Inklings February 2020 Issue

inklingsnews Feb. 28, 2020

Staples High School

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Volume 88, Issue 6

Letter depicting racism unveils persisting issue, prompts community response, action Allie D’Angelo ’20 Editor-in-Chief

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With assistance from Sophie Casey ’20 & Claire Redmer ’21

here was the time in class when a teacher asked Niah Michel ’20 why she spoke “so gangster.” On the bus home from a track meet, a fellow student asked her why she wasn’t sitting at the back of the bus.

“I personally have not seen anything These accumulated experiences of microaggressions led Michel to express [change],” Michel said. “I [felt as if I her own views, while also aiming to were] sitting here talking to a wall.”

According to Michel, insensitive represent black and Latino Staples students, in a letter to the editor comments made towards her have with her throughout published in WestportNow on Feb. 14. resonated The letter depicted numerous her years at Staples High School.

“Those little words they have said to microaggressions allegedly made toward Michel and other minority students us, those remarks, all those things carry and noted the lack of diversity among a burden on our shoulders,” Michel said. staff members at Staples High School.

Michel’s letter also prompted an email sent out by Principal Stafford STUDENT EXPERIENCES W. Thomas, Jr., reaffirming his In addition to Michel, other commitment to reconstructing Staples minority students have recalled their High School’s social infrastructure. experiences with racist comments “The whole directed towards them.

“Those little words they letter was my Natasha Johnson ’20, decision,” Michel co-president of Together have said to us, those said. “When I was Achieving remarks, all those things Effectively writing my letter, Multiculturalism (TEAM) carry a burden on our no one helped me Westport-Staples, a club that while writing it shoulders.” works towards inclusivity and sending it off, at Staples, believes that - Niah Michel ’20 many but I made sure to experiences of mention in that microaggressions stem letter that I was not only speaking for from a lack of education among students. myself, but I was speaking for other people.”

“I think that in this age, In efforts to discuss potential change, a lot of the racism I face is Michel, along with other students, more ignorance,” Johnson said. have met with Thomas intermittently Johnson also believes that the to discuss struggles within the Staples responsibility to manifest change community. According to Michel, is unfairly placed on students despite meeting with administrators, rather than left to administrators. she has witnessed no change at Staples.

“My experience is that I think that

sometimes the administration expects also expressed her experience as a the black students and minority students minority at Staples High School. to do something about [racism],” Johnson “I have a very different experience said. “I don’t see the school actively taking than a lot of other people of color at Staples, steps to help us out. I am perfectly okay but I’ve definitely heard offensive and with promoting things and sending them targeted comments,” Fernandez said. “I’ve whatever, but why is it always on me or us?” been asked if this is my real hair. People Johnson recalled an incident with a touch my hair all the time. It’s really student following an insensitive remark annoying. I’m not going to go up to you directed at her. and touch your hair “I’ve had people, including “I was asked by so that’s something [an administrator] that is really teachers, mistake me for other ‘Well what do you Indian people or assume that I’m uncomfortable. [...] want me to do No one ever asks.” friends with every Indian person about it?’” Johnson F o r m e r in school.” said. “I didn’t student Reva Kale - Reva Kale ’19 ’19 noted instances really know how to respond to that.” of comments According to Co-President of TEAM made to her by staff members.

Westport-Staples Jax Adler ’20, in “I’ve had people, including teachers, meetings with club advisors for TEAM mistake me for other Indian people Westport-Staples—literacy coach Rebecca or assume that I’m friends with every Marsick and social studies department Indian person in school,” Kale said. head Lauren Francese—the increased “Once, a faculty member handed me the frequency of microaggressions made wrong school picture [of another Indian towards minority students has facilitated student] and when I mentioned that they the normalization of expressed prejudice. had made a mistake, I was told to keep “We’ll ask [students] ‘Can you give the picture anyway because the other us a specific event with a specific person Indian girl was probably a friend of mine.” so we can try and do something about it?’ But people won’t even remember,” Adler said. “They can’t even pinpoint a REACTIONS TO LETTER specific time because it happens so often.

In response to Michel’s letter, Recently, I’ve started to not even say students recalled their own instances anything about it because it’s gotten to a of enduring microaggressions. point where if you say something about it, “To be honest, there isn’t one part people take it as a joke [...] They just kind of Niah’s letter that didn’t resonate with of deflect from it and try to make it seem me,” former student Reign Kingsley ’19 like what they said was not a problem.” said. “I think every person of color that An anonymous Latina senior girl has attended Staples felt her letter on a also noted an incident including an personal level [...] I completely agree with insensitive comment made by a classmate. Niah’s statement. Every day is a reminder “[I]n my Spanish class [...] we were you’re not like 98% of your classmates.” talking about Spanish people’s jobs in other countries,” she explained, “and [a fellow student] said ‘They’re here to clean and build sh*t for us.’ I turned around and I felt so disrespected by that kid.”

Continued on page 2 AnnaMaria Fernandez ’20

Photo by Eliza Barr ’21

70 North Ave., Westport, Connecticut, 06880

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Feb. 28, 2020

Staples High School

Letter depicting racism unveils persisting issue, prompts community response, action Continued from page 1

While Adler agreed with certain what I want, this is my story and here’s where of how your behavior can impact others.” promote an inclusive and inviting ideas expressed in the letter, he disagreed we can go from here,’” Fernandez said. for all students.

In an effort to discuss minority environment with a few points. However, Adler agreed “Teachers are role Thomas hopes that efforts made after groups and “[W]e need to build community that many ideas presented in Michel’s the letter will remedy Michel’s feelings build acceptance models,” Kale said, letter as a whole are important for along with other minority students. of “and as a student, diversity, and make Staples a place for students and staff to read and understand. having a teacher that “It’s unfortunate that we have Thomas, along everyone, so that’s something “Rereading it, I saw a couple things students that feel that way,” Thomas said. with looks like you can Social we’re cognizant about. But it that I thought were kind of questionable,” “[W]e need to build community and Studies Honors make the classroom Adler said. “[S]he said [...] she speaks make Staples a place for everyone, so Society feel more inviting Rho takes time to get things in place for the black and Latino community, that’s something we’re cognizant about. Kappa, outside and the subject and it’s not going to happen but didn’t really consult a lot of people But it takes time to get things in place organizations and matter seem less overnight.” before writing the letter. She then called and it’s not going to happen overnight. other intimidating because involved out Principal Thomas [saying] they [the There should be more awareness about s t u d e n t s , immediately - Principal Stafford W. Thomas, Jr. you committee] hired him [...] as a token what’s acceptable, what’s not and why.” have relate to the person created black administrator which I heavily who is teaching you.” a Diversity Month for March disagree with. He’s been really good for Gary Lu 2020. According to Thomas, FUTURE ACTION the schools and is doing more than anyone ’21, a member plans to create this month else I’ve seen in my four years at Staples.” of TEAM Prior to the publication of Michel’s of diversity awareness had Fernandez agreed with Adler, letter, TEAM Westport has worked with been in place since January.

We s t p o r tand emphasized her frustration with students and faculty through multiple Staples, “Some [activities] will Michel’s decision to speak on behalf of events over a span of years in order to go through Connections, believes that both the black and Latino community. promote inclusion and diversity at Staples some will be activities introducing “Initially, I was really angry,” High School. TEAM Westport Chair during the school day in diversity Fernandez into Staples Harold Bailey Jr. the cafeteria, and some said.

“I High School said, despite varied will be after school. There “[While I agree with some of the remember will be a slow may be speakers that go into initiatives, there has letter], I saw a couple things that being so and continuous been little success. some classes,” Thomas said. were kind of questionable. She upset because p r o c e s s .

According to Johnson, “I can’t tell you she was “Westport is issue students any initiative that another said [...] she speaks for the black appoint ing just so homogenous be addressed is we’ve worked on that hope will and Latino community, but didn’t herself as the and there are very few has made a difference,” the lack of minority educators really consult a lot of people representative minorities, so personally, the Staples environment.

Bailey said. “I think within of all people “I also think that the lack of I think the only way you could really before writing the letter.” the biggest one right of color at now is the ability for black faculty is an issue,” Johnson change anything is to make it more - Jax Adler ’20 Staples [...] I students to talk to each said. “Especially in administrative diverse and that takes time,” Lu said. have a very other in a group and roles and guidance counselors, school “It’s not something you can really force.” different In addition to creating a more be able to take issues psychologists. If you don’t have any black experience from her, and that come from teachers or outreach, then I just feel like diverse staff at Staples High School, I’m sure so many other that. So to me, all those kids can’t talk to anybody.” students believe that a more inclusive people of color do as Adler recalled his experience curriculum that delves into African that’s a big deal.” well at this school. I Following in the Westport Public Schools American culture is necessary. Johnson was just angry that the letter, (WPS) system without a teacher or has no accounts of reading literature she had not talked to Bailey wants administrator of color to look up to. by African American females and very anybody about that.”

“I can remember going through all few African American male authors.

T E A M According to “That has to start at kindergarten W e s t p o r t of elementary school and middle school Fernandez, although to work and not having one black adult in the and that has to continue until 12th she agreed with closely with building other than a janitor,” Adler said. grade. We can’t just start confronting certain ideas disclosed Human Resource Director John all these issues now,” Johnson said.

Staples High in the letter, no Superintendent Dr. David Abbey School with Bayers agrees with Michel in regards to solution was presented the expressed the lack of diversity among staff members. believes remains hopeful that the to remedy the problem. aim of altering According to Bayers, the lack of diversity district can work towards creating “When I read it, it didn’t the curriculum to among certified educators is a state-wide an even more accepting community. seem like there was a purpose.

“We’ve always been, I believe, a add diversity, as well issue and not specific to the WPS District.

[I]t felt like it could have been ‘This is “There’s no doubt in terms of the very inclusive district, which doesn’t as continue training staff members with third party speakers. fact that yes, we do not have an overly mean we don’t have work to do,” Abbey “[W]e had some teachers last year diverse population of educators across the said. “We do. The work is ongoing, [...] have some training with the Anti- school; however, that is something that serious and important work, but on a Defamation League,” Bailey said. “We we said that we’re working on in terms comparative basis, the district and the had administrators go through training of trying to improve those numbers, and town has always been inclusive. [...] As a with professors from American University it’s not unique to Westport,” Bayers said. school district, we want to go from being According to Bayers, WPS was one of race-neutral to actively dealing with and a good number of those were all administrators from Staples and the the eight districts in Connecticut that has issues associated with race or ethnicity.”

SCHEDULING PROBLEMS Abbey believes that Staples High joined a pilot program Westport school “Westport is just so that will develop a School is capable of addressing and system overall.”

Maya Hruskar ’23 describes comprehensive plan working towards finding a remedy in Bailey remains homogenous and there her experience with the encouraging the creating a more inclusive community. optimistic that TEAM are very few minorities, so scheduling policy and argues “Between the students, the faculty, recruitment of a more Westport-Staples will personally, I think the only diverse population of the staff and the administration,” continue working it subverts Staples values. closely with the way you could really change educators. According Abbey said, “I have great faith in to EdSight, run by what’s going to happen going forward.”

Staples High School anything is to make it more the Connecticut administration. diverse and that takes time.” State Department “We obviously COLASURDO RETURNS of Education, only (TOP TO BOTTOM) Photos by have been working - Gary Lu ’21 AFTER CORONAVIRUS 8.9% of certified Westport Public Schools, Rebecca Kanfer with them since educators in the state ’21 & Eliza Barr ’21 and we hope to see The coronavirus outbreak in of Connecticut some things change in terms of China forces Charlie Colasurdo are minorities. structure and programming ’18 to return from college abroad.

Bayers stated initiatives,” Bailey said. the state aims “I think there’s a real to increase willingness and positivity to the number move forward on a number of certified STAPLES PLAYERS’ “SEUSSICAL” of other initiatives.” minority Thomas expects Staples Players prepare for the educators that reconstructing spring production of “Seussical.” to 10%.

Staples High School’s “Hav i ng social infrastructure a more diverse will entail educating workforce is students of the impact of WRESTLING TEAM a huge priority one’s insensitive comments for the state of minority students.

The Staples wrestling team towards Connecticut. It’s not just “[Reconstructing social proves dominance after infrastructure would entail] making a Westport concern,” Bayers said. Scan the QR code to view Niah Michel’s an impressive performance people aware of what microaggressions Kale maintains that increasing ’20 letter, originally published by in the FCIAC tournament. are,” Thomas said. “Making people aware diversity among staff members will WestportNow on Feb. 14.

inside the issue

opinions 7

features 10

arts 12

sports 14

Staples High School • inklingsnews.com

Feb. 28, 2020

Staples High School

News

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BOE approves 8:00 a.m. start time for next school year Natalie Bandura ’22

will lead to students on his team missing the last period of the day more frequently for games, as well as making practice he Westport Board of Ed- end at 5:30 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. ucation (BOE) approved “I think that it’s going to be difficult the 8:00 a.m. Staples start for them to study,” Shepro said. “I don’t time proposed by the School Start think anyone’s studying in the morning, Times Committee for the 2020-2021 so I think them working in the afternoon school year with a 5-2 vote on Feb. 10. [...] clearly gives them less time.”

Start and end times will shift back by Oliver Clachko ’22 understands the a half hour for all schools: both middle concerns that arise with after-school schools along with Saugatuck Elementary athletics but believes that the top priority School will start at 8:30 a.m.; Coleytown, for students should be the opportunity Greens Farms, Kings Highway and Long to get more sleep rather than any Lots Elementary Schools at 9:00 a.m.; inevitable repercussions of the change. and Stepping “I support the “[T]he committee that made the later start times Stones Preschool at 9:30 a.m. recommendation was because I’ve had The driving never thinking about elementary enough of waking reason behind this up tired,” Clachko schools [...] All I felt was we got decision was the said. “People are mere lip service today.” pattern of chronic just complaining sleep deprivation for the sake of - Elizabeth Coe complaining, in middle and [...] high school We need this for the students as a result of their shifted circadian sake of our mental health.” rhythms. Consistent loss of sleep often Despite the finalizing effect of the leads to anxiety and a plethora of mental decision, there are still several factors that and physical health issues, according to the BOE and district administration has the CDC. Despite this, many students are yet to plan out, the most significant one left dissatisfied with the change because it being the implementation of before and will shorten their afternoons, especially for after-school care programs for elementary those involved in after-school activities. school students with both working parents.

“I think [the time shift] is kind Elementary school parents and of weird because now for people that teachers attending the Feb. 10 meeting play sports it’s going to end later, so it’s voiced their concerns about the going to be dark when we practice in impact the change will have on their the winter,” Aidan Vosper ’21 said. “I schedules, as well as what some believe don’t like it also because it’s not really to have been a lack of proportionate going to let me get more sleep, and I’m representation of elementary school going to have less time to do homework.” parents and teachers in the committee.

Staples social studies teacher and girls’ “I’m really frustrated,” Elizabeth Coe, volleyball coach Jonathan Shepro expressed the working parent of three elementary unease with the later ending time, which school students, said. “I think the Board

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News Editor

members had their minds made up forced to find before and after-school already. I think that the committee that care for their younger children or make made the recommendation was never longer commutes due to traffic issues. thinking about elementary schools [...] All “I know for a lot of teachers it’s going I felt was we got mere lip service today.” to be hard for them if they’re used to Coe recognizes the BOE’s plan to getting their kids off the bus or it’s going to resolve logistical issues with the availability pose more childcare costs for them in the of before-school care programs but sees afternoon,” Staples literary coach Rebecca the idea as having a negative impact on the Marsick said. “I think there are a lot more students who will have to partake in them. things that need to be done to lessen the “Do you know what I see that as?” Coe stress here, and [moving back start times] said during the meeting. “Punishment for isn’t the major thing that needs to be done.” my children because I’m a working parent.

Out of 328 survey respondents...

My kids don’t want Do you think you will get more, less or the same to go to school half amount of sleep? an hour earlier or an hour earlier [...] They don’t feel that that’s fair. Their friends don’t do that, why should they have to?”

The BOE has additionally suggested for the administration to look into a restructuring of the elementary school day in order to help the children remain Do you think this will have a positive, negative or focused and energetic throughout the day. neutral impact on the Westport community?

While the chief concern for the BOE decision was how the later start times would impact students, a resulting ramification of the time shift is the consequence it will have on the district’s teachers and staff, many of Graphic by Lia Chen ’20 whom will now be & Roxy Augeri ’20

Juniors parking on campus provokes online controversy Molly Gold ’21 News Editor Juniors parking in spaces assigned for seniors is leading to tension in the Facebook group, “Staples Superfans.”

The schoolwide group is intended to be a space for students to post about sports games, schoolwide events or other information. Some seniors have posted pictures of alleged juniors’ cars in their spots in the group. Posts surrounding the parking issue have ranged from pleas to stop parking in senior spaces to threats to slash tires. “[J]uniors stop parking in senior spots this isn’t cute... calling this jaguar

out who parked in my spot....have fun with your ticket,” one post stated.

The group is headed by senior “captains,” whose job is to moderate the group and post much of the information.

One captain, Grace Taylor ’20, thinks that many juniors park in senior spots because they find the Facebook posts humorous.

“I think [the parking issue] got worse or didn’t change because it makes the juniors want to do it more,” Taylor said. “It’s just a funny thing to post about for the seniors, or at least for me, I thought it was funny.”

But others do not see the humor.

Some juniors who have been targeted feel that the seniors take it too far.

“Someone posted a picture of a

“i legit don’t understand when we were juniors last year we NEVER had the nerve to park in senior spots” - Alyssa Dimaio ’20

These quotes were taken from the “Staples Superfans” Facebook group.

car and a lot of people in the group said that it was mine even though it wasn’t,” Nicole Jamieson ’21 said. “People are so quick to attack each other and there’s a better way to go about the situation that’s not posted for the whole school to see.”

According to Assistant Principal Patrick Micinilio, who oversees the junior grade, the number of students parking in inappropriate spots on campus has not increased since years past.

“Juniors always try to get away with it, so this is absolutely nothing new. It happens every year,” Micinilio said. “I might notice it more this year because I have the juniors, but it’s not atypical. So four years ago I was

“to whoever made me late to my first midterm today... i just wanna talk” - Ali Feder ’20

dealing with the same sort of stuff.”

In an attempt to combat this issue two years ago, the administration assigned seniors to specific parking spaces, rather than having general on campus parking permits. Additionally, juniors are faced with a series of consequences if caught parking on campus.

The first time a student is caught parking on campus without a permit, he or she will receive a parking violation fine. If caught a second time, he or she will receive another fine and an afterschool detention. After being caught for the third time, a vehicle immobilization boot will be placed on the car until the end of the school day along with a $50 fine.

“next car that parks in one of my friends spots I will block you in and sit and wait. stop.”

- Lily Wallace ’20

Photo by Henry Portman ’21 - Aerial Photography Club

inklingsnews.com • Staples High School

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Feb. 28, 2020

Staples High School

Assessment Center extends hours to accommodate students missing tests Natalie Bandura ’22 News Editor

Finnegan Courtney ’23 Staff Writer

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he Assessment Center will remain open after school on Thursdays from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. for a 10 to 12 week experimental period.

The time change grants an opportunity for students who do not have an available time slot during the school day to make up tests that they missed after school.

Staples, as one of only six out of 27 public high schools in Fairfield County with an Assessment Center, made the decision not only for students who do not have a free period, but also for those who are out sick, have to leave school early or miss class. The change came after the administration noticed an increase in students missing classes to make up tests and quizzes, preventing them from learning material in the classroom.

“The need was brought up by teachers that students were missing class to make up exams because a number of students, especially students who are in the arts, fill their frees with electives,” Principal Stafford W. Thomas, Jr. said.

“We’re trying to see if this is going to alleviate the problem.”

If this experimental period is successful in attracting a large student population, Thomas suggested that it could be extended.

“You really don’t have that much further to go for seniors because of internships,” Thomas said, “but if [the experimental period] is successful, maybe we go all the way up to the seniors’ last day.”

If the experimental period proves successful overall, Thomas and the administration may consider extending the Assessment Center’s new times to next school year. With the potential for an 8:00 a.m. Staples start time, Thomas suggested there is also the option for it to run before school.

As many students have an inflexible schedule throughout the school day, there

is demand for an opportunity to make up their tests before or after school hours.

“I think both options should be available for students as every student is different,” Maya Vogelmann ’22 said.

“For some, they can’t retake tests after school because of sports, music, Players or other commitments. On the other hand, some students can’t get a ride to school early or don’t focus well that early.”

English teacher Jamie Pacuk also anticipates that the school faculty will be enthusiastic about the change.

“It’s definitely something worth trying to see [...] if students would actually take advantage of it and use that time,” Pacuk said. “I’m hoping that it would be successful because I’m pretty sure it came from students asking if it could be open later.”

Because the Assessment Center is now more available for students, some are concerned that a currently light pattern of skipping class and making up the work later may increase.

“I think that the Assessment Center is open for so long because [students] who do not like class have the opportunity to make up tests that we missed,” an anonymous sophomore girl said. “I think that something should be done about it.”

Despite student concerns about their peers’ abuse of the Assessment Center, Thomas believes the issue is too difficult to confirm, as it is hard to tell whether a student is sick, out for legitimate reasons or simply skipping class.

“That has not been brought to my attention, that [students abusing the Assessment Center] has been a problem,” Thomas EXTENDED HOURS Students pack the Assessment Center to said. “I’ve been in a number make up missed tests during a school day. Assessment Center of meetings throughout the hours were extended as concerns of students missing class to year and that has never been make up tests arose. brought up as a concern.”

Regardless of individual experiences with the Assessment Center, its main purpose remains as a place to retake missed assessments in order to alleviate pressure on students who would otherwise need to find a new time to make up missed work.

“It provides an added level of flexibility into our general school system that helps students to make up assessments if they were to be missing class one day,” Corinne Fucci, a General Education Paraprofessional who oversees the Assessment Center, said. “I think it is kind of a real community hub that allows students to use their time to the best of their ability.”

Marijuana legalization paves path for new Westport medical dispensaries Natasha Taubenheim ’22 Staff Writer

A new cannabidiol (CBD) business, New England Hemp Farm, opened its doors in Westport on Nov. 1. As the second medical marijuana dispensary following BluePoint Wellness, some Westporters have voiced their concern at town meetings, questioning if the distribution of cannabis should continue.

“Opening more dispensaries in Westport is a bad idea,” Cameron Almonte ’23 said. “It will provide easier access to students and will influence people to use other drugs.”

Based on the opinions of local officials, opening new marijuana dispensaries is more difficult than it may seem. There are a number of steps that need to be completed in order for the facilities to open.

Jonathan Steinberg ’74, a five-term State Representative of Connecticut’s 136th Assembly District and the current Chair of the Legislature’s Public Health Committee, is aware of the process and understands the difficulties that come with such a political issue.

“The Legislature has to pass a law legalizing sale and the law has to go into effect,” Steinberg said. “Then the Department of Consumer Protection has to promulgate rules and establish and apparatus for implementation, which will take one and a half to two years at

the least. Then Westport would need to approve a recreational dispensary, which is not a sure thing despite the existence of a medical dispensary.”

There are numerous risks that come with marijuana legalization, a n d politicians have varying concerns.

Many politicians place high importance on safety, and some believe illegal cannabis can be dangerous.

“My concerns relate to the black market products adulterated with bad ingredients and the need to direct all proceeds to mental health and addiction services,” Steinberg said. “I’d ban all edibles and have many other requirements before I could support legalization.”

The planning and zoning director for Westport, Mary Young, is familiar with some of the attempts to prevent future dispensaries from opening.

“Municipal ordinance was proposed to restrict future sales of recreational marijuana,” Young said, “but it was not approved by the Westport [Representative T o w n Meet i ng].”

S o m e believe that

Staples High School • inklingsnews.com

legalization is acceptable due to the difficulties in actually obtaining cannabis.

“The BluePoint Wellness dispensary has locked doors, meaning you can’t get in without a card,” Sophia Kessler ’22 said.

“Opening new dispensaries is harmless, considering the only people who can go in are people who need the marijuana for therapeutic and medical reasons.”

The process of authorizing marijuana and opening more

dispensaries in Westport and other towns is becoming more widespread, causing people to grow wary of the possible dangers and become increasingly interested in certain aspects of the topic.

“It’s important that people know and understand their limits,” Ellie Doran ’20 said. “When we legalize any drug, there are people that can’t control themselves, and this can have the potential to lead to a series of unfortunate events.”

Photo by Karina Murray ’22

DISPENSARY OPENINGS Due to the recent legalization of medical marijuana in Westport, dispensaries such as New England Hemp Farm, in downtown Westport, have opened for business.

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Course selection process proves stressful, lacks proper communication

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he courses that students take throughout high school have the potential to be life-changing: they form the backbone of the high school experience, molding students’ minds, study-habits and passions.

While the transformational influence of a student’s schedule is undeniable, this opportunity for growth has unfortunately become obstructed by the stress surrounding the course selection process.

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Editorials and letters to the editor All opinions in this paper are those of Staples High School students. The editorial board determines editorial opinions which are authored by the editors-in-chief. Send signed letters to inklingsnews@westportps.org. Submissions will not be edited prior to publication.

Advertising Inklings News reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health.

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Distribution Inklings News, a curricular and extracurricular publication, has a circulation of 1,800 and is uncensored.

Inklings News is uncensored, unedited by administration and does not allow for prior review. Inklings News serves as an open forum for the public and welcomes letters to the editor and other submissions. 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 or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Timing course selections during midterm exams forces students to compromise exam preparation for course selection and keeps them in a state of high anxiety. This decision would be better made after February break, once students have had the opportunity to reflect on their classroom success.

In addition to altering the timeline of course selection, there are measures that the administration should take to alleviate pressure.

First, we believe stronger relationships must be formed between students and guidance staff. Only through an established connection can guidance counselors truly understand a student’s academic abilities, interests and stressors, ultimately providing

meaningful and personalized support.

Many students on our Editorial Board have recognized a disconnect between students and the guidance department, describing pressure from guidance counselors to enroll in overly challenging classes. On the other hand, some students have felt their academic ambitions suppressed by guidance counselors when told that they should only take a certain number of honors or AP classes.

Through more consistent meetings and regular communication, guidance counselors can strengthen relationships with students, minimizing misunderstanding.

Students may consequently feel more comfortable opening up about aspirations, which can ensure more suitable suggestions.

The responsibility to communicate falls equally on students as it does on guidance counselors. As students, we should make an effort to schedule meetings and conversations.

We acknowledge that the idea of meeting with adults can be nervewracking, but their input weighs heavily into course recommendations, and ultimately, the academic experience.

Meeting more regularly with counselors and teachers must be prioritized within the Staples community to ensure a fulfilling four years for every student.

Students must additionally work to reframe conversations surrounding course selection. Conversations with peers tend to generate anxiety, emphasizing the need to take honors and AP courses in order to appeal to colleges.

[inklinations]

JARED GULLANS ’23 “It’s effective because you can go onto PowerSchool and select your classes right there.”

The consequences of this mindset often leads students to take classes they are not genuinely interested in. In turn, their lack of engagement negatively affects other students’ experiences.

For instance, many Staples students enroll in AP Environmental Science because of its reputation for being an easy AP course that will boost grade point averages. As a result, genuinely interested students sense a lack of motivation in this class and others are surprised by the difficulty of the course, ultimately creating a frustrating experience.

In order to avoid such consequences, the Staples community must reframe the process of selecting appropriate courses.

We should see them not as simply vehicles to impress colleges or build a robust resume, but as the means to explore interests and discover genuine passions.

While shifting such a deeply entrenched mindset will not be easy, doing so would be transformative in enabling students to step outside convention. Taking courses that students are truly interested in would allow them to explore new avenues and ultimately ignite a love for learning.

The editorial board voted 25-1 in favor of this editorial.

Scan this QR code to visit the Inklings News website.

DO YOU THINK THE COURSE SELECTION PROCESS IS CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE?

HANNAH EVEN ’21 “I think it is pointless to have teachers give recommendations when so many students override.”

MOLLY LILES ’22 “There needs to be a change.

The system of selecting classes is bad, the overide process is bad and counselors need to be more involved.”

inklingsnews.com • Staples High School

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Opinions

Feb. 28, 2020

Inklings News

Sanders dominates democratic primaries: Democrats you better embrace the Bern Alex Massoud’20 Web Sports Editor

B

ernie Sande r s is going to win the most votes in the demo c r at ic primary. He is going to win the most delegates.

Whether or not he will earn the required number of delegates to clinch the nomination is unclear, but what is clear is the Vermont Senator’s status as the emerging overwhelming frontrunner in the Democratic Party’s search to find a worthy opponent to President Trump.

As Senator Sanders’ wins in New Hampshire and Nevada highlighted his position in the party, I was initially upset. The primary focus should be winning the elections in November of this year, both the Presidential and Congressional elections. Bernie Sanders, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, does not galvanize the perspective of the party that plagued Hillary Clinton in 2016.

To win back Michigan, Wisconsin,

Pennsylvania and Ohio, common sense suggests that a moderate will bring back many of the voters who turned Republican in those states. This is why Joe Biden led the early national polls and still ranks highly in polls which pair him against Donald Trump. Nominating a socialist, on the other hand, will not win back lost votes. This idea of electability was my main concern regarding Sanders.

However, as the first three primaries have shown, Sanders is finding more success bringing out voters more than any other candidate. In potential swing states he may not persuade middle-of-the-road voters to swing democratic, but he will certainly receive more votes from younger people who could turn states by themselves alone, as young people have never voted in large numbers before. Critics of this idea need not look any further than Sanders’ rally on Feb. 23 in Texas, where more than 12,000 people came out to show their support. A victory in Texas would also almost certainly mean victory in November for the Democrats.

As for his policy views, Bernie supports medicare-for-all, palestinian statehood and free college. Those who vehemently oppose these ideas should understand that they

are not likely to pass in a highly partisan Congress. Rather than being worried about nominating a Democrat-socialist as the contender to President Trump, the worry should be about a Democratic Party not uniting around their candidate, which happened in the last election cycle.

So, for those Democrats who are not fully comfortable with Bernie Sanders as their nominee, understand that it is beginning to seem like an inevitability and focus not on his policy stances but on

his ability to spur the vote of young people who will not turn out for other candidates.

Sanders’ talents with attracting young Democrats just might be the best chance to defeat Donald Trump later this year.

Graphic by Poppy Livingstone ’21

Letter to the Editor: response to pledge article In response to Emily Stone’s opinion piece in the Jan. 16, 2020 edition of inklingsnews, the library offers this comment: In the library, we do not require students to stand or salute during the recitation of the pledge. We do, however, make an announcement to call attention to the fact that the pledge is being recited. If we feel it is necessary, we also request that students stop walking and stop talking during the pledge. This is for two reasons: if students are talking it makes it difficult to hear the announcements and the pledge,

and making noise during the pledge interferes with the rights of everyone else in the library to observe the traditional method of displaying patriotism.

A little background: In the United States, most states require a regularly scheduled recitation of the pledge in public schools. During this event it is traditional to stand, place one’s right hand over your heart, and recite the pledge. In fact, in 1942 Congress stipulated the handover-the-heart gesture as the salute to be rendered by civilians during the Pledge of

Staples High School • inklingsnews.com

Allegiance, but in 1954 it was amended to designate “merely standing at attention” as a measure of full respect for the flag during the pledge (“Pledge of Allegiance Bill”). .The library does not require standing, the salute, or reciting the pledge, but we do want students to be respectful of the right of others to exhibit their patriotism.

Tamara Weinberg & Jennifer Cirino Library Media Specialists

Scan this QR code to view the United States Pledge Of Allegiance Bill

Inklings News

Feb. 28, 2020

Opinions

Restaurants fail inspections, closer look needed Roxy Augeri ’20 Assistant Creative Director

T

he last thing that one wants to hear when they are going out to eat is that their favorite restaurant has failed a health inspection. This vague phrase is daunting to any consumer, instantly repelling any customer from eating there.

In Westport, many family favorites have not received passing grades following Food and Drug Association (FDA) guidelines from state health inspectors.

In December 2019, eleven restaurants including the Sherwood Diner, Balducci’s and the Pearl at Longshore failed to be up to code according to an article published by The Hour.

But there is a problem with stating that a restaurant has “failed” its inspection because this interpretation may be subjective.

The inspection process is extremely complicated and a failure can be the result of one small error. A restaurant must score an 80 or above in order to pass the inspection, and if they have a four point deduction in any area, it constitutes an automatic failure.

The Sherwood Diner, for example, failed their inspection automatically due

to a four-point deduction regarding the scrupulous in understanding the scoring temperature that fruit was stored in their so small businesses do not needlessly suffer display case, according to Westport News. for what could be a very minor offense.

Overall, they finished the inspection with One of the most important ways to a score of 88— which is a score above the be an educated consumer is to make sure required score of 80 to pass— but they still you research a restaurant’s rating before “failed” because of that one four-point you attend. This way, you can decide for deduction against their refrigeration. So, yourself what “failing” really means. as a customer, I might skip eating the fruit in the display case, but there would be no reason for me to stop eating at the diner since food quality in the kitchen earned a passing score.

My family owned a restaurant in Westport in the past, so I know firsthand how strict these regulations can be. Restaurants can fail for even the most minute missteps in all areas of food preparation.

On one hand, this meticulousness is a good thing, as it is vital to a customers safety for the food to be prepared with the most important safety regulations in HEALTH INSPECTION FAILURE The restaurants in Westport mind. But it also that have failed their health inspections due to minor issues means customers include Spotted Horse, Oko and Aux Delices. should be more Photos by Emma Smith ’22

Unfair scheduling policy undermines school mission statement Maya Hruskar ’23 Staff Writer “The Staples High School community inspires learning, fosters integrity, and nurtures empathy.”

That’s Staples’ mission statement.

It’s a standard that the administration and students are expected to follow. The scheduling policy, however, does not live up to those values.

My experience is proof.

While in eighth grade, I made the decision to take Intro to Journalism as a first semester freshman. Upon taking the class, I discovered a passion. So, three months ago, I looked into taking Advanced Journalism for semester two. I found that I could easily switch my Global Themes class to a different period with the same teacher and level in order to open space for the elective. Both my global and elective teacher supported the change. Hooray!

I sent an enthusiastic email to my guidance counselor, and, expecting an equally enthusiastic response, I called it a day.

But then my guidance counselor said “no.” Along with the director of guidance and eventually the principal.

Over this grueling series of emails, meetings and disappointments, however, I did find some interesting information about the scheduling policy. Or, as I call it now, total BS! Essentially, the policy states that the only changes allowed after four days of the new semester are dropping a class or changing levels.

Under these rules, guidance could only approve my request if I dropped down from Global Honors to an A-level class with a different teacher. To clarify, the level drop was required only to satisfy the policy as opposed to concern for my education. That decision doesn’t exactly “inspire learning.”

Guidance’s view is that schedule changes disrupt class compositions, which take into account factors like male-female ratio, students with 504 plans and size.

I refuse to believe, however, that it is impossible to make the policy more lenient without maintaining the high standards of class composition.

When students have to make a decision which determines the next year of their life based on three sentence course descriptions, it shouldn’t be surprising if they change their mind after the class starts. This policy doesn’t show much “empathy”

to the position students they are put in.

I have no doubt that every member of the guidance department is invested in each student’s success and happiness.

Therefore, it’s in their best interest to help as many students as possible to achieve their prefered schedule.

The “integrity” of a system depends on its balance between rigidity and flexibility.

Currently, the balance is tipped too far in the former direction. This administration needs to recognize that and change the policy so that it better reflects the standards of the mission statement.

Graphic by Poppy Livingstone ’21

7

Impeachment illuminates flaws in federal government Sophie Casey ’20 Web Managing Editor

I am acutely conscious of the historic moment to which I bear witness.

President Donald Trump is only the third president to be tried in the Senate— the infrequency of impeachment in our nation’s history should render it consequential. The apparatus was devised to be an instrument of change when no other redress was possible. But Trump’s impeachment has done no such thing.

If there is anything positive to be gained from such a divisive process, we must be willing to confront issues of importance by occasionally removing our singularly Republican or Democrat lenses.

The House of Representatives and the Senate voted on the articles of impeachment in a largely partisan fashion: Democrats endorsed impeachment while Republicans opposed it. In this age of obligate extremism, it’s easy to forget that though impeachment is certainly a political process, it was not designed to be a partisan one.

Every president has been accused of some degree of wrongdoing, but impeachment—the transcendent check upon the executive—has formerly operated under the implicit understanding that it is solely reserved for the offenses most grievous. Its failure has taught us an important if disillusioning lesson: polarity is endemic in our government, and if we are to move forward, we must learn to handle issues outside of a solely Republican or Democrat lens. A functional dual-party political system requires working across the aisle and resisting the subversive exaltation of loyalty to party over their constituents.

The impeachment has revealed a new mentality inherent in our politics.

During the Senate proceedings, I watched Republicans abdicate their principles in favor of maintaining power. All Senators swore an oath to do impartial justice, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared himself a juror who had pre-judged the trial before it began.

It’s notable to remember that McConnell previously decried Trump as wrong for the country. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham previously denounced Trump as unfit for office. Now, they liken Trump’s impeachment to an act of war, comparing it to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Their eager endorsement is an act solely favoring the Republican entity.

When Senator Mitt Romney voted for an indictment—the single Republican to break ranks—some of his Republican colleagues suggested he be censured and ejected from the party.

There is no denying that Democrats also engaged in playing hyper-partisan politics. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi incubated the articles for 33 days before delivering them to the Senate, trying to secure concessions from McConnell and delaying the trial from the beginning.

Our political leaders’ loyalty lies with partisan bodies, not their constituents. The unprecedented degree of polarization has facilitated nihilism in the American populace, fostered a collective identity of cynicism and numbed us to constitutional scorn. Their betrayal of principle is a pure example of partisan farce. Both sides share in their culpability.

History will treat our political leaders harshly if they fail to condemn the contrived duality of our government.

Impeachment was not the civics lesson I wanted, but it was the one we needed.

inklingsnews.com • Staples High School

featu Feb. 28,

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Features

Mullineaux boldly experiments with spray paint art methods split the street art community.

According to columbia.edu, the former Creative Director style, popularized by street artist Banksy, uses multi-layered stencils to create pray paint art is often associated with mural-like images. Tagging is more cities —colorful murals adorn blank organic, spontaneous and associated walls in New York City, tags are with the graffiti community as a whole. hastily sprayed onto subway cars, graffiti “I have no problem with the Banksy appears overnight on bridges and buildstyle; it’s just beautiful,” Mullineaux ings. Though this medium found its roots said. “But tagging is more my speed. in urban areas, Tate Mullineaux ’22 has I like the design and it’s a lot easier brought spray paint art to his backyard. to quickly make something cool.”

“I started working with spray paint Mullineuax’s process is spontaneous, two years ago,” Mullineaux said. “I would energetic and occasionally pyrotechnic. go in my backyard and hang up big papers Setting up a makeshift workspace on hay on my fence and do stencil work. Then I bales in his backyard, he coats a piece realized I could make cool designs by of paper in black spray paint. To hasten layering colors on top of each other and the drying process, Mullineaux crafts using found objects to create outlines.” a makeshift blowtorch out of a spray His interest in the artform was initially canister and a lighter, releasing a burst piqued by online graffiti communities. of heat onto his piece to dry the paint.

Youtube videos of professional graffiti After surveying his array of colorful spray artists drew him in, as did he chooses “Very few people know I do canisters, the history of the artform. a color. Mullineaux it, and I kind of like doing “You see graffiti in our then uses bowls, cups culture here and there,” it privately and quietly for and plates to create Mullineaux said.

“No and layer circles. myself.” matter who or where you Using the techniques - Tate Mullineaux ’22 he found online, are, you see it everywhere.

At first I just thought it he transforms these shapes into was cool, and then I looked into the abstract planets, nebulas and stars. literal wars between the Banksy style Though he draws inspiration from and the tagging style, and I found that the greats of the graffiti world, Mullineaux and the overall culture really cool.” prefers to refer to his art as spray paint art.

The style war Mullineaux refers “There’s a whole culture to graffiti that to goes back decades, as stencil art I’m kind of apart from,” Mullineaux said. and traditional graffiti-style “tagging” “Sometimes people see graffiti as a bad

Poppy Livingstone ’21

S

1 Staples High School • inklingsnews.com

thing because they’ll see bad words spray painted on bridges or something. That’s always kind of painful to me. It kind of makes this really beautiful and expressive art style into something lesser. Very few people know I do it, and I kind of like doing it privately and quietly for myself.”

Though he keeps his work private, Mullineaux’s dedication to his hobbies is evident to his friends.

“Overall Tate is such a determined person,” Madison Lebowitz ’22 said. “He puts his all into everything he does.”

Mullineaux’s hobbies span beyond spray paint art. Design, filmmaking and snowboarding are some of his other pass times. Considering the urban roots of his art style, it may come as a surprise that Mullineaux spends time tending to his family’s farm animals.

Mullineaux creates his art surrounded by nature and farm animals. Mullineaux currently has eight goats, twelve chickens, bees, cows, a cat, a dog and a snake.

“You’d think it would influence my art, but at a certain point, living on a farm just becomes like life,” Mullineaux said. “I love them, but it’s a lot to wake up early and stay up late taking care of them.”

Just as tending to his farm has become a routine part of Mullineaux’s life, he hopes to continue his spray paint art in the future.

“I want to develop my style,” Mullineaux said. “In the future I’d like to be able to pick up some spray paint and do a quick tag. It’s not something I’d like to ever lose.”

Mullineaux starts off by putting down a base color and uses newspaper to create different textures.

2

Mullineaux uses found objects as stencils to form shapes.

ures 2020

Features

9

Photos & graphics by Poppy Livingstone ’21 USING FIRE In order to make the drying process quicker, Mullineaux uses a blowtorch on the spray paint bottles and sprays it on his work. Sometimes he accidentally lights his piece on fire.

DISCOVERING INSPIRATION While his hobbies include snowboarding and filmmaking, his passion for graphic design particularly helps him with his street art.

He also gains inspiration from online YouTube videos from professionals.

3

Mullineaux fills in the background to eliminate the white space and adds finishing touches, like stars and paint splatters, to pull his piece all together.

4

When Mullineaux finishes his pieces, he often gives them to his family and friends.

inklingsnews.com • Staples High School

10 Features

Staples High School

Feb. 28, 2020

THE

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK Thousands in China affected

Photo by Eliza Barr ’21

Coronavirus forces Staples graduate to return home Eliza Barr ’21

of China as the virus had spread to a lot of major cities,” Colasurdo said.

Colasurdo, who was visiting Hong Kong with a few friends, had only been at his hotel for mere hours s Charlie Colasurdo ’18 scanned before receiving an email from school his classroom he noticed some- administrators explaining plans to thing different than usual: a extend break. International including majority of the students donned medi- students, cal masks over their noses and mouths. Colasurdo, were to receive This change wasn’t sudden. Over the $1,000 for flights home.

“By that point past month, coronavirus has slowly begun seeping throughout China, growing things were starting to from just a few instances in Wuhan to get a little more serious, thousands of confirmed cases worldwide. like everyone was wearing Up to that point, Colasurdo had been masks,” Colasurdo said. “You a semester into his freshman year at Duke’s could definitely tell that there Kunshan University outside of Shanghai was a sense of anxiety in alongside 700 other undergraduates. He the air. We started making immersed himself in Chinese culture while plans to get back to the States.”

Now back home in America, working towards a major in public policy Colasurdo admits that there’s no clear and economics with a Chinese minor. But answer as to when he’ll return to soon after the semester began, Colasurdo school. With such uncertainty said the dynamic rapidly shifted. of the trajectory of the virus, “Mid-to-late January we started online classes will be used for hearing stories about this virus,” the next seven weeks instead.

Colasurdo said. “It was especially “Everyone is operating concerning for us since Wuhan under the assumption that University is Duke’s partner school.” we’ll be all good to go again At this time, the Chinese New in the fall,” Colasurdo Year break was just around said. “It’s really difficult the corner when most to extrapolate how students return home. long this [is] going A majority of to be a problem.” students go abroad or In the back home during m e a n t i m e , this break, but the Colasurdo remains virus’s implications worried for his on airports friends remaining complicated this. in China.

“A lot of students “I realize that had canceled I’m obviously so travel, especially lucky to have been to other areas Photo from Inklingnews Assistant Creative Director

A

able to get home and to be able to have a fully-funded trip home,” Colasurdo said. “[However,] when there still are several classmates who are on campus right now, not knowing when they’ll be able to return home.”

Graphic by Lia Chen ’20

DESERTED CAMPUS (BELOW) All buildings and resources are still open on campus, but almost all students and staff left. (LEFT) Like Colasurdo, who participated in dumpling and pierogi making classes in Shanghai, students have the opportunity to get involved in activities outside of campus.

Photos contributed by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

Staples High School • inklingsnews.com

Staples High School

Features

Feb. 28, 2020

11

Guidance counselors offer course selection support Graphic by Chloe Murray ’22

Anastasia Thumser ’22 Web Opinions Editor

J

anuary is an arduous month for most of the Staples student body: post-vacation sluggishness, midterm stress and rigorous school weeks without break contribute to students’ agony over their academics. While students strive to finish the semester on a positive note, they simultaneously have to think about their course selection for the next school year.

Course recommendations are published on Feb. 4, which students can utilize to create a cohesive schedule that will best fit their needs. Fortunately, Staples has 14 guidance counselors who aid students in their course selection in hopes of making the process less strenuous.

“As counselors, we try to make sure students are aware of the options,” William Plunkett, Director of Guidance at Staples, said. “Students hear about some classes more so than others, but we have some classes where students can earn credit through the University of Connecticut—called ECE—that many students don’t know about.”

As well as reminding students of the multitude of course options Staples has to offer, guidance counselors emphasize the necessity of maintaining a feasible academic

load that does not detract from their to English Honors and I was super happy extracurricular activities or social lives. with my decision, but I needed to have “The number one word I would focus my teacher and parent sign a sheet that on when students make their schedules I needed to bring back to my counselor.”

While it’s natural for students is ‘balance,’” Kim Curran, Staples guidance counselor, said. “A student’s to feel a sense of uncertainty when schedule should show balance with not creating their schedules, the policy of just academics, but also with what they pre-registration through PowerSchool do outside of school. Students should of that was introduced by the guidance course challenge themselves, but also department in 2019 has been helpful for take into consideration everything that both students and guidance counselors.

“It definitely helps for reasons of they’re doing and not push themselves to a point where school is not enjoyable.” efficiency because when students come While teacher recommendations in, a lot of the courses are already in the computer,” Curran said. are not binding, as students “A student’s schedule should “It really allows me to and talk to students can accelerate show balance with not just sit more about their classes, themselves up to academics, but also with what versus me just putting one level above initial their they do outside of school.” them in for them.”

Staples students recommendation, - Guidance counselor Kim Curran also find manual input Curran and of their classes efficient.

Plunkett both stated “I like how we get to see our that scheduling issues most commonly arise when students attempt to override. teachers’ recommendations early on, “If [overriding] doesn’t end up and then meet with our guidance working out the way we all hoped for,” counselors later to check with them Curran said, “one of the biggest issues about our choices,” Meg Enquist ’23 said.

Throughout the course selection is trying to find a place for them in another class. If a student needs to make process, guidance counselors intend assist students through the a change, it can be very challenging to to do so for purely logistical reasons.” process and offer advice tailored to In addition to overrides creating the needs of individual students.

“We keep in mind that there are so schedule complications, students cite that the process of overriding can be difficult. many different offerings that students “The Staples process of course selection can’t possibly accomplish everything they could be more efficient, especially when may want to, and that’s okay,” Plunkett you’re unhappy with recommendations or said. “We make sure students have wish to make any changes,” Lili Aldridge time to tackle some of the classes and ’22 said. “I once overrode from English A goals they may want to down the road.”

: “This course combines students with and without special needs to participate in a developmentally appropriate physical education class.”

“The one-quarter Sophomore Health & Safety course includes training in CPR, First Aid and chronic disease prevention.”

“Students will develop their technical skills in a variety of racquet sports, which include tennis, pickleball and table tennis.”

Information from the Staples High School Program of Studies

Information from the Staples High School Program of Studies

Lucy Dockter hatches, raises two pet turkeys at home Tallula Stvan ’21 Arts Editor Most people consider dogs, cats and fish to be more than just pets. They are essential parts of the family. However, one student prefers that turkeys hold that designation.

Lucy Dockter ’22 has two 6-year -old Royal Palm turkeys named Tom and Jerry (Tom is the female). If you were to stop by the Dockter household, you may see Tom and Jerry puffing up, spreading their feathers and hopping to assert their dominance.

“Often when people first meet the

turkeys, they are a bit scared,” Dockter said. “The turkeys look like insane monsters, so it is understandable why people would be freaked out by them.”

She favors taking care of turkeys in particular because they are low maintenance. When she feeds the pets, it is fairly straightforward. Some of their favorite foods include dandelion leaves, watermelon and pancakes.

“Turkeys are relatively easy to care for. They live in a large cage in our yard and require food once a day and water,” Dockter said.

Her love for caring for birds

started when she attended elementary school in Pound Ridge, New York. Her family ran an embryology program which allowed students to hatch either ducks or chickens, and they went to classrooms to teach the students how to care for the eggs. When the Dockters moved to Westport, one of their neighbors asked them to hatch turkey eggs.

“He had tried to have a very broody chicken sit on them, but that was not working out,” Dockter said. “So we took six eggs and incubated them for 28 days.”

Four of those six eggs became the family’s first turkeys.

Caring for the turkeys led the Dockter family to take further interest in hatching different, more obscure types

of birds, including quail, guineafowl and peacocks. However, their primary focus right now is on Tom and Jerry.

“They often like to be let out of their cage so they can roam through the yard, take dirt baths and eat random weeds they find.”

Despite the ease of caring for the turkeys, Dockter admits they require her to keep a close eye, as they have a habit of pecking shiny objects like nail polish, hair and fingers.

Dockter says that although unusual for housepets, her turkeys really have become a part of the family.

“Tom and Jerry always want to come into the house to be with us,” Dockter said.

“But we only let them in on Thanksgiving.”

LEARNING TO CARE FOR TURKEYS (LEFT) While the Dockters were hatching turkeys, they had to keep a careful eye on the incubators, making sure that they were the right temperature and that each of the eggs were rotated correctly. After successfully hatching these turkeys, they started expanding their horizons and began to hatch different types of birds such as quail, guineafowl and peacocks.

Photos by Hannah Conn ’23

NURTURING HER PETS (LEFT) Dockter enjoys taking care of her turkeys. Not only are they unique pets, but they are relatively easy to take care of compared to other household pets like cats and dogs.

RAISING TURKEYS (RIGHT) After learning how to raise turkeys in elementary school, Dockter and her family hatched and have continued to raise two turkeys for the past six years.

inklingsnews.com • Staples High School

arts Inklings News

12

Feb 28, 2020

Players embody Dr. Seuss’ whimsical spirit, magic in ‘Seussical’ preparation Lucy Arrow ‘21 Features Editor

T

here aren’t many times in your life where you’ll hear about an overprotective elephant, a judgemental bird and a miniscule planet in the same sentence. However, for Staples Players, these wild, fantastical characters and places have become the norm for the past month.

In March, Staples Players will perform “Seussical” for their annual winter show. There will be performances held on March 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and March 14, 15 and 21 at 3 p.m.

The story follows the journey of Horton the Elephant and his adventure through the jungle trying to save a small speck of dust on a clover. Horton discovers there is a planet on the clover known as Whoville and does as much as he can to save it.

The actors faced a new challenge as follows the story of ‘Horton Hears A most are not cast as people, but as animals Who.’ The majority of the play is of him and fantastical characters. Sammy and the adventures he gets himself into.”

Webster ’21 is playing the Cat in the Hat, Due to the deep background stories who is the narrator of the play. Toby of the characters, the actors have had Patton ’20 plays Horton the Elephant and to not only learn how to transform Kelley Shutte ’20 and Sophie Rossman ’21 into a Seussical animal, but also had are double casted as Gertrude McFuzz. to understand the being’s feelings and “I love that Gertrude gives me the true intentions throughout the story. freedom to “I find “I find this very unique and distinct to the go crazy,” this very show and it is certainly something I have unique and Rossman said. “It is so distinct to never done before.” interesting the show and - Camille Foisie ’21 to be it is certainly creating cartoon-like personas that affect something I have never done before,” everything from your voice to the way Foisie said. “There is a clear distinction you carry yourself in different situations.” that these animals, although they are The plot of Seussical also proved to be animals, have real, grounded emotions.” a challenge for the actors to follow. With Maizy Boosin ’21, playing one of The the incorporation of many Dr. Seuss stories Bird Girls, has been able to transform and characters all rolled into one play, the into her character by really becoming the actors and actresses had to adjust to the bird that she plays. This is in regard to “story within a story” nature of the show. both personality and movements of birds.

“Seussical is actually a somewhat “It takes mostly a physical change to complicated plot,” Camille Foisie ’21, get into [this] character,” Boosin said. “[I] playing Mayzie La Bird, said. “It mostly think mostly about how a bird stands,

walks and talks even. It’s really different than a human, but we have to create this human-bird hybrid animal on stage.”

In contrast to “Mamma Mia!” that the Players put on in the fall, the actors have gained singing experience as well as acting, as the songs test their vocals in a new way.

“I’ve enjoyed learning all the different harmonies in the show; they are really different than anything I’ve ever done before,” Boosin said. “It’s been a challenge, but definitely a rewarding one.”

In addition to the preparation the actors have gone through to become their roles, the bright and colorful sets and props have assisted the transformation from regular students at Staples to animals in Dr. Seuss’ world.

“It’s been so entertaining to immerse [myself] in a show so quirky and outlandish,” Rossman said. “We have had the privilege of handling many fun props, including 15-foot-long tails, cotton candy, ukuleles, slides, monkey bars, fire poles and many more. You never know what to expect which makes coming to rehearsal a true delight.”

Photos contributed by Kerry Long Graphics by Adam Greenlee ‘20

SEUSSICAL REHEARSALS Jasper Burke ’21 (LEFT) and Tobey Patton ’20 (RIGHT) rehearse a scene playing Horton and Thing 1.

PERFORMING SCENES (LEFT TO RIGHT) Sammy Webster ’21 practices a dance with James Dobin-Smith ’23, Sabastian Gikas ’23 and Jasper Burke ’21.

PRACTICING IN THE BLACK BOX THEATER ( LEFT TO RIGHT) Owen Keaveney ’20, Colin Konstanty ’22, Tomaso Scotti ’20 and Ben Zack ’21 rehearse a scene together in the Black Box Theater. Performances will take place from March 13 through March 21 at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Staples High School • inklingsnews.com

Staples High School

Arts

Feb 28, 2020

13

Luca Lombardo rises to popularity through TikTok Lea Rivel ‘22 Staff Writer

Emma Smith ’22 Staff Writer

L

ike many others, he started his account as a joke and posted videos for no overarching goal. But soon enough his platform expanded, and a blue tick pronouncing celebrity status was proudly stamped by his username.

Luca Lombardo’s ’22 TikTok videos gained attention because of his comedic relatability and dancing. His following started with only a few hundred people but then greatly expanded to the thousands within weeks. His popularity on the TikTok app opened doors for Lombardo, including a few sold-out meet-and-greets, brand deals and talent management.

“Nothing too big has happened yet, but I have had a few things open up for me in such a short amount of time,” Lombardo said. “Like meeting fans and making connections with other creators and brands.”

But it hasn’t all been an easy ride for the creator. Lombardo touched on the hate he faces on social media, and how at times he deals with animosity face-to-face more than in the comments.

“I see more of it in life than social media, if I’m being honest,” Lombardo said. “Many can think so poorly of me before actually meeting in person, just based off of what they have seen online.”

Despite what is said on social media many Staples students praise Lombardo for his success and achievements.

“I hold nothing against the guy,”

Alex Miller ’21 said. “He makes a lot of TikToks, and money, but I’m for his success [and] applaud [his] work ethic.”

Staples students are also impressed with Lombardo for his ability to set a good example for younger viewers.

Most of his videos are appropriate for a range of ages and tend to follow the TikToks community guidelines.

“I haven’t seen every video of his,” Tate Mullineaux ’22 said, “but as a total idea of him, he is a good person for kids to look up to.”

TIKTOK STAR Luca Lombado ’22 performs the well known TikTok dance “Renegade” outside the Staples cafeteria. Lombardo currently has 1.1 million followers on TikTok. Photo by Lys Goldman ’21

The Little Beet takes a big chance opening in Westport Grace Livecchi ’21 Staff Writer I never thought I would live to see the day where a restaurant by the name of “The Little Beet” would attract anyone besides Dwight Schrute. Alas, I have been proven wrong. It’s 2020 and eating healthy has never been more trendy.

The Little Beet, a 5-year-old plant-based franchise, will greet Westport with their first Connecticut chapter, opening in Fresh Market Shopping Center this summer.

Although Westport has many nutritious restaurants, such as Embody and Freshii, the Little Beet differs from its competitors because the restaurant specializes in personal makeyour-own lunch bowls, as opposed to focusing on a traditional menu.

As each location is equipped with a bar of nutritious ingredients, The Little Beet hops onto the bandwagon of healthy fast food. This is a concept widely familiar to areas like New York

with chains such as Chopt and Sweetgreen, yet this idea is almost foreign to Westport.

The Little Beet is also unique because their menu is 100% gluten free.

This is music to the ears of local celiac foodies, Emma Saxon ’21 included.

“It’s so hard to find restaurants I actually enjoy going to that can accommodate my diet,” Saxon said.

Others are doubtful these differences are big enough to set the Little Beet aside.

“The last thing Westport needs is another place to buy overpriced avocado toast,” Callie Rourke ’21 said.

An overabundance of organic eateries could cause customers to grow tired of the fad. A perfect example is Westport’s short lived frozen yogurt frenzy. Although popular at first, as more Froyo shops opened, demand plummeted.

However, for the time being, food lovers await The Little Beet’s arrival.

“I’m excited to check it out,” Aidan Vosper ’21 said. “I think [the Little Beet] will add to the variety of healthy and tasteful places for the people of Westport to eat.”

Photos contributed by The Little Beet

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sports Inklings News

14

Feb. 28, 2020

Wrestling team tackles expectations

D

Maya Reiner ’21

National Arts Blog Editor

Photo by Aidan Rogers ’22

ay in and day out, wrestlers demonstrate their commitment by monitoring their eating and weight while taking on intense workouts. This year, the Staples Wrestling team’s commitment has exceeded the expectations they set for themselves.

Currently, the team is ranked ninth in the state and is hoping to continue to rise in the rankings throughout the rest of the season. Despite their significant loss of players from the 2019 class, they have worked hard to move forward without their former stars.

“The team this year has exceeded expectations after losing three outstanding seniors from last year by being the first

Given their strong determination, the Staples team in 20 years to be top 10 in the players believe that their success state,” Captain Jake Rizy ’20 said. will carry into the postseason.

Despite the countless “My [personal] goals for the hours the wrestlers have put post season are to win FCIACS, into the team and season, LL’s, and State Opens,” Rizy their output has been more said, “and for the team, to place than they expected. “Some of top three in FCIACS and LL’s the best memories I have had and to place top 10 in the State.” on this team have come from Scan this QR If the team continues achieving some milestones in with their hardwork and Staples wrestling,” Noah Fraas code to see ’22 said. “Winning our first a web article on determination, there seems to be a promising future for the tournament in over twenty years was extremely exciting and we the team’s newly continuation of their season.

“We need the motivation continued to make memories hired coaching to continue so we keep our like that throughout this staff. recognition from the other season with other competitive schools in the area,” meaningful victories Fraas said. “I am excited to see what and celebrations with the rest of the season brings us.” the team.”

WORK HARD PLAY HARD Wrestling captain Luke Molina ’20 (left) prepares to spar with an opposing wrestler. Molina has wrestled on varsity for all four years, and won the 160 weight classin the FCIACS this year.

Staples High School • inklingsnews.com

Wreckers girls’ ice hockey deserves more respect Marina Engler ’21 Staff Writer Staples High School, most notably praised for its excellence in arts and theater, has taken on the identity as one of the most feared competitors in sports. The competitive e n v i r o n m e nt at school fosters athletes willing to put in considerable amounts of time, effort and energy in order to win.

However, as a member of the girls’ ice hockey team, our work is overlooked as there is little to no recognition granted by the school community.

Unlike many teams here at Staples, the girls’ ice hockey team is a cooperative team with Stamford High School and Westhill High School. The unique dynamic has given me the opportunity to make friends I would have never met, as well act as an outlet from the “Westport Bubble.”

Despite the friendships made, the fact remains that apart from practices at the Longshore rink each Friday, we are forced to drive 15 minutes to Stamford for practice everyday as we do not have access to a rink in Westport for daily use. Ice time is hard to find and schedule, leading to morning practices at least once a week. For the past two years, I have been waking up before the crack of dawn, getting on the highway and arriving at the rink for my 5:20 A.M. practice.

These infamous morning practices have become second nature to me at this point. However, the Staples boys’ hockey team has the luxury of a provided bus everyday after school to their practices at the Milford Ice Pavilion (something that has never been an option for our team.) Without a bus, this leaves many without a license, car or parent to drive them and no way to get to practice.

One of the most notable disparities between the two teams is the time in which we receive new jerseys. As of now, the boys’ team receives new jerseys every year. However, our team receives new jerseys every five years. Though the boys’ team has the ability to ask for donations to supply them with new jerseys, for our cooperative team, the responsibility to get new jerseys is on Stamford High School. However, in the past few years there have been rumors of potential budget cuts at Stamford that would push the purchase of new jerseys to once every eight years.

Whether it be through more announcements or advertising, girls’ ice hockey must be represented more at Staples.

The same amount of effort is put into our sport than any other sport at school.

This is not an issue that solely pertains to hockey, but also to many other girls’ teams at Staples. Going into my freshman year I didn’t even know that there was a girls’ hockey team, and it is easily one of the best things I have done during my time at Staples so far. The lack of representation is preventing many potential athletes from finding their true place at Staples.

Staples High School

Feb. 28, 2020

Sports

15

Community mourns Kobe Bryant, remembers legacy Lexie Moskovit ’21

I

Web Sports Editor

was meant to hate Kobe Bryant. I grew up in Boston as a Celtics fan, so watching Kobe beat the Celtics year after year was a major part of my childhood trauma. For some reason though, I could never bring myself to actually hate him.

In fact, I always admired Kobe Bryant’s style of play and tried to play like him in my own games. I also admired how Kobe would go out of his way to compliment the Celtics even though they were bitter rivals.

Kobe Bryant took the city of Los Angeles on a 20-year thrill ride. He was a basketball star on the court, winning five championships, two final MVPS, one regular season MVP and is currently fourth on the all-time career scoring list.

On Jan. 26 in Calabasas, California, NBA basketball star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna (Gigi) passed away in a helicopter crash, and in the process, Bryant left behind a lasting legacy that hits many of the Staples community at heart.

“I loved Kobe as a player and personally thought he was one of the most entertaining players of all time,” Angelo Casabianca ’21 said.

“But more importantly, he was one of the most influential ambassadors for men and women’s basketball.”

Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” drove him to greatness. He attacked each day with the same discipline, dedication and tenacity that led to regular 3 a.m. workouts. Kobe was passionate about helping others and passing on all of his knowledge. He started the Mamba Sports Academy and retired from basketball, and invested in storytelling. He published multiple children’s books and produced the Academy-Award-winning animated short film, “Dear Basketball,” in hopes of

positively affecting children. It was a way to drive home the message of perseverance and hard work so kids could hear it from another voice besides their parents.

Many students looked up to Bryant as a role model while playing their game of basketball.

“The stories I would hear about him showing up to practice three hours before just to get extra work in would make me want to work as hard, if not close to, as hard as he did,” boys’ basketball captain AJ Konstanty ’20 said. “I am so grateful for what he has done for the game of basketball.”

George Smith ’21 was also influenced by Kobe Bryant.

“I think Kobe inspired me and a lot of other kids of this generation because he exemplified the work ethic, sacrifice and perseverance you need to reach your goals,” Smith said.

However, many fans believe Bryan’t legacy is flawed. Back in 2003, a 19-yearold woman accused Bryant of rape. He was accused of felony assault, but in Sept. 2004 the charges were dropped after the woman failed to testify.

In contrast, another aspect of Bryant’s legacy revolves around his support of women’s basketball.

“As a basketball player myself, seeing someone who has experienced firsthand the [...] mockery of women’s basketball, Kobe’s support to ‘Mambacitas’ and his daughter’s team was extremely admirable,” Scarlett Siegal ’23 said. “Girls’ basketball needs more people with a platform to endorse the game and understand that girls can do anything that boys can.”

Graphic by Poppy Livingstone ’21

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16 Sports

Staples High School

Feb. 28, 2020

THAW GOES BIG 10

BIG GO Photo contributed by Jake Thaw ’20 Graphic by Roxy Augeri ’20

Thaw continues football journey at Michigan Emma Dantas ’21 Staff Writer

S

tanding in the center of the Wreckers locker room surrounded by all 81 of his teammates, Captain Jake Thaw ’20 exudes an energy that radiates to the players and coaches alike. As he rallies the offense, defense and special teams for the second half, he provides just the right amount of extra motivation that the team needs to fight on. No one standing in that huddle wants to let their teammates down and Thaw sets a hard working example on and off the field for the whole team to follow, exemplifying leadership qualities of a true captain.

Thaw is one of three seniors committed to play Division I college football. Thaw will head to the University of Michigan which is nationally ranked 18th for football.

“He is a worker and it shows on and off the field,” Konstanty said. “His grades are outstanding and he is one of the best athletes I have ever seen and these things are because of his incredible work ethic.”

total touchdowns capped off The captainship, which is voted on by the members of the team, was his 10 appearances in the awarded to Thaw for his senior 2019-2020 Staples season. season. Captains Jake Rizy Thaw also averaged ’20, Ben Howard ’20, Andrew four tackles a game and Goldberg ’20 and new head finished with one sack. coach Adam Behrends While Thaw isn’t accompanied Thaw in his exactly sure what position efforts to unite the team for a he’ll play on the Michigan common goal: winning hardware. team, he believes his time on the field will have an Totaling 1424 offensive focus. offensive yards On and off in his senior the field, his s e a s o n , teammates including 747 describe passing yards, him as 364 receiving “personable” yards and a n d 313 rushing “ f r i e n d l y.” yards, Thaw “I will proves he is a never forget those mu lt i fac eted moments when athlete who I was able to can be called celebrate in the upon in any endzone with him,” position on Konstanty said. “He the field. is just a great person S e ven Photo by Poppy Livingstone ’21

and I will miss sharing the field with him.”

Through his success in the classroom, Thaw found that academics were equally as important as his passion for the game.

The combination of academics and athletics was one of the things that drew him to Michigan. He was also invested in the student body culture in Ann Arbor.

“Besides the obviouslu great football and academics, I just loved the guys I was around,” Thaw said. “I felt like I was around people just like me.”

At the National Letter of Intent signing on Feb. 5, Thaw thanked his family, friends and coaches for all they have done to get him to where he is today.

He acknowledged that he was able to learn about the game and life through positive as well as negative experiences.

Thaw, who is currently focusing on finishing up his basketball season, will use the summer to weight lift as well as work on speed and agility before he arrives in Ann Arbor.

“My goal at Michigan is to be the first guy in the facility every day and the last guy to leave,” Thaw said. “From there, let the chips fall where they may.”

Infographic by Roxy Augeri ’20

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