIn preparation for the ister the Pfizer vaccine as it is side effects that teachers will the only vaccine authorized for likely experience from the individuals under 18 years old.
Vaccination Rates
Graphic by Mimi Casey ’22
6 | NEWS
District unable to apply for state funding for projects Andreas Lolis ’21
Breaking News Editor
W
estport Public Schools (WPS) will not be able to apply for state funding to repair a roof replacement at Saugatuck Elementary School (SES) due to a clerical error. According to Connecticut policy, a school maintenance project must be marked as complete for 20 years in order for the state to give funding again for a similar maintenance project. Since WPS did not file a completion letter on several projects, WPS is now unable to request state funding. The district will undertake a sectional roof replacement for Staples High School (SHS) in 2022, along with other projects across the district, that will cost WPS more than originally planned. Chief Financial Officer Elio Longo was surprised to learn of these errors, but hopes that this extra time will allow the district to correct the technical mistakes and negotiate with state officials. “There are six projects from 1998 to 2008 that a previous
Board of Education administra- students will not feel the impact tion did not fulfill the state re- of these fiscal developments. quirements including a closing “[These building mainletter. There is no appeal pro- tenance projects] will cess with the state,” Longo said. not impact other parts Longo estimates that the of the budget,” he said. SES roof replacement will cost Longo, who began his tenbetween $1.5 million and $2 ure at WPS in 2013, has never million, meaning that the dis- received a notice for any clerical trict would have been granted errors impacting state funding approximately $350,000 in state on projects that he oversees. funding if the “These clerproject was Since WPS did ical errors do approved at not preclude us not file a the state level. from requesting However, completion letter state funding on even though other projects at on several WPS is unthe same school,” able to meet projects, WPS Longo said. “For the deadline example, if a roof is now unable to apply for project is still state funding to request state open, we can still in advance request fundfunding. of the projing to replace ect, Lonthe windows go may ask the state to at the same school, let’s say.” approve the project and Apart from SES and SHS, grant monies ex post facto. there are open projects on “It’s a long shot, but four other schools. Accordit’s worth asking,” he said. ing to Longo, WPS staff conBecause the funds dedicated tinue to work to close these to large scale improvement proj- projects. Additionally, the ects come from a subsection of district is considering polithe WPS main operating bud- cy implementation to guard get, Longo remains assured that against future errors like these.
Events leading to state grant loss
Infographic by Poppy Livingstone ’21
Westport Public Schools starts equity and inclusivity study Mimi Casey ’22 Opinions Editor
W
estport Public Schools will conduct an equity and inclusivity study to identify the principal sources of inequity in the district, per an email sent to parents and staff on March 9 from Assistant Superintendent Anthony Buono. “Westport Public Schools is partnering with The NYU Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of School to conduct an analysis of the root causes of disproportionate student outcomes,” Buono wrote. “A Lead Learner team of teachers, parents, administrators, staff, and Board of Education members will collaboratively analyze and disaggregate academic and behavioral data and examine findings in relation to existing policies, practices and procedures.” The Lead Learner team, made up of 35 teachers, staff members, administrators, parents and members of the Board of Education, will take a multifaceted-approach in examining contributors to inequity, evaluating academic structures such as athletics, extra-curriculars, curriculum and the student code of conduct. It is anticipated that the outcomes and findings of the study will be easily accessible to the public by late summer or early fall. “The committee will be tasked with creating an action plan,” Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr said. Scan this QR code to read the extended version.
"Cover your drink."
OPINIONS
"Don’t go to parties alone."
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Sexual violence curriculum has room for improvement Tierney Kugel ’22 News Editor
"Don’t w alk alone at night."
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very high school girl is told to change their behavior to stay safe. Parents make passing comments that can do more harm than good, and the media often paints victims out to be false accusers. For many students, the education they receive on sexual violence outside of school is limited. A lack of proper education about the issue is responsible for a culture that
Photo Photo by Eliza Barr ’21 by Eliza Barr ’21 Graphic by Maya Hruskar ’23 Graphic by Maya Hruskar ’23
normalizes harassment and for bringing attention to the excuses assault.So, in hon- topic, a more in-depth discusor of sexual assault awareness sion could prove to be educamonth, it is necessary to eval- tional. The notorious “tea viduate where the Staples curric- eo” displayed in health classes ulum for sexual violence falls which compares consenting to short and where it succeeds. a sexual activity and consentSexual assault is often ing to drinking tea, is guilty viewed as taboo, but its ubiq- of oversimplifying the topic. uity necessitates a comprehenDespite scrutinizing the sive and continually improv- ways Staples can advance its ing curriculum. Compared to sexual assault education, I do many other districts across the admire the quality of the curU.S., Staples is advanced and rent curriculum compared to brings attention to generally other school districts. The curundiscussed topics. But while rent curriculum addresses many Staples is misconcepsufficient in surSexual assault is often tions some areas, rounding there is still viewed as taboo, but its the topic great room ubiquity necessitates of consent, for imhow to be a comprehensive and an active provement. Accordcontinually improving bystander, ing to data stereotypes curriculum. collected by about victhe CDC tims and in 2017, 10% of high school even brings in workers from students are sexually assaulted. the Rowan Center, a sexual In lieu of this disturbing statis- assault resource agency. All of tic, Staples should immediately this has created a great foundaimplement lessons in every tion for providing sexual assault health class that inform education and prevention, but students of their Title I believe that Staples can conIX rights, their legal tinue to develop the curriculum protections and the to be as educational and benprocess for reporting eficial to students as possible. assault, harassment I am aware that the time and misconduct. in class is limited, but sexual There is still wide- assault education and prevenspread confusion tion truly is one of the most about how to re- important things we learn in port an assault school. The National Sexual at Staples and to Violence Resource Center rewhom it should ports that 1 in 5 women and be reported. 1 in 16 men are sexually asA d d i t i o n a l - saulted during college. It’s time ly, students could to stop sugar-coating and inbenefit from a stead make progress towards a deeper analysis on more sufficient and thorough the topic of con- curriculum that dismantles sent. While I do stigmas and prepares students commend Staples for potentially harsh realities.
ASIAN HATE
8 | OPINIONS
Scan this QR code to view a photostory by Lucy Dockter ’23 about the recent Westport protests against Asian hate.
Anti-Asian sentiment creates feelings of alienation, identity loss against the constant microaggressions that occur in Web Arts Editor schools and society in general. n light of the recent seFrom a young age, I can ries of attacks against recall classmates pulling the Asian Americans due corners of their eyes back to the COVID pandemic, it while saying “ching chong.” made me realize that my part The heavy stereotypes of being in the narrative of American good at math or bad at sports society is unsound. The role have been constant reminders Asian people play in America of who I am “supposed” to be. changes from day to day, from For me, my Asian identity situation to situation. Are we has been something I’ve always the genius mathletes, the fe- been conflicted about. As a littishized women, the chefs of tle girl, I ignored my Chinese your favorite takeout dish- side to try and fit in. I regret es? Who never learnare we? Heavy stereotypes of ing MandaT h e being good at math rin with my negative parents beor bad at sports way Asians cause I was have been constant a s h a m e d are viewed in Amerireminders of who I of my difcan society ferences. is damag- am “supposed” to be. These days, ing and it my Chicreates feelings of isolation nese identity feels broken, as and identity crisis as Asian if bits and pieces are missing. Americans are unaccept- Especially while growing up ed in their own country. I never saw accurate Asian The Atlanta shooting that representation in movies happened on March 16 was and TV shows. Characters not deemed as a racially mo- always had accents, were tivated crime by the Chero- nerds, did karate or fit into kee County Sheriff ’s Office, other Asian stereotypes. but rather, was rationalized In fact, American histobecause the shooter had a ry has consistently hesitat“bad day.” The death of six ed to accept Asians. From Asian women, out of eight the blatant discrimination total victims, was brushed created by immigration aside just as Asian Americans’ quotas from the 1800s to feelings have been brushed the Japanese internment aside their entire lives. camps of WWII, this counAccording to Stop AAPI try has never considered Hate National Report, there us as truly “American.” have been 3,800 anti-Asian With President Trump hate crimes reported in the portraying the COVID-19 past year. The rise in crime virus as the “China viis alarming, but racial preju- rus,” separation and hatred dice towards Asians is nor- only grew. Elderly Asian malized in day-to-day life, people getting attacked and people rarely speak up in the streets or getting
Ella Shi ’23
I
called “the virus” or “kungfu flu” have become typical. While the hate against Asians is rising, the resulting rise in activism sparks meaningful conversations about American culture regarding Asian acceptance. Seeing posts on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms educate about the ongoing discrimination of Asian Americans makes me hopeful that there is a possibility for change. Nonetheless, in America, Asian Americans are constantly shunned. We are outsiders; we don’t fit in. We are always foreigners no matter where we were born, no matter how much we conform to white societal norms. It’s time we fight for change by unlearning stereotypes and behaviors that exclude and alienate Asians. All of us can create change by changing our perspective on Asian Americans.
Photos by Eliza Barr ’21
Asian hate crimes have increased by
149% over the past year Data from Statista
Graphic by Maya Hruskar ’23 Photos dramatization by Eliza Barr ’21
OPINIONS OPINIONS |
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10 | OPINIONS
LIFE IN BRAZIL Krug lived in Brazil until 2018. Prior to moving to America, she indulged in Brazil’s bright culture, wearing colorful clothes and engaging in the vibrant social environment.
BRAZIL
Embrace all personal cultural identities: You don’t have to choose Maria Krug ’22
Web Opinions Editor
I
got the news on Jan. 25, 2018. Finally, my life would drastically change, and for the best. I was going to move from Brazil to The United States of America. During my first months here, however, I realized how different the girls my age were from my friends at home. As a seventh-grader, American girls seemed more uptight and a bit shy, especially contrasted with the relaxed and friendly temperament of most Brazilians. In Brazil, I loved wearing long skirts with colors ranging from ocean blue to tangerine orange, and wearing tops with a red Brazilian pattern. In Westport, on the other hand, black shirts, blue jeans, gray sweatshirts and white Adidas shoes were the norm. In an effort to
fit in, I replaced my entire ward- competitive side of myself. robe and began shopping in loEach change was spurred cal stores, mimicking only what by a fear that I wouldn’t be acWestport girls my age wore. cepted if I was different. And as I also found myself chang- I distanced myself further from ing aspects of my personality to the person I used to be, I strugfit those around gled to hold me. In Brazil, I on to my BraI [...] found was very open zilian identity. about sharing myself changing I feel as if my personal kids learning aspects of my life with others how to adapt personality to fit to a new envi— sometimes, maybe, over- those around me. ronment may sharing. Howstruggle with ever, I realized this conformmany people here in Amer- ism as well. At first, I thought ica were a bit more private, I had to pick between one or so I became more timid. the other: my Brazilian identiBut not all American traits ty or my new American idenI developed were so bad. I also tity. However, I later realized became more independent, that I could choose to be both. relying less on others to get I realized that the Amerthings done. My move here also ican persona I had develexposed me to a more com- oped was not necessarily petitive environment which a fake one; it was just helped me develop a more incomplete. Once I
USA
DIFFERENT WORLDS Since moving to America, Krug has struggled with cultural differences like clothing and social norms, often feeling an urge to conform and bury her Brazilian self.
realized this, I took tiny steps to try to embrace both my Brazilian culture and my newer identity here in Westport. This ranged from telling my American friends more about life back at home in Brazil, fixing their notion that I lived in a jungle, and being comfortable speaking Portuguese in Westport. After facing this struggle, I now realize that the best version of me is both Brazilian and American. My innate self is a combination of identities and influences, and I find happiness in balancing both. Photos contributed by Maria Krug ’22
FEATURES
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LifeLines: Melissa Bernstein builds support for mental illness Lilly Weisz ’23 Assistant Creative Director
M
elissa Bernstein, co-founder and chief creative officer of Melissa and Doug toy company, lives in Westport with her family and husband Doug. In March 2021, she published her book “LifeLines,” chronicling her journey against depression, as well as co-founding the LifeLines ecosystem, where she actively provides free services and support for those battling mental illness.
Q: What is “LifeLines” the book? A: “My book ‘LifeLines’ was really my own bid to finally say
who I truly was to the world. After sort of hiding everything I was and everything I felt for my whole life, I really longed to show people who I was. I’m a creative and I really create as my salvation. I think many of us who are creative have really stigmatizing qualities that make us feel unaccepted by mainstream society. I needed to not only accept those in myself to feel whole, because I never did accept myself for all the qualities that enabled me to create, but once I did accept them, I wanted to show others who also have stigmatizing qualities that they can be proud to acknowledge and accept those as well.”
Q: How do your LifeLines help you? A: “Once I realized that I’m a vacillating
bunch of emotions and chemicals each and every day, I knew I needed this LifeLines practice to keep me safe and sane in a crazy body, in a crazy world. That practice comes down to three buckets. It comes down to self-care, which is super important. It comes into tools and skills, which are things like saying mantras to myself, mindfulness, exercise and talking myself off the ledge, giving myself compassion. I’ve traveled to the darkest caverns of my soul and touched despair and looked it in the eye. I have no fear in walking anyone through that path or down into that darkness because I know how to find light again.”
MORNING TEA Bernstein drinks tea each morning, which brings a sense of comfort and balance to her day.
Q: How is your personal struggle embedded into “Life Lines”? A: “I felt like I give this persona to many that I’m perfect and have this perfect
life.In some ways I’ve achieved the American dream in having a $500 million company that’s growing, having an amazing friendship and marriage to my partner Doug, six children and all the material rewards that come with having that commercial success. Even though I had all that and have all that, that doesn’t make it so you don’t suffer from mental illness. I was born with a really deep, dark form of depression called existential nihilism, which basically makes you think that life is meaningless and you have no ability to make meaning in a meaningless world. You have to find your meaning. I think in some ways, chasing the superficial societal definition of meaning just takes you away from actually finding that meaning because you’re anchoring to stuff outside yourself that really can’t bring you meaning in your soul.”
Photo by Logan Gornbein ’21
12 | FEATURES
Staples community strives for sexual assault awareness
Molly Gold ’21 Creative Director
LET’S TALK ABOUT
SEXUAL ASSAULT:
Remy Teltser ’21 Managing Editor *NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR ANONYMITY
R
“CATCALLING” “HARASSMENT” “INVALIDATION” “OVERSEXUALIZATION” Photos by Lys Goldman ’21
ecently, a study by the UN Women organization found that 97% of women have experienced sexual harassment. This, in addition to the murder of UK woman Sarah Everard, has sparked a global conversation surrounding women’s health as well as sexual assault and harassment awareness. Many Staples students have participated in this conversation via social media. This has been a platform for students, including *Kate, an anonymous sophomore girl, to share their stories and experiences connected with sexual assault. “I’ve continuously been oversexualized, called horrible names [and] forced to do things I don’t want to,” *Kate said. “I know it’s not as bad as many other girls who have been through worse. It’s just an almost everyday thing where boys will harass me and think it’s okay, [but] it’s not. It makes me feel like I’m not important and that I’m just this object for boys’ pleasure.” However, others feel that social media is ineffective in its ability to spread awareness. An anonymous senior, *Sophie, believes social media awareness will make the culture increasingly toxic. “I’ve seen a lot of girls sharing the 97% statistic and
Scan this QR code to read about the “They for She” movement.
practically begging boys to understand it [and] to see themselves or their silence as part of an issue,” *Sophie said. “All I’ve seen in response is the mocking of or attempted debunking of real statistics and a real issue that basically every girl, or anyone perceived as female, has to go through.” These feelings of mockery are not solely unique to Sophie. Many female students have voiced that even during in-person conversations, their experiences and feelings are often invalidated by some of their peers. “It’s great that these things are finally coming out to light,” *Kate said. “Even still, boys are trying to invalidate women’s issues by saying they’re lying, but in reality it’s just women finally being comfortable enough to come out with their stories.” Some male students have taken this conversation as a means to educate themselves and participate in the conversation at hand. “I think that a lot of people are listening to other people sharing their stories,” Dean Moro ’21 said. “It’s a really important issue and I think that it’s taken very seriously, as it should be.” However, as a means to prevent this insensitivity from arising in the first place, the Westport Public Schools health department has tailored their sexual violence awareness program to begin in Kindergarten. Students begin their education by learning about personal boundaries and relationships, before the terms “sexual assault” and “sexual harassment” are even introduced in fourth grade, according to Department Chair Chris Wanner.
FEATURES |
13
THEY FOR SHE
97%
of women surveyed in a UN Women study have experienced sexual harassment.
As students enter high prevent primarily single-sex school, their education becomes junior health classes, as had more specific, as they begin to occurred in the past due to learn about sexual assault in the amount of gym electives. combination with drug and al“You need to have a mix-gencohol use, as well as the signs dered class, otherwise there’s no of healthy relationships. Stu- checks and balances,” health dents are taught by their health teacher Kelly Shamas said. teachers, as well as guest speakMany students have found ers from resources such as the that this method of learning Sexual Asis valuable sault CriI’ve seen a lot of girls and effecsis Countive, howseling and sharing the 97% statistic ever, many Education and practically begging feel that Center. their sexual boys to understand it assault and “ I ’ m pr ior itiz- [and] to see themselves harassment ing sexual or their silence as part education harassment b e g i n s of the issue.” and sexual and ends violence as - Sophie* in health the conc l a s s . tent because its such a criti“I think that the health cal layer we need to address department does a really good over and over and over again, job teaching about it,” Julia Diespecially as students are pre- Conza ’21 said. “But now that paring for the next stage of I’m a senior, I feel like I haven’t their lives,” Wanner said. even heard about sexual assault Recently, the P.E. curricu- at all in any of my classes.” lum has changed with an adDespite many students’ ditional gym class in order to feelings that their health educa-
“
tion was effective, many are unaware or unsure of what defines sexual harassment and assault. “People have catcalled me before, but because I’m male, I wouldn’t classify that as harrassment,” Kyle*, an anonymous junior boy, said. While some students are calling for a more in-depth classroom education, they are also aware that the Staples community as a whole needs to redress its attitude towards sexual harassment. “[Sexual assault] can only decrease with strong education and giving women, men, nonbinary [people], etc. materials and strategies to defend themselves,” Isabel Tobin ’24 said. “I hope that Staples and other schools will present a kind and empathizing community to support the overwhelming need for education, maybe starting young. Censoring the real world isn’t going to protect them. Introducing them to the reality of the situation and then teaching them how to protect themselves from it is going to help.”
14 | FEATURES Westport Pride unifies, educates community on LGBTQ+ issues Poppy Livingstone ’21
Editor-In-Chief
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n the fall of 2020, Westport resident Brian McGunagle posed the following questions to the greater Westport community: Who is the LGBTQ+ community? What do we look like? What would happen if we were to gather? The following winter, a group of 40 members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies joined together, forming the organization now
known as Westport Pride. “When we started, we were just asking questions,” McGunagle, founder of Westport Pride, said. “How do we educate not only our neighbors but our schools as well? How can we mentor others in the LGBTQ community, from children to adults [...]? How can we create an atmosphere for people to connect?” The organization hopes to take a holistic approach to aiding the LGBTQ+ community in Westport, dividing into five distinct committees with various short and long term goals. These groups range from the administrative, far-reaching Advisory Committee to the specific and personal
Mentorship Committee, which has even highaims to create peer-led support er hopes for their groups for LGBTQ+ citizens. impact on WestMarjorie Almansi, who port’s community. serves as the Education Chair “Given that Pride for the group, works closely Month is in June, we are with students, teachers, admin- working on executing some istrators and other communi- events during that time, but realty members in order to bring ly want to create and host Pride about the systematic inclusion awareness events all year long,” of LGBTQ+ issues in West- Ria Rueda, Events Committee por t ’s Chair and schools Advisory and town ...We are[...]educating C o u n c i l as a whole. m e m b e r, people, creating “Evsaid. “I’m ery single looking acceptance and person we forward celebrating the met with to workwas inLGBTQ community ing with credibly our team in our town.” supportive to execute - Ben Zack ’21 some great and excited about events to the prospect of positive chang- create a buzz and generes within the school and the ate awareness of Westport community at large,” Almansi Pride in the community.” said. “I am most excited about The goals of the organichanging the environment in a zation vary from the minute long lasting and impactful way.” to the far-reaching. Future The Education Committee plans include a mural collabhas welcomed a number of Sta- oration with MOCA Westples upperclassmen, such as Ben port, a “Merchants of Pride” Zack ’21, to their monthly meet- event partnering with various ings, as Almansi emphasized businesses to create Pridethe importance of student voic- themed products and, ulties in the committee’s pursuits. mately, a town-wide Pride “[During the meetings] event at the Levitt Pavilion. we discuss ways to improve “I believe that we are workawareness in the K-12 set- ing towards the very important ting,” Zack said. “We discuss mission of educating people, strategies around curriculum, creating acceptance and celeeducation and messaging with- brating the LGBTQ communiin the school systems to sup- ty in our town,” Zack said. “But port the LGBTQ population.” even more importantly, we are Zack looks forward to the setting the groundwork so that committee’s plans to devel- youth who are questioning have op educational videos for the a place to turn, an organization school system, informing stu- that supports them and helps to dents of all ages about LGBT reduce [...] the struggles they issues and acceptance. In the go through because of their long term, the organization fear of accepting who they are.”
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Graphic by Poppy Livingstone ’21
Photo contributed by Ishan Prasad ’22
FEATURES |
GREENWICH PIPE BAND Ishan Prasad ’22 practices with the Greenwich Pipe Band, which performed at restaurants and parades before the pandemic struck.
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humans of staples
Prasad performs bagpipes with passion, discovers artistic side Lilly Weisz ’23 Assistant Creative Director
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n misty Edinburgh, Scotland, a piper hoists a full set of Scottish Highland bagpipes. He pulls from the depths of his lungs to sound a traditional song’s robust notes. This is what Ishan Prasad ’22 heard when he first felt the great instrument’s lure on a seventh grade trip to Scotland while visiting relatives in neighboring England. Some students play piano or fiddle with a fiddle; Prasad tried both, yet nothing stuck until discovering the bagpipes. After months of requesting to play, his parents relented and he got his first practice chanter, a detached piece, similar to a flute, used by beginners and pipers practicing new music. Then, Prasad graduated to a full
set of pipes, now owning two, must also have deft fingers, esone plastic and one wooden. pecially for faster-paced music. “What I enjoy most is being “You need to be very, able to express and convey a very very good with your fingerunique type of music,” he said. work in order to play well,” Prasad has played the bag- Prasad said. “Some of the pipes for four years now. He is- tunes, like jigs and hornpipes, the only New England piper his they can get very, very fast.” age he knows. He takes lessons Prasad is motivated through and plays for these strugthe Greenby playWhat I enjoy most gles wich Pipe ing and lisBand, with tening to is being able to which, in a bagpipe muexpress and convey sic, which he non-COVID year, he per- a very unique type p r o f o u n d l y forms in paappreciates. of music.” rades, restauHis favor- Ishan Prasad ’22 ite styles are rants and pubs around Fairfield County. piobaireachd and hornpipe. Of course, for the passion“It’s kind of funny because ate piper, learning to play is an piobaireachd is insanely slow, it’s intensive process rife with chal- slumbering, it’s not very lively,” lenges. Prasad must maneu- Prasad said. “And then hornpipe ver the heavy woodwind and is the complete opposite where blow deeply into the drones it’s really lively. It’s very fast attached to the instrument’s paced and it’s a joy to listen to.” bag, playing melody and harHe’s also inspired by his mony at the same time. He favorites, such as Donald Ma-
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cLeod and Stuart Liddell— not Stuart Little, he added with a smile. Their musical prowess reminds Prasad of his goal to perform as authentically and professionally as possible. Once COVID-19 ends, he plans to enter competitions. “I’ve been starting off with one of each [musical style] and then building off of that,” Prasad said, “and getting to more and more difficult tunes. And then just trying to work my technique to be the best it can.” Though describing himself primarily as a math and science person, Prasad views bagpipes as a vital artistic component to who he is as a person and to his daily routine. “I think that pipes is one of my defining characteristics,” he said. “It’s definitely shaped my identity, you know, a few ways. It’s the first instrument where I feel like I’ve been able to stick with it, even through the most difficult challenges.”
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ARTS
Thrifting Finds
REPURPOSING Retail thrift stores offer quality, retired products for reasonable prices. Max Sod ’21 (left), Eva Fitch ’21 (right) and Myca Costello ‘21 (far right) model thrifted items from Goodwill.
ARTS |
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Thrifting rises in popularity as way to shop sustainably, express individuality to our community at Sta- ey at places like Barnes and ples and in Westport in gen- Noble,” Amy Hogan ’22 said. Web Arts Editor Though everybody has eral,” Chloe Chaple ’21 said. their own reason for buying But clothes aren’t the only second hand items, one of the thing that Staples students like ately, a method of shop- to buy second hand. Alexia biggest ones is bringing awareping has been picking Abrams-Rivera ’22, self-pro- ness of the environmental imup popularity among claimed “book nerd,” enjoys pact of traditional shopping. “Beyond the uniqueness of Generation Z. Thrifting has going to the Westport Library long been a more afford- book sales and various thrift finds, I’m really interested in the able and sustainable way to stores in New York City to find ethical side of thrifting,” Chaple shop, but now, it’s becom- new books and accessories she said. “I’m able to avoid supporting a trend in youth culture. can use to display them. For ing companies that engage in With apps her, there is child labor, pollution, support like TikTok magic to buy- of homophobic organizations This might sound ing pieces that and underpaying seamstresses.” popularizing cheesy, but I like other people Many popular wearing one“fast-fashion” of-a-kind items that everything have owned. and Depop giv“ S o m e - companies you find is ing anybody one’s story with nowadays, preowned; the platform books and how like Zara, everything has a it was crinkled, H & M to sell preloved story behind it.” the folded pagpieces, the pros- Ava Haazen ’24 es, the coffee pect of thrifting is becomstains, the book ing far more appealing and smell of an old book is popular among young people. just so wonderful,” Ava Haazen ’24 loves tak- Abrams-Rivera said. ing trips to Brooklyn to find The Westunique and interesting cloth- port Book Shop ing pieces that she wouldn’t also recently find elsewhere. For her, it’s not opened downjust environmentally conscious, town with a varibut also something that can be ety of used books turned into a fun experience. at low prices. “Whenever I’m thrifting... “I love read[I] like to come up with bi- ing and owning zarre, unrealistic stories that my own hard belong to each item,” Haa- copy books, but zen said. “Maybe the pair of it is unreasonsneakers that [I] picked up able to spend belonged to an Olympic ath- so much lete. Or maybe that sequin and m o n silk dress came from a wealthy woman who lived luxuriously.” Many people have looked to buying clothes at thrift stores as a way to find unique, fashionable pieces and express individuality. “When you thrift you typically find pieces that are one Photos by Eliza Barr ’21 of a kind, or at least unique
Lea Rivel ’22
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and Fashion Nova use cheaper prices and quick shipping as a way to draw customers in, at the cost of good ethics and the environment. “[There are] brands that everyone seems to shop at nowadays because they think they’re getting a good deal, [but] it’s cheap for a reason,” Haazen said. “When you thrift, you can find better options for not a lot of money and they don’t involve themselves in these harmful practices.” Teens from all sorts of backgrounds value thrifting as a way to get clothes, books and accessories. They are able to find unique pieces, shop for cheaper and help protect the environment all at once. “This might sound cheesy, but I like that everything you find is preowned; everything has a story behind it[...]” Haazen said. “So many people decide to throw out old clothes when instead, you could donate them to thrift stores and give them another life.”
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Spring sparks fun new fashion trends Julia Kasabian ’21 Staff Writer
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pring is coming closer and closer, and with it comes spring fashion. Sleeves get shorter, skirts and shorts replace pants and colors change from dark to light. As with every year, new trends emerge in the spring, and this is your guide to those trends.
PASTEL COLORS A staple in spring fashion is, and will always be, pastels. Pastel colors epitomize spring, and while they look good on their own, they look even better together. Pair some complementary pastels in your outfits, such as pink and blue or green and yellow for a fun, fashion-forward look.
MIDI SKIRTS
One fun trend for this spring is midi skirts. Midi skirts hit at about the mid-calf region, which make these skirts great for chillier days in early spring. I pair my midi skirts most often with a cropped t-shirt for a relaxed daytime look, or with a fancy tank top for the evening. Midi skirts can be found at many retailers, such as Princess Polly or Urban Outfitters, but my favorites have come from online thrift stores such as ThredUp.
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SLIP DRESSES Another great spring style can be found in slip dresses. These dresses are easily found at stores such as Zara or Motel Rocks and can be worn alone or layered over a t-shirt or turtleneck. At these stores, slip dresses come in a variety of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find one to your liking.
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LIGHT WASH JEANS Wearing light wash jeans is another great way to stay warmer on a brisk spring day. Jeans have been a staple in American fashion for many years, and they go with anything from sweatshirts to crop tops to cardigans. Bright colors pop against the light wash of the jeans, making your outfit stand out from the crowd. My favorite jeans come from Levi’s, but finding a good pair of jeans is an incredibly easy thing to do.
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20 | ARTS
EXPRE S Girling SION THRO UGH J '23 (rig E incorp h orate b t) and Skyla WELRY Sav vy old co r buyers Newm lor and fo llower s into jewelr an '23 (left) s. y to em power
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by Syd n
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nitz '23
Girling, Newman promote individuality, expression through jewelry Allison Gillman '23 Web Opinions Editor
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he word “Acatalepsy” refers directly to the impossibility of conceiving of or comprehending something, a fitting description for the past year, which has marked an era where so much is unknown and numerous people feel trapped. Using the concept of Acatalepsy in jewelry-making, two ambitious business partners aim to combat feelings of isolation and melancholy. For Savannah Girling ’23 and Skylar Newman ’23, their newly-launched jewelry brand, Acatalepsy, is not just about creating beautiful and unique jewelry. The creators aim to spread messages of gratitude, self-love and positivity that promote emotional health in the face of adversity. “We want to show people that this isn’t just a busi-
ness to make money,” Newman said. “We genuinely care and want to help people.” Drawing inspiration from social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, Girling and Newman use gold-filled chains and charms to create necklaces, all of which vary in design. From thinking out loud to drawing ideas on an iPad, they enjoy the versatility of their creative process. “A lot of times, we don’t even [begin to] make [the jewelry] until the charms come, and that’s when the creative energy is flowing,” Girling said. The two pour their time and energy into developing their Instagram account, where they regularly post. Girling manages the public account and spends around one to two hours each evening writing captions for meaningful and uplifting posts. Newman amplifies the visual aspects of each image. She makes edits to the photos to fashion a colorful appeal and uses photoshop to
create collages, one of which is called “Limitless Life.” Every post uses vibrant and metaphorical language to convey a message for the day, which is followed up by a description of the jewelry item(s) and the person in the photo. Common threads throughout Acatalepsy’s feed include reaffirmations of self-worth and strength, reminders to slow down every so often, reconstructions of perspective on life and open-ended questions left to personal interpretation. “We should all reflect upon what we do for ourselves and how we make time for ourselves as we do for others,” Girling captioned Newman’s “Limitless Life” collage. “How do we show ourselves that we love us? How can you
prove how much you love yourself with your thoughts, words and actions?” As the meaning behind each item of jewelry is open to interpretation, Newman described how, for her and Girling, the pieces would highlight facets of their personalities. “We create [the pieces] with an intent and a story behind them,” Newman said. “They are not just jewelry; it’s art we’re making [...] And with art, there is going to be your personality in it and your story behind it and who you are.” While incorporating aspects of themselves into each piece, the creators also hope for their buyers to find meaning in the jewelry in personal, unique and imaginative ways. “We want to spread the message that we’re here for anyone,” Newman said. “Once again, we’re all being positive and we’re all going through this together, so let’s take things as they come and appreciate the beauty.”
SPORTS
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Students hide injuries despite trainer benefits Emily Goldstein ’23 Broadcast Director
Ella Shi ’23
Web Arts Editor
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lmost every athlete has heard “Push through the pain” and “no pain, no gain” from a coach, parent or teammate. Athletes are conditioned to deal with minor injuries, soreness and discomfort, but there’s always a chance that the pain won’t just go away. These seemingly small injuries can result in bigger athletic consequences without receiving the proper treatment. That throbbing hip or aching knee means a dreaded trip to the athletic trainers and unfortunately, an almost guaranteed spot on the bench during practice and games. As
much as athletes try to avoid your injury is serious,” Geller the trainers to prevent miss- said. “I know a few friends ing their seasons, listening to who have done this as well.” But ultimantley, she the trainers can be essential to chronic-injury prevention. learned to accept the trainrecommendations. For Cailen Geller ’22, an ers “In the long run, I realized achilles injury her freshman that hiding and sophmy injuomore year ry from the took her out If you have a serious of multiple problem, it is hard to trainer was harmful,” cross country, track and avoid protocol and still Geller said. “The trainlacrosse seaperform at a high ers could sons. When level.” have helped the injury - Zach Brody ’23 my injufirst arose, the trainers were able to provide ry heal and could have premeaningful recommendations, vented it from getting worse.” Now she and others, such but as the seasons went on and her injury still didn’t heal, as Zach Brody ’23 on the she began hiding her injury. boys’ basketball team, wel“I have hid an injury from come the trainers’ advice. “If you have a serious the trainers only because sometimes it can be annoying problem, it is hard to avoid to have to get all the doctors protocol and still perform notes when you don’t think at a high level,” Brody said.
Photos by Jalen St. F o (middle) Photo ma rt ’22 nipulation Charley G by uthartz ’2 2
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Staples athletic trainers, Gaetana Deiso and Corey Iamonico, have specific protocols put into place to ensure athlete safety in the case of an injury. “If an athlete has been out with an injury for a prolonged period of time or has gotten cleared from an injury,” Deiso said, “they would need a full contact practice prior to entering back into a game per our school policy.” They take injuries seriously, providing specialized treatment and recommendations regarding play time for each individual athlete. “Each injury is handled on a case by case basis and we determine the level of participation for that day. We, as the athletic trainers, will notify the coach and parents,” Deiso said. “We determine how an injury is handled based on the situation and severity.”
ATHLETIC TRAINERS Gaetana Dieso (left) and Corey Iamonico (right) help students treat injuries, such as shoulder pain and shin splints.
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Wreckers embark on spring sports Maya Reiner ’21 Web Sports Editor
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ust a year ago, spring sports athletes were devastated, as they heard that their season was canceled. But the 2021 season is on, and the spring sports teams have already started to begin their training. This spring, the Wreckers will be able to compete in a normal amount of games.
GIRLS’ LACROSSE The girls’ lacrosse team has already started their preparation for the upcoming spring season. “It’s good for us to be playing together again since it’s been so long since we have,” co-captain Emma Ashe ’21 said. “Even in the last week, I think there’s been a lot of improvement. It’s just good to have a stick in our hands and be playing together again.” The team is led by Ashe, Shira Parower ’21, Julia DiConza ’21 and Charlotte Barnes ’21, who all hope to have a successful season. “I feel very fortunate to have a senior season since last year’s seniors got their season taken away,” Parower said. “I can’t wait to get back on the field with my teammates.” STAPLES LACROSSE BEGINS (left)The boys’ lacrosse team has its first game on April 10 against New Canaan; (right) the girls’ lacrosse team plays on April 15 against Stamford. Photos by Eloise Ahl ’21
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Scan here for more information on COVID-19 regulations for spring sports.
The pre-season has looked different for the girls’ track team; they have not conducted an official pre-season. “Indoor has been the equivalent of our pre-season, and it has been getting us ready for outdoor,” teammate Lauren Spheeris ’21 said. For this year’s tryouts, if a student did not do indoor track or was new to the team, they had to tryout. However, there were no cuts and the coaches just wanted to get a benchmark of new team members. “Normally, we have time trials in the first or second weeks for the coach to get an idea of where the team is and the level of each athlete,” Spheeris said. The Wreckers have been working hard to prepare for this season since they were devastated last spring when the news hit that their season was canceled. “We took the time to train really hard and put in a lot of hard work,” Spheeris said. “So when we do have a season, we would be excited and prepared.”
ilson ’22
GIRLS’ TRACK
Photo by Tori W
The boys’ lacrosse team, led by Henry Beck ’21 and Kevin Lynch ’21, has been following a similar format to the girls’ team, as they have been conducting a pre-season that has been successful. “Everyone has been working hard in the weight room as well as getting our stick skills dialed in,” Beck said. The sadness of losing the 2020 season has turned into eagerness and energy. “We know that we can only control what we can control, and everyone is using missing last year as extra motivation to lock in and stay focused on winning the day every day,” Beck said. The team has been working hard in the offseason and is excited for what the season will hold. “Everyone is juiced up to go out and compete,” Beck said. “I am also looking forward to the memories we are going to make this year.”
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inklings news Staples High School 70 North Avenue Westport, Connecticut
