Inklings September 2020 Issue

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Staples High School

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Sept. 30, 2020

Volume 88, Issue 1

We have an obligation to our students to educate them during a global pandemic and [...] we will continue to serve our students, in person or remotely.

- Superintendent Thomas Scarice

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COVID CLOSURE After two positive COVID-19 tests, Coleytown Elementary School temporarily closed on Sept.

11.

District establishes COVID-19 procedures in event of school closure Finnegan Courtney ’23

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News Editor

n light of Coleytown Elementary’s daylong closure on Sept. 11, along with additional confirmed positive cases throughout various schools, the district has been forced to implement the school closure plan that was designed by the Westport Public Schools Health & Safety committee and the Westport/Wilton Health District (WWHD). This plan puts in place a schedule in case of a long-term closure, directs any students or staff that feel sick to quarantine themselves, and makes use of the existing distance learning capabilities for any students learning from home.

“The immediacy and surprise [are] what make this virus so dangerous,” Principal Stafford W. Thomas, Jr. said.

Despite how abruptly cases can pop up, he believes the district is in a much better place to handle a closure than it was in the early spring.

“We [now] have a schedule in place for it, the live streaming capacity, and some practice working with our remote learners from the beginning of the year,” he said.

In the event of a positive case at any school in the district, a few people will be made aware: Superintendent Thomas Scarice, Supervisor of Health Services and Director of the WWHD Mark A. R. Cooper.

However, despite all the precautions taken, including mandatory mask wearing and the hybrid model which reduces the number of students present in schools, there have been positive COVID-19 cases within the district. This includes two students who tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the first day of school and the temporary closure of Coleytown Elementary School on Sept.

11 due to positive tests involving teachers.

“There is one first grade class-

Inside the Issue

room and one second grade classroom ilies, but that also puts more people at that is excluded from [the] school and risk of getting sick,” Eighth Grade lanasked to quarantine, due to being deter- guage arts teacher Stephen Rexford said. mined to be a ‘close contact’ with a mem- Some students feel confident that ber of the CES school community who if Staples were to close due to COVID-19-retested positive for COVID-19,” Scarice lated circumstances, the transition to dissaid. “As a result, these students are learn- tance learning would be smooth sailing. ing remotely for the quarantine period.”

“All my teachers have been say Because the first positive ing they’re ready to make the switch if COVID-19 test results came out too close needed [in case] the school closes,” Brento the start of the school “They need to catch dan Corneck ’23 said. day, contact tracing, However, other stuup to where they are dents feel that the which is the process of preparing for the identifying those who distance learnmay or may not have ing plan in place schools’ future, as been in contact with inright now they seem to would not be such fected persons, was unbe lagging behind.” an easy transition. able to be conducted. As “I don’t believe -Henry Carson ’24 a result, the entire school they have a good had to be shut down plan in place, as rather than only certain classrooms, and the they are still struggling with haventire school community was sent home. ing a plan for our current situa “By closing the school for the day, tion,” Henry Carson ‘24 said. “They we were able to perform this critically im- need to catch up to where they are portant task [of contact tracing],” Scarice preparing for the schools’ future, as right said. “If time is needed to conduct contact now they seem to be lagging behind.” tracing, then a closure is appropri- Many students also believe the ate. [...] However, if a positive test distance plan will inevitably be put to use, is identified but it is contained, and hypothesize that the school will close then a school can remain open.” due to COVID-19-related circumstances.

This example occurred “Every person coming in and recently. On Sept. 28, Scar- out is having contact with various peoice sent an email to the ple, and while the measures put in place district addressing a con- help, the school is still full of people firmed case at Long Lots and still has crowded halls,” JaiElementary School. In- yana Khan ’22 said. “Even just stead of the school shut- one person taking off their mask ting down, impacted indi- when they’re not supposed to viduals will be quarantined can lead to the spread of COVID, for 14 days. However, even so it doesn’t feel very safe there.” with these precautions in place, Even with the risks, most of the Westport school Staples students have stayed the community still feels uneasy course of an unpredictable and very about the current situation. new school year and have impressed

“I think that in our cur- their teachers and administrators. rent situation of COVID-19, While the future of Westport there are no easy answers. schools staying open for in-perCertainly having every- son learning is unknown due to one back in the school would be the ever changing circumstancbest for kids, teachers, and fam- es, Scarice hopes that Westport’s

schools, staff members and students will be able to work to the best of their ability.

“I am grateful for every day that we are here, on site and in person. I do not pretend to have any ability to forecast the future, but I do feel confident that this virus will be with us for a while,” Scarice said. “In the interim, we have an obligation to our students to educate them during a global pandemic and [...] we will continue to serve our students, in person or remotely, while we confront this pandemic.”

Infographic by Lucy Arrow ’21

Photo by Mishael Gill ’23

Class periods ineffective without breaks

Businesses prevail despite restrictions

Staples Players prepare for radio shows

CIAC votes against football season

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Rebecca Kanfer ’21 argues that without breaks, longer periods are detrimental to student learning.

Despite restrictions, stores like Joyride and Granola Bar have recovered from losses throughout the past few months.

Players rehearse for their upcoming on-air productions of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice.’

The CIAC’s decision to cancel football was met with protests at the Connecticut State House by coaches, parents and players.

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Sept. 30, 2020

Local briefs Andreas Lolis ’21

Breaking News Editor

Sept.

16

Online college visits begin

Due to coronavirus restrictions, representatives from colleges and universities will be meeting with students via online sessions this year. The visits began on Sept. 16 and will continue through November.

Oct.

1

NATO General at Westport Library

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark will speak at the Westport Library about the need for leadership, civility and unity to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Clark is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and has led NATO forces in Albania as part of Operation Allied Force. His speech will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Oct.

13

Haunted Theaters of Broadway

Author Robert Viagas will conduct a virtual session about the real stories of ghosts that haunt theaters around the world. The event will cover theatrical ghouls like the laughing ghost at St. James theater in New York and the spirit cat that occupies and haunts the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. If you’re interested, sign up at the Westport Library website.

Oct.

17

Enrollment spike adds 108 students to WPS Claire Redmer ’21 Editor-in-Chief

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he Westport Public Schools district has seen an increase in enrollment, particularly in elementary and middle schools, for the 2020-21 school year. The district’s enrollment has grown by 108 students, increasing the overall number of students in all schools to 5,311, according to Michael Rizzo, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services.

This spike is largely due to the increase of families moving from New York City to Westport in light of COVID-19. Elise Zimmerman is a new Westport resident who planned to move to Westport from New York City in June, 2021; however, decided to move a year earlier due to the pandemic.

“Adjustment has been relatively easy,” Zimmerman said. “We’ve found everyone to be so down to earth, friendly and welcoming and have loved integrating ourselves into the town.”

The school that saw the largest enrollment increase was Greens Farms Elementary School, which had project- For Greens Farms, the larger enrollment ed a population of 381 students, though increased the number of class sections, which decreased the 421 students enrolled.

“We’ve found everyone number of students Greens Farms Principal Kevin Cazzetta exto be so down to earth, in each class, allowplained that the spike led friendly and welcoming ing for smaller classes and more distancing. the school to create four and have loved

“[In the grades additional classes in four integrating ourselves where an additional grades: kindergarten, first, into the town.” class was added,] the second and fifth grade. classes became much

With the new -Elise Zimmerman, smaller,” Cazzetta said. concerns as a result of WPS parent “They could have been the COVID-19 pandemic, questions arose over how the in- upwards of 24 kids, and then, because the creased number of students would impact section broke into a new one, they could safety measures such as social distancing. be down to 18. With regard to the cohorts, that would just lower the number in the a.m. and p.m. groups.”

Rizzo also responded to safety concerns, stating that all schools are able to handle new students and retain protocol. “ O u r schools are well equipped

Junior PSAT Testing

Juniors will take the PSAT, a test designed to simulate the experience of the SAT. The PSAT is affiliated with the National Merit Scholarship program. Students who perform well can qualify as a Commended Student or semifinalist to receive a National Merit Scholarship. Last year, Lia Chen ’20, Nora Dockter ’20 and Ben Spector ’20 each received a scholarship worth $2500.

inklingsnews.com

Staples High School

Graphics by Katie Davitt ’22 Photo by Emma Dantas ’21

Infographic by Simon Sandrew ’21 to address the health and safety needs of our students, staff and school community,” Rizzo said. “This has been the primary focus of the work we have done over the summer and through the opening days of school. We will continue to maintain health and safety as a top priority for all our school community members.”

Three other elementary schools– Coleytown Elementary School, Kings Highway School and Long Lots School– saw an increase in enrollment. Saugatuck Elementary School saw a slight decrease.

The combined Bedford and Coleytown Middle Schools had a growth of 18 students. However, Staples High School had nine fewer enrollments than planned, going from 1,818 to 1,809 students.

Community member Morgan Mermagen has four children in the district: one at Greens Farms, one at Bedford and two at Staples. Mermagen is hopeful that the new Westport residents will be welcomed in and help to reinforce safety provisions in town and in schools.

“I am hopeful,” Mermagen said, “that despite the challenges of showing our smiles and hearing each other speak clearly while wearing masks, Westport shows it’s very best side and welcomes new friends and neighbors with open arms, albeit six feet apart.”

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 & Lily 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

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Write to the editor at inklingsnews@westportps.org.

Graphic by Molly Gold ’21

First month of school demonstrates need for individual responsibility

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he first month of the school year has provided Staples with an entirely new social and academic experience. While the efforts of the administration cannot be understated, much of the obligation to keep our school functioning lies with us: the students, staff and Westport community as a whole.

The need for caution with our peers, as well as responsibility within ourselves, is more important now than ever before.

From the smallest, most minute details to the largest structural changes, we have seen the staff and administration working tirelessly to create and maintain a system that provides an in-person, safe learning environment.

editorial

While not every element is praised by the student body—inconvenient one-way hallways, the elimination of rentable chargers at the library and inconsistent mask breaks across classes, to

name a few—the time and effort put into the planning and execution of the hybrid model reflect immense thought and care.

However, the Editorial Board believes that students and staff as individuals have a duty to hold themselves accountable for the safety and integrity of the school. The work of the administration cannot be upheld alone; each member of our community must step up to create a safe environment. With this in mind, Staples students and staff should carry themselves to this same high standard of individual responsibility in order to match the efforts of Staples’ administration.

Precautions such as social distancing and one-way hallways become obsolete when members of our community make the decision to disregard them.

Talking to peers without masks in the cafeteria or offices and closely congregating in groups at school are both hugely counterproductive to the schoolwide effort to keep our students and staff healthy and safe.

The Editorial Board understands the need to spend time with friends outside of school; however, it is essential to keep in mind the safety of the community when doing so. Students and staff have an obligation

to educate themselves and exercise restraint and responsibility, in order to avoid rendering school-wide safety measures obsolete.

As shown by students at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, the decision of students to socialize among multiple large parties can cause COVID to spread and school to shut down. When choosing peer groups to spend time with in a non-distanced capacity, one should carefully consider the number of people their close friends have been in contact with. Additionally, those who are breaking guidelines in any capacity should take extra precautions when in public to minimize risk of transmission.

The work that has gone into creating a functioning model for our school has taken significant time and effort. While the ability to continue socializing and enjoying oneself is important, students and staff also have a responsibility to keep the community safe and support the work done to facilitate a meaningful academic experience.

Without this communal effort we may end up out of school, losing the educational and social benefits of learning in-person.

The editorial board voted unanimously in favor of this opinion.

[inklinations]What has been difficult about the hybrid model?

MAX SHUTZE ’21

COCO LASKA ’23

MAX MAURILLIO ’24

“Engaging the students both online and in person is very difficult for the teachers to balance.”

“Taking notes when you’re on a remote day is really confusing because it’s hard to hear and see the teachers online.”

“The [one-way] hallways make it really difficult to get to class on time. I like the hallways that are two-ways.”

inklingsnews.com

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Sept. 30, 2020

Opinions

Community must advocate for suicide prevention

Amanda Rowan ’22 Photostory Editor

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uicide is a decidedly uncomfortable subject, and predictably, many give in to the urge to avoid discussing it.

Although it can be difficult to engage with others, September, which is Suicide Awareness Month, creates an opportunity for much-needed dialogue. At Staples and in the community at large, Suicide Prevention Month has not been adequately promoted, depriving this consequential topic the attention and consideration it deserves.

According to a recent study from the University of Vanderbilt, hospital admissions of children 5-17 who had suicidal thoughts or harmed themselves doubled over the last 10 years. This proves that mental health advocacy is critical, regardless of age. Through open and involved discussions, we can work towards breaking down stigmas that alienate those with mental illness and ultimately exacerbate symptoms.

It is essential to the well-being of both individuals and the community that more be done to combat such a prolific issue.

It is important to speak out about our emotions and normalize dealing with personal difficulties. At Staples, students

are often involved in clubs, extracurriculars, jobs and other commitments. It can be overwhelming for students, the feeling of having to accomplish so many things in so little time. Perhaps the best way to prevent high levels of stress and anxiety, which can lead to teen suicide, is to talk about it.

Whether it be posters and signs around school about self-love, or discussions in our Connections classes about positivity, the little things count in an effort to bring more awareness to suicide and its prevention. Along with smaller-scale actions, there are many other ways we can make a change as a community. Connections periods should be dedicated to talking about suicide prevention this month and engaging students and faculty in this crucial discussion.

Furthermore, there ought to be frequent reminders of counselor availability and resources available for those with mental illnesses.

Staples can be overwhelming, and it’s important that we regularly check in with our peers and friends.

Give a compliment to someone you don’t know, wave to a teacher in the hallway, pick up the piece of paper someone dropped, sit with someone new at lunch. Everyone is fighting their own battles, so always be kind; you never know

whose life you might be able to save.

Help is always available. If you or someone you know is struggling with signs of suicidal thoughts or depression, reach out to a trusted adult, school counselor or speak with a counselor at the national suicide prevention lifeline: 800-273-8255.

Graphic by Poppy Livingstone ’21

Longer class periods unsustainable without breaks, reduce focus Rebecca Kanfer ’21 Outreach Manager Legs bounce up and down as the clock above slowly ticks. Heads rise and fall as students struggle to remain alert throughout the period. The teacher at the front of the room lectures while yawns fill the classroom. Students anxiously await the bell ending the next 80 minute period — a challenging task for many.

Among the numerous changes of the 2020-2021 school year, block-scheduling has been implemented.

Block-scheduling consists of four, 80-minute periods spanning the school day. As the majority of students, including myself, are experiencing this type of schedule for the first time, I have found that with Graphics by Molly Gold ’21

Staples High School

the new class length, it is difficult to remain focused and engaged.

The Washington Post conducted a report where a teacher mirrored the life of a student for two days.

Each day included four periods, each 90 minutes. At the end of the first day, the teacher could not believe how tired she was. She emphasized how she sat the entire day except for walking to and from each class. The expectation for her was to come into class, sit and remain engaged for the duration of the period, much like my classes at Staples. She was given no breaks and no time to recoup, with the exception of lunch.

It is hard for anyone to remain engaged in an seven-hour-long school day. With the coronavirus, many precautions that prevent inschool relief have been instated. For example, science classes can no longer do labs. During free periods, students have to remain

in their designated locations. Some students don’t even have this free period to decompress from their classes. Connections could be seen as a relief, but it is only taking place on remote Wednesdays. With the lack of time for students to de-stress from class, this ultimately decreases our engagement, which can lead to a decline in school performance and the overall enjoyment of courses.

For these first weeks of school, I have noticed teachers are rarely giving in-class breaks. Breaks should be done once per class period. These breaks could be beneficial for students to either remove masks to breathe for a couple minutes or to simply stretch out of our seats.

Mandatory breaks like these would be helpful for students to take a moment

to re-engage themselves as they have been sitting in chairs and listening to teachers speak for the majority of the day. These breaks would also benefit teachers and faculty. Not only do they allow for them to join their students in decompressing, but teachers can also check in on virtual learners and take this extra time to prepare for the next class discussion.

While block periods have advantages, for example they decrease the amount of foot-traffic caused by passing time and allow for more in-depth concepts to be taught, these positives are nullified if students cannot remain engaged for the duration of them.

Therefore, it is imperative for teachers to implement breaks and find ways to engage students for 80 minutes at a time.

Opinions

Sept. 30, 2020

Should you vote?

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Skip the election: Your vote doesn’t matter Cast your ballot: Democracy depends on it Andreas Lolis ’21 Breaking News Editor

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m I the o n l y o n e who’s sick of being shouted at to vote?

From social media to sports games to TV c om me rc i a ls , constant assertions of the importance of participating in democracy saturate my everyday life, and I’m 17!

Despite ceaseless admonishment to the contrary, voting on an individual level is usually neither necessary nor important.

Votes are only impactful if they make tangible change. The purpose of elections is to select the people who will govern the country. That’s it. Therefore, the only instance where your vote is meaningful at all is when an election would have a different result if you abstained from going to the polls.

The statistics prove that, in almost all cases, elections end in a blowout. America is a winner-take-all democracy. Since 1980, every Presidential candidate to win Connecticut has done so with more than 100,000 votes, and according to NPR, there have been only around a dozen elections nationwide that have come within one vote since 2000. The official website of the Connecticut Secretary of State reports that one of these actually came in this state in 2002, when Anne Ruwet won her State House of Representatives race by a single ballot.

Proponents of voting would eagerly assert that this evidence supports their claim; there are elections which are really close, where your vote can make a difference. And in elections that are decided by one vote, or a couple hundred out of millions (see: Bush v. Gore), a few individuals can really make a difference.

But there are a few problems with this mindset. First, there have been thousands of state and federal elections since 2000. The fact that only a baker’s dozen could’ve been changed by you who read my article is disheartening, not encouraging. Those aren’t good odds at all.

And even if the election happens to be really narrow, it won’t be the people who decide the election, but the Supreme Court. Take the infamous 2000 presidential election. In Florida, a state where millions of people voted, Bush held the

lead by 538 votes. Sources vary as to who actually won, but the result came through the decision of nine lawyers in Washington, D.C. rather than the people of Florida. According to Oyez, a multimedia archive of the Supreme Court, the decision to stop recounts and award the victory to Bush was made exactly on ideological lines.

This principle is true this year more than ever because of the prominence of mail-in voting. There are literally hundreds of cases in state and federal courts right now, contesting “everything from whether postage must be prepaid on absentee ballots to where you can vote and how ballots can be legally transported from voters’ hands to election officials,” Jane Timm of NBC news wrote.

So, based on history, elections can have one of three results. The first, which is by far the most common, is that one candidate comfortably defeats the others, which renders the vote of any individual participant in that election meaningless. The second is that an election is narrow, like Florida in 2000, and is decided judicially, not by the people.

This is almost guaranteed to happen in this year’s election if the election is close. The last, which has only happened 13 times out of thousands of federal and state elections nationwide since 2000, is that the election is decided by one vote, and these are the only elections that were worth voting in. The odds are astronomically low that the election in which you vote will be changed by the ballot you fill out.

This article wasn’t intended to convince you that there is never any reason to vote.

If you really want to fill those little bubbles, you can go ahead.

But as long as millions of people go to the ballot box every year, the sad

Lys Goldman ’21 Managing Editor

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ogether, the t w o preseidential candidates have 33 allegations of sexual m is c ondu c t .

Biden has a spotty history of flip-flopping back and forth on crucial issues and is often regarded, due to his age, as a politician of another era. On the other hand, throughout Trump’s nearly four years in office, many of his comments and executive actions have caused hefty controversies and sparked heated discussions among citizens, especially on social media platforms.

These candidates are far from perfect. Because of their many blunders, it probably comes as no surprise that for this election especially, there is a lot of talk about choosing not to vote or opting out.

But, even though imperfections and obstacles may lead citizens to consider opting out, voting is the cornerstone of our democratic republic and it is essential in ensuring that citizens have voices and that the government’s power is rooted in the general public.

One big reason for the consideration of opting out among eligible voters— specifically more moderate Republicans, independents, or more radical Democrats—is that they feel forced to choose the lesser of two evils between Biden and Trump, neither with whom they particularly agree or identify.

While this situation is certainly not desirable, the truth is that rarely will there be a candidate who fulfills the extensive and unique desires of millions of individuals. Furthermore, especially as a result of the political polarization in our country today, many Americans—including myself at times— struggle to compromise on certain issues.

However, this is not reason enough to refrain from voting. Compromising now is the only way to get the wheels of change rolling. Even if this requires citizens to slightly adjust some of their beliefs for the time being, voting is integral in sustaining our democracy as a whole and possibly seeing an individual’s specific wishes fulfilled in the future.

Furthermore, while some might think that opting out of voting is non-partisan, this is far from accurate. Choosing not to vote does not equate political neutrality; instead, it provides support for the current state of government.

Voting was established as a way for citizens to have their voices heard, to make change in their government when necessary. To relinquish this constitutional right is to say that one is content with their current government and does not desire change. Thus, opting out of voting will show support—even if it is unintentional—for the status quo.

Additionally, if voters are disheartened after voting for a candidate who they don’t fully agree with, then they should consider other forms of political activism. Citizens can still uphold their beliefs and opinions about specific issues by petitioning, protesting, raising awareness, fundraising and more.

There are millions of eligible voters in the United States. Some might think: what will one vote change? This is an understandable idea, but it needs to be dismantled. Sure, the chance of one vote determining the outcome of an election is extremely slim. But if every eligible voter in the United States thought that their voice didn’t matter, how would we make change?

How would anything ever be accomplished if everyone agreed with this notion? How would our democracy survive?

This is not a partisan argument. Regardless of who you vote for, when you vote for the president of the United States, you are voting for much more than just a name.

If neither of the presidential candidates and their policies fully appeal to you, you’re not alone (trust me). But remember, when you’re deciding whether or not to cast your ballot, you’re not just voting for Joe Biden or Donald Trump. You’re voting for the future of our democracy and our country.

Graphics by Molly Gold ’21 & Claire Redmer ’21

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Graphic by Poppy Livingstone '21

Lyah Muktavaram '22 Web Features Editor

Merel Kanter '22

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ake up; get ready; pack your bag; grab a mask; head to school– these are all part of the familiar routine that most students FULL REMOTE LEARNERS participate in with the shortcomings of These are some of the this school year. However, for some, the faces of learners in the day starts and ends in the remote locaStaples student body who tion of their room, as these students have are fully remote this year. opted for the fully virtual learning option.

These students made the

After numerous surveys and condecision to be remote for sensus reports were taken throughout the various reasons, including summer, Staples High School left families risk of safety and with two major options for reopening: a inconvenience. hybrid model utilizing cohorts and a fully

Piper Cohen '22

Ishan Persad '22

Anna Pan '22 Photos contributed by named students

Staples High School

distant learning environment.

While many families opted for the hybrid approach, there were some that felt the dangers of going back to school were just too great.

“I thought that [fully virtual learning] would be the safest option for the time being,” Ishan Prasad ’22 said. “When I had to make the decision, I realized that the virus has a tendency to spread quickly and sometimes we wouldn't even realize when it has.”

Especially without the presence of an accessible vaccine, many families shared safety concerns regarding the hybrid model.

“We’re worried that without a vaccine to the public, it’s still dangerous to be in school,” Anna Pan ’22 said. “Not every student would abide to the [social distancing] rules and even though the school has cut down the amount of students attending, there is still an abundance of people in the building.”

With this schedule, students adhere to the same A/B schedule that the hybrid learners utilize, but only attend virtually.

“This year's daily online classes are definitely

Statistics provided by SHS Director of Guidance, William Plunkett

Axel Haazen '21

Ainsley Kugel '24 Graphic by Carly Kaplowitz '21

ures

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Graphic by Karina Murray '22

more effective than last year's model of dents have found that when debating bedistance learning,” Colin Morgeson ’23 tween this risk and reward, the risk of catchsaid. “The ability to remain at home and ing and spreading the coronavirus outweighs still directly communicate with teachers any potential benefit of in-person school. and other students at school during les- “The main priority when decidsons is a pretty significant achievement.” ing whether or not to return in person was

The students were given the op- safety, and in this regard going fully virtuportunity to collect their textbooks and al was the best option,” Morgeson said. “I materials for their classes a week into knew that I'd be forgoing all the benefits school and had the opportunity to vir- of in-person learning, but tually meet with teachers to discuss this decision seemed like any possible questions or comments. the best one in the long run.”

“I like the consistency of the all With many quesat-home option, and I tions still really like the fact that “We’re worried that in the air I can learn without a without a vaccine to the regarding mask on; the extra halfpotentialpublic, it’s still hour of sleep is nice ly going dangerous to be in back to too,” Prasad ’22 said. school.”

D e s p i t e school, the consistency students -Anna Pan ’22 and flexibility that s h a r e distance learning an exprovides, there are still some nota- pressed concern of what ble setbacks that students are facing. school will specifically en “The main drawback of mak- tail for fully virtual students. ing my decision was definitely the in- “I have many questions ability to interact with my peers and my about schooling for the year,” teachers,” Pan ’22 said. “I don't think Prasad ’22 said. “I think that that anything can substitute the expe- many share my concerns rience of actually sitting in class and about when we will be able listening to teachers and my peers.” to return to normal: at what Neha

Ultimately, however, these stu- point will it be safe enough?”

Jaiyana Khan '22

Arora '22

Colin Morgeson ’23

Neha Arora '22

Mira Mahendru '21

Jenna Kornbluth '23 Graphic by Molly Gold '21

inklingsnews.com

Features

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Sept. 30, 2020

Businesses prevail in the face of virus restrictions Ella Stoler '22 Broadcast Director

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f you happened to go shopping downtown this weekend, you might have been surprised to see the line of exercise bikes snaking down main street. The change in scenery was provided by Westport’s popular spin studio, JoyRide. Riders joined instructors in a new outdoor setting, embracing the necessary regulations for COVID-19.

The coronavirus has forced businesses to get creative.

Over the past six months, companies have reimagined their strategies, whether by producing online fitness classes, scheduling Zoom meetings or embracing delivery-only restaurants. The Westport community rose to the challenge of recovering from the consequences of COVID19.

So far, the new strategies implemented at Joyride have been effective, as co-founder Amy Hochhauser reported.

“In Texas, we’ve had the bikes

six feet apart and we’ve been open since taining their operations during these May,” Hochhauser said. “We’ve had no challenging times, many of them inicommunity spread at JoyRide at all, so tially teetered on the brink of disaster.

I think our protocols are super safe.”

Many companies were dramatical Hochhauser also noted that con- ly impacted due to health restrictions, ecosidering the premise of the business is in- nomic hardship, and/or lack of customers. door cycling, the company has done an “Initially it was very challenging,” impressive job adjusting to the COVID-19 Hochhauser said. “We had five locations in guidelines. She also Connecticut and two in “Initially it was very credits the JoyRide Texas at the time. All seven community’s efforts were mandated to [temchallenging. We had five to stay connectlocations in Connecticut porarily] close in March.” ed throughout the

Another Westand two in Texas at the port business, The Graquarantine period. time. All seven were

“A lot of nola Bar, also closed at mandated to [temporarily] the onset of the panthe members kept their subscription demic due to health conclose in March.” dues going because cerns, but then reopened -Amy Hochhauser, they were getting when some restrictions Joyride co-founder the online conwere lifted. tent,” Hochhauser

“In one regard we said. “If you go back even a week after we were lucky because our business does closed, we started Zooming classes from a lot of takeout anyway, so we’ve been the instructors’ homes and would have able to maintain our take out busi50-100 customers join us on a Zoom.” ness,” co-founder Dana Noorily said.

While there are numerous The summer weather also helped successful stories of businesses main- businesses offset some revenue losses by al-

lowing for outdoor classes and dining. But, as winter approaches, many business owners are growing concerned that without these mitigating factors, the need for a second round of government funding will be vital to get through the upcoming months.

Other businesses plan to rely on their new, creative additions to their company to withstand the continuing revenue pressures. Restaurants like The Granola Bar are increasing their delivery and grab-and-go options.

“We’d like to offer more items for pick up [...] and in the morning we are now opening earlier so people can grab coffee if they are back to work or going to school,” Noorily said. “We’re hoping that will help drive some additional traffic.”

As for JoyRide, the company is prepared to continue adapting to the obstacles that may come their way.

“There are so many people in the community that rely on JoyRide for both physical health [and] mental health,” Hochhauser said. “We hope to continue finding ways to connect with them even with the studios closed.”

SAFE CYCLING To follow coronavirus safety precautions, Joyride offers inside and outside socially-distant cycling classes for its customers. The outside classes take place in the Joyride parking lot, while the inside classes take place in the studio.

Photos by Lexie Moskovit '21

Photo by Carly Kaplowitz '21

Graphic by Molly Gold '21

OUTDOOR SEATING The Granola Bar provides outdoor seating so people may eat while remaining socially distant from others. They also offer takeout and delivery for their customers.

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arts

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COVID-19 paints unique picture for art classes Grace Livecchi ’21 Social Media Director

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can sound daunting, but Kline mentions her teacher, Angela Simpson, has done a great job adapting.

Simpson sent all students home with sufficient materials, which she accompanied with video tutorials. In addition,

Simpson has been posting on Schoology more often, which she has balanced with follow-up communication and availability during prep time.

But this didn’t all come without a challenge. Simpson mentions that she had faced some technological bumps in the road during the first few days of the school year.

“It’s hard to teach a course that requires demo lessons because the classroom cameras don't show what we are doing up-close,” Simpson said.

To combat this, Simpson, along with other arts teachers, started pre-recording concepts that are crucial to be seen up close on their individual devices, as opposed to performing them live from a skewed angle.

So far, these accommodations have been running smooth-

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ly. Although art classes this year may not have been what students hoped for, for the most part, they remain pleased.

“Working in person on art in a new medium is definitely easier,” Kline said, “but it’s [doing so online] not as big of a setback as I was anticipating, and I’m still happy I took Oil Painting this year.”

Photo by Camille Kolek '23

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ll of us are getting used to the nuance of our COVID-19 friendly schedules because let’s face it: the 2020-21 school year looks entirely different from past years for everyone involved. But let me give you yet another challenge to wrap your head around: what does distanced learning mean for students enrolled in arts classes?

Kylie Race ’21 loves to spend her free time whipping things up in the kitchen, so naturally, she was looking forward to taking Culinary this year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 for Culinary students means less time spent in the kitchen. Culinary operates regularly on in-person days, but for liability reasons, Race and her classmates are not able to cook and bake virtually. Instead, students are given assignments in which they are asked to search for and submit specific recipes. Though disappointed by her limited time in the kitchen, Race is still grateful for all the time she can get.

“I definitely think having those in-person days is crucial for art classes,” she said.

Other students though, won’t get these essential days, as

they are taking their art classes fully distanced. Introduction to Oil Painting student, Amanda Kline '21, falls under this category.

Learning a hands-on skill virtually

DISTANCED DRAWING Camille Kolek '23 draws a human figure for Advanced Drawing from home.

OIL PAINTING FUN Chloe Ashton '21 uses watercolors to create a still life of an apple and a pear.

From stage to airwaves: Players prepare for radio productions ly done as if they were made in the fifties,” Camille Foisie ’21 said. “We turn Editor-in-Chief our cameras off and broadcast through

The past few months have seen Staples’ radio station. The crew makes Broadway shut down, film premiers the sound effects too, to fill in the atmocanceled, concerts postponed and tele- sphere of the story. It’s really unique.” vision production grind to a halt. The Foisie is slated to play Dorothy entertainment industry is, for the first in “The Wizard of Oz” and Lady Cathertime in decades, near a standstill. How- ine Debourgh in “Pride and Prejudice.” ever, in this time of prolonged isolation David Corro ’21 will be playing Mr. Darcy and speedy Wi-Fi, creatives have been alongside Foisie, and cited a new, unique finding ways to spread their art through audition process as a major change to the new, ingenious avenues. Musicians host structure of Players in the pandemic. gigs on Instagram live. Casts reunite “The audition process was over Zoom. Movies premiere on Netflix. done virtually and with voice

In this same vein, Staples Players rather than the typical in-perare reuniting after a prolonged absence son dance and singing auto create safe, professional entertainment ditions,” Corro said. “In from the comfort of their own homes, radio, I focus completeairing beloved audio-dramas straight ly on the vocal aspect to the ears of Westport and beyond. of acting and create a

“In this unprecedented year, unique voice for every Staples Players is proud to plan a sea- character, because physson of radio plays for our loyal audienc- icality isn’t important anymore.” es,” staplesplayers.com reads, thanking Geno Heiter, WWPTits audience for their continued support. FM advisor and radio produc This series of radio plays will be tion teacher, will aid in the airvaried in order to appeal to a wide range ing of the radio productions. He of listeners. “The Wizdescribes his "The productions are ard of Oz” will air on behind-theOct. 25, followed by so different from the scenes work “Pride and Prejudice” norm, but that’s what’s as “a spread on Nov. 8, “It’s a Wonout game of so exciting about derful Life” wrapping Mouse Trap,” inthem." up the season for a holvolving a tangle of -Camille Foisie '21 iday special on Nov. 22. cords, microphones

The selection of and audio interfaces plays feels undoubtedly retro, with source that all lead to the WWPT control room. material dating back to 1939, 1813 and 1947 “WWPT brings people togethrespectively. This vintage theme is reflected er,” Heiter said. “That is what we do.” in the production process, creating an air Despite these huge technical of authenticity for the Players themselves. changes, Players are treating this produc “The radio shows are real-

tion just as they would any other, focusing on technique and connecting with their characters across airwaves.

“My process for these shows hasn’t really differentiated from my typical acting proacess, just with more emphasis on bold characterization,” Emily Desser ’22 said. “You have to be able to substitute the visuals that are typically created onstage solely with the use of your voice.

You have to help the audi-

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ence transport into this narrative.”

Although it is an adjustment for the actors, they're still enthusiastic about this year's shows.

“The productions are so different from the norm, but that’s what’s so exciting about them,” Foisie said. “These productions are so different, and the process is so unique, but it fits this time.

As much as this year is different, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Graphic by Molly Gold '21

Poppy Livingstone ’21

THE GOOD WITCH Chloe Manna ’22 sings "We're Off to See the Wizard" for her role as Glinda in "The Wizard of Oz."

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sports

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Fall sport practices excite despite modifications Maya Reiner ’21 Web Sports Editor

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thletes have been training alone these past months, waiting for the time when they can reunite with their teams and play the sports they love. Practice guidelines across sports look fairly similar to ensure safety, but amid the changes occurring, all athletes are content to be back on the field, adding a sense of normalcy to their lives. For the Wreckers field hockey team, practices are held for an hour with 30 minutes of conditioning and 30 minutes of stick skills. Their coaching staff has split up the team into seven cohorts with 10 athletes in each. Before every practice, everyone has to fill out a health form that asks questions about symptoms and possible exposure, and during practice, social distancing is always maintained.

Despite having these unconventional practices, Abby Ragland ’21 believes that the training is still useful.

“Practices are definitely worth it because with the drills we can do, we are staying fit and keeping up our skills,” Ragland said. “I have seen an improvement in our fitness and agility already.”

Since practices are split in groups of 10, the team is not working all together.

“Although it’s hard [that] we are all not together,” Ragland said, “we still have fun and work hard to prepare for our season.”

Emma Nahon ’23 agrees with Ragland, as she thinks the practices are valuable.

“Athletes definitely get things out of these practices,” Nahon said.

“Even though we couldn’t do drills with contact, we can still focus on getting better with our fitness and getting more touches with the stick and ball.”

Similarly, for the cross country team, their

Staples High School

practices have been modified, yet they love being able to be back on the track with the company of their teammates.

For both the girls’ and boys’ cross country team, many safety measures have been put in place. The teams are split up into cohorts where social distancing is mandated. The team typically runs in packs, but because of the circumstances this year, they have to run single file in Gold ’21 olly smaller groups.

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are worth it because we still get in the same type of training we used to,” Nicole Holmes ’21, co-captain of girls’ cross country, said.

“We are just more separate now as we only run with the same group of people everyday.”

Co-captain of boys’ cross country, Jonathan Lorenz ’21 agrees, as he believes these practices are still productive and enjoyable.

“In a time when the days can be super monotonous, being able to come back to school and go to practice

GIRLS’ SOCCER: Gaby Gonzalez ’22 participates in drills during practice in preparation for their upcoming home game on Thursday, Oct. 1 against Danbury at 4 p.m.

Photo by Remy Teltser ’21

FALL SPORTS PRACTICES: Players attend practices for fall sports games that began on Sept. 26 with a varsity boys’ soccer scrimmage against Norwalk.

Photos by Molly Gold ’21, Grace Livecchi ’22 , Maya Reiner ’21, Amanda Rowan ’22 & Remy Teltser ’21

was a refreshing break of normalcy after such a bizarre six months,” Lorenz said. “Having this team as a resource has been super important to me throughout all of high school, so I’m grateful that we can still have that sense of community.”

For the football team, although their season has been cancelled, the Wreckers are still practicing daily. They are strictly following COVID-19 guidelines as well, splitting into two cohorts, social distancing and submitting an online health form. Even though the team doesn’t have any competition to practice for, they are still enjoying their time.

“The practices are absolutely worth it,” co-captain Henry Beck ’21, said. “Not only do we learn more about the game and get prepared for a chance to play, but it is just more time we get to spend with each other.”

A very vital aspect for the team is the company and support of one another.

“Whether we have a season or not, we just enjoy being around each other,” Beck said. “It sounds cliche, but the team is truly a family. Everyone loves each other and would do anything for each other. Ultimately, we just love spending time together because we know it could be taken from us at any moment.”

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Sept. 30, 2020

Sports

Graphics by Poppy Livingstone ’21 FIELD HOCKEY: The girls’ field hockey team has begun practicing for the fall season amid the pandemic.

Photo by Lilly Weisz ’23

Canceling sports amid pandemic is unnecessary

Charlotte Smith ’21

Social Media Director

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he CIAC released the official plan for the 2020 fall sports season on Aug. 27. The strict guidelines stated that sports could continue to proceed with low-risk conditioning, non-contact skill work and practices in groups no larger than 10. Although the CIAC and the Department of Health created these regulations together to ensure the safety of all athletes, many are still worried about a possible spike in COVID-19 cases.

But teams started running captains practices and pre-season throughout mid August, with social distancing being enforced, and no new COVID-19 cases were directly reported. Pre-season included all players of the sport in one location, but all athletes remained healthy because of the new safety restrictions.

So even though COVID-19 does propose a threat to fall sports, it would be unreasonable to cancel the fall sports seasons completely.

I do understand the risks at hand that come with competing against other schools. When Staples High School students start to come in contact on the field with players from other towns, it exposes the whole school to new potential cases.

However, with no fans attending games, there is very little face-to-face interaction happening. In sports such as cross country, field hockey and soccer, very low contact is necessary in order to play the games correctly. Players will be wearing masks on the benches at all times and practicing social distancing throughout warm ups.

Small adjustments can be made

to make these games even safer. Refraining from high fives and “good games” at the end of each competition will help to avoid unnecessary skin-to-skin contact with opponents. Teams are also traveling in seperate cars to sports games and events, preventing them from all being in a confined space together.

COVID-19 cases have also decreased immensely over the past couple of months, and life must go on eventually.

Teens all around the world use sports to help them cope with stress and anxiety. For some, it is their only way to get into college. These athletes deserve at least a chance to get on the field. As long as they follow all of the CIAC and Department of Health safety requirements, the fall 2020 sports seasons should be played.

Infographic by Simon Sandrew ’21 Source: USAFacts.org

Delayed three-tier approach to athletic rebuild ensures safety Emma Dantas ’21

functioning in a way that keeps everyone safe and healthy. Education, not athStaff Writer letics, should be at the forefront of this.

With this in mind, it is not a question of whether or not sports should be played, because as a competitor I am inclined to say yes, but rather a question of how it can be accomplished. It is essential that we prioritize how and when athletics will commence.

Staples should adopt a three-tier strategy for bringing back our beloved FCIAC and state-winning sports teams.

First, individual sports such as swim-and-dive and track can come back; then low contact sports such as baseball

and volleyball; and lastly, full contact sobbed while sports like soccer, sitting in my lacrosse and footcar outside of ball. These steps will priorithe pool I had come tize bringing back sports and ento call home over the sure that it is continuously safe to do so. past eight years. My Although professional contact swim team had trained sports have been brought back everyday since September in bubbles, this is not logistifor our end-of-season meet in cally possible since we travel to March, yet only one week away other towns to play games and from game time, our meet was then go home to working parcancelled. The only explanaents and siblings who attend other tion was COVID-19. I felt as schools. However, the same testthough all the work I had put ing before and after professional-levinto the season was useless el games should also be implemented. since I didn’t get the chance to

Obtaining enough tests for the showcase it in the pool. At the FCIACs full contact sports for players same time, I was being actively to take before and after games will help recruited to swim in college, reduce transmission. so the sudden end to my Until these season left me unsteps are taksatisfied with the a Chaney ’23 en, we are putGraphic by Kristin results I was ting our safeshowing ty, health and to coaches. The next education at risk for a couple day, school was shut down and I was more trophies added to our cases. suddenly trapped in my house with only

Throughout quarantine, I remote learning and my family to occupy was asking myself “what ifs.” What if me. It was three months later when I was my end of season swim meet had hapfinally able to return to my second home pened? What if the cancellation of the and attend swim practice with my teammeet messes up my recruitment process? mates again (socially distanced, of course). What if I’m out of the water for so long

As an athlete, I know how dev- that I lose all benefits for my hard work? astating it is to have your season can- What if we could have planned for this? celled. However, in the environment But the reality is we couldn’t plan that is Staples High School, there are so for it, and we have to live in the heremany moving parts to the community and-now. Now we have to rebuild, safely.

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Photos contributed by Henry Beck ’21

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Sept. 30, 2020

Sports

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FOOTBALL PROTEST: Players, coaches and parents gathered at the Connecticut Statehouse on Sept. 9 to protest the decision made by the CIAC to cancel the football season. Numerous Staples players were in attendance including (left to right) Miles Scarfo ’22, Connor McGheehan ’21, Noah Hofstetter ’22, Kellen Keefe ’22, Luke Attkiss ’21, Joey Iskandar ’21, Henry Beck ’21, Jed Saltus ’21, Nick Lukens ’21.

Graphics by Carly Kaplowitz ’21

CIAC votes against football season Carson Kranz ’21

FOOTBALL PLAYERS: Will Holleman ’23 and Liam Tighe ’23 wear t-shirts with the hashtag #LETTHEMPLAY that were worn by Staples football players at the protest.

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FOOTBALL PRACTICE: Max Szostak ’21 (above) practices punting and Sean Clark ’21 (below) takes a water break at Staples Football practices.

Photo by Logan Gornbein ’21

Staples High School

“This season being canceled is very detrimental to my recruitStaff Writer ment process, because this year was the most important year to ball out so you could show off the talent gained in he CIAC voted in favor of cancelthe off season,” Jake Luffman ’21 said. ling the 2020-2021 high school

With all that the team has done football season due to COVID-19, to preserve their season, there is not much leaving parents, coaches and players fruselse they can do. The team will continue trated with the decision. to practice and prepare as if there is an

When the team’s season was upcoming season so that they are ready cancelled, players, coaches, parents and if the decision changes in their favor. students who were determined to have a

“We’re just taking it one day at a season signed a petition. Along with this time,” head coach Adam Behrends said. petition came a protest, where CIAC “The kids are doing players and a good job of staying coaches trav- “This season being canceled is positive, the coaching eled to Hartford very detrimental to my staff staying energetto express their ic, and they’re getrecruitment process because disapproval of ting a life lesson that the cancellation this year was the most you can only control of their season. important year to ball out so you what you can control.”

T h i s could show off the talent gained As of now, resulted in the in the off season,” there’s not much CIAC decidthey can control.

- Jake Luffman ’21 ing to have an “We are really other meet, hoping the CIAC rules w h e r e they still vot- in our favor,” Jaquan Coleman ’21 said. ed to not have an 11-on-11 season.

“For us not to have a season and show this

“It feels like they are toying with town not only what they deserve but we my emotions, going back and forth,” cap- deserve, it’s really upsetting.” tain Henry Beck ’21 said. “We always talk about how it has been our dream Scan the QR to play our senior year here at Staples, code to but now that we’re here, we may not.” read more

The decision made by the CIAC about the does not only effect the fall season, but it cancellation also effects the recruitment process as well. on For many seniors looking to play college inklingsnews. football, this season would be crucial in com allowing scouts a chance to see them play.

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Poll taken out of 264 student responses.

Infographic by Simon Sandrew ’21