Inklings November 2020 Issue

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Nov. 24, 2020

Staples High School

Volume 88, Issue 4

Remote through Thanksgiving: Staples acclimates to school closures Molly Gold ’21 Creative Director

Remy Teltser ’21 Managing Editor

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ll Staples High School, Bedford Middle School (BMS) and Coleytown Middle School (CMS) students and faculty will enter full-remote classes until Nov. 25 due to an influx in COVID-19 cases, leading to a shortage of faculty. The announcement came on Friday, Nov. 13 after the school had already been on a temporary two-day closure.

Students are expected to return to campus on Nov. 30, after teachers have completed the mandatory two week quarantine. As of Nov. 18, 58 individuals (staff and students) in the district have positive confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Due to contact tracing with infected students and staff, 1143 individuals across the district are in quarantine, according to the WPS COVID-19 Dashboard.

According to Staples Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr., the rise in staff members forced to quarantine made properly staffing all classrooms nearly impossible.

“We continue to do all we can to ensure the safety and well being of our students, staff and families,” Thomas said in a Nov. 13 email. “While clearly not ideal, we worked through the spring and will do the same going f o r w a r d .”

Before t h i s decision was made, a number of teachers and students had already been sent into quarantine due to exposure to the virus. Between Nov. 6 and Nov. 9, Staples High School confirmed five positive COVID-19 cases, the first wave at Staples during the 2020-21 school year. While the first two cases were determined to have no exposure within Staples High School, the third case

involved a member of Staples’ preschool, though that the school is doing their best Little Wreckers, and caused the entire Litto make sure that everyone stays safe.” tle Wreckers program to move online for While contact tracing, the administwo weeks following the positive result. tration determined that everyone in an The first cases that required contact infected student’s class is a “close contracing came in on Monday, Nov. 9. Italtact.” Thus, entire classes and respective ian teacher Louisa D’Amore was one of teachers were forced into quarantine. the first teachers to receive a phone call “The most difficult part of quarantine regarding exposure to COVID-19 and had is the isolation,” Brennan Harold ’22 said. to adjust her lesson plans.

On Nov. 15, “Thankfully, our “[My teacher] makes sure the district anonline learning during that that we are engaged still nounced the spring quaranBMS and CMS and comes up with fun tine prepared me for students would things so that we are not just join the high many of the obstacles bored sitting at our desk.” school in a with online teaching,” D’Amore said. “While full-remote learn-Maya Wofsy ’21 it is definitely challenging structure. ing to teach online [beThus, the district cause of] lack of resources, like Smartabandoned their original plan to move boards, I have always tried to make my nine teachers from Staples to the joint classroom a safe place for my students to middle school, filling in for the middle communicate safely and comfortably.” school faculty members in quarantine.

English teacher Meghan Scheck has In addition to the school cloadapted to the remote-teaching limitations. sure, fall and winter sports were Scheck’s husband, a middle school technolaffected due to the spike ogy teacher, boosted her at-home setup in cases. The girls’ with a document camera out of LEGOs and soccer team was wires. Scheck uses the homemade camunable to play era to live-stream her annotation process. their FCIAC “[My husband] hacked this “hoverchampioncam” for me out of an old USB camera, ship game a LEGO baseplate, 4 LEGO bridge supagainst ports as legs, and some masking tape,” RidgeScheck said. “Welcome to school 2020.” field on Maya Wofsy ’21, and all students in Thursher environmental science class, also d ay, received word of their quarN o v. antine on Monday, Nov. 9.

1 2 . “[My remote teacher] makes sure that we are engaged still and comes up with fun things so that we are not just bored sitting at our desk,” Wofsy said. “I do feel

“It really is heartbreaking that we weren’t able to finish out our season as planned,” Charlotte Barnes ’21, a girls’ soccer captain, said. “We still had so much to prove, but I’m still grateful that we were able to have a season at all.”

The CIAC has decided to push back the start of the winter sports season in order to prevent the further spread of the virus. Winter tryouts have been postponed and sports will begin on Jan. 19, 2021.

“We will have winter sports this year; we just may have to delay the start of them,” Staples’ Athletic Director Marty Lisevick said.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg ’74, however, does not feel as confident about the future of winter sports.

“I sympathize with students and parents who are frustrated by the restrictions and the sense of arbitrariness as to which sports are allowed or forbidden,” Steinberg said. “[But] I’m afraid I’m pretty pessimistic about the ultimate status of winter sports and [I] think there’s a high likelihood of all sports being shut down sometime this winter.”

The goal for Superintendent Thomas Scarice is to return students to the hybrid schedule following Thanksgiving break. The administration hopes the weeks of online instruction will help stagnate the number of positive cases with the buildings.

“I ask that students and families at all of our schools maintain vigilance with adherence to mitigation measures that will ultimately keep us all safe,” Scarice wrote in a district-wide email.

AT-HOME LEARNING (above) Jane Kraus ’21 learns from the comfort of her bed during the closure.

VIRTUAL CLASS Social studies teacher Chi-Ann Lin teaches a fully-remote class.

Photos by Eliza Barr ’21

GETTING CREATIVE (above) Featured is a camera stand made out of household materials by English teacher Meghan Scheck.

Photo contributed by Meghan Scheck

Inside the Issue The presidential election is over, now the real work must begin

Page 4

Valerie Dreyfuss argues for continued political advocacy after the election.

Students alter holiday plans to prevent surge of COVID cases

Page 8

Many students have changed their Thanksgiving plans and prepare to adapt to the holidays at home.

Moca Westport exhibit, ‘World Peace,’ represents myriad of issues

Page 10

From Oct. 8 to Jan. 17, the exhibit displays pieces on topics such as race, global warming and more.

Winter sports adapt to modified schedules, COVID-19 regulations

Page 12

This winter sports season has been postponed until Jan. 19. Teams remain resilient amidst this change.

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Nov. 24, 2020

Web Managing Editor

Nov.

25

Thanksgiving break begins

School will dismiss early for Thanksgiving break on Nov. 25 and will be closed until Nov. 29.

Nov.

28

Angelina’s reopening

Angelina’s Trattoria on Post Road East will reopen its newly refurbished doors for in-store dining that have been closed since June 17.

Nov.

29

Darien Sport Shop Tree Lighting

The Darien Sport Shop will have their annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dec.

3

Family History in Fiction

In this virtual event hosted from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. by the Westport Library, authors Kimiko Guthrie and Maisy Card will discuss their stories “Block Seventeen” and “These Ghosts are Family” with Bernicestine McLeod and Judith Hamer.

Dec.

4

Holiday Express Train Show Opening Night

The Fairfield Museum will host its annual Holiday Express Train Show grand opening this evening. The show will continue to be open to the public throughout the rest of the winter holiday season.

Dec.

10

Player’s Radio Show

Staples Players will be performing “A Christmas Carol” radio show on Dec.13.

Staples High School

Chloe Murray ’22

Though neither Williams nor Tighe would classify themselves as “anti-vaxxers,” STAPLES Opinions Editor it is possible that the states could require people to take the vaccination, because, POLL: A 94.5% effective Moderna vacaccording to the Constitution Center, Would cine and a 95% effective Pfizer vaccine the Supreme Court ruled that states rewere recently developed and are preserve the right to not admit a student to you take a dicted to be available to the public at some point in 2021, according to CNN. a school if they pose a detrimental threat. COVID-19 However, Staples’ official stance on “Pfizer plans to ask the Food and Drug vaccine if one Administration for e m e r g e n c y procedures for a vaccine release remains unknown. When asked was authorization of the I don’t want to harm questions about how stutwo-dose vaccine later released? myself by injecting dents will return, how ... this month, after it has chemicals into my body long it will take for school collected the recom200 responses when I don’t know what to go back to fully in-permended two months of 80% Yes safety data,” as reported the side effects are.” son learning and if teachers will be required or en- 20% No by the New York Times.

-Ella Williams ’22 couraged to take the “By the end of the year vaccine, Principal A vaccine with a 95% it will have manufactured enough dosStafford Thomas disclosed that this efficacy rate was made es to immunize 15 to 20 million people.” by the pharmaceutical The proximity of an available vac- gray-area has yet to be determined. company Pfizer, “The vaccine and all that goes cine has prompted people to start thinkwith it has not been discussed in according to CNN. ing about their decisions going forward. part because we do not know what “I think that we won’t know enough it will look like,” Principal Stafford about it [when it comes out],” Ella Williams Thomas said. “[This includes] any le- The pfizer vaccine ’22 said. “ I don’t want to harm myself by gal hurdles the state would need to could be cleared for injecting chemicals into my body when I clear first in regards to any require- use as early as don’t know what the side effects are.” ments for the public and/or state December, according According to the Pew Research Cen- and town employees, for example.” to the Washington Post. ter, about 49% of Americans reported that For now, people will only be they would not immediately get a vaccine able to reflect on what they may when one is made available to the public. do with the release of a vaccine.

Paige Tighe ’24 suggests that she Staples nurse, Sarah Resnick, sup- A 94.5% effective vaccine is being would follow a similar precaution. ports the use of a released vaccine. developed by the “I definitely would be concerned [about pharmaceutical “I would encourage [students] to the potential risks],” Tighe ’24 said. “But if take the vaccine,” Resnick said, “if it company Moderna, the vaccine were to keep me and every- has been tested properly and it’s real- according to CNN. body around me safe, then I would take it.” ly been through the trials properly.”

Graphic by Simon Sandrew ’21

Rachel Suggs ’21

COVID-19 vaccine approaches approval, prompts questions on post-vaccine protocols

Westport declared in ‘red zone’ for COVID-19 rates Finnegan Courtney ’22 News Editor The state reverted from Phase 3 to Phase 2.1 starting Nov. 6, meaning that restaurants now are reduced to 50% indoor capacity and entertainment venues like movie theaters and arcades, as well as restaurants, will now be required to close at 9:30 p.m.

Additionally, event venues will be limited to 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors.

Some regulations and rules from Phase 3 are staying in place. This includes barbershops and hair salons staying at their previous 75% indoor capacity.

“I predicted [the change to Phase 3] might be very short-lived because of likely increases in the virus as the weather cooled,” State Representative Jonathan Steinberg ’74 said. [The] major differences this time [is our] experience coping with the virus and a more localized approach which recognizes real differences between retail establishments and leaves a little wiggle room to customize.”

Westport was declared to be a “code red” town, with over 550 total cases as of Nov. 16. In order to be classified as a “red town” it must have a minimum of 15 cases per 100,000 residents. Westport currently has 22.4 cases per 100,000.

With the significant rise in cases all throughout the state and country, some feel concerned for the future.

“I do feel a bit concerned about the number of covid cases increasing because various places are being closed,” Srushti Karve ’23 said. “We just might go into a second wave [which is the] op-

posite of how we’ve been doing so far.”

Marpe urges residents to follow public health protocols and refrain from gathering in large groups and playing contact sports, like football or basketball, along with adhering to strict social distance and health guidelines.

This recent uptick in cases has also affected Westport schools, with up to more than 30 cases in five schools: Coleytown, Greens Farms and Kings Highway Elementary Schools, Bedford and Coleytown Middle school and Staples High School. The greatest impact of this rise happened on Nov. 11 when Bedford, Coleytown and Staples temporarily closed and moved to full distance learning, with

an estimated date of return on Nov. 30.

Some Staples students believe that distance learning will continue beyond the estimated return date.

“I think for the next couple months, we will for sure be [doing distance learning] and [I don’t know] after that,” Sarp Gurdogan ’23 said.

Steinberg hopes that everyone abides by the current health guidelines.

“It’s almost certain that the pandemic will intensify shortly and we’ll be in a tough place,” Steinberg said. “We all hope that a vaccine is available soon but, until it is, we’re in for another six months of sacrifice and some tragedy. The only way to minimize the tragic outcomes is to behave well.”

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

Local briefs

News

CASES SURGE: Westport returns to Phase 2.1 protocols as the town has been designated a “red state” for COVID-19 cases, which entails 15 or more cases per 100,000 residents under Connecticut’s four-tier system.

inklingsnews STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER www.inklingsnews.com inklingsnews@westportps.org (203) 341-1499 or (203) 341-5192 ...........................

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 Assistant Creative Directors Rachel Greenberg & Claire Hanley Simon Sandrew & Lilly Weisz Broadcast Directors Jack Dennison & Ella Stoler Assistant Business Managers Shira Zeiberg & Lucy Zuckerman Breaking News Editor Andreas Lolis Outreach Manager Rebecca Kanfer News Editors Natalie Bandura & Tierney Kugel Finnegan Courtney & Katie Simons Opinions Editors Madeleine 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 Allison Gillman & Maria Krug Web Features Editors Ella Alpert & Lyah Muktavaram Web Arts Editors Lauren Hassell & Lea Rivel Web Sports Editors Lexie Moskovit & Maya Reiner Web Photostory Editor Amanda Rowan Advisers Joseph DelGobbo & Mary Elizabeth Fulco ...............................

Editorials and letters to the editor All opinions in this paper are those of Staples High School students. The editorial board determines editorial opinions that 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.

Memberships Inklings News is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center.

Distribution 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.

opinions

3 Have an opinion about an article?

Write to the editor at inklingsnews@westportps.org.

Graphic by Molly Gold ’21

News of vaccine necessitates development of structural, educational plan

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n light of the recent news regarding a COVID-19 vaccine, our state and school has reached an impasse. Principal Stafford Thomas expressed uncertainty at how the district will proceed.“The vaccine and all that goes with it has not been discussed in part because we do not know what it will look like,” Thomas said. Though this uncertainty is warranted, the Editorial Board strongly believes that a concrete plan for students’ vaccination must be discussed and implemented soon in order to actively protect students and families.

We believe that the district has a responsibility, regardless of state limitations, to strongly encourage all eligible students to get vaccinated via a number of structural and educational support systems.

editorial Similar to other vaccines, Staples is legally unable to mandate students to be vaccinated if they have specific health or religious exemptions. However, we believe

that high risk students and staff deserve to return to a safe environment as quickly as possible, necessitating action from the school and community as a whole.

Given the reality that some students’ families may be unable or unwilling to vaccinate, Westport should maintain its online learning infrastructure until COVID-19 numbers have decreased to a safe level. Unvaccinated students should be strongly encouraged by the administration to remain online until cases decrease to sufficiently low levels. This would allow students unable or unwilling to take the vaccine to continue their education remotely, without putting others or themselves at risk.

This caution, though possibly excessive, would allow the town to quickly reduce local cases, meaning all students can return to school as quickly and fairly as possible.

There are understandable concerns regarding the legitimacy of a vaccine released so quickly after the introduction of a virus. Nevertheless, we feel that the research, money and caution put into the development of this vaccine warrants a degree of trust in its effectiveness.

In order to demystify the vaccine, the Board suggests that Staples rolls out an educational effort upon its release. Infor-

[inklinations]

LULU DALZELL ’21

"[Mandating the vaccine] would make school a much safer environment and ensure that an outbreak wouldn’t disrupt students learning.”

mation regarding its development and effects should be taught in science, health or Connections classes, discussed in group conversations and broadcast throughout the school. The nurses’ office could create a video explaining the vaccine and the health measures students should practice after being vaccinated. This effort would create a more knowledgeable and safe community within the school, clearing concerns that may come along with such a groundbreaking new development.

The release of the COVID-19 vaccine will be hugely pivotal in the course of the pandemic, necessitating structural changes in our community as a result.

The safety and health of our students and staff should be the utmost priority of our school district. As such, it seems appropriate that the vaccine be strongly encouraged on the schoolwide level. Ultimately, our indisputable goal is to return to normalcy and safety as soon as possible, and the Board’s suggestions would help hasten the eventual attainment of that goal.

The editorial board voted 23-1 in favor of this opinion.

Upon its release, should the COVID-19 vaccine be mandated in order to return to school?

NIKHIL ARORA ’22 "I think it’s pretty obvious that a covid vaccine should be mandated to create a safer environment at school.”

EMILY EPSTEIN ’22 "It shouldn’t be mandated because it would force individuals to spend money on something they might not want."

Photo by Natalie Bandura ’22

inklingsnews.com

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Opinions

Nov. 24, 2020

The election is over, now the real work starts Valerie Dreyfuss ’22 Staff Writer

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t is unlikely that young Americans will forget the moment when Vice President Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 Presidential Race. After two agonizing days of ballot counting, the results were in: Biden secured the number of electoral votes to become president. In New York City, people rushed into the streets hugging, cheering and ringing bells. In Westport, people gathered on the Ruth Steinkraus bridge downtown. These jubilant scenes continued in cities across America.

Like so many of my peers, I felt a mixture of joy, relief and a reawakening of hopefulness. For me, Biden’s victory was a wake up call to how important it is for Americans, especially young

people, to engage in politics and the is- Marpe has made it clear that he is eager sues that are important to them. So what to hear from Westporters; Staples stucan we do? And where can we begin? dents could be communicating with him, The first step is to learn more about our and sharing more of our views about how local government here in Westport. One Westport can be a better place for all of us. lesson learned over the last four years is The board of education meetings are open that many of the most to the public. They are The important thing is to currently meeting evimportant political desimply commit to being ery month via Zoom, cisions take place not in The White House, but in involved, prioritize it and and our voices are town halls. How well do make time every week. welcomed there. We members of our police can communicate diforce serve the needs of our commu- rectly with the people who denity? How well does Westport support its cide on critical issues relating to Staples. neediest people? How clean are our beachOn the state level, Staples students have es? How much open space do we have? a special “in,” with one of our senators: Those are the kinds of questions that Will Haskell ’14 is a Staples graduate, and are handled in our town and state gov- many of us actually helped him by workernment. An important first step for us ing on his recent re-election campaign. young people is forging closer connecWhen it comes to the issues shaping tions to our local and state representatives. our world, we can also have an impact.

Our Westport first selectman Jim If you care about the environment, vol-

unteer to clean hiking trails for the Aspetuck Land Trust. If you want to help people who are hungry, call the Connecticut food bank, and find out how you can help organize food drives and donations.

There are tutoring programs that students can participate in to help struggling learners from all around our area. The list is truly endless, and there are absolutely opportunities for any person; no matter their political views, or interests.

The important thing is to simply commit to being involved, prioritize it and make time every week. As we know, democracy is not just a term that we learn in our history classes. Getting involved is not something we do for our college resumes. If we want to keep holding onto that hope we felt the night Biden was elected, we need to fight for it.

Election votes will be finalized, but for us, Staples students and young people around the country, the hard work begins now.

Graphics by Mimi Casey ’22

Trump’s attack on our votes is an attack on our democracy Katie Simons ’22 News Editor When I was in seventh grade during the 2016 election, I stayed up until 3 a.m. awaiting confirmation that Pennsylvania was going red. I was a steadfast Hillary Clinton supporter and up until the night of the election, I was convinced she would win. When the realization that Clinton wouldn’t win began to set in, I watched the next morning as she respectfully made her concession speech. I saw how Clinton recognized the importance of the American vote and respected that Americans had made their decision.

Over the past few weeks, President Donald Trump has done exactly the opposite.As news outlets began to broadcast that former Vice President Joe Biden would win the election, Trump delivered a speech about voter fraud in the election that can only be classified as one thing: disgraceful. Trump’s refusal to accept the election results by spewing hatred and untruths is not only unpresidential, but embarrassing and an attack at the democracy that his position demands he protects.

Trump expelled fallacies, claiming that

“If you count the legal votes, I easily win. If you count the illegal votes, they can try to steal the election from us,” without being able to provide any evidence. The president is meant to be someone who Americans can rely on for clear and accurate facts. However, when CNN fact-checked his speech, they found 17 instances of Trump making baseless, inaccurate claims.

It is inexcusable for the man with one of the most respectable positions in America to act so childlike. It’s one thing when you're seven to say that you lost because the other side is cheating; however, when one is the President of the United States, saying that the other side lied without any way of proving it, is irresponsible.

Democracy is meant to uphold justice by reflecting the will of the people. We are a country born from the rejection of rulers who refused to respect the rights of the people.

Voting is one of the most, if not the it creates doubt in a process that is reliant most, important right that Americans on trust to function. The belief that the are granted. Voting is the most effective voting process has been irreparably corand accessible way for people to ensure rupted discourages civic participation. It their interests are reflected in the make- creates a distrust in American democraup of government, and is thus a cor- cy that no president should encourage. nerstone of the American democracy.

Despite his efforts, it is unlikely that By claiming that there is some- Donald Trump will be able to change the thing wrong with outcome of an election he By claiming that there lost. That does not change the votes because they did not sethe fact that he has atis something wrong cure his re-electempted to destroy a pillar with the votes [...] tion, Trump of democracy. The vote is Trump is undermining the beating heart of deis underminAmerican democracy. mocracy. It is the louding American democest expression political racy. Ignoring the will of the will and the most important architect of people when it is inconvenient for change. Without it, people lose their most you is fundamentally contradicto- direct connection to government. Withry to the principles of democracy. out our vote, the government is lifeless.

If there were truly instances of American democracy is built by the voter fraud, I don’t disagree that it people and for the people. Respecting the is the job of the president to guar- vote, the voice of the people, is imperative antee that votes are counted fairly. to ensuring that our democracy lives. If the That being said, there is no tan- president refuses to accept his defeat, histogible evidence of this. If there ry will remember him as someone who has were voter fraud, identifying betrayed our democracy by extricating it and stopping it would be es- from the faith of the people. While he may sential to upholding democ- not be affected by the consequences of his racy; however, lying about actions, the future of our government will.

Graphic by Mimi Casey ’22

Staples High School

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Nov. 24, 2020

Opinions

Distanced Thanksgiving provides respite Maya Hruskar ’23 Opinions Editor

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hroughout these nine months of Coronavirus-adapted life, we’ve missed out on a lot. Seniors spent their last months before graduating cooped up at home, unable to go to parties or to truly celebrate the end of high school. Summer passed in a haze of disappointments and rising infection rates, and even the Fourth of July celebrations were subdued.

Now, after all of this, we’ve arrived at Thanksgiving––a holiday expressly about gathering together and being grateful for what we have––when it's unsafe for family members to even be around each other. To call this dispiriting is a vast understatement.

In spite of these unfortunate circumstances, however, it may be the case that, with a little creativity, this year's low-effort Thanksgiving is exactly what stressed families need.

In years past, my Thanksgiving was spent

packing into a car with my siblings and driving to a relative's house for a homey, semi-awkward meal together. I’d spend the day huddled in the kitchen with the cooks of the family––or anyone who wanted to escape the terror of my little cousin––and then around the table, trading summaries of the past few weeks of our lives.

T h e st re ss

associated with planning, travelling and tiptoeing around political discussions, however, often cast a shadow over the gratitude we were trying to foster. Fortunately for over-stretched families, these stress-inducing worries will cease given the restrictions put in place for this year.

In absence of the typical friction of Thanksgiving, there exists

opportunity for more meaningful and intimate bonding within our families.

We can focus more on spending time with our immediate family and appreciating the company of those whom we may overlook in day-to-day life.

In my family, for instance, we’ve agreed to gather in the kitchen and make food togeth for dinner. Even if somebody is just making mac and cheese, the act of gathering in a shared space for leisure activities facilitates an atmosphere conducive to familial bonding.

Some other options for gathering together include watching the Thanksgiving day football game around the TV, or calling those with whom you're unable to gather before dinner.

This is not to say that Thanksgiving should forever be celebrated in this manner; we’d eventually miss our aunts, uncles, cousins and whathave-yous. But considering all the stress associated with day-to-day life during this pandemic, the low expectations and intimate nature of this year's Thanksgiving may prove to be a blessing in disguise.

Graphics by Madeline Michalowski ’22

Thanksgiving 2020: The most thankful one yet Logan Gornbein ’21 Staff Writer

This is my favorite time of the year.

There is a gentle breeze as I breathe in the crisp autumn air and venture outside rocking a brand new mask that barely fits my massive schnoz. In the past, burning firewood and Sunday football meant one thing to me: Thanksgiving.

But in the world of COVID, the table may look more vacant. But, hey! Keep on the bright side. There are just so many things to be thankful for in 2020.

Let me start by being thankful for my rearranged social life. I no longer have feelings of awkwardness about where to put my hands on my date during the photo session at the Red and Whites or prom. The dances are cancelled, and I am relieved. So what if I have been waiting three years to celebrate my senior year? The main thing is, who would want to enjoy great nights with their

best friends when you can cancel them and sit on a couch in a dark corner of your basement crying and shoving popcorn in your face?

Just me?

I suppose it is u n f or t u nate that, after years of dental and orthodontic work, I now have to cover it all up and wear a Tiffany-blue mask whenever I leave my home.

But, even

though I now have a set of gorgeous pearly whites, I swear I'm even more attractive with the mask on. I've been told, "Wow, you should be a mask model."

This is either a compliment because the white mask makes my eyes pop or a diss because it covers half my face.

Whatever the case, I’ll take the win.

2020 has also reminded me to be grateful for sports.

So what if base-

ball season has been cut down from 162 games to 60, and the Masters' golf tournament, which is usually in April, is being played this weekend? After sobbing in our pillows at night, we can wake up and be thankful that there are plenty of other sporting events, like the Westminster Dog show and the US Open Cornhole tournament, to fill the voids. In beautiful 4k on my laptop via live stream, I can watch Siba the standard poodle win another best in show as I watch alone in my bed wearing two-day old underwear. Yay, chafing!

But, in all seriousness, there is one thing for which we can all agree to be thankful: When you're sitting around that smaller table with a bountiful feast in front of you on Thanksgiving, look around. There won’t be the loudmouth cousin who you've only seen twice this year since he feels sanitizing hands every minute isn’t enough. And your uncle, the once-golden-child-turned-narcissistic-arshole, won't be there either because he won't congregate with crowds.

Hmm, coveted turkey leg anyone?

Graphic by Poppy Livingstone ’21

inklingsnews.com

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New eateries open despite trend of closure amid COVID-19

Allison Gillman ’23 Web Opinions Editor

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NEW EATERY Outpost Pizza recently opened in Westport on Main Street. It offers a variety of food choices and currently has another location open in Stamford.

Photo by Claire Re dmer

’21

udible groans of frustration have become frequent among Westporters as a family or bubbly group of friends excitedly checks restaurant availability, only to be stopped dead by the little red X on the screen indicating a no dine-in policy.

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic is bringing economic devastation to countless dining establishments across America and has forced Westporters to wave good-bye to some of their favorite restaurants. Yet, more than one phoenix has risen from the ashes.

Several new restaurants have recently opened throughout Westport, serving a smorgasbord of items from protein-packed Huevos Rancheros to mouthwatering New York-style pizza. Despite the damaging ramifications of the pandemic on other Westport

eateries, restaurants Outpost Pizza and Organic Krush are booming with business.

“We’ve been doing extremely well,” Outpost Pizza owner Joe Dedovic said. “I truly believe when you have a great product, people need to eat and they’re going to be selective on where they eat [...] so you’re not going to stop going to restaurants, you’re just going to go to your favorite places.”

Dedovic opened Outpost Pizza’s doors Monday, Nov. 16. At the restaurant’s additional location in Stamford, which has been open for 16 years, his team’s response to the virus was immediate and served to be effective in establishing trust and confidence with clientele.

A brief drive from Outpost Pizza’s location next to Coffee An’, Organic Krush is nestled in the Compo Acres shopping center. Co-founders of Organic Krush, Michelle Walrath and Fran Paniccia, have not had to close any of their six other locations along the Eastern Seaboard, which they accredit in part to the fact that they’ve had numerous years to practice adapting to different types of situations.

Though Organic Krush has under- venturing out for an indulgent meal.

“I think that what people see and gone many changes as a consequence of the pandemic, Walrath and Pan- what people hear about restaurants is spot iccia have made the necessary adap- on,” Johnson said. “First, the restaurants tations in order for their restaurant aren’t packed [...] And second, everything to continue benefiting its customers. is outside and socially distanced. That be“We’ve got these great patios and ing said, I don’t think I would trust any we’ve got beautiful dining rooms, and restaurant without hearing something people [brought] their computers and from a person who’s been there recently.”

Should other eateries follow Organic [came to] hang out and do work,” Walrath said, beaming.

“COVID took that Krush and Outpost’s leads, it will be critical for them away from “[The customers] saw how to adapt not us, but it rapid and how crazy the world only to the didn’t take was getting, and they still felt circumstancaway our comfortable with us because they saw es of the ability to that we were on top of our game.” p a n d e m i c , keep serv-Outpost Pizza owner Joe Dedovic but also to ing food Westporters’ and setting people up with groceries, delivery kits changing dining needs. For now, the and their cold press juices [...] our app restaurateurs of Outpost Pizza and Organic just launched very recently, so peo- Krush seem to have found a balance between ple got very quickly used to plac- customer satisfaction and customer safety. “[The customers] saw how rapid and ing their orders in a different format.”

Christopher Johnson ’23 finds how crazy the world was getting,” Dethat restaurants around Westport, for dovic said, “and they still felt comfortable the most part, have been transparent with us because they saw that we were on about their adaptive protocols. How- top of our game. We didn’t take [the panever, he now does his research before demic] lightly, right from the beginning.”

Photo by Betti Kobak ’22

Photo by Claire Redmer ’21

Graphic by Molly Gold ’21

KRUSHING IT Organic Krush recently opened in Westport in spite of COVID-19 regulations, exciting residents of Westport with its versatile menu and vibrant ambiance.

Staples High School

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7 Photo by Claire Redmer ’21

A LOOK INSIDE Organic Krush offers indoor seating, as well as lounge chairs and books for their customers.

Photo by Tori Wilson ’22

GOOD EATS

Photo by Betti Kobak ’22

While working to combat the virus, Outpost Pizza owner Joe Dedovic has also taken a strategic approach to maximizing business during an uncertain time.

“As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding,” Dedovic said. “When you have a great tasting product and you have great customer service, and no matter what town [customers are] from, you have to have fair prices [...] when you have that combination, you can’t lose.”

Photo by Betti Kobak ’22

Both Organic Krush and Outpost Pizza have a wide array of food to choose. As seen above, Organic Krush offers a range of gluten free, vegan and paleo pastries. Pictured below, Outpost Pizza offers a variety of pizzas, from chicken bacon ranch, to pepperoni.

Organic Krush is known for its ability to create an environment of inclusion, community and a “feel-good” sentiment among both its customers and employees. The restaurant’s mission encourages healthy eating habits and works to expand its influence beyond its front doors.

In addition to free wellness shots being distributed to employees, Organic Krush’s Virginia team delivered thousands of meals to patients in local hospitals.

DINING Outpost Pizza offers indoor seating with dividers for their customers in order to maintain social distancing.

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Nov. 24, 2020

Features

Students alter holiday plans to prevent surge of COVID cases Theresa Vandis ’22 Business Manager

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Graphic by Poppy Livingstone ’21 & Lily Weitz ’23

OVID-19 has altered graduations, birthday celebrations and many more special moments. However, as the weather gets colder, the holidays are starting to roll in and for many, this will mean changes to traditions as well. Many Staples students are altering their plans this Thanksgiving and are only celebrating with more immediate family members in order to limit the spread of the virus.

Many students whose family usually

Staples High School

visits from out of the state have decided to While some students have estabkeep their gatherings smaller and more in- lished their plans for the holidays, others timate. Anushka Rao ’22 has a great number are still not certain about how they will of family members who live in New York celebrate this holiday without their norwho she won’t be able mal traditions. Sim“Usually we go to a ilar to other events to see this holiday season. This will not only feast type of thing. I this year surrounding impact the company doubt that’s happening the pandemic, norat her house, but also malcy is no lowwnger though.” the meal itself. an option for many.

-Ian Patton ’23 “I can’t have a lot of

“Usually we go to a my family come over, feast type of thing. because the majority of them are older,” Rao I doubt that’s happening though,” said. “Our main tradition is that instead Ian Patton ’23 said. “We are probaof my mom making the whole dinner, we bly just going to have a family dinner.” always have one person bring something, While many Staples students are and another person brings something dif- used to having family visit them, othferent, so now my mom’s going to be mak- ers prefer to travel to visit family and ing the whole dinner [...] I’m a little scared.” friends. However, a majority of these

group gatherings won’t be able to occur this year because of the dangers of traveling as well as the number of people.

“We would normally go to my aunt’s house in Wilton and there would be like 50 people at their house just to celebrate Thanksgiving,” Aidan Sprouls ’23 said.

Sprouls, as well as many others, are disappointed in not being able to travel to see local friends and family this year; however, for some, it’s a longer trip which includes a plane tickwwet. With the possibility of contracting the virus while traveling, along with the time spent quarantining, many are deciding not to travel overseas.

“Last year I went to England for Thanksgiving [...] ,” Sofia Spencer ’24 said. “I definitely think it’s going to be different this year.”

arts

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‘Among Us’ takes top free game on App Store: is it worth the hype?

Toby Goldfarb ’23 Staff Writer

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lthough released in June 2018, “Among Us” has been recently discovered by teens and became the most downloaded free game on the App Store. According to the developers at InnerSloth, an American-owned

company, “Among Us” has been downWhen a dead body is reported, sur- people over the course of three hours, loaded 100 million times as of Oct. 1. viving players have the opportunity to and she already earned herself “Among Us” has become a mode of accuse players who are “sus” - a coined the top seventh spot communication and enjoyment for friends slang term that means “suspicious.” in most popular who are maintaining social distance. Since Whoever accumulates the most “Among Us” the game can be played with people on votes is eliminated, even if that streamers all different devices, the app has created means an innocent player is teron Twitch. a common ground for gamers and recre- minated. This cycle continues Despite the ational players alike to enjoy themselves. until the imposter kills the rest implica“Whenever we’re at a pasta din- of the crewmates, or the crewtions that ner, we play,” Olivia Katz ’23 said. mates eliminate the impostor.

“A m o n g “Among Us” resembles a virtual spin Even after being eliminatUs” is a juon the well-known murder mystery game ed or killed, crewmates can still venile app, it “Mafia.” In any given game, there can be do tasks as a ghost to attempt to can be enjoyed four to 10 playsave their by all age groups ers (either comteammates, and is a perfect pasplete strangers and imposters time activity whether with close “I play probably 10 to 15 or friends), up can still sabo- friends or complete strangers. games a day, and I only to three of which tage crewmates, “It’s a lot of fun to play with my have had ‘Among Us’ for are known as but cannot kill. friends,” Samantha Dewitt ’23 said. two weeks.” “ i m p o s t e r s .”

“Among Us” “It’s definitely an interesting way -Christopher Johnson ’23 The objective has a highly ad- to connect during the quarantine.” of an imposter dictive nature to it is to kill every which offers “crewmate,” saba unique otage the spaceship and frame oth- social component to any ers without provoking suspicion. event or period of down time “I like being the imposter because for any group or individual. you have the most say in eliminating “I play probably 10 to 15 games a the players,” Grant Harriott ’24 said. day,” Christopher Johnson ’23 said. “And

While crewmates complete tasks I only have had ‘Among Us’ for two weeks.” to keep the ship functioning all Even New York representative Alexanthe way back to civilization, dria Ocasio-Cortez, otherwise known as imposters avoid speculation AOC, has played the game on Twitch to by pretending to be a crew- encourage voting and prompt potenmate. This includes “vent- tial voters to register. Although posing” (transporting from their sibly an unconventional approach, Graphics by Molly Gold ’21 crime scenes) or faking tasks. her stream reached over 400,000

wishes to make streaming services its brightest star Lilly Weisz ’23 Assistant Creative Director The smell of hot, buttery popcorn wafts through the air as the opening notes of a movie’s intro sequence boom from speakers. I eagerly set my eyes on the debut of a new Disney film. I have the full theater experience. Except, it’s all from the comfort of my own home.

The Walt Disney Company announced on Oct. 12 that Disney is reorganizing to concentrate its efforts on creating and producing content for its streaming services. This means fewer nights at the movie theater and more dates with Disney+.

For business purposes, this makes sense. In Fairfield County, because of COVID-19, every Bow Tie Cinemas theater is closed, except for Criterion Cinemas at Greenwich Plaza and Ultimate Majestic 6 in Stamford (two out of nine theaters), according to Bow Tie Cinemas.

Overall, Staples students are supportive of this change for Disney, es-

pecially because of how the pandemic has changed media consumption.

Jackson Oliver ’23 claimed that while he used his streaming services a fair amount before the quarantine, his watch time increased when COVID-19 hit.

“It’s nicer since you’re just in your home; you don’t have to go anywhere,” Oliver said.

“Especially now you’re not putting yourself at risk by going somewhere where you don’t know if someone has Covid or not.”

Another student, Gaby Brinck ’22, agreed that though she used Netflix and Disney+ almost every day before COVID-19, quarantine provided an even greater opportunity to fill long periods of time at home with streaming.

“There was nothing really to do, and going out wasn’t really safe,” Brinck said. “So I stayed home, and, after you get bored of certain shows, you move on to a different platform.”

Oliver also believes that the reorganization is a smart move for the Walt Disney Company, as it cuts out the middle-man

for their services and instead provides directly to consumers. This means that more people will need to buy streaming services to Disney+ to access multimedia, but it also means those already with membership get new Disney content instantly.

“It’s nicer to be able to have it just available at the second it comes out so I can watch it,” Oliver said.

Brinck said she still prefers the full movie theater experience with surround sound and people, and would be sad were Disney to pull out of theaters completely. However, she understands that 2020 has been challenging for companies like Disney and that they should adapt to and embrace the growth streaming has received during the pandemic. She has even extended the resource of streaming to connect with others despite

t h e q u a r a n t i n e .

“I think that, a lot of my friends and I at least, have watched movies together and talked about them,” Brinck said. “You don’t have to go near them, you can just watch a movie tog e t h e r.”

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

Graphics by Molly Gold ’21

inklingsnews.com

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Arts

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strong messages about politicalrhetoric.

Prominent politcal leaders such as Donald Trump, Richard Nixon and Rudy Giuliani are all included in different artworks.

by Ti en ey

minority populations and finding communities of like minded people who have News Editor similar aspirations for the United States.

MoCA Westport highlights some of the country's most relevant issues through its new exhibit “World Peace.” The exhibit shines a spotlight on some of the most conhe past year has been one of polit- troversial topics Americans are facing toical turmoil and conflict. Between day as well as a variety of political perspecthe COVID-19 pandemic, the tives coming from a diverse range of artists.

“World Peace” excels at displaying powpresidential election, the Black Lives Matter protests and the passing of Supreme erful pieces of art that are great conversaCourt Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, po- tion starters, specifically about race and cultural appropriation, litical tension has been Themes about law and both being contenhigh, as well as feelings tious topics. The art is of uncertainty about the order, police thoughtfully selected future of the country. brutality, public health, and succeeds in conWhile the capitalism, war and global fronting the audience country may be warming are emphasized with new perspecextremely divided over by “World Peace.” tives and the seversome o f the nation's ity of many modern most pressing issues, the and political issues. events of 2020 have brought many people societal Not only does MoCA Westport bring closer together. More than ever, people are participating in social and political attention to racial and cultural issues, but the exhibit also embraces artwork that feaactivism through speaking out against tures specific political figures as well as injustices, advocating for the rights of

Ph ot os

Tierney Kugel ’22

Ku ge l ’2 2

MoCA Westport exhibit, ‘World Peace,’ succeeds at highlighting political, social issues BLACK LIVES MATTER “Female Protester” by Spencer Platt portrays a woman in Oregon getting arrested in July 2020.

Themes about law and order, police brutality, public health, capitalism, war and global warming are additionally emphasized by “World Peace.” The exhibit does a brilliant job of exploring a wide variety of controversial modern-day affairs. The diverse assortment of artists and art styles creates a unique and enlightening experience for anyone who has the opportunity to walk through the exhibit.

TWISTS AND TURNS Marcel Dzama’s “Polyrtopos of Many Turns” was inspired

by Homer’s Odyssey and consists of many twists and turns designed to evoke feelings of uncertainty.

o ot Ph a m

m

E by D 21 s’ ta an

Staples High School

CURRENT ISSUES MoCA Westport’s new art exhibit, “World Peace,” centers around some of the country’s most relevant issues.

Between Oct. 8 to Jan. 17, the exhibit displays conversation starting pieces, regarding topics such as race and cultural appropriation, public health, war and peace, global warming and police brutality.

Scan this QR Code to learn more about the “World Peace” exhibit at inklingsnews.com:

sports

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Fall sports teams thrive despite modified season Molly Gold ’21 Creative Director

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GIRLS’ SOCCER

After an undefeated regular season, the girls’ soccer team’s year was cut short after their modified FCIAC championship game was indefinitely postponed due to school closures. The team was scheduled to play Ridgefield in a rematch after tying the first round, where Gaby Gonzalez ’22 and Sophie Mulhern ’21 scored two goals in the final minutes, securing the Wrecker’s top spot in the league. “It’s unfortunate that our season might be ending this way,” captain Charlotte Barnes ’21 said. “We had an incredible season but we still have so much left to prove.”

CO-CHAMPIONS Hayley Buckman ’21 plays against Danbury on Oct. 1. Girls’ soccer was declared co-champions with Ridgefield after the cancelation of their final game.

he fall season is typically a superfan’s dream with football, soccer and field hockey all occurring simultaneously. Although the usually-packed stands were replaced with livestreams, the Wreckers still managed to excel on the field despite COVID-19.

FIELD HOCKEY

Photo contributed by Dylan Goodman ’21

The Staples field hockey team maintained the program’s strength with an undefeated season. Unfortunately, the team failed to secure a fifth consecutive championship win, losing 2-1 to Ridgefield in the finals. During the regular season, the team only surrendered three goals. The Wreckers’ leading scorer, Julia DiConza ’21, had a record-setting season, scoring four goals in a single game against Norwalk and three goals against McPhoto contributed by Alan Fiore ’21 Mahon. “Overall, I’m really proud of WILTON LOSS Jack Douglas ’21 what the team was able to accomplish plays against Wilton on Oct. 7, this year,” Julia DiConza ’21 said. which ended in a Staples loss of “The fact that we were able to have 4-0. Douglas was unable to finish an undefeated season under such unthe season due to a torn ACL. known circumstances is incredible.”

Photo contributed by Arden Scherer ’21

NARROW LOSS Despite the FCIAC’s cancelation of their season, the team was able to compete in scrimmages throughout early fall. In one of the matchups, Staples lost 34-33 to Fairfield Ludlowe.

FOOTBALL

Despite cancelations and restrictions due to COVID-19, the football team was able to still BOYS’ SOCCER LEADING SCORER Julia play on through a private 7-vThe Staples boys’ soccer team ended the DiConza ’21, the team’s 7 league. The team was able regular season with a 3-3-2 record, endleading scorer, guides to finish their season strong, ing ninth in the league. The team defeated Staples to a win against Brien after securing a win for their Ridgefield twice and Norwalk once but McMahon on Nov. 7. final game. “This season had lost to Wilton and Danbury. Although its ups and downs, especialthere were no state championships or Photo contributed by Julia DiConza ’21 ly when it came to who we FCIACS, a modified postseason was carwould be playing at the end ried out in pods. In the semi-finals, the of the week,” Jake Luffman Wreckers faced off against Brien McMa’21 said. “Nevertheless, we hon, but lost 1-0 in a tough battle, markstill got up every morning ing the end of their season. “We always in the summer and came played with the thought in the back of to practice after school our mind that our season could get canfor countless hours. I celed at any moment,” Alan Fiore ’21 said. think that’s what kept “Overall, our season didn’t go exactly us going and made the way we wanted it to at all but we are this season great: grateful we even got the chance to play.” the brotherhood.”

Gym classes adjust as temperatures drop to bear, classes will transition inside, utilizing the field house and the gym, which Web Sports Editor will provide teachers with an immense amount of space for students to participate in different activities while still staying safe.

“Luckily our maximum in-person class size is currently 15 students so there is he leaves begin to fall, the winter plenty of room for students to social disjackets are pulled out from dusty tance at least 12 feet from each other and bins in basements and hand warmengage in physical activity,” Telford said. ers are cleared from every sporting goods Despite the physical education department’s store: winter is approaching. Most years, plan, students are not eager to accept it. individuals are able to gather inside around “I’m not really looking forward to winter the fire with their family and friends; gym classes because I would like to have however, this year is not like most years. the opportunity to go outside as much Due to COVID-19, many alas possible,” Luca terations are upon “Our current P.E. curriculum is Robins ’22 said. us in all different using these activities to focus on Robins’ beliefs are manners, includstudents developing a lifetime shared by many ing how students commitment to a healthy and students, espeand teachers will cially those who execute physical active lifestyle.” have enjoyed the education classes.

- P.E. teacher Jennifer Telford mask breaks alThe physilowed during physical education classes. cal education department “I’m not looking forward to winter gym has a plan for the colder months that because one of my favorite parts about are fast approaching, yet it depends gym is when we get to go outside because on the weather of that specific day. we can take our masks off, ” Francine Ste“P.E. teachers are planning on staying vens ’23 said.

“It has been nice to get some outdoors as long as possible for classes,” fresh air for that period during the day.” physical education teacher Jennifer TelIn an effort to keep students engaged during ford said. “We're encouraging our students asynchronous learning, written assignto wear layers to school and hoping the ments are assigned to students to ensure that weather stays okay for a few more weeks.” they are gaining something from the period.

When the weather becomes too cold

Maya Reiner ’21

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Students have different opinions on the effectiveness and enjoyment of these assignments, with some students finding these assignments to be interesting and helpful, as they are able to learn about the topic at hand more thoroughly.

“From doing the written assignments, I am able to learn more in-depth about the unit we are doing,” Stevens said. “When we did yoga, I was able to learn more about the benefits of yoga than I would if it was just in normal class.”

Despite the benefits of the written assignments, many students miss the way gym classes used to be structured before COVID-19.

“I don’t like how P.E. classes have become more focused on written assignments because I think it takes away from the purpose of the class, which is to exercise and have fun,” Caroline Cooper ’24 said.

The physical education teachers have plans in place for the upcoming months in order to make the class engaging, interactive and beneficial.

“Some of the activities we're planning to teach are archery, table tennis, badminton, yoga, mindfulness, and personal fitness,” Telford said. “Our current P.E. curriculum is using these activities to focus on students developing a lifetime commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle and managing their physical and social-emotional wellness.”

“I’m not really looking forward to winter gym classes because I would like to have the opportunity to go outside as much as possible.”

- Luca Robins ’22

“I’m not looking forward to winter gym because one of my favorite parts about gym is when we get to go outside because we can take our masks off.”

- Francine Stevens ’23 “I don’t like how P.E. classes have become more focused on written assignments because I think it takes away from the purpose of the class, which is to exercise and have fun.”

- Caroline Cooper ’24

Photos by Eloise Ahl ’21 & Natalie Bandura ’22

inklingsnews.com

Sports

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Nov. 24, 2020

Winter sports adapt to modified schedules, COVID-19 regulations Chelsea Strober ’21

mates and family members are anxious about indoor sports,” Associate Managing Editor Bernstein said. Last March, the CIAC cancelled winter sports seasons early, cutting seasons short. Girls’ baskets the fall sports season comes to an ball was unable to play in their end, winter teams are gearing up in state semi-finals tournament preparation for their season. The game and players just hope to transition from outhave a season door to indoor sports “I like to tell our team of some sort, poses a new challenge whatever that that we should try to due to COVID-19 may look like. only worry about the regulations, but both “It would things that we can players and coaches mean the world control. So that’s what just to step back are working hard to ensure they have the we’re doing right now: out on the court opportunity to play. one last time,” preparing to the best Although the seaNicole Holmes of our abilities. This son is right around ’21 said. “We’ve season is going to be the corner and some been looking full of uncertainty, so teams have started up to the sepracticing, a lot of unwe are going to have to niors since we certainty still remains started be flexible and roll with first surrounding the plans playing and it.” for winter sports. The it would be

- Boys’ hockey season was planned absolutely

head coach to officially begin heartbreakon Nov. 21, but due

Matthew Bohn ing to not to rising cases in become COVID-19 in Conone of necticut, it has been postponed to Jan. 19, the role models of the 2021 and many new regulations have been team.” The Staples implemented. All participants in indoor indoor track team sports deemed medium-risk for transmit- is facing similar ting COVID-19, including basketball and obstacles because so ice hockey, will be required to wear masks much time and enerat all times. Sports that are at high-risk for gy is being dedicated transmitting the virus, like wrestling and to distancing during competitive cheer, have been postponed practices and wearing until the end of the calendar year. Accord- masks, captain Dean ing to Staples boys’ hockey head coach Moro ’21 stated. For this Matthew Bohn, his team has had to make reason, he feels that it a great deal of alterations as a result of the has also been difficult to schedule modifications, and his team is have meaningful practices. working to coordinate games with schools “We have already had an that are in close proximity to Westport. issue where some of the team, “I like to tell our team that we should including myself, was exposed try to only worry about the things that we to someone who tested positive can control. So that’s what we’re doing right and had to take two weeks off now: preparing to the best of our abilities,” of practice to quarantine,” Moro Bohn said. “This season is going to be full said. “So it has definitely been a of uncertainty, so we are going to have to be challenge maintaining our usual flexible and roll with it.” For teams that have training schedule.” The team to share the indoor spaces within Staples, has also been cut to a third of there may be some complications in terms what it usually is, which of practices because the fieldhouse and gym he thinks will alter will not be able to accommodate the same the team dynamic amount of people that they normally can. that they are used The cheer team has been practicing since to. Despite the the start of the school year, and most of changes and their practices take place in the fieldhouse. challenges that According to captain Georgia Cohen ’21, all winter sports when they transition into competition teams are facing, season for the winter, they might have to the coaches and make some adjustments to their schedule. players have high “I don’t think any teams will have to hopes for their limit practice times as of right now,” Co- seasons and hen said. “We are hoping that we can fit all the success of teams into the schedule, but we might have their teams. some challenges with indoor track and oth“As captain I er teams that use the same practice space as know it’ll be a bit us.” The girls’ basketball team has already more difficult trying been able to begin preseason games once a to ensure we follow week against various towns in Connecticut, guidelines, but we are though according to Sydelle Bernstein ’22, definitely looking forthey have been very different than games ward to having whatin previous years due to the necessary safe- ever season we can for ty precautions; this includes mask wear- the winter and spring,” ing and social distancing on the sidelines. Moro said. “We really “I am hopeful the season will happen just want to be able to have but that we can do it in a way that everyone any sort of season, even if it means is safe because I know a lot of my team- following some new protocols.”

A

BOYS’ HOCKEY Tucker Lawrence ’21 plays in a home hockey game against Masuk.

The team is still having captain’s practices once a week leading up to this year’s season.

Photo contributed by Tucker Lawrence ’21 CHEERING ON THE SENIORS Ella Hansen ’22 and the Staples cheer team at Senior Night during the Staples vs.

Fairfield Warde football game on Oct. 20. The team has postponed practices for the winter competition season until Jan. 1, but is having weekly captain’s practices in Danbury.

Photo contributed by Dylan Goodman ’21 Photo contributed by Nicole Holmes ’21 BIG WIN Staples girls’ basketball celebrates their win against the then defending state champions, Norwalk, during the 2019-2020 season. This year, the team is having preseason games weekly against neighboring towns.

Photo contributed by Olivia Bollo ’21

SQUASH MATCH Isaac Bunan ’22 warms up for a match at Chelsea Piers in Stamford.

The boys’ and girls’ teams play at Intensity, but are unable to conduct practice.

INDOOR TRACK SEASON Olivia Bollo ’21 runs in the 400 meter at the New Balance Armory NYC on Dec. 21, 2019. While outdoor track has an easier time adapting to COVID-19 restrictions, indoor track poses new obstacles.

Photo contributed by Staples boys’ squash