Inklings February 2021 Issue

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inklings news

Cheating Crisis:

academic integrity declines in the digital age | Page 12

Photo dramatization by Eliza Barr ’21

contents

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Volume 88, Issue 6 | February 26, 2021

06 NEWS

The Zero Waste Committee implements composting in the cafeteria.

22 SPORTS

16 FEATURES

Winter sports, such as swim and dive, adapt to COVID-19 guidelines.

Students celebrate Lunar New Year through adorning houses with decorations.

10 OPINIONS

17ARTS

Remy Teltser ’21 reflects on the past year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

inklings staff

Sammy Webster ’21 finds creative outlet in embroidery.

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 Andreas Lolis

Outreach Manager

Lea Rivel, Ella Shi

Web Sports Editors

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

Web Arts Editors

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: Morgan Han-Lemus ’23 photographs Salvadoran Torrejas.

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.

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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 or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Graphic by Molly Gold ’21

editorial

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Transition to 75% capacity hybrid model rushed, leaves voices unheard

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eginning on March 1, Staples will implement a 75% capacity hybrid model where students will learn in person three days a week, rather than two. The Editorial Board shares the administration’s desire for more in-person time, as we can attest to the fact that our student body performs better socially and academically in school. Nonetheless, we feel that the transition to this model is rushed, and may bring about more complications than benefits to our community-wide goal of a safe return to normalcy.

The March 1 rollout of this plan will come just one week after February break, a time in which students congregated locally and traveled nationally and internationally. In some cases, these students returned to Connecticut less than a day before their in-person return to school, skirting safety requirements by receiving a neg-

ative COVID-19 test early on Ned Lamont said that teachduring their trips. In the past, ers would be eligible for vacciwe have seen that traveling over nation beginning on March 1; holiday weekends can correlate however, many will not be fulwith widespread transmission ly vaccinated for weeks due to throughout our community, high demand and limited vaceven in times cine availabilof relatively The choice to go forth ity. The teachlow infection with the reworked ers union, rates. To imWestport hybrid model shows a the plement this Education plan so soon lack of regard for the Association, after vaca- voices of those who opposed an tion seems increase of work directly with in-school stuirresponsible and untime- students every day. dents withly, especialout enough ly with the recent increase in teachers vaccinated; we have multiple strains of the virus. found that many of our teachThe Editorial Board also ers agree with this stance. feels that the decision to bring The choice to go forth with more students in-person does the reworked hybrid model not adequately value teachers’ shows a lack of regard for the opinions, putting our staff and voices of those who work dicommunity at risk. On Feb. rectly with students every day.

22—two weeks after it was Additionally, this sudden announced that Staples was change in capacity raises a increasing capacity—Governor number of unanswered ques-

tions. Students and teachers alike noted, with concern, the close proximity of desks in order to account for increased capacity. Another primary concern centers around the cafeteria, which has already proven to be crowded with unmasked students eating, even with fewer people in school.

We understand that this editorial will not affect the decision to move to 75% capacity, given that this schedule begins two days after its publication.

However, we have apprehensions about this plan, and have heard our parents, teachers and peers express similar concerns.

Moving forward, we would like to see the administration place greater focus on the input of students and staff, as we will be the most affected by this well-intentioned, but flawed decision.

The Editorial Board voted 22-2 in favor of this opinion.

What are your thoughts on the 75% return to school in March?

Tori Emmert ’23

“I’m gonna be happy to see people I don’t usually see, and I think it’ll be fine as long as everyone follows the rules and is cautious.”

Amy Hogan ’22

Bella Griffin ’23

“I don’t think it really makes sense because the hybrid model is working well and it doesn’t make sense to change it.”

“I’m happy we’re returning because I learn better at school. [...] I think that we have a lot of precautions in place and it will be fine.”

NEWS

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Local briefs

Lexie Moskovit ’21 Web Sports Editor

Staples moves to 75% capacity hybrid model; elementary, middle schools open fully in-person Natalie Bandura ’22

REACTIONS

News Editor

In light of new more contagious strains of COVID-19, teachers and staff only becoming eligible for vaccines on March 1, and the cold weather which worsens the effects of the virus, many Staples students view the expanded hybrid model with uncertainty.

“I think that there is certainly a risk that comes with there being more people is the building,” Sebastian Anderson ’24 said. “It is also especially dangerous because there are new strains of COVID, and it will far harder to contact trace with more people at school.”

Despite the added health risks that come with a greater capacity of students in the building, some students at the elementary and middle schools believe that their school administrations’ mitigation and contact tracing protocols have allowed for the transition to take place successfully.

“At first, [I thought] it wasn’t well thought out due to the rising COVID numbers to start,” Matthew Stashower ’25 said, “but they are doing a

Claire Redmer ’21

Feb. 27

Editor-in-Chief

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) in Westport will be hosting a winter outdoor lights festival from 12-6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the MoCA website.

75% capacity hybrid model, in which students are divided among four cohorts will be implemented at Staples starting March 1. Under this model, hybrid learners will attend school in-person three days a week with Wednesdays remaining as remote days.

Westport’s elementary and middle schools began transitioning to full in-person learning on Jan. 28. Distance learning remains an option for students at both the elementary and middle school level.

“Balancing our public health responsibility with the needs that our students have,” Superintendent Thomas Scarice said in a Board of Education meeting on Jan. 19, “I think the benefits of a full on-site in-person schooling is so important […] that it is a time to move in that direction.”

MoCA Festival

March 3 & 10 PSAT Testing

The PSAT will be held for sophomores on Wednesday, March 3 at Staples High School. Staples will also offer the PSAT for freshmen on Wednesday, March 10.

March 10 Library Screening

The Westport Public Library will be hosting a virtual screening event of Andew Goldberg’s film: “Viral: Anti-Semitism in Four Mutations” at 7 p.m.

Sign ups are via the library website.

A

Photo by Finnegan Courtney ’23

March 14 - 28

Winter Sports

The winter sports regular season will end on March 14. The post-season tournament will take place between March 14-28. This applies to all winter sport teams except for wrestling.

NEW SET-UP With the incoming move to 75% capacity, more desks have been added to classrooms school-wide.

good job since they have put a lot of protocols in to place such as plastic dividers of desks, strict mask wearing and assigning people to certain places so they can contact trace.”

Parents of elementary school children feel that the return to full in-person learning was necessary from a social and emotional health aspect, as social interactions are needed for children that age.

“My little kid feels very lonely at home and seems more fulfilled when he is at least partially in school and feels much better when at school fulltime,” Coleytown elementary school parent Victoria Liahk said. “Distance learning for elementary school students seems to destroy their personality.”

VACCINATION Scarice informed the district of Connecticut Governor Lamont’s decision to add teachers to the 1B vaccine rollout group in an email to Westport families on Feb. 22.

The district plans to hold vaccine clinics for teachers and staff. The first clinic is scheduled for March 3, but it will take the majority of the month to vaccinate all employees.

The fact that teachers are unvaccinated has caused widespread opposition to Staples’ increase to 75% capacity and the move to fully in-person for grades kindergarten through eighth. Westport Education Association, the union which represents the districts’ teachers, is among those who object.

“Our [WEA] position is that we should not be doing full in until all staff have had a chance to get vaccinated and a

VOICES HEARD AND UNHEARD The choice to bring more students in-person before teachers are vaccinated has brought questions to light regarding what groups impact district decisions.

“I’ve been here a very long time,” Noonan said, “and I’ve always felt that we were together as a community. These kinds of things make us feel—I just wonder to myself, are we all on the same page?”

Westport parent Robert Harrington feels that teacher voices have not been fully considered when the decision for a greater in-person return was made, and he believes that the administration should rethink their current ways of communication with teachers.

“So many teachers have reached out and are nervous and upset,” Harrington said.

“We should have done a better job of listening to many of them. Our teachers are the ones in the [classrooms] and face-to-face with our kids and have many creative ideas to protect them better.”

Jennifer Greely, a paraprofessional at Saugatuck Elementary School and a mom to three children in Westport Public

Schools, emphasizes the lack of representation of teacher concerns that were sent to the Board of Education and the Superintendent’s office, but had not been addressed for a long time.

“Until the public comment section of the January [19,] 2021 Board meeting, not once did I hear from any of these public leaders that teachers or staff had serious concerns about the WPS ability to open safely,” Greely said.

TIMING

Staples’ move to 75% capacity begins March 1, one week after the end of February break.

Greely stated that many families traveled out of state, and some out of country, during the break, making her uneasy about returning. Staples student Lucy Belknap ’21 felt similarly.

“Personally I think it would make more sense to just keep the school at half capacity until it’s safe enough to bring everyone back,” Belknap said.

“Especially right after break when so many people have been traveling, it feels a bit rushed and unnecessarily dangerous.”

In attempts to limit a travel-induced spike in cases after the break, members of the Westport community requested the implementation of a postbreak Parent Contract; this would require families to confirm that they had not traveled outside of the tri-state area before their children returned to school. Harrington states that the measure was turned down

by Superintendent Scarice, stating it was unenforceable.

Scan this QR code to read the full article online.

NEWS |

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NEW 75% CAPACITY SCHEDULE Infographic by Molly Gold ’21

couple of weeks afterwards to reach full potency,” WEA representative John Horrigan said.

Many district teachers have also expressed apprehension regarding greater in-person numbers without staff vaccines.

“If we were vaccinated, if we were put to the front of the line, I think we’d feel a lot more comfortable,” Italian teacher Enia Noonan said.

“Unfortunately, when you have the idea that we’re being told we can’t get vaccinated yet, and yet you’re having 75% come in, it’s a very conflicting and unsettling message.”

6 | NEWS

ZWC starts composting initiative in cafeteria Tallula Stvan ’21

Jennifer Cirino, co-chair of the ZWC, said.“It is healthier for Arts Editor the environment to compost as opposed to throwing all these food materials in the trash.” fter giving students the The ZWC is different from opportunity to recycle a club; run by Cirino and Kaytheir cans and bottles, la Iannetta, it is a staff-driven Staples now has a composting group of faculty and students program in the cafeteria as of who work with Sustainable Monday, Feb. 1. This initia- Westport. Their goal is to detive was planned crease Westand set into moport’s resiIt is not going to dential food tion by the Zero Waste Com- work if the whole waste by 25%. mittee (ZWC).

The group school “ C u r r e n t l y, aids Westport community Staples throws businesses, out an abun- doesn’t help out.” residents and dance of com- Kayla Iannetta, the town itpostable food/ self on many Co-chair of the ZWC sustainabilitems and its students are too ity issues. [careless] about properWhile composting has been ly recycling,” Maddy Fass their focus for the past year and ’21, a ZWC volunteer, said. a half, the committee will also Moving forward, there will be rolling out informationbe composting bins next to al materials for students and the recycling and trash cans plans to continue their efalong with detailed posters forts in sustainability. The instructing staff and students committee has received on how to appropriately sep- positive responses from arate food, waste and trash. students about the com“Whatever goes in your posting initiative, and peomouth can go in the compost,” ple want to get involved

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to reduce Staples’ food waste.

“We’re really hoping that kids understand why this is important,” Iannetta said. “It is not going to work if the whole school community doesn’t help out. Everyone needs to help out.”

According to committee members, their hope is that Staples can become less wasteful all around. They also hope for students to be more cognizant of Staples’ impact on the environment as part of Westport.

ZWC LEADERS Jennifer Cirino (left) and Kayla Iannetta (right) advise the ZWC, comprised of students and faculty.

“It’s a culture change for Staples,” Evan Katz ’21, Zero Waste Student Ambassador, said. “Just walk the five extra feet to the correct bin to reduce environmental impact.”

Photo contributed by Kayla Iannetta

NEW INITATIVE (left) There are now composting, trash and recycling bins in the cafeteria with posted instructions. (Directly above) Rebecca Schussheim ’23 utilizes the new composting bin.

Photos by Lilly Weisz ’23

7 Scarice reflects on first semester of COVID school year NEWS |

Lucy Arrow ’21

Web Managing Editor

L

ooking back on the first five months of the school year, Superintendent Thomas Scarice feels confident in the hard work that the Westport school district has put in to create a sustainable learning environment through hybrid and remote learning.

Q&A

What are the plans for the second semester of this year in terms of hybrid/remote/in-person learning?

“I had asked Mr. Thomas to work with his team about maybe some different and creative ways to cast a wider net to get kids to come in more regularly. We may still stay in a hybrid-mode, but...from my perspective, if [downward trends in COVID cases continue], that would be an opportunity to look at increasing schooling on the Staples campus. As we do get back at the kindergarten through 8th grade level, and get a few weeks of success under our belts there, I think we can turn our attention to Staples as well. If the vaccines are picked up in February and March, we could be looking at a very different spring, which would be the goal.”

How well do you think the district has handled COVID-19 so far?

“From a view of our ability to keep the schools open and keep kids coming, that’s been a great success. The real cost is coming in how challenging it’s been and how time consuming it is for our teachers to plan lessons. I think once they get in the classroom and deliver the lessons, it has been outstanding.

I think the challenge is that overall, every single decision that I’ve seen made this year has been incredibly polarizing which can be disheartening.

There are people with strong feelings on both sides for their own very valid and legitimate reasons, yet it can be disheartening when both locally and nationally the discourse and decisions can lead to a polarizing environment.”

SCARICE’S FIRST SEMESTER Superintendent Thomas Scarice, following a full semester of hybrid learning, discusses the work that has been done already and plans for the future.

What’s an aspect of hybrid learning that you think could be improved upon in the future?

“I think our biggest challenge right now is the teachers focusing on two different audiences; those in front of them, and those on the screen. I am wide open for suggestions on how we could do that differently because I think that is our greatest issue right now.

The teachers are planning their lessons for the kids in front of them and concurrently planning a lesson for the kids on the screen.

I don’t believe this is a sustainable model and is not something I would ever advocate for in a long term perspective.”

Photo contributed by Zip06.com

8 | NEWS Budget passed by BOE; Scarice’s original budget slashed Giselle Oldani ’22 Web News Editor

T

he Board of Education (BOE) passed a budget of $126.9 million for 2022, a $5 million increase from last year’s budget, during their meeting on Feb. 8. This budget cuts around $1 million from Superintendent Thomas Scarice’s initally proposed budget. The vote was 6-1, with member Karen Kleine opposing, and the budget will be proposed to the Board of Finance (BOF) in a matter of weeks.

The budget reduction included the removal of five positions: two Staples’ teachers, two Staples’ paraprofessionals and one elementary school assistant principal.

Additionally, Scarice proposed a new communications specialist position, but the board decided against it.

Some local parents, citizens

and elementary school administrators have urged the BOE not to cut the assistant principal (AP) position ahead of the budget vote, declaring the position’s extreme value.

“This AP’s attention to the special education program has been instrumental to student growth and well being,” a letter by multiple elementary school administrators wrote.

“We would like to ensure [...] that the BOE understands the ramification of such a decision.”

The BOE also cut new purchases

in athletic equipment, instructional equipment, furniture and technology and reduced salaries and health insurance for a number of district employees.

“The budget process that our administration went through was mostly about just preserving all of our programming and preserving the education that we offer [amidst the pandemic],” Candice Savin, chair of the BOE, said.

Prior to the passing, the BOE had been discussing a larger reduction to the budget,

Infographic by Molly Gold ’21

Proud to be a part of Staples High School and the entire Westport community! We appreciate your continued business & support.

The Sharkey’s say thank you

possibly cutting it down to nearly $125 million; however, multiple motions further reducing the budget, such as decreasing funding for regular education elementary school level paraprofessionals and high school grade level assistants, failed.

The BOE is also attempting to change their insurance plan, since the current plan under Anthem is expected to yield around a 9% increase.

While the BOE has passed this budget, the BOF must still approve it, and some have worries on whether budget costs are becoming too high.

“The population of pupils in our school system has gone down about 10% over the last five years, but our spending has gone up.

Therefore, the cost per pupil is starting to get very large,” Brian Stern, chair of the BOF, said. “My concern is that the BOE take that seriously and see what they can do to improve the efficiency of delivery of a good education.”

OPINIONS |

Student Submission

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More than a month: TEAM Westport discusses Black History Month Adam Bullock ’21, Carrie Everett ’21, Nicole Holmes ’21, Gary Lu ’21 & Taylor Symonette ’21

T

EAM Westport is a town-wide organization that aims to achieve and celebrate a more welcoming, multicultural community in our homogeneous town. Our Staples chapter is completely open to anyone who wants to advance this perspective in our school’s community, or even just become more educated on racial issues and how to work towards dissolving them.

As the presidents of TEAM Westport at Staples, we are using Black History Month as an opportunity to acknowledge black history as American history throughout our school. A

single and separate month is not an effective way to learn about black history in the long run, but celebrating BHM as a stepping stone towards a widespread understanding that a lot of black history is American history is a great start.

The idea of Black History Month often raises a question: Why is there no white history month? Sure, this is a logical thought. However, the indignation behind this question exemplifies why taking BHM as a step towards a more complete image of American history is so important. The way it is currently taught at Staples, US history covers such a narrow scope of our countr y ’s

past.

While a mosaic of cultures and ethnicities comprise the United States, we have normalized viewing white history as the entirety of American history, with a few prominent black figures only occasionally sprinkled in.

The lack of African American representation is not only unfair to those whose stories are suppressed, but to all Americans, as all are being robbed of a more robust, comprehensive education. This year, as a club, we’ve been developing lesson plans, or guided discussions, and sharing them with connections groups. We’ve noticed more students discussing anti-racism as a result, and we’re aiming for the same effect with our upcoming BHM lessons.

This month isn’t about promoting division or special treatment; it’s about recognition and inclusion for those that haven’t had the privilege of being represented in our current standard of American history. It should not be viewed as the only time to discuss black history, but rather as a time in which we put extra effort towards advancing a more complete US histo-

ry curriculum, understanding why it i s flawed as it stands, and reconsidering what many people accept as the historical “norm”. We hope that people will take the time to learn about the contributions and achievements of black people throughout our country’s history.

Our ultimate goal is to no longer need a separate month to highlight black history, because it will already have been incorporated in national curricula and perspectives, providing a fuller image of our c o u n t r y ’s h i s t o r y.

Graphic by Kristina Chaney ’23

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OPINIONS

One year later . . .

COVID provides opportunity for introspection, growth Remy Teltser ’21 Managing Editor

I

t’s been almost a year since I packed into an eight-person cafeteria table with friends, crowded the library watching Karaoke performances on Fridays or visited the English offices for a one-on-one, in-person conference with my teacher.

These things that were once staples of my daily routine are now unimaginable. Things as simple as leaving my house without a mask or attending school for a full week feel like another lifetime. On March 11, 2020, our routines were disrupted and destroyed with the closure of school and the beginning of our two-month long isolation. Being forced to deviate from our old patterns and routines was disorienting.

The little things that made each day unique and exciting are left behind in our pre-COVID past. Giving up these aspects of our daily routine represents just a sliver of the sacrifices we’ve made and the changes we’ve been forced to adapt to.

Fortunately, adaptability is a necessary skill in life and the pandemic merely tested my ability to be flexible in times of disarray.

At first, I failed that test.

Before the implementation of Zoom and block scheduling, we ended our school year asynchronously, as assignments were posted and completed on

our own time. I felt disconnect- independent growth, I was ed from my teachers and peers amazed by our ability to come and lost the underrated ideal together. As a community, we structure of a school day. With- persisted despite the circumout the routine that forced stances. We communicated me to stay connected and in- through “this too shall pass” vested in my education, my lawn signs, the ringing of pots motivation to learn was over- and pans on Wednesday nights taken by the loneliness I felt. and socially-distant car circles However, like any major in the parking lot at Longshore. shift, I just needed space to Despite these things, I’d adapt. The be lying if I allure of The communal nature said that I self-govof my world has been have found ernance the positives in isola- stifled and learning to in everytion was adjust to the limitations thing.

It’s how time hard not to became re- of socialization has been mourn the f reshingly crucial to my survival. death of my meaningsenior year. I less. Measuring my days in in- sat in my bedroom for the first definite phases allowed me to day of classes. I watched Staples live more freely and fulfilling- football games on a live stream ly. I had never been a morning video. I applied to college based person, when morning signified on virtual tours and Zoom calls stress and sleep deprivation. with school representatives. Our But in isolation, my mornings last year of high school has been were the brightest and most nothing but unconventional. promising aspect of my day.

For the foreseeable future, I developed a golden rule we will constantly be forced of quarantine: to do something to redefine what is nornew everyday. I learned how mal. The communal to French braid, bake bread, nature of my world retaught myself how to do a has been stifled backflip from my time as a and learning cheerleader, discovered the roll- to adjust erblades in my basement and took my dog to Southport Harbor. Time apart from societal pressures left me more observant and open, and the loneliness I once felt was replaced with liberation.

While I enjoyed my own

to the limitations of socialization has been crucial to my survival.

I don’t think we’ll truly know how the pandemic has mentally and emotionally affected the world until there is time and space between us. As we re-enter the cafeteria separated by plexiglass, zoom with our teachers during flex time and study in a karaoke-less library, we must not dwell on what we are missing. We need to be appreciative of ourselves, the lessons we’ve learned and the new habits we’ve made ordinary. Although there is so much to be missed, we must acknowledge our own resilience and persistence during times in which it seems we aren’t even able to experience the ordinary.

Scan this QR code to listen to Grace Livecchi ’21 discuss how COVID has affected the post-college acceptance process.

& ’21 ’21 n a ld dm Go o o G olly n yla y M D ic b y b h ed rap t bu , G tri ’21 n co ser os Telt t o Ph emy R

OPINIONS |

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PANDEMIC PICTURES Along with the tragedy and grief that COVID brought came the unique ways to socialize that might even bring a feeling of nostalgia. From car circle conversations at Longshore parking lot to outdoor activites like Hands-On Pottery and hikes, to a masked first day of school and even a completely unconventional graduation, some may say society made the best of a dire situation.

FEATURES

12 |

CHEATING: online learning prompts dishonest test-taking habits Molly Gold ’21 Creative Director

Remy Teltser ’21 Managing Editor

W

hen math teacher Margaret Gomez walks into her classroom on a test day, she is met with rows of empty desks.

Although this lack of students is largely due to the hybrid school model, she has noticed a spike in those choosing to stay home on test days. The reason that her students are taking an APO (absent, present online) day is not to utilize the comfortable, quiet environment of their own homes.

Instead, they are cheating.

After suspecting her calcu-

Photo

drama

lus class of iMessaging during tests, Gomez implemented a new protocol for test days when students are remote: workspace, keyboard and phone (facing down) must be in the frame, no typing on the computer and students must stay on the Zoom until everyone has uploaded their exams.

“This is not the ideal way to teach or learn, I think we all know that,” Gomez said. “But we are doing the best we can.”

This concept is not unique to Gomez’s classes. When students are at home, they are granted unlimited access to Google, typed notes, and messages with other students. The need for tests to be taken on online platforms such as Schoology and AP Classroom only exacerbates this accessibility.

Like Gomez, *Smith, an

tizatio ns by E

liza Ba

rr ’21

anonymous teacher, has noticed instills a bit of trust in the stua significant drop in honesty dents. Now they have a reason among his students. After hav- to not betray that trust because ing definitive proof that a group I offered the olive branch.” of students had cheated on an Many students cite that the exam by collaborating with one reason that they are inclined to another, Smith emailed them cheat in the first place is the individually and gave them two sentiment that they are unable options: he to adequatewould take learn in a This is not the ideal ly it to the virtual setway to teach or learn, ting. When administration to be I think we all know students feel investigatthat they ed or they that. But we are doing do not uncould admit derstand the best we can.” to having - Margaret Gomez, the material cheated. math teacher they are be“ W hen ing tested you create a situation where on, but have the entire interyou make it easier to cheat, net at their fingertips, many which we have with dis- feel that taking the easy way tance learning [...] it is go- out makes up for their lack of ing to happen,” Smith said. understanding of the content.

All the students confessed.

“It’s certainly much harder “I’m optimistic they can learn staring at a screen all day than from this,” Smith said. “By it is sitting in class,” *Emily, an handling it in-house it actually anonymous senior girl, said.

“There is much less stimulus and moving around, so by the

“

FEATURES |

last period on a virtual day, it’s very difficult to be as attentive as I would be in person.”

Furthermore, when students are aware that their classmates are bending the rules, they fear that their grades will suffer in comparison if they do not follow suit.

“Because everybody else advantages themselves, I’m only hurting my grade and GPA by not doing the same,” Emily said. “So I might as well.”

While many students feel this way, others prioritize academic integrity above all else.

However, the lack of honesty among their classmates has hurt their scores, as widespread cheating often leads to higher class averages. Olivia Marshall ’22, who has continued to test honestly, has felt these impacts firsthand.

“It is annoying to know that people are getting better grades than me by cheating, while I am the one learning the subject thoroughly and not performing perfectly on the tests,” Marshall said.

To help combat these ac-

ademic infractions and level this policy to be an effective the playing field, many teach- way for teachers to assess skill ers have crafted their own and understanding rather anti-cheating measures. Like than memorization abilities. other classes, “ T h e all AP Statisopen book Because everybody policy entics teachers else advantages have adopted courages stuan open-book themselves, I’m only dents to prepolicy.

This pare the day way, students hurting my grade and before the who take the GPA by not doing the test, instead test in the of cheatsame.” classroom are ing during - Emily* the exam,” not at a disadvantage to those who are Justin Lessing ’21 said. testing with access to notes.

Lessing explained that Students complete multiple many of his teachers give difchoice questions on School- ferent versions of an exam so ogy and submit photos of students cannot compare antheir open-ended responses, swers as easily. Teachers may all with the ability to utilize use a question bank with rantheir notes. The questions are domized order or completely applications of the skills they different questions that use the have learned in class and the same skills so the contents of open-notes aspect discourag- the exam cannot be discussed. es seeking out the information While this policy is necesfrom an unethical source, such sary, Smith feels that the most as the Internet or a classmate.

Many students have found

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effective way to combat cheating is to create an environment that rewards honesty and integrity. And his students aren’t going without penalties, either.

He chooses to deal with the cheating issue in his particular classes head-on, rather than take it to the administration.

“I can manage my classes and I can make sure my students are being honest,” he said.

“It shows I care about them, I trust them and going forward I want them to be honest with me. That’s a better path to their success in my class.” * In order to preserve source identities, names have been changed.

14 | FEATURES

Scan this QR code to visit the Inklings Humans of Staples Facebook page.

Photos contributed by Jocey Kessler ’24

humans of staples

Kessler advocates for institutional, systemic justice through art Lucy Dockter ’23 Arts Editor

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n azure wave curls over WordArt spelling out “Vote Blue.” Differently-sized female bodies representing a range of skin tones stand in their underwear with the words, “All bodies are summer bodies.” These are some of the graphic stickers designed by Staples first year student Jocey Kessler ’24.

Kessler has always looked for a way to get involved and raise awareness about issues that are important to her. So, when quarantine started in March 2020, she decided to combine her love of art and interest in politics to design stickers with graphically intriguing social justice messages.

“It combines my two interests: arts and social justice issues,” Kessler said. “And then I sell the stickers [and give the] profits to progressive or-

ganizations. [...] I have always mala Harris, Representative Ocasio-Cortez, had a bunch of hobbies, and I Alexandria wanted to use them for good.” while others present visually On her website, Justice By arresting social reform slogans Design (justicebydesign.weebly. such as “Girl Power” and “Discom/#/), Kessler primarily sells mantle Oppressive Systems.”

Kessler donates 25% stickers, both as individual designs and in thematic packs, in- of her sales to correspondprogressive causes. cluding an environment pack, a ing “For example, feminist pack, feminist sticka black lives [The business] the er pack [proceeds] matter pack and a vot- combines my two go to Planned the ing pack. She interests: arts and Parenthood, Black Lives Matalso sells acsocial justice ter one goes to the cessories and Black Lives Mats we a t s h i r t s . issues.”

Kessler - Jocey Kessler ’24 ter movement, the environmental one creates her visual designs in Procreate by goes to World Wild Fund for taking photos of progressive Nature and the vote one goes political leaders off the inter- to Fair Fight, Stacey Abrams’ net and outlining her subject. organization,” Kessler said.

So far, Kessler has found her After she creates a basic outline, she adds further details customers among family and such as shadows and eyebrows. friends; however, she hopes to Some of her stickers fea- expand her brand and outreach.

“Right now, just my friends ture prominent politicians such as Justice Ruth Bader and family buy [my products], Ginsberg, Vice President Ka- but I am trying to get it out

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more,” Kessler said. “Usually people just buy the sticker packs and individual stickers. I sell the stickers for $2 each and the packs, which have 11 stickers, for $20.”

Her customers love both the artwork and the inspirational messages. They also appreciate that Kessler donates the profits to progressive causes they also support.

“I love [her] stickers and the organizations the money is going to!” Nina Lopez Chapman (@stolemysoul) said.

In addition to her customers, Kessler can count Connecticut politicians State Representative Stephanie Thomas and Senator Richard Blumenthal among her fans.

“I phone banked for Stephanie Thomas a lot, and one day I decided to bring a bunch of stickers to one of her events. Senator Blumenthal was there, and [Thomas and Blumenthal] both really loved them and wanted more.”

Love in the Air

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Students, staff celebrate relationships on Valentine’s Day Amanda Rowan ’22 Web Photostory Editor

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ox of chocolates in one hand, red roses in the other and a sappy romance movie ready to play. Whether it’s your boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, partner or friend, Valentine’s Day is a special day to show the people you love how much you care for them. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Staples is honoring relationships of all forms.

Brendan Giolitto & Mary Katherine Hocking

Photo contributed by C.J. Shamas

English teachers Mary Katherine Hocking and Brendan Giolitto have known each other ever since college, but they first became friends during their first year teaching at Staples. “[We] both created the curriculum for Sports Lit, which is a popular English elective,” Giolitto said.

During normal times, the two would go eat lunch together, go for short walks around the school and plan lessons together. They have grown closer over the years, even traveling to Germany together with their spouses two years ago.

“We spend every Sunday together for dinner, too,” Giolitto said. “[We] usually trade off cooking at each other's houses.”

TRAVEL FUN Teachers Mary Katherine Hocking and Brendan Giolitto often go on couple’s vacations and eat Sunday night dinners with their Photo contributed by Brendan Giolitto spouses.

C.J. Shamas & Kelly Shamas

CHRISTMAS TIME The Shamases celebrate one of their first Christmases as a family of five.

Teachers by day, family by night. P.E. teacher C.J. Shamas met his spouse, P.E. teacher Kelly Shamas, at Staples; in fact, he was on the committee that interviewed her for her job position. Although they didn’t know it at the time, the two would grow very close.

“Working with my best friend adds another layer of enjoyment to my everyday life,” C.J. Shamas said. “Being married to such an effective teacher has been remarkably impactful on my own growth as an educator.”

After almost eight years of marriage, the Shamases have started to raise a family of three little girls: Beau, Maeve and Charley.

Graphics by Lilly Weisz ’23 Photo contributed by Avery Tucker ’23

Avery Tucker ’22 & Avery Wallace ’22 Having the same name as someone is cool, but having the same name as your lifelong best friend is even cooler. Avery Wallace ’22 and Avery Tucker ’22 both moved to Westport when entering fourth grade.

“We were put into the same class in fourth grade, our teacher called us ‘Avery Squared,” Tucker said.

A year after meeting, they joined the same All Star competitive cheerleading team and have been inseparable ever since.

“Of course we are best friends, but we only see each other as another sister,” Wallace said.

CHEERLEADERS When they are not hanging out, Avery Wallace ’22 and Avery Tucker ’22 are cheering on the Staples cheer team together.

16 | FEATURES

Year of the Ox

Students embrace positivity, resilience, culture with Lunar New Year celebrations Ella Shi ’23

Web Arts Editor

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Graphic by Lily Klau ’23

Scan the QR code to read the full version of this article on the Inklings website.

ccording to Chinese myth, the story of the zodiac calendar originates from when the Jade Emperor challenged 12 animals to a race. The Rat asked the Ox for help and rode on his back until he jumped off at the last moment and crossed the finish line first. In second came the Ox and after it came the other 10 animals, marking each new year with a different animal.

In the tale, the Rat symbolizes cleverness and shrewdness, while the Ox represents positivity, resilience and honesty.

On Feb. 12, members of the Staples community celebrated Lunar New Year with cultural traditions, embracing positivity and persistence as the year of the Ox began.

“When I was younger and lived in Hong Kong, my family and I would travel to mainland China to be with our relatives during the Lunar New Year,” Jessica Qi ’22 said. “We would put up red spring couplets on our doors to welcome good fortunes and blessings.”

Additionally, for many Asian families, an important tradition for Lunar New Year is to make and eat various cultural foods.

“My grandma has a deep fryer and makes spring rolls,” Elle Desmarteau ’22 said. “We also have dumplings and orang-

es which symbolize fortune.”

However, the most significant aspect for Staples students who celebrate Lunar New Year is the time spent with family.

“The uniqueness of this year won’t stop us from doing any of the great and long traditions of the Lunar New Year celebration,” Spencer Yim ’23 said. “I’m so thankful for the online [...] resources that are available that allow us to communicate with relatives all across the country.”

Regardless of the limitations, Staples has also embraced the Lunar New Year. Mandarin teachers such as Chris Fray have made plans to educate their students on this significant holiday.

Fray recognizes the importance of acknowledging Lunar New Year in order to appreciate different cultures within the community.

“It’s very important for our students to realize that there is a vibrant Asian community in our area,” Fray said. “It’s time that Americans [...] truly understand the origins and significance of [Asia’s] most important and widely celebrated holiday.”

Thus, with the ringing in of the Lunar New Year and the year of the Ox comes new possibilities for the Staples community and a chance to leave negativity in the past.

“The Ox usually symbolizes people of hard work and determination,” Yim said. “In this year of 2021, we all need to maintain a spirit of perseverance, even through our current and future challenges.”

Photos by Ella Shi ’23 Graphics by Molly Gold ’21

ARTS

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Embroidery provides Webster with new artistic outlet clay and fabric to produce tiny food items, miniature houses Staff Writer and other small forms of art, embroidery became very intrigupare fabric, leftover friend- ing to Webster. She continued ship bracelet string, a cou- to pursue embroidery and use ple of Youtube tutorials it as another creative outlet. and a hunger to create. This is all “The process was interit took to spark the embroidery esting, since I had to come talent that led Sammy Webster up with a design, transfer it ’21 to her current projects of onto the fabric using a lightembellising clothing, backpacks box and then attach and stitch and everything in between. it onto denim,” Webster said.

Webster picked up this Webster has excited both creative emher fambroidery hobily and by less than a friends I was looking for year ago. After her something to do for with finding some embroithe graduating class dery skills extra materials scattered of Staples Players to and has around her become commemorate their somewhat house, she decided to test known time.” out some baher - Sammy Webster ’21 for sic stitches. creative “I starttalents. ed doing embroidery back in Ben Zack ’21, a friend of WebMarch, just because quaran- ster, first found out about her tine had started and it was hobby during quarantine and kind of a time period where has been impressed ever since. a lot of people were explor“Sammy’s embroidery is abing new passions and hobbies solutely beautiful,” Zack said. that they hadn’t gotten the “She is so incredibly creative chance to before,” Webster said. and pours her heart and soul After experimenting with into everything that I’m not sur-

Hannah Ratcliffe ’22

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prised how amazing the embroidery is.”

In this craft, patience and determination are key, attributes that Webster clearly holds. Her persistence is seen throughout all of her projects, no matter how big or small, and it is truly evident to those around her.

“I think Sammy is really talented at many things, this being one of them,” Tess Boosin ’24, Webster’s cousin, said. “She is an extremely hard-working person and when she sets her heart on something, she goes for it.”

Webster hopes to continue her crafts in the future, and may possibly start her own business for customizable items. A hobby that started as simply a way to pass time has now turned into a passion that she will hold onto forever.

“I honestly thought

SEWING AND STITCHING Sammy Webster '21 turns a simple quarantine task into a hobby after collecting scrap materials and learning skills through YouTube demonstrations.

She is considering creating custom embroidery works to sell in the future.

about doing custom stuff for people, so I could definitely do that in the future,” Webster said. “I’ll probably continue doing embroidery on my own stuff just to add a little personal touch to the items.”

Photos by Hannah Ratcliffe ’22

18 | ARTS

Spheeris showcases creativity through variety of art Toby Goldfarb ’23 Staff Writer

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hen Sophie Spheeris ’23 is able to catch a break from her busy life as a full-time distance learner, part-time fashionista and driver-in-training, she relieves stress by creating drawings, paintings, abstract portraits and jewelry.

“I just enjoy expressing myself,” Spheeris said, “whether it’s through writing in a journal or making art.”

Recently, Spheeris has indulged herself in making rings out of wire and healing crystals, some of which she makes for her friends, or sells on her Depop page, @sophiesph.

“I’ve been making my rings out of 20-gage wire and different crystals by manipulating the wire around the crystal,” Spheeris said. “It’s very therapeutic.”

Spheeris has made her friends' rings with different crys-

ille

am

by C s o t Pho

tals according to what healing power she believes they personally need. After cleansing the crystals in the sunlight to fully enable their “attraction ability,” Spheeris shares pictures of the rings and explains their significance on her Instagram.

“Sophie put red agate in my ring,” Nikki Sternberg ’23, a friend of Spheeris, said. “Its healing properties are luck and enhancement in relationships, financial prosperity, helping one pursue their goals, induce positive thinking and overcoming weaknesses. I think that it’s wonderful how she’s been able to expand her artistic abilities to jewelry making because there should never be anything limiting one’s creativity and desire to try new things.”

Art has always been

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an integral part of Spheeris’ life, especially when acting as a healthy coping mechanism for the academic pressures of high school. Spheeris’ artistic tendencies have flourished with the progression of the pandemic, serving as an outlet for boredom and opportunity to explore her surroundings.

“I like listening to music and then making art based on how I feel,” Spheeris said.

“Even though it’s kind of corny, I also get inspiration from looking outside. Sometimes I’ll even look at poems, anything that conveys a mood that I can portray through artwork.”

Spheeris works with many different mediums, including but not limited to colored pencils, oil pastels, pencils, pens, paint,

markers and jewelry. All of Spheeris’ designs and processes are shared on her Instagram account, @artbys0ph1e.

“I like sharing my artwork with my friends and going to classes because it’s like a little art community,” Spheeris said.

As an opportunity to explore her passion, Spheeris has been partaking in weekly art classes with Alexa Lunney ’23 where they improve upon their natural creative abilities.

“It’s her self-expression,” Lunney said. “I think Sophie uses her art in a beautiful way, and I love that she can share it with me and others over social media and in art class.”

Despite her immense progress in a short period of time, Spheeris is still eager to continue her artistic journey and experiment with a plethora of other mediums.

“I just love art,” Spheeris said. “I’m excited to work on more projects and find more ways to express myself in the future through different mediums.”

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Westport Farmers Market develops community despite COVID-19 restrictions Lily Klau ’23 Staff Writer

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ARTISTIC VARIETY Sophie Spheeris '23 uses everything from her walls to her Instagram account to display her work. She creates a wide range of art from drawings to rings.

hoppers hurry through the doors of the Westport Farmers Market’s tent at Gilbertie's Garden Center each Thursday and are hit by the aromas of freshly cut flowers, breads, ciders and more.

From taco shops to kombucha stands, The Westport Farmers Market has it all. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Farmers Market has followed government guidelines for food entities and has placed their own restrictions in order to support vendors and shoppers.

“We follow social distancing. We have hand sanitizers at each booth, touchless pay and open air,” Lori Cochran Douglalo, the Market’s executive director, said.

Creating this safe venue has allowed the Market to garner crowds similar to those before the pandemic.

“Because the Market is such a safe shopping environment, people come shopping here as opposed to going into a store. So it's been nice because people are still coming to us,” Jenny Suchecki, a farm hand at Ox Hollow Farm, said.

Interaction with vendors allows shoppers to learn about the food they consume. By creating a relationship between the producer and consumer, the whole exchange becomes more organic.

“Farmers Markets are about conversation,” Cochran Douglalo said. “People are able to slow down and shop and talk to the baker, the cheesemonger, that have made their food, and that is not an experience you have at a grocery store.”

20 | ARTS

adapts to COVID-19 restrictions, continues to produce shows over radio Hannah Conn ’23 Staff Writer

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he bright lights, beautiful sets and dolled up actors of Staples Players have produced show after show for our community, leaving us speechless each year. This year, however, they are working a bit differently to be in accordance with the COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings that prohibit their usual rehearsals and showings of plays.

Despite the fact that they are not able to dance and act on a stage, Staples Players is still working to produce shows over the radio. Since October of 2020, the Players cast has released four separate radio shows: “The Wizard of Oz,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol.”

This year has definitely been a challenge for Players to perform to their full potential, but Sophia Betit ’23 has found the experience fun and fulfilling.

“The radio shows make us focus on our voice acting rather than our dancing and facial expressions,” Be-

tit said. “It’s definitely new, sound effects for the shows. but still super cool to learn.”

Director David Roth Players has its rehears- worked to make sure that there als over Zoom calls. In these would be a great experience for calls, actors practice lines and all Players, on both the tech prepare for in-person record- and acting side of each show. ings at Staples.

“A l l Then, on the days of the of performance, It’s fulfilling to look feedback the group gaththat I ers at Staples in back on this year and have retheir construct- realize that the sense c e i v e d ed, COVID-19 the of community that from safe Black Boxes Players to voice act live. Players is known for has been David Cor- hasn’t gotten weaker, g r e a t . ro ’21 has been People part of Players but rather persisted.” seem to for four years - Lulu Dalzell ’21 really be and has found enjoying this year a bit lacking com- the process,” Roth said. “I also pared to his past productions. think that they really enjoy “I like [the radio shows] for doing three shows because it what the opportunities are,” gives a lot of people opporCorro said, “but it’s definitely tunities to create many a lot different than being in different characters.” the same room with everyone.”

All the radio This year, the Players’ tech shows are free to crew has been geared towards tune into and creating the Black Boxes in the link to the which they act from, setting show can be up a COVID-19 safe environ- found through ment and forming a special- the Staples Raly curated foley crew, which dio Station or works to create live audio and can be found

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directly at wwptfm.org. The weekend following the live performance will offer one more chance to listen; however, the rerun is just the recorded version of the first show and will not be broadcasted live.

“It’s fulfilling to look back on this year and realize that the sense of community that Players is known for hasn’t gotten weaker, but rather persisted,” Lulu Dalzell ’21, one of the several Players officers, said. “That is one of the most refreshing and humanizing things one could realize in the face of such a lonely virus.”

UPCOMING Lulu Dalzell ’21 and fellow Players members prepare for upcoming performances of “Little Woman” (left) and “Dracula” (right).

Graphics by Rachel Greenberg ’22

Photo by Poppy Livingstone ’21

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Bradshaw tumbles toward cheerleading success CHAMPIONSHIP Jenny Bradshaw ’23 performs at the 2020 FCIACs. She later tied for first place for All-FCIAC athlete.

Lexie Moskovit ’21 Web Sports Editor

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hether she is performing back handsprings across the floor, holding her teammate high up in the air or dancing across the mat, she is always decked out in her blue and white shimmery uniform with a big bow in her hair. At age 15, Jenny Bradshaw ’23 has accomplished great success as a cheerleader.

Bradshaw has been cheering since she was 8 years old. She first got into cheerleading when she was a gymnast at Gymnastics and Cheerleading Academy of Connecticut (GCA). She watched the cheer team practice every day, so she decided to try out. Bradshaw decided to stick with cheerleading as she enjoyed the competitions and teamwork.

“I love getting in the gym for anything and I love to work hard, especially tumbling which is my strongest area,” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw came into the Staples varsity cheerleading as a freshman and played a pivotal role. She was able to tie for first place for All-FCIAC athlete. She also won first place in both of the individual tumbling competitions she was in.

“Jenny is a great asset to the team with her advanced tumbling skills, pretty jumps, and she is a strong base,” Staples cheerleading teammate Emily Epstein ’22 said.

Stepping away from the Staples team, Bradshaw cheers for Xtreme

Photo by Erik Trautmann/ Hearst Connecticut Media

cheer and is also on the Worlds level six team.

The Worlds team is made up of the top cheerleaders in Connecticut who travel to the biggest cheerleading competitions and compete with the top gyms across the county.

“A Worlds team is really hard to make because you have to have lots of endurance and high level tumbling skills since it’s a really high level in cheerleading,” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw has traveled across the county for competitions. Most competitions for her club team are in Massachusetts, New York and Maryland, but her personal favorite was traveling to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Bradshaw enjoys traveling with her teammates as it is a way to build team chemistry.

Outside of cheer, Bradshaw enjoys hanging out with her friends.

“Jenny is a super hard working individual who will never give up on what she puts her mind to,” Emma Mechanic, friend of Bradshaw said. “She will always be there for you with the most contagious laugh.”

22 | SPORTS

Winter sports altered due to COVID-19 regulations Abbie Goldstein ’22 Web Features Editor

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oaring fans, spirited parents and championship games no longer describe the typical Staples sports event due to COVID-19 regulations. Low-risk winter sports have started to train at Staples High School, but high-risk sports are unable to begin their season.

All practices look different than usual and athletes are being forced to abide by new guidelines and roll with the punches.

All CIAC sports classified by the Connecticut Department of Public Health as low-risk activities started no earlier than Jan. 19, with games eligible to start on Feb. 8. These sports include girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, boys’ ice hockey, girls’ gymnastics, indoor track and boys’ swim and dive.

Staples girls’ squash, girls’ ice hockey and ski team were also scheduled to start then, but they are not

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considered an official CIAC sport. All of these sports have specific guidelines to follow in hopes of playing safely and having a successful season.

Sports classified as highrisk activities, like wrestling, however, are limited to small group conditioning and non-contact skill building.

Following the approval of their season, Staples’ ski team has allowed alternative transportation methods to the mountain where they practice and are forced to wear masks at all times, even during their races. There are also no fans or parents invited to spectate races. Due to these changes, members of the team, including Emmy Bassler ’21, are having mixed feelings about the season.

“I’m definitely excited for the season [...],” Bassler said, “but I’m also disappointed at how different it will have to be.”

In addition, indoor track has changed drastically compared to its traditional season. All participants must wear masks the entire time, and distance runners train outside while sprinters train in groups inside the gym. These changes have made training difficult for some athletes on the team.

“COVID has limited my experience this year for indoor track as running in masks is incredibly difficult,” Samir Mott ’22 said.

Photo by Lily Caplan ’22

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PRACTICE Boys’ swim and dive and girls’ basketball are two of the teams able to practice with the current guidelines implemented.

“However, I am excited to go through the season and have as normal of an experience as possible.”

Staples girls’ squash has also been altered this year, as it conducts no official Photo by Chelsea Strober ’21 practices and matches are only between a few schools. The amount of people on the court at once is around four teams—a drasrestricted and everybody is re- tic difference from their usuquired to play with masks. Due al schedule of playing around to these regulations, players have 15 teams. And team huddles, struggled to improve their skills. a form of team bonding and “It definitely has been motivation, are no longer alharder to train because we lowed. Despite the increase in haven’t been all together as a physical distance, members of team in over a year,” Rebecca the team feel that these chalSchussheim ’23 said. “These lenges have brought them closlimited practices because of er mentally and are cherishing COVID have made it really the time they have to play. hard to bond with the team.”

“We are all learning to adFurthermore, girls’ basket- just and adapt to the new norms ball has faced enormous chang- of basketball, and all have been es as players abide by the regula- there to support each other tions. There are no fans allowed every step of the way,” Sydelle at games and players are forced Bernstein ’22 said. “We never to wear masks at all times take for granted the time we during practice. In addition, do get to spend together and the team can only play schools will spend every second on the within their “pod,” which is only court like it could be our last.”

1 SEASON

Photo by Dylan Goodman ’21

COVID-19

n o i t c e l f e R r o Seni

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o 21 left the wh hin the class of 20 mmates and the coac tea ram’s 1 og ’2 pr e na th . an s on M wa as se on It team. ff this Camer d from ing sta an s ar ye in lly ua er ish us rit fin n’t worst Staff W e Teenagers do de looking in, no on tsi is much ou th e e th nc n rie ca pe h ex uc better t ge t’s crazy how m uld wo it d ty, but we In the believe pt us. adversi ce Ex . change in one year.

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Athleti that expeotball to do their I would not change fo nt wa e t on no d e, di ut ro ly not on . The odds e busted rience for the world ey never block, on th w n ho ca t bu w , ro en th pp to ha on a us and we ever, I second late were stacked against ow H it. ar, r ye fo is gh Th ou . did en ything g. We didn’t e and change ever just kept perseverin tim h . uc m job so eir ve th ha only an did ve the privilege important ever y m goal at hand ha nt I know it is more rta po im e Th play under the side of the Even when to ll. ba to see the positive ot fo ay pl to s at Staples ll season. wa easier to lights be uld alternative footba wo it e lik t front of the season it fel e odds were in After a rough 2-8 th e us ca be up e ole student ayers with- giv working to- wh pt ke in 2019, many pl we , us st ain ag body, but nevwards what was Photos by Dylan Goodman ’21 ertheless it was important: enstill an honor to rep suring our safem ra og pr resent this ty for a football the during season. I don’t 20 20 . anyone fall of know

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ES Cameron LAST FEW GAM s teammates play Manna ’21 and hi t Fairfield r final game agains thei A d o Field. arde at PJ Roman vW ersity was something we were faced with from day one

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inklings news Staples High School 70 North Avenue Westport, Connecticut