Inklings October 2021 Issue

nklings

october 2021

staples players presents grease pg. 18

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Front and back cover design by Aedan Kiniry ’22, Rachel Greenberg ’22 & Aidan Rogers ’22.

Cover photos contributed by Kerry Long.

Contents NEWS

Meet the candidates for the upcoming first selectman election which takes place on Nov. 2.

OPINIONS

Anna Diorio ’23 shares her personal experience with adoption and the stereotypes that surround it.

FEATURES

Staple seniors reflect on how virtual college tours have affected their college application experiences.

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ARTS

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SPORTS

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Eliza Bowen’s ’22 and other students give fashion advice for this year’s fall season.

Thomas Sargent ’22 and Krishin Wadhwani ’22 discuss the chess team’s recent involvement in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Chess league.

Volume 89, Issue 2, October 22

Inklings Staff Editors-In-Chief

Natalie Bandura, Katie Simons

Creative Director

Public Relations Director Chloe Murray

Outreach Manager Shira Zeiberg

Aidan Rogers

Social Media Director

Lily Caplan, Betti Kobak

Broadcast Directors

Paper Managing Editors Web Managing Editors Giselle Oldani, Anastasia Thumser

Associate Managing Editors

Samantha Felner, Karina Murray

Business Directors

Brooke Dembin, Margot Stack, Theresa Vandis

Photography Director Camille Vynerib

Asst. Creative Directors Rachel Greenberg, Madeline Michalowski, Lilly Weisz

Features Editors

Mishael Gill & Emily Goldstein, Lily Klau & Ella Shi

Arts Editors

Anna Diorio & Abbie Goldstein, Maria Krug & Elle Vail

Sports Editors

Lea Rivel

Gabi Gerig & Kiswa Khan, Phoebe Miller & Tori Wilson

Ella Alpert, Lyah Muktavaram

Toby Goldfarb, Abby Nevin

Asst. Business Managers Meg Enquist, Allison Gillman, Mia Kikorsky, Lucy Zuckerman

Breaking News Editor Tierney Kugel

News Editors

Finnegan Courtney & Maya Hruskar, Lucy Dockter & Julia Herlyn

Opinions Editors

Mimi Casey & Jared Leonard, Valerie Dreyfuss & Charley Guthartz

Web News Editors

Web Opinions Editors

Hannah Conn, Margot Richlin

Web Features Editors

Alix Glickman, Karlie Saed

Web Arts Editors

Audrey Kercher, Hannah Ratcliffe

Web Sports Editors

Julia Leitner, Sarah Marron

Web Photostory Editors

Amanda Rowan, Ella Stoler

Advisors

Joeseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco

More About Us

Inklings News is uncensored, unedited by administration and does not allow for prior review.

Opinions

The Editorial Board determines editorial opinions that are authored by the Editors-in-Chief.

Inklings News serves as an open forum for the public and welcomes letters to the editor and other submissions. Send signed letters to inklingsnews@westportps.org. Submissions will not be edited prior to publication.

Advertisements

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

Membership

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

The decisions of Inklings News and Westport Public Schools are made without regard to race, color, age, sex,religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.

|3 Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

EDITORIAL Students with extended absences require further accommodations

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hile fully in-person learning is indisputably the most effective way of learning for everyone, the Editorial Board believes it is necessary to provide greater accommodations for students who test positive for COVID-19 or for unvaccinated students who are quarantined due to exposure.

We acknowledge that hybrid learning is not an ideal means of teaching, and we understand the frustrations experienced by both students and teachers with online classes last year. Therefore, it is first important that we strike a balance between moving forward with in-person learning and ensuring that the school provides adequate support for students required

to stay home for several weeks.

Students quarantined at home are entitled to the same quality of education as those in the classroom, and they should not return to school behind and overwhelmed. Similarly, it is not plausible to expect teachers to effectively assist a student in catching up on ten days’ worth of missed content during short before and after school sessions.

The Editorial Board proposes that classes utilize the existing cameras above the SMART Board to livestream classes over Google Meets only in instances where there are students at home quarantined or with a long-term illness. Even if the class is simply broadcasted without offering student viewers the opportunity to ask questions until after the lesson, this adjustment would still serve as a considerable improvement.

We also acknowledge that students may be tempted to overuse this accommodation by requesting access to a streamed class when they are not really sick. To prevent such an abuse of privilege, the school could simply require a positive COVID test result or a notice of quarantine or a doctor’s note confirming a long-term illness.

Furthermore, the school could set up a virtual option for attending the Math and Science Learning Center or the English Writing Center by providing links to Google Meets with teachers during the day.

Extended absences further exacerbate the existing difficulties that students encounter with having their assignments scattered throughout multiple platforms. So, the policy to have assignments posted to Schoology should be more strictly enforced.

Posting assignments on Schoology is a school policy, but many of the students on the Editorial Board noted that their assignments are nevertheless located on different platforms, making it challenging to find assignments.

Using some of the lessons we learned last year can help move our school forwards. We learned how to utilize distance learning tools effectively, and there are elements that we can take from that experience to improve learning accommodations for students with extended absences. Staples has the means to support them and should consider putting them to action.

The Editorial Board voted unanimously in favor of this opinion.

Have an opinion that you want to share? Write to Inklings at Inklingsnews@westportps.org

Inklinations

Should there be accomodations for quarantined students?

Riley Burke ’22

Anna Pan ’22

“I think there should be an online option for “There should be a Google Meet streaming to quarantined people, so they won’t fall behind on students, as we seem to be heading towards more COVID infections in the winter.” their work and can ask questions.”

Jordyn Goldshore ’23 “Yes, because without any accommodations, it would be very hard to connect to your teachers.”

NEWS

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Connecticut welcomes more than 300 refugees

Web Managing Editor

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Staff Writer onnecticut is preparing to accept at least 310 Afghan refugees, who have been entering the state since Sept. 20 in accordance with orders from the White House. Bridgeport, Norwalk and Old Lyme formed resettlement agencies and organized volunteers to prepare to welcome these new residents.

According to a statement made by Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut has a responsibility to welcome the refugees.

Senator Chris Murphy also cited the state’s history of accepting those seeking asylum.

Social studies teacher NellAyn Lynch agrees that Connecticut should be receptive to incoming refugees, especially given the circumstances in Afghanistan.

“It’s nice that we welcome our fellow global citizens into our state, especially considering the crisis that’s been put on them,” Lynch said. “It shows our goodwill for humanity.”

In addition to temporary homes, refugees will be pro-

vided with vaccinations, food, local Fox News that Connecticlothing and other necessities. cut will receive some children.

Resettlement agencies are tasked If Westport receives an influx with finding permanent hous- of young refugees, they may ening for refugees in the coming roll in Westport Public Schools. months, as well as helping to Sean Ramos ’24 feels Staples is caenroll children in local schools. pable of integrating newcomers, Kathy Kronholm, co-chair regardless of the grave situation. of the Refugee Resettlement “We can make the refCommittee ugees feel welof Old Lyme, come by makis working ing [Staples] alongside 50 a safe place committee for them,” members Ramos said. to prepare Ramos for the refualso pointed gees’ arrival. out that stu“We have dents and the -Nell-Ayn Lynch readied the administraSocial studies teacher tion share a [resettlement] house responsibility for their arrival,” Kronholm to educate themselves and said. “We have volunteers com- make Staples an inclusive mitted to leadership in each area; e n v i r o n m e n t . welcome, medical, education, benefits, social services, transportation, employment, acculturation, transition [and] housing.”

While demographics of the incoming refugee population remain largely unknown, Susan Schnitzer, president of the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, conWall Street Journal firmed in a press release with

“It’s nice that we welcome our fellow global citizens into our state.”

“Having an environment dedicated to [the refugees], or having certain history lessons so we understand what they’ve been through can help us better understand and include them,” Ramos said.

Kronholm confirms that refugees who arrived in Connecticut have assimilated into public schools and agrees with Ramos that open-mindedness is crucial in integrating families into the community.

“Communication is key. [...] We have learned so much from these families,” Kronholm said. “This is not just a situation of giving. It is a time of openness, growing, sharing and learning from one another.”

The U.S. evacuated over 65,000 Afghan refugees as of Sept. 15.

Graphic by Ella Shi ’23

Local Briefs Halloween Spooktacular at Westport-Weston YMCA

MoCA Westport will host a Fashion Illustration Intensive Workshop with Sooo-Z Mastropietro on Nov. 2, from 1-4 p.m. The event is available for middle schoolers to adults and will cover fashion history, information on the fashion industry and demos on illustration. The registration fee is $120 per person.

Nov. 2

On Oct. 23, from 2 to 3 p.m., pumpkin carvers will be able to bring their pumpkins to Earthplace and carve or paint their pumpkins there, with supplies provided by Earthplace. The organic waste produced by the pumpkins will be composted or fed to animals by. Entrance to the event will cost $10.

MoCA Westport Fashion Illustration

Oct. 23

Oct. 23

On Oct. 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., the Westport-Weston YMCA will be hosting a Halloween for children aged 10 and under. For a cost of $5 per child, participants will be able to show off their Halloween costumes and participate in many activities, including face painting, ring toss and crafts.

Pumpkin Carving at Earthplace

NEWS| 5

Connecticut officials hope to implement COVID-19 vaccine passport system

Assistant Creative Director

Staff Writer

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onnecticut plans to introduce a state vaccine passport system. Vaccine passports would require citizens to provide evidence of vaccination in order to enter state businesses and venues.

According to Westport’s Representative in the Connecticut House of Representatives, Jonathan Steinberg of the 136th District, this information would be stored in an online database to be accessed via phone whenever required.

“We’re not talking about a physical document,” Steinberg said. “We’re talking about a database that one could access with the appropriate security to allow you to obtain your information.”

Others in the state government support this motion, too.

This includes State Senator Will Haskell of the 36th District,

as New York City. The vaccine passport could be made possible through executive order by Gov. Ned Lamont, however, it may require further discussion in ongoing Connecticut General Assembly special sessions.

“We do have an application in place,” Steinberg said.

“It needs -Will Haskell ’14 to be upState Senator dated. The goal would be to make it happen in a matter of months, not years.”

Opinions on the vaccine passport at Staples are generally positive.

“I think one way that we get [to a point where everyone is vaccinated] is to make life just a little bit more inconvenient for those who are unvaccinated.” unvaccinated.

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Do Staples students support mandated vaccine passports for entry into public venues?

“I think it is a good idea to show vaccine cards if you are going to be in an indoor environment with thousands of people,” school nurse Anna Fitzpatrick said. “The Delta strain is very contagious.”

Others are concerned that the vaccine passport could become a gateway to rights violations for unvaccinated people.

“Having the requirement to be vaccinated to enter a restaurant or a building will only open the door to discrimination,” Spencer Yim ’23 said.“Vaccine passports are just another way that the government would be infringing on privacy and on the daily lives of Americans.”

Overall, however, many members of the Staples community view vaccine passports as inconsequential to their day-to-day lives.

“Most of us,” Spencer Greiss ’24 said, “probably are [vaccinated] anyway, so it doesn’t seem like too much of a change.”

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who also believes that the passport system could help end the COVID-19 crisis in Connecticut by incentivizing vaccine hesitant people.

“I desperately want everybody in Connecticut who can be vaccinated to sign up for an appointment,” Haskell said.

“And I think one way that we get there is to make life just a little bit more inconvenient for those who are unvaccinated.”

Haskell elaborated that businesses would voluntarily be able to require customers to show a vaccine passport. He stated that the vaccine passport would be similar to current protocols to show vaccine cards in places such

’23

73.3% say “yes.”

26.7% say “no.”

Infographic by Julia Herlyn ’23

292 students participated in this poll.

ONLINE PASSPORT Excelsior Pass is New York City’s vaccine passport app where residents can enter their vaccination status and ID to scan at public venues.

6 | NEWS

Staples develops new quarantining protocols, accomodations

Contact Tracing Editor-in-Chief Measures Quarantining Vaccinated Staples students Measures will not be quarantined if they

Q

uarantined students will be unable to attend class virtually this year. Instead, they will receive their assignments and correspond with their teachers via email and Schoology.

“We’re following [...] the same procedure we would follow if someone was out with some other illness like the flu,” Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Anthony Buono said.

The decision to remove virtual learning options for quarantined students came from the negative feedback the school received from students and teachers when teachers had to manage students on a Zoom call and students in a classroom.

“We found that that was really problematic, and it really compromised both groups of students, the ones that were in the class and the ones that were home,” Buono said.

Staples developed a writing lab and expanded the math center to provide before and after school tutoring, which will help quarantined students or those whose education was disrupted last year.

If the number of positive COVID cases among students increases, the administration may add a virtual option for those who are quarantined.

“In an event that [...] more kids are impacted and we need to take a second look at it, we will,” Buono said. “And if we’re finding that those students that are out on quarantine or because they have COVID or tested positive for COVID and we need to provide them more supports, we will.”

interact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, which has resulted in lower contact tracing rates throughout the year.

“We have really high vaccination rates, well into the 80’s for our student population,” Supervisor of Health Services Suzanne LeVasseur said. “We’ve only had one case at Staples since the beginning of school, and [...] everyone was vaccinated, so we had to quarantine no one.”

According to school nurse Kristen McGrath, if an unvaccinated student is a close contact of someone who has COVID, they are quarantined for seven days and are asked to provide a negative test on or after their fifth day of quarantine to return to school. Contact traced students who develop symptoms of COVID are asked to quarantine.

“Anyone who develops symptoms regardless of vaccination status should stay home until they receive a negative test,” McGrath said. “Anyone who tests positive regardless of vaccination status should remain home and isolate for at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication.”

That being said, the district will consider readjusting its contact tracing protocols if the spread of COVID increases within the school community.

“When we came into this school year, we were concerned about the Delta variant,” LeVasseur said. “So, we are watching that, and if we started to see some school transmission, we would have to tighten up our guidelines, but right now we haven’t seen that.”

Have you been contact traced?

You have been contact traced by the school. What are your next steps?

Are you vaccinated?

Yes.

No.

You do not need to You must quarantine quarantine. If you f0r seven days develop symptoms and provide a of COVID-19, you negative test to must get tested. return to school.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?

Regardless of vaccination status, you must quarantine for 10 days and you must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before you can return to school.

Infographic by Lucy Dockter ’23 & Julia Herlyn ’23

NEWS| 7

Selectmen candidates reflect on issues, upcoming election

News Editor

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ith the upcoming election for selectman on Nov. 2, Democratic candidates State Representative Jonathan Steinberg and Westport Board of Education Chair Candice Savin and Republican candidates Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and Westport Board of Finance Vice Chair Andrea Moore spoke with Inklings to discuss their campaigns and issues facing Westport.

Q: What challenges face Westport, and how would you address them?

Savin: “[Steinberg] and I both feel strongly that it is really time to invest properly in all of our school buildings. We have a couple of school buildings that are really a bit older and more tired and need some work, including for example, Long Lots Elementary and Coleytown Elementary, [and] some things at Kings Highway that need some work. So we feel those buildings really need to [be prioritized] in our capital budget.”

Democrats: Steinberg/Savin Photo contributed by Max Kaplan ’17

Q: There is a BLM sign at Town Hall; do you support that? Why or why not?

Steinberg: “We absolutely support it. We’re actually a little disappointed that it took so long for [the install] to actually have happened at Town Hall, it should have been a no-brainer frankly—it’s something that we should have all embraced. And it’s something that will be front and center for our administration: embracing diversity in every sense. And it doesn’t have to be divisive in any way. It could be how we come together. Understanding different viewpoints is critical to being prepared for the world as it is, and I think our community can handle it.”

Republicans: Tooker/Moore

Photo contributed by Karen Hess

Q: What challenges face Westport, and how would you address them?

Tooker: “We continue to think our biggest challenge, and our biggest opportunity, is to respond to our residents’ post-pandemic lifestyle choices. We have the issue of traffic, which I think has been exacerbated recently by the pandemic and by people not commuting.”

Moore: “We would like to institute a traffic and pedestrian safety commission, where we would draw people from the different districts of Westport into the commission and have town employees, like the chief of police, the Department of Traffic, somebody from the Department of Public Works, [and] have those people come together with representatives from districts, hold some meetings in different districts of town and make sure that we know what’s going on in neighborhoods.”

Q: What specifically does your party affiliation mean to you?

Tooker: “As far as our party affiliation [...] I’m not going to defend our party on a national basis. And I feel incredibly strongly that I am very committed to a high functioning democracy. In my mind, that means we have at least a vibrant, relevant [and] effective two-party system. What I’ve learned through life is the only way if you want to make a change to an institution or organization, you stay in it. And you work to make it better.”

OPINIONS Pop Its serve as amusing, beneficial learning tools

Business Manager

We all know that one of the best parts about receiving packages are the few pieces of bubble wrap that keep us entertained for a few fleeting moments. The new sensational fidget toy, Pop Its, replicates and lengthens that satisfying sensation that we all long for.

While the Pop Its seem to be just another popular trend that will last for only a matter of months (like the obscene collections of hand sanitizers from Bath & Body Works) before disappearing into our distant memories, it has been proven to help those with both attention-deficit and anxiety disorders reduce their fidgeting and improve their learning capabilities.

According to a scientific study from Flushing Hospital Medical Canter, those who used fidget toys resulted in a 10% increase in their academic scores.

Oftentimes those with anxiety or attention disorders have trouble focusing on the task at hand, causing them to perform poorly in school or during extra-curricular activities. Pop Its allow for people to give their bod-

ies something to keep themselves occupied, which permits them to focus on learning in class, reading or whatever the activity may be.

After working as a counselor at my sleepaway camp, I developed an obsession with fidget toys. The eight and nine year old girls I had lived with had bins filled with these toys; looking at them made me feel like a little kid in a candy store. There are just so many different styles, colors and shapes.

So no m a t t e r how many times your parents say they’re not wasting money on a stupid trend that will last a week, tell them that a scientific study proved them to benefit your education. Blame it on the statistics.

How can they argue with that?

Looking at them made me feel like a little kid in a candy store. There are just so many different styles, colors and shapes [...]

Photo by Valerie Dreyfuss ’22

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Scan this QR code to buy your own Pop It through Etsy.

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OPINIONS| 9

Consistent Connections Meetings: necessary or purposeless? con: Pro:

Features Editor

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Sports Editor

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reshman year, I looked forward to Connections because it meant that I would see a group of people that I was familiar with among a school full of unknown faces. Connections was a great place to ask questions and find support as we were transitioning into high school, but this is not the case anymore.

As a junior, I have found that Connections no longer serves the same benefits as before.

The 20 minute blocks every Tuesday and Thursday were ones that I looked forward to as freshman, but as I acquainted myself more with the people at Staples, I didn’t find the Connections blocks as useful and began to prefer Communication Time. Although it is a short reprieve, Communication Time gives me

the flexibility to do my homework, catch up in a class, read a book or simply take a break.

I have found that as juniors, we don’t retain as much support since we have been acquainted with the system and there aren’t always updates to be given that justify the allocation of 40 minutes a week. While I do believe that Connections is great for freshmen, most upperclassmen have outgrown the class and it has become more of a repetitive block of time that no longer appears to serve a clear purpose.

Additionally, last year, Connections through Zoom was always awkward. People did not usually have their cameras on, many didn’t attend and the 20 minute blocks felt like forced check-ins that did not add much value to my day.

Coming back to in-person Connections after the Zoom meetings, I found that I had simply lost the rapport I built with people in my Connections group. The awkward Zoom Connections have transitioned to awkward in-person Connections and we constantly watch the clock, counting down the minutes.

Graphic by Rachel Greenberg ’22

onnections gets a bad reputation. Many students view the 20 minute meeting as an awkward break in their schedule, or a somewhat undefined period of aimless and irrelevant discussion. However, consistent Connections meetings can actually prove very beneficial.

Most students likely would not refuse a brief interlude in their busy mornings, as long as they were regular and structured.

This is exactly the model that the administration has developed for Connections this year.

In the opening weeks of school, students reviewed the student handbook, addressed campus rules and discussed principles of academic integrity, all of which are essential not only for incoming freshmen, but for sophomores and upperclassmen who have lost the full Connections experience due to the hybrid and distance-learning models over the past two years.

In addition to these activities, senior Connections classes have also had meetings regarding post high-school planning.

Guidance counselors have had the opportunity to speak with the class about college applications, financial aid and teacher recommendations. For seniors preparing to pursue a higher education, these discussions serve as a helpful tool to ease their transition after graduation.

Regardless of grade level, participation in a small but closeknit group fosters strong bonds with fellow classmates and decreases the stress of school. As

the student body faces mounting academic pressure, Connections provides a welcome break to chat with fellow classmates and learn about events going on within the school.

Having Connections in the hybrid/online model was admittedly ineffective as the meetings were inconsistenet and generally brief. After two consecutive years full of uncertainties, having some consistency can go a long way towards revitalizing the student body.

In-person, routine and organized Connections classes have benefits for all grade levels.

I don’t know about you, but I value the individualistic environment each Connections class has, the flexibility to play games, tell stories and have meaningful conversations that work towards making Staples a better place.

Scan here to read Jared Leonard’s ’22 opinion on Connections.

10 | OPINIONS

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS Anna Diorio ’23 was adopted on Dec. 12, 2006, in Maoming City, China.

Anna now lives with her parents and brother in Westport, Connecticut.

Graphic by Rachel Greenberg ’22

Photos contributed by Anna Diorio ’23.

OPINIONS| 11

My adoption story:

Family is determined by the people who want you

Arts Editor

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was found in a box next to a guard shack in downtown Maoming, China, early morning Sept. 5, 2005. I was less than one-day old, dressed in thick yellow pajamas clutching a small blanket. Fortunately, a guard discovered me, and brought me to a local orphanage. Unfortunately, it wasn’t uncommon for newborns to be left in such a way. Over a 36-year period (spanning from 1979 to late 2015), millions of Chinese babies, like me, were placed in orphanages. I am a product of a system that broke up families and created new ones.

The Chinese government initiated a “one-child policy” in 1979 that limited the amount of children Chinese families had to one.

They enacted this order in an attempt to contain China’s rapid

population growth rate. Enforcement was strict and draconian; families that did not comply could be fined up to a year’s salary, thrown in jail or even beaten.

While keeping more than one child was illegal, it was also against the law to directly put a child up for adoption or place them in an orphanage.

Given this context, I don’t interpret my birth mother’s actions as being equivalent to abandoning me on the side of a street; she was doing all she could to provide me with a life.

When people ask me about being adopted, they never go as far as asking: “Do you ever want to meet your birth parents?”

Sometimes they’ll ask me if I remember anything before I was adopted. I frequently sense that they might be waiting to hear me say that I’ve always felt like a part of myself was missing. People seem to be thirsting for a good d r a m a (I guess there’s n o t h ing good on Netflix these days).

Frankly, I don’t ever wonder who my birth family is; they’ve always been strangers to me. Why would I feel like I’m missing a part of myself when everything I am is because of my family here with me today? My satisfaction with my life today never lets any curiosity grow. Sure, it’s possible that I have a Chinese

The abundant assumptions that I’m misplaced, or living a life that wasn’t meant to be mine, are simply false.

sister or brother who looks like me, but I have a brother here who’s shaped who I am, and for me, that’s more important.

While others may say that the “one child policy” was tragic— and in many respects it was—I can honestly say that I’m grateful. I come from a beginning of sorrow and heartbreak, but I live a life of love and happiness. My family is my everything. They’ve given me a loving home, opportunities, the freedom to explore a myriad of interests and have taught me my individual worth.

Adoption is such a special part of my identity, but it doesn’t define my life. I have this story; this unique past. And it does set me apart from others.

However, the abundant assumptions that I’m misplaced, or living a life that wasn’t meant to be mine, are simply false. I grew up here. My parents are my parents. My brother is my brother.

That’s what’s real and forever.

Statistics from The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs

Graphic by Jake Fitzpatrick ’22, Rachel Greenberg ’22 & Madeline Michalowski ’22

FEATURES

12 |

GIVING BACK Addison Moore ’23 started Up Next, a student-led organization, in 2021 to relieve food insecurity while teaching the fundamentals of entrepreneurialism.

T X E N UP

Moore strives to give more with organization, Up Next Lucy Dockter ’23 News Editor

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ver since he was young, Addison Moore ’23 strove to give back to those around him. Growing up on the

Upper East Side of Manhattan, he always put money in the cups of people living on the streets. So, when he moved to Westport, he founded Up Next to help reduce food insecurity in Connecticut.

Up Next consists of a group of students who organize fundraising events and donate all proceeds to charities and local food banks. In the past few months alone, they have raised over $7000. The organization is completely student run, with only

minimal guidance from adults when absolutely necessary.

“We overall aim to try and relieve food insecurity,” Moore said. “What we’re really focusing on right now is more boots on the ground type stuff.”

After being a part of multiple teen councils in Westport, Moore discovered a gap between organizations that teach charitable initiatives and organizations that teach entrepreneurialism. Up Next was designed

to bridge that gap and be a creative space where teens can put on events, programs and ventures to reduce food insecurity.

“I realized that there was [an] intersection between entrepreneurialism and community-based service,” Moore said.

“Because that was a gap that wasn’t filled, I thought, ‘Hey, you know what? Why not try and fill it?’ And why not try to fill it in a creative way by creating a teen organization that,

FEATURES |13

TEEN FAIR Moore showcased Up Next at the Teen Job Fair in 2021. The event was run

by MoCA Westport and was an opportunity for teens to connect with local businesses.

Photos

unconventionally, doesn’t have a single adult in charge, and where you just have a board of advisors?”

Moore is a part of multiple other teen councils in Westport, but he believes there is something overly formal about such groups, and they do not feel like fun, engaging groups for teens.

“I recognize that one of the major things that [other teen boards in town] always do is they try to make it really official.

They try to make it feel like it is a bunch of adults who are working together, when, in reality, it’s a bunch of teens who are all collaborating,” Moore said. “All these different boards have an adult who’s monitoring everything, and it’s one person speaking at a time and one person takes note.”

Moore took a different approach. He intends to build a tight-knit community through this group where teens can learn to lead and assist people in their community.

“I made Up Next to feel

oore ’23 ddison M A y b d te contribu

more like a group of friends that nization, Toquet Hall, to put you were able to participate in,” on a haunted walk-through Moore said. “You can gain a lot for Halloween,” Moore said.

Moore is attempting to exof community service hours and a lot of experience, and we do pand Up Next to Fairfield and these really cool projects. People Wilton. He is currently trying to make the tend to be organizainterested. tion an ofThey want ficial 501(c) to come.

(3) for They want non-profit to see what organizait’s like.” tions that This are exempt upcomfrom feding fall, eral inUp Next come taxes. is looking “The to begin some new aim right now is to projects. try and “We’re -Addison Moore ’23 grow it working with the Remarkable Theater, and to make it as self-sufficient [which] I’ve worked with be- as possible, and to make it as fore, to put on a drive-in mov- least reliant on myself as posie as a fundraiser event. And sible, so that if I were to [...] we are also going to be work- leave the town, it’s still running ing with the local team orga- itself and still has its own board

“[Other teen organizations] try to make it feel like it is a bunch of adults who are working together, when, in reality, it’s a bunch of teens who are all collaborating.”

of directors,” Moore said. “It’s still a functioning organization because an organization that’s reliant on one individual is as much an organization as it is like that one person’s project.”

Hannah Cohen ’23, who joined in March 2021, loves taking part in Up Next and sharing the experience with others.

“I enjoy that I can learn about new things while also giving back,” Cohen said. “[The organization] brings our community together at the events that we put on.”

Moore encourages other Staples students to join the organization.

“Up Next is a fantastic opportunity to get to meet new kids,” Moore said. “It’s a great place to try and earn community service hours, to start to help out our community and to put on really awesome fun events. And as far as I’m aware, there hasn’t been a single kid that hasn’t liked it to date.”

14 | FEATURES CAMPUS TOURS Washington University has opened its campus up for in-person tours. However, many colleges have kept their tours virtual due to COVID-19.

Virtual vs.

In-Person:

College touring process revamps class of 22’s senior year Izzy Sareen ’22 Staff Writer

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G Ph rap ot hic o by by Ai Rac da he n Ro l G r ge een rs b ’2 erg 2 ’

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he college process is new to the class of 2022, and it’s extraordinarily different than those in years past. Contrary to the pre-COVID era, college visits are currently either virtual or happening in small groups.

Certain states have shut down college tours, admissions interviews and visits in their entirety, while other states like Texas and Alabama have completely reopened their colleges and universities to the public.

But, the majority of schools across the country are sticking to the method of virtual campus tours that were adopted during COVID-19.

However, many Staples students believe that virtual tours are helpful for gathering information, but inefficient for getting a true view of the school for what it is.

“I think [virtual tours] make it real-

ly challenging for kids to de- schools without having to go on cide whether or not they like huge road trips and miss school the school because they can- for them,” Sarah Toohey ’22 said. not be there in person, getUltimately, according to Inting a sense of what daily life side Higher Ed, students who is like,” Jack Rosier w’22 said. can physically get on campus and Zoom live streams and get the whole picture for what virtual information sessions the school really is, are more along with virtual tours have be- likely to feel inclined to apply, come the way of life during the especially if the school fits their past few years. Many are dissatis- individual wants and needs. fied with the virtual college visits, In recognition of this fact, resulting Holy Cross in an overCollege in all thumbs Indiana down for has recentthe curly opened rent college its doors process. for in-per“ F o r son tours, the colalong with -Olivia Marshall ’22 lege virtual meet and tours, you definitely don’t get a greets with some of the staff. sense of the college,” Olivia MarThrough their regulations shall ’22 said. “I find it really hard of having only 20 people on a to judge whether or not I want tour at once, only visiting certain to go to a school based on what buildings, and providing a good the college looks like on a screen. amount of information on the Not all schools are doing in-per- school, Holy Cross College has son tours yet, so COVID has been able to assure the safety of affected my ability to get a real their visitors through COVID-19, sense of what [a] school is like.” while giving them a detailed, There are some Staples in-depth tour of the campus.

High School seniors, how“I find it both an informative ever, who believe the virtu- and exhilarating experience to al college-touring experience be able to be given an in-person comes with its advantages. tour at a college,” Shawn Zhai “I think college Zooms are ’22 said, “especially since where great because it’s so much eas- we go is going to be our life for ier to see a greater number of the next four or more years.”

“For the college virtual tours, you definitely don’t get a sense of the college.”

FEATURES |15

Dropping Courses:

Guidance acommodates students schedule changes, unless deadlines are missed Jess Leon ’22 Staff writer

A

s the school year began, marking a transition from hybrid learning to in-class learning, some students felt overwhelmed by increased homework and classwork expectations, and wanted to drop classes. The first stop to make schedule changes is the guidance department, which is in charge of making sure that these class changes abide by designated deadlines and will not negatively affect the student or a teacher.

For instance, Caitlin Chu ’23 dropped her AP English Language class because she believed that she lacked time to succeed in the course.

“It was too much to handle with my other difficult classes, soccer and clubs filling my schedule,” Chu said.

But while some students, like Chu, were allowed to drop classes, not all were successful.

Chu cited her AP English Language class as an

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

example, as many of her class- the change needs to be made by mates attempted to drop the the 30th school day of the curclass, but were unsuccessful. rent term. Another deadline the There are multiple factors Guidance Department makes that may prevent students from clear is that the last day to drop dropping classes. For instance, a class without it being noted on the s o m e students t i m e s transcript dropping is Oct. one class 14. Howscheduled ever, if a during student one pedrops a riod in higher exchange level class for anto join a o t h e r lower levclass that el class in meets in a -William Plunkett, different the same Director of Guidance period incourse, terferes with too many other class- there is no set deadline. There es in the schedule, or it is possible are other situations notthat the class a student wishes to ed with deadlines as well. take is already at full capacity.

Yet, many stuDirector of Guidance at dents claimed they were Staples High School, William Plunkett, also explained that if a student was unsuccessful in dropping a course, it may have been due to the fact that they missed the posted deadline for dropping and adding courses. According to Plunkett, the deadlines for switching around class schedules are posted on the Program of Studies.

The rule states that in order to drop a class and pick up a free period without it being noted on the student’s transcript,

“We have to maintain reasonable class sizes, and we need to make sure students are going to be successful if they are going to make a change.”

unaware of this information.

Jordana Latzman ’22 missed the deadline to drop an AP class without it being noted on her transcript.

“I never knew to check the Program of Studies on the Staples website, so I was not aware of this rule,” Latzman said.

Despite some vocalized frustrations from students, the guidance department claims that these drop/add course deadlines keep the school running smoothly without teachers having to shuffle their schedule for students to come and go from their classes.

“We have to maintain reasonable class sizes,” Plunkett said, “and we need to make sure students are going to be successful if they are going to make a change.”

16 |

ARTS

thrives through minimalistic, chic trends

Photostory Editor

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all has arrived, and that means it’s time to embrace fall fashion classics: sweaters, baggy jeans, Doc Marten boots, flannels and of course sweatshirts/sweatpants.

But fall fashion for 2021 is going beyond just the classics; it is promoting monochromatic colors, corduroy pants, turtlenecks, oversized jackets and so much more. With all of these new trends, our world of fashion is constantly evolving, giving Staples students the opportunity

to show off their style this fall. laces, Roland knows that some“Fall means leather jack- times the best looks are the ets, a quality pair of tights and simplest. He says he doesn’t neutral colors like cream and have to put tons of thought into brown,” Eliza Bowens ’22 said. his look each day, while mainAs someone who has always taining his minimalistic style.

“It’s interesting because peobeen interested in design and trends, Bowens found her pas- ple used to hate brown colored sion for fashion through her first fash“I love fashion because it’s a ion studio experience in unique art form that seventh grade. people dont tend to consider.”

She loves to Eliza Bowens ’22 sew and design garments, and loves the story she is able to tell through her clothes. Al- clothing and now it’s all we’re though not all Staples students seeing in fall fashion,” Roland are able to sew and study fash- said. “I feel like we’re going ion like Bowens, their fall to see a ton of monochrome outfits are still serving. colors, flannels and hoodies.”

Nic Roland’s It’s not always about going over ’22 friends admire the top when it comes to fashhim for his cool ion, sometimes the simplest of style of clothing. looks are the best. Roland knows From his baggy that his oversized jackets, flanjeans to his cus- nels and crewnecks will tom-made neck- come out each fall,

-

Photos by Cami Vynerib ’23 Graphic by Madeline Michalowski ’22

FALL STAPLES Eliza Bowens ’22 styles her favorite fall fashion looks including patterned jeans and leather jackets.

and he loves knowing they’ll always be in style. Although fall fashion trends may seem intimidating, even freshmen have joined in on the newest styles.

“One of my staples this fall is going to be platform shoes.

Whether it’s my high top platform Converse or just my Doc Marten boots, they always help to elevate my look, and of course help make me taller,” Julia Coda ’25 said.

Coda is one of the many Staples students who have bought into the trend of platform converse. They’re comfortable, supportive, and totally fashionable sneakers. Perfect for dressing up or down any look. From freshman to seniors and everyone in between, fall fashion is constantly evolving, and this year’s look is simple yet always serving.

“Lots of hoodies, flannels and converse,” Eli Szostak ’25 said. “I love getting all dripped out for fall.”

17| ARTS

FALL FASHION WORD SEARCH As leaves change colors and temperatures plummet, fall clothing trends emerge.

Search for the words that will define the next couple of months in fashion.

N neutrals boots flannel bootcut jeans minimalistic leather tights Doc Martens skirt

Graphic by Karina Murray ’22

18| ARTS

marks return to normalcy for Staples’ thespians Karina Murray ’22

Associate Managing Editor

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he curtains draw, revealing an auditorium tingling with exuberance and anticipation. A hush falls over the crowd and proud parents, excited classmates and restless children settle into their seats: the opening number is about to begin. Once a familiar sequence of events to all of Staples’ thespians, underclassmen in Players have yet to experience this rush of emotions on the Staples stage, and upperclassmen have not felt it in years.

When COVID-19 struck the world, live concerts, performances and shows were no longer a possibility; Staples’ beloved musicals were no exception. Staples Players was forced to adapt to the new normal, operating primarily through the radio and on a smaller scale for the past year and a half. With school back in session and large gatherings being socially acceptable once more, Players has announced that it will be putting on a production

of “Grease” for its fall musical.

“After a year of radio shows we now know the value of being on stage and how much it means to us,” Sydney Gusick ’22 said, “so we’re super excited to finally put on something with an audience.”

Rehearsals for the production are well underway, and underclassmen such as Sam Edwards ’24 are soaking up the long process and enjoying this new and exciting journey.

“The sophomores had a different experience than normal because we didn’t get to do an in-person show freshman year,” Edwards said, “so everything is new and I’m really excited to see the whole process of the [production].”

Not only will there be a far bigger audience in attendance for “Grease” compared to last year, but the cast and crew have also grown substantially for various reasons.

“We had six people at the beginning of the year,” Oliver D’Anna ’22, a senior manager of sets crew, said, “but now, with the mixture of Photos contributed

by Kerry Long

freshmen and people that didn’t ly impacted when in-person join Players last year because of shows were halted, so “Grease” COVID or didn’t even know will serve as an exciting challenge Players existed, we have 22 peo- for its members and will force ple [and] this is definitely a lot them to recall their knowledge more new people than in normal of lights from pre-COVID times.

“Last year, we were very lim[years], so we’re really excited.”

The selection of “Grease” ited on our budget and we didn’t presents many exciting oppor- have a lot of hands to work with.” tunities for the Players’ crew in Max Kirkorsky ’22 said. “The set terms of both sets and lights. was a lot smaller, so we didn’t “I’m excited to build some re- have much to do with lights. It’s a ally big stuff that’s gonna be used learning process so I’m excited to in some fun dance numbers,” So- learn and put forth what I know phie Clemens ’22 said. “We have about lights into this set and into the show.” to make a The cast whole car, and crew of a turntable, “Grease” look and it’s gonforward to all na be fun of the possito figure all that those things Sydney Gusick ’22 bilities the show may out. During present, but C O V I D we weren’t able to be in the particularly to rebuilding the workroom building sets for a community that Players has while, so it’s really exciting to fostered for so many years. finally get back to doing what “I’m most excited to be we usually do for the sets.” dancing,” Gusick said, “because F u r t h e r m o r e , acting with our voice isn’t as the duty of lights much fun as getting up there and crew was huge- interacting with our friends.”

SHOWTIME Players rehearse for the fall show, “Grease,” on Nov. 12. Chloe Manna ’22 and Ben Herrera ’24 star as Sandy and Danny.

“We now know the value of being on stage.”

-

Gra p Mic hic by halo M wsk adeli i ’22 ne

Sports

|19

Checkmate, Staples:

Chess Club joins the Fairfield County Interscholastic Chess League

Staff Writer

Photo by Cami Vynerib ’23

PATH TO VICTORY: Staples chess team coach Thomas Sargent ’22 hopes to guide his team towards their first finals win.

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

Graphic by Katie Simons ’22

Editor-in-Chief

C

hess is an individual game, the board acting as a battle-ground between two calculating minds employing wit and strategy, both striving to gain the upperhand. Nonetheless, the Staples chess team has found an edge in their collaborative environment, and became a recent addition to the Fairfield County Interscholastic Chess League.

In joining the league, the club has grown leaps and bounds from its humble beginnings characterized by a casual atmosphere and a handful of matches. The leaders intend to elevate the team to a more competitive level this year as the club evolves.

“As of right now, [the club is] just a place to play some chess and have a good time, and we want to keep that, but we also want to be for students who want a competitive, team-oriented atmosphere,” chess club coach Thomas Sargent ’22 said. “That’s what we hope to accomplish by joining the chess league.”

The decision to join the league was rooted in the hope to increase membership and offer more opportunities for competition. For two years, the club has acted under its own stewardship, and for chess club president Krishin Wadhwani ’22, it became challenging to communicate with other schools, solidify tournament dates, and retain their own membership without concrete competitions.

“What we found was when

people just join the club and just play games and then do nothing with it, they weren’t interested in continuing to come,” Wadhwani said. “There’s no validation, there’s nothing they’re winning, nothing they’re gaining.”

Even as the competitive environment grows, the chess club recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive community that is open to all skill levels.

“We’ve gotten a few recent members who, when we’ve asked ‘Do you know how to play chess,’ they’ve said, ‘Well, no, but I’ve watched “The Queen’s Gambit,”’ and that’s good enough for us,” Sargent said.

To help those interested in chess with no prior experience, the chess club has a coach in Sargent.

“Thomas will sit down with them and will work with them on different tactics, different games to walk them through what is a good move, what is not, and why,” Wadhwani said.

While chess is renowned for its intellectual challenge, Wadhwani founded the club to share his passion and interest in chess.

“We were shocked to find that there was no chess club, which seems like the most ubiquitous, most likely club you are going to see. It seems like whenever you say ‘club,’ that’s what you’re going to see: chess club, debate club, school newspaper,” Wadhwani said. “So we founded it.”

With their addition to the new league and new members, the club has its gaze fixated on the possibilities of the future.

“As a team, we’re looking to get maybe two or three members to the finals, and a fourth would be really great,” Wadhwani said. “It would show that we’ve improved from last year.”

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20| SPORTS

Staples athletics encompass more than just football Jared Leonard ’22 Opinions Editor

I

love the Staples football games just as much as anyone else. As a Superfans Captain, I might even love them more than your average Staples student. However, at times, it appears that Staples athletics revolve solely around our football team, negating the hard work of various other Staples atheltes.

It shouldn’t be that much of a surprise that football is the holy grail of athletics at our school. After all, I’ve never seen a sports movie about a big swim meet for the state championship, and it’s hard to go up against a culture at many schools that treat football as if it’s a religion. Regardless, Staples promotes inclusivity of all, and this value should also extend to our approach in supporting all of our athletic teams.

I’ll be honest that before this year, I never attended any Staples games, except football.

But after becoming a Superfans Captain and having an informal obligation to attend more games, I quickly regretted my prior decision to disregard them.

Teams such as boys’ and girls’ soccer, volleyball and even cross country all have unique qualities that appeal to everyone, and should be given the same respect that we give the football team.

Now, I get that there’s a certain level of intrigue to the Friday night football games under the lights, but there’s no reason why a field hockey game on a Thursday afternoon can’t be just as enjoyable.

I understand that my perspective goes up against generations of tradition, but tradition always has room for adjustments. I’m not trying to discredit the hard work and accomplishments of our football team in any way but am instead urging students to give the same support to the countless other athletes who have just as much dedication for their sports.

If you attend a game of any one of our other teams at Staples, you can feel the team spirit and camaraderie among the players, begging to be shared with students. You might be hesitant to believe me when I say that a boys’ soccer game is just as entertaining as a football game, but take it from me, it is. When they’re losing by one goal against Darien with minutes left, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, watching every meticulous move they make.

Additionally, the lack of support for our numerous sports teams essentially ignores their achievements and level of skill that they continuously work to improve. You probably didn’t know that the Staples field hockey team has won four consecutive state championships, or that the boys’ tennis team won five consecutive FCIAC Championships from 2014 to 2018, and that’s a problem.

In my final year at Staples, I will continue to attend the Friday night football games, but I’ll also make sure to show up for the Thursday afternoon boys’ soccer games and Tuesday afternoon girls’ cross country meets. While I obviously can’t force you to follow my lead, I hope you’ll consider stopping by a game once in a while to support your classmates.

I promise, you’ll be glad you did.

to Pho

VOLLEYBALL GAME (TOP) Few superfans attend the girls' home volleyball game against Danbury on Oct. 5.

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FOOTBALL GAME (BOTTOM) Superfans fill the stands at the White Out game against Trumbull on Sept. 10.

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Calendar

SPORTS |21

October 25 Girls' Soccer Home vs. Ludlowe 4 p.m.

Photo by Rachel Greenberg ’22

SOCCER STAR Captain Gaby Gonzalez '22, centerback, has helped lead the girls' soccer team to a 5-3-3 record as of Oct 12.

Graphic by Phoebe Miller ’23

October 26 Boys' Soccer Away vs. Ludlowe 4 p.m.

October 26

October 28

Field Hockey Away vs. New Canaan 4 p.m.

Cross Country Away @ Danbury (Allens Meadow) 4 p.m.

October 29

October 30

Girls' Swim & Dive Home vs. Trumbull 4 p.m.

Girls' Volleyball Away vs. Ludlowe 6 p.m.

November 1 Boys' Water Polo Home vs. Greenwich 6:30 p.m.

Scan this QR code to view the FCIAC fall schedule.

22| SPORTS

‘pregaming’ culture poses security risk Features Editor

Arts Editor

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hatter erupts through the hallways on the day of a home football game. “Are you going to the game?” “My house at 6:00?”

As the 7 p.m. game time rolls around, the student section slowly fills, exploding with energy and school spirit. Students stumble on the stands, and the slight, but distinctive stench of vodka is impossible to ignore.

This has become a Friday night tradition for some members of the Staples community.

Students and adults have become aware of the “pregaming” culture that takes place before home football games. Substance use is prevalent, yet for the most part uncontrollable as many students associate drinking alcohol with a heightened level of fun.

“We go to a friend’s house and throw back a couple of [...] shots, beers or seltzers,” an anonymous junior boy said.

“Then head on over to the

Graphic by Rach

el Greenberg ’22

game and have a good time.”

The carefree nature some approach drinking with can lead to harm. Aric Woods, a Lieutenant in Patrol, frequently notices members of the crowd are intoxicated, and in extreme cases, his team needs to intervene to preserve student safety. Drinking can divert Woods, and other officers, from general security needs.

“If we get involved with somebody who's drinking before or during a game, it takes away from us being able to keep an eye on the crowd,” Woods said. “We're dealing with people who are sick or injured or otherwise incoherent.”

If intoxication leads to the need for medical or security involvement, this can become a safety hazard. Chase Dunlap, 12th Grade Administrator, acknowledges the distractions that intoxicated fans can create for the

security personnel at the games.

“Well, anytime that you have an incident that occurs, you have limited resources,” Dunlap said, “and I think that when somebody is needing medical attention, it limits our ability to respond in a timely way to additional medical incidents that suddenly may occur,” Woods also mentions that drunk driving continues to be a concern, as many students drive carloads of -Aric Woods friends to Police Lieutenant these large e v e n t s .

“Obviously, kids have to get here, and if they're drinking at the game [...] then, they got to get home,” Woods said, “and we all know the tragedies that happen when you put drinking and vehicles [together].”

According to a survey done by the Westport Prevention Coalition in April 2021, 60% of Westport seniors admitted to drinking alcohol in the 30 days preceding the survey.

While many believe pregaming will never disappear completely, there may still be ways to create a safer school environment at football games.

“Kids feel either peer pressure to drink before, or they

think that it'll be fun,” Analise Vega ’23, Teen Awareness Group (TAG) member, said.

“But I think it's just best to [...] know your limits and just always know that you can say, ‘no.’”

“If we get involved with somebody who’s drinking before or during a game, it takes away from us being able to keep an eye on the crowd."

Graphic by Betti Kobak ’22

Graphic by Tori Wilson ’22

AD | 23

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