Inklings April Issue

Inklings

April 13, 2012

Founded in 1933

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Education Reform Proposals Create Controversy Debates Continue as Malloy Pushes for Change CHEYENNE HASLETT ’13

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Web News Editor

n his State of the State address in mid-February, Governor Dannel Malloy spoke of fi xing Connecticut’s weak economy and high unemployment rate.

“Let’s think big. Let’s be bold,” he urged lawmakers, calling for “revival,” not a “recovery,” and he outlined how that revival would take place—education.

The statistics the governor cites surrounding education present a troubling picture of Connecticut public education, but it must be said that even the statistics are being argued over.

He points out almost half of Connecticut students are in failing districts—41 percent. The state has seen a 6.8 percent decline in graduation rates. Upon entering college, as many as 40 percent of Connecticut students attending Connecticut state universities or community colleges are required to take remedial courses. The achievement gap in Connecticut is the largest in the nation.

According to Malloy, “We simply need better results.”

Malloy says Senate Bill 24, “An Act Concerning Educational Competitiveness,” is aimed at closing the growing achievement

PHOTO BY NOEL BERRY ’13 STATE OF THE STATE: On March 29, Governor Dannel Malloy met with a consortium of Connecticut high school reporters—including Inklings’ Cheyenne Haslett ’13—to field questions about S.B. 24, a bill he has proposed that would alter the climate of public education in Connecticut. gap present across the state by holding teachers and schools more accountable.

Detractors, however, say the bill does little to address the achievement gap, that it demonizes teachers and their unions, and that is an improper use of standardized test scores.

Regardless of the viewpoint,

the bill would change major parts of Connecticut education. It focuses on early childhood education, grants more money to underachieving schools, expands the authority given to charter and magnet schools and tries to guarantee that all districts are employing top-notch teachers and principals—with a specific

emphasis on reforming tenure.

This bill has evoked questions from parents, teachers and students. What does education mean for high-performing schools? How will it change the job of a teacher, or the role of a student? How many of Connecticut’s socioeconomic issues can be solved through school reform?

Budget Approved for 2012-2013 Year RACHEL GUETTA ’13 & ISAAC STEIN ’12 News Editor & Web Editor-in-Chief On March 29, the 2012-2013 budget for the Westport School District was passed unanimously by the Westport Board of Finance (BOF).

Standing at $100.2 million, it is the largest budget in Westport history and represents a 2.17 percent increase from last year.

Despite the increase, the new budget has not preserved the jobs of all faculty in the district; five secretarial positions and several district paraprofessional jobs, among others, have been eliminated.

Board of Education (BOE) member Mark Mathias said that the current negotiations have been impacted by the state of the local economy.

“The past few years have been difficult financially for ev-

PHOTO BY JAMIE WHEELERͳROBERTS ’13 FINANCIAL FACTS: At a March 29 Board of Finance meeting, Superintendent of Westport Public Schools Elliott Landon responded to proposals to cut administrative finances.

Inside the Issue

eryone, but I applaud everyone involved in the budget process because everyone did their best to maintain the school system in its current state,” Mathias said.

According to BOF member Avi Kaner, the BOF takes the economic climate into account when deciding the budget.

“During difficult economic times, when citizens are especially feeling financial and job pressure, the Board has delayed discretionary spending. For example, we have only paved about six miles a year of roads instead of the recommended 10 miles a year,” Kaner said. “As the economy improves, we spend more to catch up.”

The teachers’ contract, and thus teachers’ scheduled wage increases, are scheduled and not subject to change.

“Largely, with the exception of PE cuts, the school budget has been under the radar,” said social studies teacher Rob Rogers.

The BOF held a meeting on March 29 to vote on the BOE budget. According to Kaner, the BOF sets the budget, and it is up to the BOE to decide how to best accommodate the budget set by the BOF. Rogers expressed uncer-

The past few months have been filled with lawmakers and citizens alike searching for answers to these questions.

Fast-forward to a PTA-sponsored forum held at Town Hall on April 2—one of many community meetings towns have been holdContinued on page 3

The Rise & Fall of Invisible Children’s Kony 2012 Movement KATE BEISPEL ’13 & STEVIE KLEIN ’12 Web Sports Editor & Editor-in-Chief Staples students lose interest quickly. In a generation where teenagers’ attention spans seem to be decreasing, Staples students, at one time inclined to jump on the “Kony 2012” bandwagon, have already lost interest in this national issue.

The views on Invisible Children’s KONY 2012 YouTube video grew exponentially. On

the first day it was posted, Feb. 20, it had three views. On March 5, 58,000. March 7 was its peak, with 8.2 million. But these views went down as rapidly as up. By March 19, there were only 42,800.

The same trend was exhibited by the number of notifications in the KONY 2012 Westport Facebook group. On March 6, when it was created, notifications reached 69 posts and comments, not including hundreds of likes.

When the video first went Continued on page 2

Continued on page 4

What It Takes to Be a Student of the Month

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Tennis Players Double Up on the Court

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NEWS April 13, 2012

Checking In with Urban Outfitters

New Downtown Store Proves Popular Among Westport Teens EMILY GOLDBERG ’12 Web Managing Editor

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s customers walk into downtown Westport’s new Urban Outfitters location, they are greeted by trendy styles, artsy décor, and catchy tunes pumping through the stereo.

The popular retail store opened in Westport on March 8, and in the past month, the store has maintained a steady flow of traffic, as well as positive feedback from customers.

“Things have been going great since the opening, even better than we expected, actually,” said Women’s Accessory Store Manager Ayanna Belton. “We’re really happy to be here, and excited to have a new store location.”

Before Urban opened in Westport, the closest store locations were in Greenwich and New Haven. Staples students are thankful to have the popular store now close at hand.

“It’s one of my favorite stores, so I’m glad that it’s much more convenient to go to now,” Maddie Melnick ’12 said. “But because it’s so convenient now, a lot of people end up with the same clothes.”

Belton said that while the Westport location is catering to a variety of ages, the younger age set is more popular in Westport than in the Greenwich store location, where she previously worked.

The store also has less expensive price points than other Westport stores, creating an additional pull for Westport teens.

“Urban is definitely more accessible than stores like LF, be-

cause it’s so much less expensive.

If there isn’t a sale at LF, then I’d much rather go to Urban Outfitters,” Melnick said.

The store’s décor has also created buzz among customers.

Walls across the store have an unfinished touch, with exposed brick and cement showing to create an industrial loft look.

“I like how they did repairs, but didn’t choose standard painted walls,” Eliza Duvall ’12 said.

“Having the brick show through gives it a unique look that makes it more fun to shop in.”

Urban Outfitters also provides Staples students, who are at least 18 years of age, with an opportunity for employment. For example, Augie Gradoux-Matt ’12 was inspired to apply for a job at Urban Outfitters after her friend Perrin Judd ’12 submitted an application.

“I am obsessed with all the clothes there,” Gradoux-Matt said.

The one downside to working at the store, according to Gradoux-Matt, is that she has had to learn to improve her self-control in order to avoid over-purchasing, despite her employee discount.

Belton said that the student employees have had a positive impact on the store.

“They are all doing great, and learning quickly,” she said.

“I think it is better to have people who live around here work here, because it provides an all around better working experience.”

For students who are interested, the store is now accepting applications for summer.

PHOTOS BY ALEX GREENE ’13 AMEN, FASHION: The latest Urban Outfitters location is located at 101 Post Road East, next to Patagonia.

Kony 2012 Movement Short-Lived Among Student Body Continued from page 1 viral and students began reposting it on their walls, Siri Andrews ’13 created a Facebook group in hopes of spreading awareness and organizing groups to take action. The group quickly gained over 1,000 members.

The first few posts were sympathetic to the cause. Students posted pictures that read “Kony 2012: Stop at nothing,” encouraging supporters to set them as their Cover Photos. Others urged students to visit the Invisible Children website and purchase “Action Kits,” which contain posters, bracelets, and other items to financially support the cause.

Even past students wrote in the group, saying things like, “Get amped on something that could go down in history.”

However, quickly, those who disagreed with the campaign began refuting previous posts. Some members simply stated their opinions, while others wrote comments intended to mock the situation.

Andrews was forced to delete posts/comments that were disrespectful or offensive and even delete offenders from the group. After these posts were deleted, there were posts discouraging these kinds of remarks. One girl wrote, “You are all becoming extremely annoying with all this fighting, this isn’t a debate group its a support group, if you don’t support it make your own ‘I hate the KONY initiative group.’

Andrews was upset by these comments.

“I felt some posts became about people trying to sound right rather than make a valid point about the cause. Others, like jokes, were irritating because conflicts should not be joked about in order to see who can receive the most likes on a post or comment,” said Andrews.

However, some people had valid oppositions to the KONY campaign and questions about the video and Invisible Children as an organization.

“I feel that students have been manipu-

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lated by a well-produced video.

They are basing their support off a 30-minute video, that is outdated and false. Though I commend those who organized the Facebook group and supported the movement, I feel that many jumped on the ‘Kony Bandwagon,’” said Rusty Schindler ‘13.

Another student expressed political concern. He wrote, “Vietnam also began with innocent American military advisors going to a country and region we didn’t really understand. Or look at Iraq: we wanted to

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C PHI GRA depose a dictator, we got a war… yeah, touching video and all but there are potential consequences to things we do, even though they may be wellintended.”

As quickly as the number of group members skyrocketed shortly after the group was created, weeks later the numbers dwindled, with the amount of people added per week in the single digits. Commenting steadily declined. People were leaving the group. Many were upset they had purchased action kits.

Another criticism about the Invisible Children organization was because of the March 15 police detainment of Jason Russell, co-founder of the organization and creator of the Kony 2012 video. Russell was found in San Diego, partially clothed, running through traffic, and exhibiting strange behavior.

Students took to the Facebook group to post news links about the incident and joke about the situation. Despite the controversy surrounding Russell’s behavior, Andrew Felman ‘14 still stands behind the campaign. “I think what he is doing to try and help kids in Africa shouldn’t be overlooked because of one mistake.”

Besides a few news articles posted regarding this situation, the group has stayed relatively inactive.

What Invisible Children is most apprehensive about is that “Cover the Night” may not be as successful as they had hoped. Posts that once echoed activists’ eager anticipation of the “Cover the Night” event, which takes place on April 20 and encourages supporters to plaster their towns with posters to “make Kony famous,” have not been commented on since the video first went viral.

“I really hope “Cover the Night” is more than just a trend amongst students,” said Zoe Cohen ’13, who created the “Westport Cover the Night” event page on Facebook. “I still plan on putting up posters and I hope other people still do.”

But others, like Schindler, are not as hopeful.

“As demonstrated by the Occupy Wall St. movement, this is a fad for Staples, and as all fads go (sillybands, Livestrong bracelets, etc.) this one will fade within a few weeks,” Schindler said. He added: “In a completely serious way, I think the only students who will actually take part in covering Westport will be students stoned out of their minds for 4/20 who are looking for something funny to do.

Not to mention Westport will be ridden with every police they have on staff to stop kids from essentially graphitizing the town with pictures of an African warlord.”

Even if “KONY 2012” ultimately turns out to just be a fad, what is undeniable is the powerful effect that social media has had on teenagers.

News Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

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sets a charter school aside from standard public education is not that they aren’t public schools, because they are, but that they are independently run and are sometimes run for profit.

Often, charter schools will teach to a specific curriculum specializing in mathematics, science or a particular humanity.

The governor and charter school supporters point to data that shows that these Connecticut schools are working.

Connecticut Mastery Test results provide evidence that these schools have delivered “not only a greater percentage of students SILENT PROTEST: On March 15, several Staples teachers wore black clothing in protest against S.B. 24, the education reform bill proposed performing at or above the “Proby Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy. ficiency” level than in their local PHOTO BY JAMIE WHEELERͳROBERTS ’13 host districts, but they also outpace local districts in year-toyear growth in student achievement. The longer students stay in these schools, the better they do you’re a good teacher every five a part of the bill, make up no less sue. It’s so obviously tied to pov- on state tests,” according to the Continued from page 1 years, then tenure is effectively than 22.5 percent of a teacher’s erty more than anything else; Connecticut Charter School Net-ing throughout the state—where over.” it’s like saying ‘We’re going to tie work. evaluation for salary.

Opponents to charter schools three legislators and three teachAnne Fernandez, also an According to Malloy, this your salary to your students’ povers answered questions that con- English teacher, fully supports evaluation is necessary. “People erty,’ by only one step in between believe they are not as open as public schools, are anti-union, cerned Westport parents, resi- the need for tenure. use tests to make judgments, transitively. It’s really unfair.” dents and teachers had regarding The education reform plan and they select better performing “I understand now that when and in this case, it’s not a test, the bill. you work year in and year out it’s an evaluation of which 22.5 calls for $128 million to be allo- students.

For example, data from the From this meeting, it was with hundreds of students and percent actually pertains to tests cated to low-performing school clear that discussions surround- hundreds of parents, it’s really that people take,” Malloy said districts to try to lift them from State Department of Education ing S.B. 24 are far from over. hard to keep everybody happy,” in a press conference with high their present achievement stan- shows that the percentage of special education students in Bridgedards.

Fernandez said. “Everybody has a school journalists.

TENURE That may sound like a lot, port is almost double the special different point of view about what To State Senator Toni BouchMalloy’s proposed tenure re- ‘good education’ looks like.” er (R-126), this percentage repre- but Connecticut has a lot of un- education students in Bridgeport form has drawn the most controHowever, there are those sents a small emphasis. Accord- derachieving school districts, charter schools.

The bill has undergone mulversy statewide. who don’t feel as strongly at- ing to Boucher, Connecticut puts and schools are costly. Westport’s By definition, tenure means tached to tenure. much less weight on test scores high school building alone cost tiple alterations and will continue to do so until late April or early permanent employment, but “I don’t really care about ten- than other states like New York, $117 million to build.

May, when it what tenure in the education sys- ure very much,” said Tippy, who which uses will face a vote tem really provides is a process is up for tenure this year. “As a the scores for by the legthat must be followed by school cultural thing, I think it’s impor- 40 percent of islature. On administrators in order to re- tant that that teachers are pro- teacher evaluMon., March move a teacher who has earned tected from individual admin- ation.

26, the Contenure by being employed for istrators and school boards. But H o w necticut Joint more than four years. all tenure means in Connecticut ever, WestCommittee Tenure was originally cre- public schools is that there is a port Teacher’s on Education ated at the university level to process to fire a teacher. We have A s s o c i a t i o n released its protect professors from teaching a process to identify bad teachers P r e s i d e n t revised vercontroversial, unpopular mate- and remove them, and it is used.” Kathy Sharp sion of the rial in the case of any issues inAnother concern is the avail- d i s a g r e e s . bill, one that volving those lessons. Essential- ability of administrators to con- “ S t a n d a r d Rep. Brenda ly, it provides autonomy for their duct the evaluations of teachers ized tests test Kupchick, a work. that will now comprise a large student skills, member of However, some argue that portion of a teacher’s tenure eval- not teacher the committeacher tenure is too easy for uation and salary. It is Tippy’s quality,” she tee, believes teachers to attain and presents opinion that there are simply too said.

Sharp had “most of an obstacle when trying to re- many people to have it function believes that the contromove an ineffective teacher. In the way it is intended to. there are too versial stuff his State of the State address, many meaPHOTO BY CHEYENNE HASLETT ’13 Malloy angered many teachers, STANDARDIZED TESTS surement ersaying that to get tenured, “the In Hartford, only 17 percent rors that can QUESTIONS & CONCERNS: On April 2, the Westport PTA Council sponsored taken out.” only thing you have to do is show of 10th graders read on goal. To affect scores a forum in which a panel was set up at Town Hall to answer questions W h i l e up for four years.”

Malloy, this is the kind of statis- outside of the about S.B. 24. this assuaged Malloy believes tenure tic that shows Connecticut needs c l a s s r o o m should be “re-earned” and should change. The governor thinks and outside of a teacher’s control.

Overall, Malloy justifies the much opposition to the bill, it be based upon certain criteria, more data will help close the Michael Fulton, a Staples standardized test portion of the arrived amidst complaints from such as student and school per- achievement gap, and that inte- teacher, agrees. “You can’t blame bill with statistics from other legislators who felt that the bill formance, parent and peer input, grating standardized testing into teachers if kids come to school states that have implemented had been revised without the and administrative evaluation. the teacher’s evaluation process unprepared, which here isn’t an it already. “Massachusetts has help of committee members and His description of tenure of- is the right tool to reform educa- issue because Staples students been in the business of evaluat- solely by the committee chairperfends many teachers who believe tion. are prepared to read and write ing teachers for years. None of sons “behind closed doors.”

Kupchick, one of the comthey do much more than “show Under S.B. 24, a state agen- efficiently,” Fulton said. “In less your districts saw tons of teachup” on a daily basis. cy, the Performance Evaluation privileged districts, kids aren’t ers flowing over the border from mittee members who was not Yet, there are various educa- Advisory Council (PEAC), would all ready to do work, they don’t Massachusetts once that system satisfied with the revision protion groups who view tenure re- create the rubric and evaluation have the opportunities, and then went in, nor did they see it from cess, believes that people should form differently. process by which teachers’ salary teachers have to come in and fi x Rhode Island, nor are they seeing be able to see what is happenAccording to the Connecti- and tenure are determined. that? In 45 minutes, four times a it from New York. It’s a tool to use ing in the legislature, and that cut Council for Education Reto reform education, that’s all,” the “closed door” policy is “un“[The section] is made on week? That’s impossible.” healthy.” form, a group backing the gov- the premise that student achieveState preparedness is a prob- said Malloy.

Malloy has said he will not ernor’s plan, Malloy’s proposal ment should be a measurement of lem with a state that has high sign the bill as it currently stands. allows for teachers to earn tenure teacher quality,” Tippy said. poverty levels like Connecticut.

CHARTER SCHOOLS in three years if they receive two This portion of the bill has In Bridgeport schools, 98.4 perMalloy believes charter According to Patrick Riccards of “exemplary” ratings, or in five been met with fierce resistance cent of students receive reduced schools can improve Connecti- ConnCan, an education reform years if they receive three “pro- from teachers and some parents or free lunch, which leads many cut education. Subsequently, advocacy group, “The current bill ficient” or “exemplary” ratings. across the state who fear the toll to question whether or not the Malloy originally called for a is a watered-down version of the Once teachers earn tenure, they teaching to the test already takes achievement gap is a product of $2,600-per-pupil budget for initial proposal.”

S.B. 24 heads to the Appromust receive three “proficient” on their students and children. socioeconomic conditions or edu- charter schools, which has been or “exemplary” ratings every five “When you prioritize stan- cation environments. reduced to $1,100-per-pupil. The priations Committee next, where years to keep it.

“We’re not teaching that $1,000 local contribution for budgets will be discussed. From dardized testing, the teacher is Brian Tippy, a Staples Eng- torn between trying to really, re- much better than the teachers each student that transfers to a there, it will go to the full Senate, lish teacher, believes this reform ally educate, and realizing that two towns over with lower test charter school has become op- the House of Representatives, of tenure dramatically changes they are accountable for test scores,” Tippy said. “That’s not tional. However, the bill still aims and finally, perhaps, back to the the face of the term. scores. Educating and adding really a product of teaching. The to increase the funding of charter Governor’s desk by the start of May. “By making tenure some- points on a standardized test are premise that the achievement schools. thing that automatically expires, really different,” Tippy said. gap is propelled by unmotivated There are no charter schools Additional reporting it isn’t tenure anymore,” Tippy Improvement on students’ teaching primarily could never in Westport, but there are 17 in contributed by Julian Clarke ’12. said. “If you have to re-prove that standardized test scores will, as explain the enormity of this is- the state of Connecticut. What

Community Responds to Education Reform Proposals

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News Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

New ID Policies Established for SATs, Subject Tests HALEY ZELDES ’13 Web Sports Editor

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n March 27, months after the Long Island cheating scandals, the College Board announced its new policies for the SATs and SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIs) that will be instated nationwide this fall.

The new policies require that test-takers upload a picture of him or herself either online or via mail. That picture will then be posted on the test roster and on the individual’s admission ticket.

The registration further requires test-takers to specify their high school so that the guidance office in each school will have the ability to receive each students’ scores. High schools receiving is no longer optional. Finally, standby testing will be eliminated.

According to data from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the security company that

represents the SAT, 99 percent of the three million students who take the SAT every year do so honestly. What the test company did not address, however, is the one percent who are caught.

In a January episode of “60 Minutes,” ETS President Kurt Landgraf said, “It’s very important that we not overreact to this case or any future cases, and do things that would be onerous and detrimental to the actual longterm security or access for the administration.”

The new College Board policies bring new responsibilities for students, proctors, and guidance counselors alike.

Guidance counselor William Plunkett understands the security concerns, but is hesitant about the new responsibility that the system will put on guidance counselors.

“Where the accountability of this process falls is my ques-

tion,” Plunkett said. “A lot of schools around the country aren’t like Staples, and will have a hard time allotting the time to identify each individual student. Even so, at Staples, the caseload is large for counselors, and it could be an easy mistake to misidentify someone.”

Although Plunkett believes that the changes add new complexities, he thinks that it must be more of an issue than the test companies are leading to, or they wouldn’t be going through the trouble.

For students like Jill Rappaport ’13, the changes are welcomed.

“Although they are tedious, the changes connect to the direct source of the problem that comes from students taking the tests at schools where they cannot be identified,” Rappaport said.

Rappaport believes that standardized test scores can dif-

ferentiate one student from another in the college process, and changes are needed to make the process fair.

For current sophomores, the changes will appear to be standard protocol. Cassie Feldman ’14 is going into the testing process more confident that the system for standardized testing is accurate.

“I think cheating will always occur, but at least the test companies are taking action to do what they can to lower the number,” Feldman said.

Starting in 2012, the world of standardized testing will begin combating the corruption that has occurred for years. The changes are significant, but the College Board is collaboratively pushing for the number of cheaters to be zero.

“It’s hard to imagine how the process will all work, but it’s definitely for the bettering of the col-

THE OLD AND THE NEW A quick glance at some of the changes that will be instituted in SAT and ACT examinations, as of fall 2012.

POLICY

NEW

PREVIOUS

Photo Registration

No photo needed at registration.

Only a photo ID check at the test site.

Providing the name of your high school was optional.

Students will be required to provide the name of their high school while registering.

Students who had not registered prior to the test could take it if seats were available.

Standby testing will not exist.

IDs were only checked upon arrival and when re-entering a testing room.

Students will be subject to random ID checks.

Name of High School Standby Testing ID Checks

While registering, students will supply a photo to be placed on the admission ticket.

Looking Ahead SAMANTHA RUTTER ’12 Staff Writer

All-State Music Festival Scheduled for Tomorrow On April 14, select Staples students will participate in the annual All-State Music Festival. The event will take place at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Visit www.cmea.org for more information regarding times and ticket sales.

Westport Art Center Beatles Film Screening On April 14, at 7 p.m., the Westport Art Center will screen the 1968 film “Yellow Submarine” as a fundraiser for the Westport Youth Film Festival.

Al Bordax, the producer of the movie, which features music by the Beatles, will be a guest speaker. There will be food, live music and art, with all proceeds in support of the Westport Youth Film Festival (WYFF).

For more details about the event, visit www.westportartscenter.org.

INFORMATION FROM THE COLLEGE BOARD

Teachers, secretaries respond to new school budget Continued from page 1 -tainty about the effects of the secretarial cuts. He projects his real wages to remain the same, and does not expect much change

from his current situation.

Raspati Horrigan, a paraprofessional who has worked at both Staples and Coleytown Middle School for 13 years, believes that the quality of educa-

$ Budget Terms

Each year, there seems to be a discrepancy amongst students about what the budget is, what the budget means, and how the budget affects the Staples body. Here are terms that are pertinent to this year’s ongoing budget negotiations:

• BUDGET PROCESS: First, the superintendent submits what is called a “proposed budget” to the Board of Education (BOE) for review. The BOE then reviews and votes on a revised budget, which is called the “approved budget.” This is then submitted to the Board of Finance (BOF) and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for further review.

• STEP INCREASES: As time progresses, teachers’ wages increase based on the amount of experience they have teaching. After a set amount of years, a teacher in the Westport District moves on to a “higher step” or increased pay bracket. The brackets increase until they top out after 25 years.

• GENERAL WAGE INCREASES: As per the BOE school budget, teachers for this academic year all receive a higher salary to help offset the cost of living expenses and inflation.

• REAL WAGES: The amount of spending power one has with his/her own wage. If inflation is high, real wages may decrease even if a faculty member receives a higher salary for that year.

tion in Westport may not remain the same, given cuts.

“The kids need help with anything you can imagine,” Horrigan said. “The classroom teachers will have to work harder, do more work in the classroom, rather than relying on us.”

Horrigan stressed the involvement the paraprofessionals have in middle school projects, such as the eighth grade position paper and science showcase project.

She believes that the cuts will not allow her to be as specialized and involved with the students’ individual needs.

“It’s ridiculous,” Horrigan said.

“Do I feel secure? No,” Silverstein said. “As a secretary, I’m saddened by [these cuts]. There are a lot of secretaries that need their jobs. We had a cut a few years ago, and it’s unfortunate that that’s where they’re taking resources from.”

Within the few minutes Inklings talked with Silverstein, she responded to phone calls and student questions.

“I wish that all the secretaries that were affected find something in the district—I wish them all well. It’s a sad thing this had to happen. It affects everyone in one way or another,” Silverstein said.

Kaner said that the BOF’s main challenge is to balance the

“We had cut a few [secretaries] years ago, and it’s unfortunate that that’s where they’re taking resources from.”

— Meryl Silverstein, Staples secretary

Horrigan also eSxpressed concern over district priorities in budget negotiations, saying that the proposed budget removes secretarial and paraprofessional jobs but adds administrators to the Westport district.

Horrigan’s work has already been reduced by half, from full time paraprofessional work to part-time.

But some faculty members, such as Staples Secretary Meryl Silverstein, live in uncertainty in regards to the security of their existing jobs.

budget of the schools with the budget for other town services, such as emergency services, libraries, and parks.

“We realize that the schools are one of Westport’s ‘crown jewels’ that must be protected.

Our home values are also maintained with good schools,” Kaner said.

“Every change we make will impact the classroom, and the teacher in front of the student is the primary driver of a great education, and we’ll never forget that,” Mathias said.

Junior Prom Tickets Available After Spring Break Tickets for this year’s junior prom, which is scheduled for May 19, will be available for purchase beginning on April 30 in the Staples cafeteria. They will be on sale until May 4.

Visit the Staples High School website for more information.

Westport Arts Center’s Warhol Ball Scheduled On April 28 from 8 p.m. to midnight, the Westport Arts Center will host the first annual Warhol Ball. The event will feature unique art experiences and live music.

The ball will take place at the Steel Shed located in South Norwalk. Visit www. westportartscenter.org for additional information.

Guidance Department’s College Panel Night Planned On May 24, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Staples guidance department will host College Panel Night.

The event will take place in the auditorium, and parents and students are welcome to attend.

Visit the Staples website for more information.

News Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

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PHOTO BY MADISON HORNE ’12

Open Choice Program Rumors Dispelled ELIZA LLEWELLYN ’14 Staff Writer

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espite a tight budget and a Westport News article forecasting a decrease in the Open Choice Program, which transports students from Bridgeport to schools in Westport and other surrounding districts, the program will continue, and is, in fact, slated to take on five firstgraders next year.

Over time, there has been a decrease in the number of Bridgeport students accepted to the program.

According to Julie Horowitz, coordinator of the Open Choice program in Westport and a social worker in the district, there had been over 200 students involved several years ago. There are currently 175 involved, a number that includes students attending schools in Westport along with Fairfield, Trumbull, Stratford, Weston, and Easton.

Westport has a commitment to continuing the program, although budgetary restrictions surrounding enrollment numbers are now taken into account when accepting new students.

Open Choice, which also operates in New Haven and Hartford, was established in response to the 1989 Sheff v. O’Neill case, which requires that the state of Connecticut work to correct the socioeconomic inequity in its schools.

The program has been active in Westport for 15 years.

“The commitment is absolute,” Superintendent Elliott Landon said.

A Westport News article published in February said that the program has become endangered due to tighter spending on teacher salaries and overall cost-cutting and suggested the possibility that no new Open Choice students would be accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.

According to Landon, the 2011-2012 year was an anomaly in that no Open Choice students were accepted.

Due to projections of large class sizes, the district “exercised caution instead of moving forward,” Landon said. Last year was the first year in Landon’s 13 years as superintendent that the district did not accept new students, and the program is slated to resume enrollment next year.

The decision for the number of students depends strictly on class size, as a higher number of students require more teachers. Teacher salaries make up the main expenses of the district.

“If all classes were averaging 22 students, we wouldn’t take any [students from Open Choice],” Landon said.

The tight budget has put new pressures on the program. Within the past three years, the district has dealt with more conservative budgets and thus has had to cut back on staff.

Prior to three years ago, the district would have accepted Open Choice students regardless of enrollment numbers, Landon said.

However, with fears of teachers being laid off and class size limits that have already been increased, there is less flexibility to add students, Landon said.

Beyond enrollment, the program has few costs to Westport schools. Transportation is covered by state subsidies. State grants also give the district $3000 for each student accepted into the program, money that covers extracurricular activities and other enrichment programs.

“The cost to the district would be zero or very close,” said Dr. Mark Ribbens, who has coordinated the Open Choice program

for three years.

Westport’s enrollment of Bridgeport students has been steady, ranging from 36 to 42 students within the district.

Although programwide numbers have decreased, the Westport school system had offered to extend the program by accepting students in kindergarten instead of first grade.

“We were hoping [the program] could start in kindergarten and offered to take students in kindergarten for next year,” Landon said.

However, not enough other districts

from Bridgeport to Westport.

“I don’t get treated differently,” Chanteese said. “It just took me and [Westport students] a while to get used to each other,” she said.

Washington sees himself as no different from any other Westport student.

“I think [some students] feel that I’m less fortunate, but I don’t think of myself that way,” Washington said. “I think of us as all on an equal playing field.”

According to Dodig, the program’s success is rooted in that it treats Bridgeport kids identically to Westport kids.

“Some of the stuff we’re doing in 6th grade, [Bridgeport students] are doing in high school.”

— Mikell Washington ’12

involved in the program committed to the earlier start; still, the students will still be entering the schools in first grade, according to Ribbens.

Westport currently enrolls 38 Bridgeport students. The program provides students with opportunities not available in Bridgeport schools.

“A friend of my mother’s is involved in the Bridgeport Board of Ed and suggested to her that she apply to get me in the program because of the poor quality of education in Bridgeport,” Lamont Johnson ’14 said.

Gardenia Washington, mother of Mikell Washington ’12 heard about the program through a preschool teacher. The program gave her children a chance to attend stronger schools.

“I don’t know how I would have been able to afford to send them all to private school,” Gardenia said.

The few spots in the program are coveted; Horowitz often gets phone calls from parents wanting to get into the program.

“They are looking to get out of Bridgeport schools and specifically attend Westport schools,” Horowitz said.

According to Washington, over 600 students applied one year.

“I really feel blessed having [my children] in the program,” Washington said.

Principal John Dodig emphasized the gaps between Bridgeport schools and Westport schools.

“Open Choice takes kids from an environment where there are fewer opportunities for kids in education and brings them to a community that is about as far apart as you can get,” Dodig said.

The program gives students like Washington a chance to attend schools with more resources than those in Bridgeport.

“Some of the stuff we’re doing in 6th grade, [Bridgeport students] are doing in high school,” Washington said.

He feels like the program has given him opportunities to succeed in education and extracurricular activities like wrestling.

Johnson also appreciates the program: “The range of classes to choose from is astounding, the staff all seem to care about each individual student, and most students openly accept us even though we come from completely different walks of life,” he said.

Shanaisha Chanteese ’14 also felt the program was beneficial despite the jump

“The same percent will play the cello, be artists, or play football,” Dodig said.

However, the students enrolled in the program deal with a different life than the average Westport student. Each morning, they wake up early for the bus ride to West-

port. Johnson has been involved in the program since first grade and deals with the commute every day.

“I wake up at 5:30 in the morning, which is probably the latest of the Open Choice high school students, since I get picked up last,” Johnson said.

Transportation also is an issue in the afternoons. A late bus is provided at 5:30 p.m., but that’s often before sports practices and other activities end. This puts the kids on a different schedule from peers in Bridgeport.

Contrary to what might seem problematic, according to Chanteese, keeping up with friends in Bridgeport is possible.

“There’s Facebook, texting, calling and we can always hang out after school,” she said.

Washington said that it can be hard to schedule times to get together with friends from Bridgeport.

However, his attendance in Westport schools has not alienated him from Bridgeport peers, “They want me to do well,” he said.

Both Bridgeport and Westport students benefit from the program, all argued.

“Open Choice is a positive for residents of Westport as it creates a more diverse atmosphere,” Ribbens said. “Everyone wins with this kind of program.”

OPINIONS

6

April 13, 2012

Put the Brakes on S.B.24

B

ills going through the legislature are usually stereotyped as confusing and misleading, but SB24 takes the cake.

Governor Dannel Malloy has spent the past few months and much of his political career on the topic of education reform. He has championed a bill, referred to as SB24, which seeks to address the Connecticut achievement gap, the largest in America give all students a fair shot at a good education.

Inklings EDITORIAL

In the past few months, we have seen teachers, politicians and outside voices tell us that this bill is either a landmark piece of legislation or a death sentence for Connecticut public education.

Yet, neither side has been

GRAPHIC BY JILLIIAN PECORIELLO’12

able to explain what this bill actually does.

There used to be tenure reform, now there might not be.

There used to be standardized testing, now there might not be.

Education reform is too important to rush through the legislature.

When our own reporter asked the governor about increases in standardized testing, he “corrected” her by stating that was not the case.

No less than two minutes later, he backtracked, saying that testing was necessary for the evaluation of students.

This board cannot endorse or speak out against

a piece of legislation if we, along with the rest of Connecticut, do not know what the contents of the bill are.

Do not mistake this hesitancy for apathy or a lack of research. This paper ran a front page story on the achievement gap in Connecticut, and this board cares deeply about the quality of education in our state. Education reform is an important subject.

It is also a complex issue, and any solution will require an extensive conversation about the needs of our students. That conversation has not been held, and a vote in the state legislature is coming up too fast.

Changes to the bill in committee are happening at an alarming rate. Throughout our research, this board was often surprised to find that cornerstones of the bill all of a sudden no longer ex-

isted.

How can students be informed of the future of their education?

How can teachers feel secure in their jobs?

How can unions fight for their members?

How can voters determine their views?

How can legislators make a representative vote?

We’ve already written an editorial to our local Board of Education asking it to be more direct with Westport citizens and effectively communicate updates in their doings.

We’d like to extend this request to our state government and ask for a delay on the vote of SB24.

With the 21st century skills, Staples students have learned to effectively communicate and persuade. Our state’s government needs to learn to do the same.

Vacation, Families and Excess Baggage

According to the U.S Census Bureau, in 2011 the average family size was 3.18 people, (insert the required .18 of a person joke here). Multiply this by approximately four, and you have the number of suitcases my traveling party tries to shove in the back of a rented limousine.

There are certainly perks to having a big family. You never have to share the table with strangers at a hibachi restaurant and you constantly have enough people around to field a soccer team, if need be. However, among the items on this inexhaustible list, quick and convenient travel isn’t one of them.

The number of travelers in my family always changes. My immediate family consists of seven people there are three grandparents, six people in my uncle’s family, and always some tag-a-longs. The biggest group in recorded history was 19 in Vail, the winter of ’02.

“Silver Crown Award” for Inklingsnews.com from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2011 “Crown Newspaper Finalist” Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2011 First Place “All-American” from National Scholastic Press Association 2010-2011 All the opinions, news, and features in this paper are those of Staples High School students. Inklings has a circulation of 1,800.

The paper is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Natioanal Schoalstic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center. All letters to the editor must be signed before they will be published. The editorial board reserves the right not to publish letters and to edit all submissions as it sees fit.

But there’re usually some conflicts, so the magic number is typically around 13, give or take a cousin.

Describing what it’s like to be in my house with these 13 people the day before a trip is like listing the side effects of a prescription drug: may cause nausea, irritability, or lack of volume control, and don’t try if you are at risk of heart attack or stroke. Everyone is stressed and unprepared, and we all want to be left alone to freak out about our missing bathing suit in solitude. However solitude, along with important travel documents, and the right flip-flop, is nowhere to be found in a house filled with enough people to violate building codes.

If that’s not enough, consider the impending 3:30 a.m. wake-up. When you’re traveling with a dozen other people, it’s best to get to the airport hours before anyone else. That apparently includes the pilot.

At the airport the real fun begins. A big family will receive dirty looks from people in the check-in line. We just take way too much time. We try to make friends with airport personnel, and at least one of our bags is over 50 pounds.

People dislike this kind of delay.

Editors-in-Chief Eric Essagof Stevie Klein Managing Editors Julian Clarke Alix Neenan News Editors Rachel Guetta Alicia Lourekas Ben Reiser Bryan Schiavone Opinions Editors Molly Barreca Hannah Foley Jordan Shenhar Jamie Wheeler-Roberts Features Editors Leah Bitsky Danny Cooper Carlie Schwaeber Nicolette Weinbaum

GRAPHIC BY MEGAN FOREMAN ’14 Once past check-in we annoy the people in security. To move through security faster, TSA recommends packing an organized carry-on. My family’s bags look like they were hit by bombs.

We make sure not to say the Bword in airport security though, after an incident back in ’05.

Getting past security is taxing. But remember, traveling Arts & Entertainment Editors Jackie Kerames Rachel Labarre Deanna Schreiber Sammy Warshaw Sports Editors Ryder Chasin Kelsey Landauer Will McDonald Julia Sharkey

with the size equivalent of a respectable hip-hop entourage is a marathon, not a sprint.

If being in an airport is difficult, being 30,000 feet in the air defies explanation. Though I pity the innocent bystanders most. It’s really convenient for us to constantly reach across the aisle for a piece of gum, or yell from first class to coach, but not for any-

one else. Thus, I often volunteer to take the seat surrounded by strangers. It’s much easier in that position to pretend I don’t know my family, and join the other passengers in staring in disgust.

Slowly though, things calm down. My older brother will fall asleep with his head on whoever’s next to him, while my mother shamelessly watches “The Lion King” on her seat back screen.

In these moments I start to revel in thoughts of the vacation to come: the unsuspecting hotel whose employees will know our names by the second day, the beachfront we will crowd, or the gondola we will fill to capacity.

And I’m ultimately happy that we won’t have to share a hibachi table with strangers, and if need be, we can field a soccer team.

These thoughts carry a person through hours at baggage claim, or a slow-moving customs line, delayed even further by a joke about my 7-year-old cousin smuggling cigars into the country.

Because, although traveling with a big family is rough, it isn’t entirely bad. Entirely, though, being the operative word.

Did I mention how hard it is to make a dinner reservation for 13?

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Opinions Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

The Tutoring Troubles

7

>

How the Staples ‘One Percent’ abuses tutors

Percentage of surveyed Staples students who have had a tutor 54%

“Tutors are not just a

Average class level tutoring was received in A-Level

TUTORS BY THE NUMBERS: This bar graph represents the results of a survey taken by 187 Staples students.

$100

Average amount paid per-hour for a tutor

savior for kids who are struggling, but another

B

Average grade before tutor

tool for kids vying for top class rank” sible it is. Are grades really ref lective of an individual if a huge contributor to them isn’t that individual, but an outside tutor? I’m not telling anyone to stop, but this is something that needs to be addressed, by the school and by those who tutor in this town: where is the line between student and tutor– grades of an individual and of another?

With the rates that these tutors charge meaning only

Average increase in grade aŌer tutor

3 percentage points

INKLINGS SURVEY

I

n Westport, tutoring has become big business. High school level tutors often charge in excess of a hundred dollars an hour, and have no trouble finding plenty of clients.

Some of those kids really need the help to get through difficult material and enrich their learning. Others, perhaps, don’t.

There are certainly many legitimate cases for tutoring, and those don’t bother me in the slightest– but what happens in this town does. In Westport, today, we have the top kids in our class spending significant time with tutors– not because they struggle with material, but because three hours with a tutor will mean the difference between a 95 and a 98. When academics become incredibly competitive at the top level, a few hundred dollars and a few hours of tutoring can really be that extra little push.

It’s not my place to say it’s morally wrong, in and of itself but it isn’t fair. I’ve heard the

term “we have the best system money can buy” used to describe American politics frequently– today, it looks more and more like that might be accurate for Staples education.

When tutoring has crossed the line from kids who are struggling to kids who can afford it– who it can make that difference that will make them more competitive, I begin to question how morally defen-

>

GRAPH BY JAMIE WHEELERͳROBERTS ’13 some can afford them, there is an ethical quandary–are kids getting top grades because they work hard, or because they can afford it? It’s hard to say one has really earned a grade when the line is blurry. We have reached a point in Westport. where tutors are not just a savior for kids

who are struggling, but another tool for kids vying for top class rank. Money, it seems, (in the form of exorbitant tutoring fees) can buy grades.

My point in writing this column isn’t to change anything, because I don’t know how. The inherent inequity brought on

by the fact that some students can afford help that definitely makes a difference– while others can’t– is a real and pressing issue at Staples that I think deserves recognition. I’m not sure what the solution is, but in the interest of fairness, we need to do something about it.

Suffocating in the Bubble Citizens of Westport Should Become Citizens of the World

As citizens of Westport, we live in a little bubble full of trifling, superficial problems that, relative to our standard of living and quality of life, seem grave and troubling. I’ll admit it myself; I texted my parents daily asking what the percentage chance there was that Hanukkah Harry was getting me a white iPhone.

But even beyond possessions, we also live in a place where a football coach allegedly giving passwords to pornographic websites was considered by many to be one of the most exciting events of the year. This was the same week courts ruled in favor of Prop 8 and Egypt brutally cleared Tahrir Square, leaving thirteen dead.

Yet Westporters decided to ignore all of the significant news outside of our bubble and spending days gossiping pettily about a blown up scandal instead.

Some might argue that the curriculum at Staples calls for an escape from our bubble and appreciation for other cultures, yet the only appreciation I see is one for the textbook 15 minutes before the test.

Even in U.S. History Honors, a class near and dear to my heart, discussions included students saying how disgraceful the education disparities are between here and Camden, New Jersey, yet after that it was never discussed

GRAPHIC BY ERKINA SART SARTBAEVA ’14 again and they lived their lives enjoying the incredible education we receive without guilt, with some even flaunting their new Blackberrys under the desk, texting about what they should wear to the next sweet 16.

Deciding which $200 prom dress to buy from ASOS or Shopbop seems like the most daunting task yet Trayvon Martin couldn’t even make it home from buying Skittles and iced tea alive. All day every day people yap about their problems, whether its having to

take the bus to school one day because their car is in the shop or getting a bad grade on their physics test. Meanwhile, this innocent boy, close in age to many of us, was killed in cold blood for no apparent reason. Perspective is very much needed.

That’s the truth of the situation. We learn to read and hear about other communities and the hardships they face, then proceed to criticize Westport from the ostentatious display of wealth to the ignorance some people have.

But nowhere in that equation is anyone coming up with a solution and actually trying to fi x the problems we so harshly critique.

With KONY2012 Westport recently invading everyone’s newsfeeds, it seemed as if Westport was breaking through the bubble. 1,010 new members within a day is remarkable. However, a majority of the members of the group watched the video, told their friends how moving it was, and will never donate a cent to the cause.

Though I know some students are actually committed to raising money for the issue at hand, I expect less than half of the 172 people who clicked “attending” will actually show up for “Cover the Night,” an event to put posters up all over Westport in support of Kony 2012.

Many Westporters also live in a financial bubble. This struck me especially hard when a guidance counselor came to my English class to talk about postsecondary planning. When the prospect of joining the military or getting a job right after high school came up, the majority of my class started doodling or zoning out. The thought of having to actually go and work right away, and perhaps not being able to afford college, was incomprehensible.

I, myself, am guilty of many of these acts due to being trapped inside the Westport bubble. I will continue living in ignorant bliss, not considering anything besides college right after graduation and being disgusted by how the recession has left us relatively unscathed in comparison to minorities in other cities, yet not doing anything specifically to change that.

We are all guilty in some ways of living in our bubble, and the way to change that is to stop being apathetic and typical “teens these days.” Rather than just topically observing what’s going on outside of Westport, we should take action on issues we feel passionate about and be a citizen of the world, rather than just the good old 06880.

8 Opinions

Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

Don’t Override Me

The perspective of the guy who signs the forms example.)

T

he line stretched down the hall. Faces were red with anticipation, nervous sweat dripping down, the anticipation palpable. I wondered, what could all of these fresh-faced young men and women be waiting for?

Concert tickets? Free food? The junior parking lottery has already taken place, so it could only be one thing: the last day for override forms to be turned in. And who gets to sign every one of them: me.

My mom always said I’d be important someday.

Like most of the other department chairs, I like to poke and prod a bit before signing the mint-colored form that so many futures apparently rest upon. It gives me a chance to put those college journalism courses to use and ask the hard-hitting questions that students dread: • Why do you want to take this course?

• Have you talked to anyone else who has actually taken this course?

• Do you even know which course you are overriding into?

Not exactly the stuff inquisitions are made of but shockingly hard for some of my customers to answer. For the purposes of this year, you could substitute “AP Gov” for “course”, since I probably signed ten overrides for AP US Government and Politics to every one override for anything else.

As the bell rang signaling the end of class of my social studies class, most of the students around me begrudgingly rose from their seats to hand in their in-class essays.

Since I’d succeeded in avoiding being that one kid who tries to squeeze in every word possible, I headed up to the front, where my teacher was giving everyone the customary “Please don’t ask me a question” goodbye smile and wave. As I went to hand in my essay, though, the teacher’s face noticeably fell for a moment.

That’s because I had just sentenced him to what was surely going to be a time-consuming battle to not read, but translate, my handwriting.

To say my handwriting is awful would actually be a compliment. It’s been compared to hieroglyphics, with my English teacher last year remarking that it was “the worst I’ve seen in 20

GRAPHIC BY GRETA BJORNSON ’15 If schools were run like businesses, I would be rocking a pretty sweet commission on AP Gov this year.

You might expect that most of the responses to my investigative prompts would sound something like: “Well, Mr. D’Amico, I have a really strong interest in politics, especially because we have an important election coming up this year, and I’d like to take advantage of a full-year course where I can learn about the US government in an environment where I would be surrounded by students who share my interest and want to pursue more in-depth studies

on the topic, with the added bonus of potentially earning some college credit.”

You would be wrong.

So here are tonight’s top five responses to incredibly basic questions about overriding into a social studies course: #5: “Hold on, you’re not the English department chair?” #4: “Wait, my mom needs to sign the form too?” #3: (awkward silence) #2: “Um, I, like, wanted a challenge.”

And the #1 reason given for overriding: “I hear it’s not that bad.”

Yes, record numbers of stu-

dents will take a course because they hear, “it’s not that bad.” It kind of makes me feel bad for the courses that didn’t make the cut.

Are other courses really that bad?

What are these other departments forcing kids to do?

Is AP Environmental some kind of sinister cover for providing community gardens with unpaid labor?

Is AP Calculus BC really some way for NASA to decide who gets to live in the underground bunker until the nuclear fallout dissipates?

Does AP English Language really beat all love for reading and poetry out of kids? (OK, bad

GRAPHIC BY KATIE SETTOS ’15 years of teaching.” I’ve had to type the writing portions of my exams in two classes, as well as being frequently “strongly recommended” to type my everyday homework assignments by almost all of my teachers.

Some of you are probably thinking something along the lines of, “Oh yeah, there’s no way it’s worse than (insert name of yourself or friend or just that random kid in your English class here)’s handwriting.”

There is.

Whenever I’m in a new class, one of my friends will typically make a joke about it at some

point. Inevitably, challenger will come up to me and brag that theirs is worse. I’ll then write “Hi, my name is Will McDonald” on a piece of paper. Instantly, their zeal for dethroning me vanishes, and they back away as fast as if I had written a sentence saying I enjoy listening to Nickelback.

If I could just master one sentence neatly, I could probably make a decent living as a sort of handwriting hustler, going around making bets that no one could have less neatness than me.

I could also be a master cacographer, which means the exact opposite of someone who is a master

calligraphist.

I was probably born in the perfect generation to have bad handwriting. Fifty years earlier and I’m sure some nuns would’ve killed me by now. Still, there are some occasions where a precious laptop isn’t readily available. The best example I can think of, the practical bane of my existence, are standardized tests.

With CAPT testing last month, my biggest worry is that the scorers won’t be able to read my essay, much less so than whether or not they deem its contents to be passable. Ironically – or not, since I’m convinced there

It does concern me, as a teacher and as a parent, that there is a pronounced trend to jump on anything that has “AP” in front of it, as if a student’s life depended on it.

It is disheartening to know that there are some students in this building who sit in a course for an entire year, even though their heart might be somewhere else, like music, painting, culinary arts, tech ed, or even an Alevel (gasp!) elective in another academic department.

They feel that they are somehow sacrificing a chance at getting into college, or rather the college, if they don’t keep up in the AP arms race.

Adults know that this is not the case, that your life is more than the sum of your transcript.

Some magazines, consultants, and even colleges themselves will indirectly (or even blatantly) try to convince you otherwise, but everyone who has felt the pressure to take an AP that they are not passionate about should do a little questioning of their own.

I want you to talk to the people in your life who you consider to be the most successful. Ask them where they went to school, what the most formative experiences were in their lives, where they were when they overcame their greatest obstacle, when they realized what they wanted to “be”…the answers will probably surprise you.

Oh, and don’t worry about your grades in all of those courses you overrode into.

I’m sure they won’t be that bad.

was a conspiracy involved – I was randomly selected to take the supplementary CAPT test on a computer. I think I’m on a test reader’s blacklist somewhere.

For some reason, when people discover my handwriting for its true horrendousness, the next sentence out of their mouth is almost always, “Oh, that’s too bad for you on the SAT.” I get it.

Thank you for making me paranoid about something that’s over a year away. Was it necessary to inform me of that even when I was in second grade? And no, I am not becoming a doctor; I faint at the sight of blood.

While some experts say that bad handwriting in Americans can be traced to a few penmanship drills in elementary school, I think it’s hereditary. When my dad was showing my sister and me wone of his elementary school report cards, he proudly directed us to the “additional comments” sections where one of his teacher’s had noted that, “William’s handwriting is…abysmal.”

Just last week, I was reading a magazine article that called handwritten letters the most personal form of correspondence.

Yeah, about that.

Opinions Inklings /April 13, 2012/ inklingsnews.com “Are you sure you want to wear that out in public?”

I was just about to head out on a Saturday night when my mom posed this question to me, and it caught me off-guard. I didn’t think my outfit was too offensive. I was sporting sneakers, jeans and a hoodie, which is what I normally wear out of the house.

But ever since Trayvon Martin, a black, hoodie-wearing teenager, was killed in Florida, this article of clothing has become public enemy No. 1 The tragedy has captured the nation’s attention, leading many to warn parents about the dangers of letting their children walk about in these “thug-like” outfits. My mom is just the latest to be swept up in the hoodie paranoia.

This was the most recent in a long string of events that have scared Americans and made them react irrationally.

Just like we are afraid of hoodies now, we were afraid of low-flying planes in the months after the attacks of September 11th. We broke a sweat whenever we noticed the guy standing in front of us at airport security was wearing a turban.

It’s a natural reaction to a national tragedy.

I groaned, assured her that I wouldn’t get myself shot by anybody and proceeded to walk out my front door.

It was only when I pulled my car onto the Post Road that I began to think about why my mom was so scared for me, and it made me feel great about the direction our country is heading in.

Everyone who has heard about this tragedy has, for whatever reason, put themselves in Martin’s shoes. When I read the first accounts I didn’t just see a dead teenager. I saw a fellow 18-year-old who, like me, was probably worrying about the college process, or, like me, was trying to figure out who he was going to ask to prom.

Martin could have been me.

When parents heard the story, they didn’t just see a dead person. They saw a dead son. They saw a fellow parent’s pride and joy. They saw the kid that they loved with all of their hearts, and the person they could never imagine losing or having to bury. Even our president felt a connection to the case.

Martin could have been his kid.

Younger kids saw their brother. Older Americans saw their grandchild. Teachers saw their student. Somehow, Martin has touched a nerve and struck a chord with the people of this nation.

We all may not agree on the details of the case, but we can all agree that the death of a young American is tragic.

This empathy that we feel is one of the things that makes America the greatest country in the world. America is such a large land with so many different types of people. Yet, when tragedy strikes, we feel strong connections to our fellow citizens, no matter how far away they are.

Sure, a farmer in Alabama might crack jokes about an elitist liberal living in New York City. Yet, when the towers fell, that farmer was waving his American flag just as proudly as the New Yorker.

Martin’s death also shows a dramatic evolution in racial acceptance in this country.

Half a century ago, a black kid dead on a Southern street was just another black kid dead on a Southern street. Now, he is the top news story. He is the son of every parent and the brother of every kid. Martin’s story has captivated this country because Americans can connect to him, not as an African American, but simply as an American.

My mom viewed an event that happened over a thousand miles away to somebody else’s child as if it were her own flesh and blood.

That sense of compassion during hard times is what this country is all about.

9

Trayvon Martin Could Have Been Me ERIC ESSAGOF ’12 Editor-in-Chief

How our nation comes together in the wake of a tragedy

“W “When paren heard parents stor they didn’t the story, just see a dead person.

They saw a dead son.

Somehow, Someho Martin stru a chord has struck with th the people th naof this ti ” tion.

GRAPHIC BY SOPHIA HAMPTON ’15 & JORDAN SHENHAR ’13

INKLINATIONS How do you feel about the Trayvon Martin situation?

“It’s up in the air. You can decide based on sympathy or go with the evidence. Trayvon initiated contact.”

-Jake Reiser ’14

“The whole situation is unfortunate.

Zimmerman should have been in jail a long time ago. With the phone calls they have enough evidence.”

-Michael Adler ’13

“I think it’s tragic and kind of ridiculous. It puts a focus on privacy legislation and gun laws.”

-Hannah Blumenfeld ’12 “I’m glad to see that it’s gotten national recognition, but I’m not ready to pass judgement until we have more information.”

-Cathy Dancz Social studies teacher

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Opinions

Inklings /April 13, 2012/ inklingsnews.com

The Golden Needle in a Haystack

In search of the Perfect College Roommate (or not)

W

ow, as if it weren’t tough enough to get in to college, now we all have to deal with a new challenge…roommate roulette.

Everyone who has finally gotten in to college, we have achieved our major objective. Now we have to contend with this great unknown. A person we really don’t know, six months from now, will ostensibly be our ‘college roommate.’

Because I don’t like dealing with the unknown, I attempted to mitigate the mystery of the process. My friend told me about a website, Roomsurf.com, that is intended to demystify the process of finding a roommate at your new alma mater.

I gave Roomsurf.com a whirl.

After a few hours on the site, I’m pleased to report that it completely demystifies the process of trying to find a compatible roommate for your freshman year.

Although candidly, I had to search through a lot of haystacks in search of the golden needle.

Well here’s my initial experience with Roomsurf.com. I answered about 20 questions (which by the way taught me a little bit more about myself as a potential roommate to someone else), then I hit the return key, anxiously awaiting my potential matches.

Instantly, the website notified me of 24 matches that met most of my criteria! Roomsurf ranked my compatibility with my potential roommate on a scale of 81% as most compatible and 35% as least compatible. The criteria that they judged us on included: smoking, sexual activity, religion, cleanliness and god knows what…

I contacted candidate number one. She said “ Oh, you sound like the perfect roommate for me, and because you seem so nice, I hope you don’t mind but my high school boyfriend didn’t get into college, and he’s asked if it would be okay for him to sleep on the floor of our dorm room from time to time as he looks for a job. It’s all cool, he’s a lot of fun!!! And is kind of an entrepreneur when it comes to certain ‘herbal remedies’ if you know what I mean. Anyway, so excited. Let me know!” #Fail On to the next one. Candidate number two. She said “ Hey Chik lette! You seem like you’d be a really fun roommate. So, you would totally understand me having a fun pet that other people really don’t get. I know that people say that tarantulas are dangerous to humans, but let me set the record straight, they are so much fun! So I’d like to bring my family of tarantulas, and when they run around the room, it’s a blast!!! We will be the talk of the campus.

P.S., my dad’s a doctor and has given us the antidote, so we have nothing to worry about. Peace— Emily.

Get out.

Candidate three. “Hi Nico-

GRAPHIC BY NELOISE EGIPTO ’13 lette! I think you’re probably my ideal roommate. It’s very important to me that you are perfect haha! Some people call me a neat freak and no worries, that’s not an insult. Some people call it OCD, but I just laugh and say ‘I just like to have things in order!’

Do you like to have things in perfect order? What I mean is, does it bother you to have a dirty room?

Let me know. Perfectly yours, Felicia.

No thanks.

Finally, I connected with someone I thought just might be a perfect fit for me as my freshman roommate. Psyched! I made the first move. I said,

“Hii! You’re going to ‘Nova too?”

“Hey! Ya I’m so excited! I just sent in my deposit, what are you majoring in?”

“Political science, what about you?”

“Business and economics.

Political science is cool though!

I was thinking about that for a while.”

We went back and forth for a couple of days, when The Perfect Roommate said, ‘Hey! Are we roommates or what?’ and I said, ‘ya, it looks that way haha’, and she goes ‘great, oh and hey, just thought I might ask, by chance, do you agree—c’mon, who

wouldn’t?—that George W. Bush was our greatest President ever?”

Um, yikes. And so the search goes on…

But you know what? Maybe the first year of college is not mostly about finding the perfect roommate. In fact, maybe it’s better that, come September, we all find ourselves with an absolutely imperfect roomie. One with a multitude of flaws.

After all, the most important thing a college student could experience is a plethora of eclectic, multi-cultural perspectives. Isn’t higher education all about being outside of our comfort zone?

Gosh, I certainly hope so.

Moving Past the Middle School Moose My Retail Store Metamorphosis

I had my epiphany in the Stamford mall.

I was doing some post holiday shopping, trying to thin my wallet of the multitude gift cards from various relatives, when I came upon one gift card that sent me back in time. A big white moose on a navy blue background.

I was instantly brought back to 2008. As I walked into Abercrombie & Fitch, I was surrounded by a wave of spicy cologne, and lighting so dark I could barely see my hand in front of my face, let alone the clothes. A girl dressed in jeans and the tightest T-shirt I had ever laid eyes on greeted me as she folded shirt after shirt, only to have them all lie crumpled on dressing room floors just minutes later.

I flitted around the store, picking up sweaters and jeans, and virtually everything that sported a giant moose. Because, after all, what’s the point of buying this stuff if the brand isn’t plastered all over it?

GRAPHIC BY AMY PERELBERG ’15 Now, in 2012, I face a much different dilemma.

Abercrombie and Fitch has transformed from the utopia I once ran to each time I entered the mall into the store that causes me to hold my nose as I walk by.

This is not simply the fact that I turn up my nose at their clothing but more a reflection on my growth as both a customer and as a teenager.

First of all, I don’t go shopping with the intentions of listening to blaring techno music. If I wanted to do that, I would purchase my clothes at Terminal 5.

While I shop, I prefer being able to hear my own thoughts. This is a clothing store, not a rave.

Second, I have come to realize the sheer impracticality of the posters they hang on the walls to entice their customers. I’m sorry,

but lying in the middle of the woods in nothing but jeans is just plain stupid.

Finally, Abercrombie’s most defining characteristic: The smell. Years ago, people actually chose to forgo washing their shirts for a few weeks just to keep that faint scent of Abercrombie wafting about them.

Now, the smell gives me a migraine.

The scent is a mixture of spicy “I’m trying too hard” in addition to “I’m in middle school.”

Sure, they may have provocative names like “Fierce”...but to me the scent of Abercrombie just screams “Prepubescent”. Not to mention the fact that someone’s job is literally to walk around and spray the various articles of clothing with perfumes that attract tweens like moths to a flame.

You can easily search out the nearest Abercrombie simply by the smell, which drifts through the mall as a constant reminder that at one point or another, you actually thought this store was cool.

I finally worked up the courage to walk into A&F on my last mall trip. As I plopped down in one of the comfy leather chairs, usually reserved for the parents who get dragged into the store by their moose-loving tweens, I real-

ized my personal metamorphosis.

Around me were the girls who still wear their bat mitzvah sweatshirts and leggings with pride as they search for the biggest moose on any article of clothing in the store. And then there was me, desperately searching for something, ANYTHING that didn’t have “Abercrombie and Fitch” plastered anywhere. I was an outsider in this once familiar world.

Looking at where I was sitting was my first indicator… I had confined myself to the “parent chairs.” I no longer wanted to be a part of the chaos that ensues in this store. I sound like a mom, but really, I’ve just become someone who no longer loves the Disney Channel or who no longer wants to wrestle with a Sugar Lip tank top each morning before school.

I look in the strategically placed mirrors of this hell and no longer see the girl who once loved this store. That time has come and gone.

Although walking into Abercrombie literally sends chills down my spine, it took a bottle full of perfume and the constant loop of Cascada to make me realize how much I have grown up from middle school to high school. And for that, I guess I owe the creators of Abercrombie a thank you.

FEATURES

Going the Distance

11

April 13, 2012

The Process Behind a Long Distance Relationship

HĆēēĆč FĔđĊĞ ’14 Opinions Editor

I

t’s 4 p.m. on Valentine’s Day when Abby Zimmerman ’13 and her boyfriend Kayne sit down to watch a movie and eat dinner together. Zimmerman and Kayne are similar to thousands of other young couples except for the fact that they are separated by a threehour time difference and must communicate through video chat.

“We watched the movie over Skype because he shared his screen with me,” Zimmerman said. “We made our own dinners and I had Ramen, which I know is very romantic.”

Zimmerman thought that she was pulling out all the stops by lighting candles on her end of the chat but was surprised to see that Kayne had outdone her. “When he put his video feed up he had lit candles and was wearing a suit,” she said. “It was really cute.”

Zimmerman has been dating Kayne since November of 2009.

The two met at camp and have always stayed in touch with each other.

With a significant time difference between Connecticut and Washington State—Kayne’s hometown—Abby says that distance is one of the most difficult aspects of a long-distance relationship.

“It’s hard not having him around. I only see him about once every six months because it’s a pain for him to travel to Connecticut and the plane tickets can be really expensive,” she said. “The worst part about long distance re-

GRAPHIC BY JILLIAN PECORIELLO ’12

hips lationships hat is that I ust can’t just m and call him say, re you doing this ‘What are d?’” weekend?’” n Castro ’12 Juan ws that financalso knows lay a large role es can play distance relain long-distance s. His girltionships. friend Nina Meltzer, a formerr Staples student, now lives in Chicago.

“Before you go into a longdistance relationship, think about whether it’s worth it. You need time, dedication, and in some cases, money,” Castro said. “Each time I fly to Chicago it’s a little over $200 in transportation costs.”

Molly Collins ’12 can relate to Castro and Zimmerman’s situation. She has been in a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Robert, since he started college in September.

“We met in April of 2010 through some mutual friends, and we officially started dating that July,” Collins said.

Robert, who attended Fairfield Prep, was a senior while Col-

“Before you go into a long-distance relationship, think about whether it’s worth it.”

—Juan Castro ’12 lins was a junior at Staples.

“He is an avid rower and now goes to the University of Pennsylvania,” she said.

Collins claims that sometimes finding quality time with Robert can be a challenge.

“We both have busy sched-

ules, so vi visiting each other ca can be hard.

Even wh when we were her we were both here, w always busy, but we e found time to see each other,” she said. ti Despite time constraints, Collins and Robert are usually able to see each other every five weeks and continue to be supti off one another. portive “He was home this weekend because I had a dance show that he came to see, and I might go see one of his sailing races next weekend,” said Collins.

Castro and Meltzer try to split up their time evenly between Westport and Chicago. “We try to visit each other every vacation, and we split the time up between us. One vacation there, one here,” he said.

Zimmerman and Kayne also find their ways around not being able to see each other every day.

“I Skype and call him every day,” she said.

Castro, who says he spends about two hours a day on Skype

with Meltzer, suggests that people in long-distance relationships invest in a good Internet provider.

“The last thing you want is to watch the other person lag around and be barely audible,” he said. “It just gets frustrating.”

Collins also calls Robert daily, but the two have found a way to keep in contact throughout the school day.

“We both have an iPhone, so during the day we’ll send each other selfies like, ‘Oh I’m walking to class’ or, ‘I’m home doing homework.’ We send each other a smile when we can’t video chat or call each other,” she said.

Zimmerman and Collins both agree that people must be dedicated to each other if they are going to be in a long-distance relationship.

“Only do it if you completely trust the other person. Otherwise you’ll always be paranoid about them cheating or doing stuff behind your back,” said Zimmerman.

In addition to trusting the other person, Collins believes people should just take the relationship one day at a time.

“If you know you care about the relationship and are willing to stick through it, do not worry about the next three months or the future. Think about how it is today,” she said.

Collins and Zimmerman both agree that long-distance relationships can be manageable.

“Distance isn’t an issue if you care enough about the person,” said Zimmerman.

If Only We Could Leave Them at Home

Parents Create Embarrassment On College Tours

CđĆĎėĊ O’HĆđđĔėĆē ’13 Web Features Editor

Eyes forward, back straight, head held up high.

You stroll down the pathway of the campus, fitting in perfectly with the many college students passing by. As you give a casual nod to the “chill” senior who walks by, you look to your right and see that your dad, standing way too close for comfort, is waving exuberantly at the very same collegian.

This situation is one that is fairly familiar for Shelby Schulman ’12. Schulman’s dad, an alumnus of the University of North Carolina, looks forward to the UNC college visit just as much as Schulman—maybe even a little bit more.

“My dad went to this school however many years ago, and for some reason he felt the need to say ‘hi’ to every human being that we walked passed,” said Schulman.

“But he felt so cool so I just let him do it.”

This is just one of the many stories that Schulman has to share about her experiences with college visits in tandem with her parents.

Schulman also recounts the time her dad got a moment of fame and stood out among the students on a college tour at Boulder.

“It was actually the most beautiful day in the entire world, so the quad was filled with students doing all sorts of things,” Schulman remembers.

As the tour guide paused next to a few college students playing Frisbee to give the group some information.

“One of the boys missed the

Frisbee and it came towards where we were standing. It was literally like my dad saw his moment of glory and ran to grab the Frisbee. The kids were cheering, and my dad was actually so proud of himself for catching that dumb Frisbee,” said Schulman.

Schulman, isn’t the only one with a collection of college visit stories.

Dani Kosinski ’12, has parents who love to ask the “classic questions that practically tell every single person in your tour group that your parents baby you.” For example, “’is there a curfew?” or “Is there a bus for when it’s cold out?’” said Kosinski.

Kosinski’s mom also has a knack for hanging towards the back of the tour group, while Kosinski herself tries to get up front to hear what the tour guide is saying.

“I constantly have to look back to make sure she’s not causing trouble like going into a building she’s not allowed in and getting me kicked out of the school before I even try to get it,” said Kosinski.

Kosinski knows that many factors are important when deciding on a school—one being that (for girls) the school has an abundance of attractive people.

So in addition to keeping an eye on her mom, Kosiniski said, “The amount of good looking guys is definitely weighed in when decision-making time comes.” However, this is difficult to do when her dad is preoccupied with mentioning how great the engineer building is, Kosinski explained.

While both Schulman and Kosisnki enjoy recounting stories

GRAPHIC BY CONNIE ZHOU ’12 regarding their parents on college visits, Will Horne ’13 has a less event-filled college visiting experience.

“When my parents are on tours, they are just really talkative and try to be super nice,” said Horne.

Horne believes that even though his parents may sometimes “grill” the tour guides with questions, it is ultimately for the better, and helps him out in the long run.

Similar to Horne’s parents who love to question the tour guide, Alexa Casimir ’13, has parents who often ask “a lot of questions, like the ones that are just common sense.”

Casimir believes that “it’s kind of annoying but I guess they’re asking because they are the ones paying.”

Although the stories of students may vary, there is one thing that can be agreed upon: Having parents on a college trip is definitely beneficial and the sometimes-inevitable embarrassment is bearable.

“I did like when my parents came with me on visits because I did want to get their opinions on each place because that does matter when making the college decision,” said Kosinski.

Coming from a parent’s perspective, any embarrassment is not intentional. Stanley Schulman, father of Shelby, stated, “I never deliberately try to embarrass my daughter. I am just being myself.”

“I could have continued walking and let it drop,” said Stanley while reminiscing on his frisbee catch. “Instead I caught the fris-

bee and turned to the boys and threw it right back. My daughter looked at me with a newfound respect. “ In addition to living in the moment and going for the catch, college visits allow parents like Stanley to remember their four years at college and to get excited that their kids will get to experience those college years too.

Shelby acknowledges this and understands where her dad is coming from.

“Of course sometimes [my parents] do things on purpose to embarrass me. But these college stories are not times that my dad was trying,” Schulman agreed.

“He greeted every passing person because he was reliving his college life. By grabbing the Frisbee, he must have felt like he was on his own college campus.”

12 Features

Inklings /April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

The Hidden Costs of College HĆđĊĞ RĆēĉĎĈč ’14

I

Staff Writer

t’s common for money to play an important role in the college decision-making process. After all, last year the total fee including tuition and room and board for a four-year attendance at a state school swelled 6.1% due to the current recession, according to Daily Finance.

But these prices are not the only ones that students need to be aware of in their quest for the right college.

There are many costs involved with the pursuit of a college admission that don’t necessarily stand out to those who are more focused on paying for their actual education. These concealed collegerelated fees, including the travel costs of visiting colleges and the prices for SAT testing, can accumulate for families when money is tight.

Susan Fugitt of the College and Career Center acknowledged these expenses.

“Cost can definitely be an issue,” she said.

One of the most essential parts of the college search, college visiting, can be one of the most expensive, according to Shauna Flaherty of the College and Career Center.

“People who don’t have unlimited funds available should take travel into consideration, absolutely,” she said.

Hotel room costs and high gas prices can drive up the cost of a short trip to visit a college. If the college in question is far away, air travel might be necessary, driving up visiting costs even more, according to Fugitt.

“There’s also no aid that I know of for these travel costs,” she said, “so it’s important to take them into consideration.”

Siri Andrews ’13 is among many ju-

niors who are striving to cut the costs of their college trips. Andrews manages to visit colleges on unrelated travels, which lessens the price tag of her college search.

“Basically I try to see schools around where I go on vacation,” she said. “Soccer also brings me to places with colleges around, so I get to see those.”

Standardized testing prices can also add to the costs of college application.

SAT testing, required for application to most US schools, comes with a fee as well.

The price to take the basic SAT is $49, while the price of each subject SAT is $22.

While most colleges only require the basic SAT, some, including many of the Ivy League universities, require an additional two subject SATs, which can drive the cost of testing up to $93.

Many students also retake their SATs, which can double the cost, bringing it to $186.

There is an SAT fee waiver available for students, but according to the Counselor’s Guide to SAT Program Fee Waivers, they can only qualify for it if they are enrolled in a free or reduced-price lunch program, are enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged, come from a family receiving public assistance, come from a family living in federally subsidized public housing, or are a resident in a foster home.

“It’s only for someone really in need,” said Fugitt.

Because Westport is a generally affluent community, the amount of students that qualify for these waivers is relatively low. In the 2009-10 school year, only 2.6% of the Staples student body was eligible for free lunch.

Another expense students might encounter in the process of pursuing colleges

GRAPHIC BY RUSTY SCHINDLER ’13

is the cost of the Common Application.

The Common Application can have a large price tag, depending on what college a student is applying to. According to CollegeBoard, the average cost of applying to a US school is about $35-50. However, costs for applying to schools such as Stanford University can exceed $90.

When a student applies for more than one college, the application prices accumulate. For Staples students, who apply to as many as eleven colleges, the cost can be upwards of $500.

The fee waiver for the Common Application, much like the one available for SAT testing, is only available to students who meet certain criteria.

The fee waiver is only offered on a case-by-case basis, Fugitt said.

Students who do not qualify for the waivers must pay to take their SATs and

What it Takes For a Student-Run Club to Survive SĆėĆ LĚęęĎēČĊė ’13 Staff Writer

Over 80 clubs are available to students at the start of each school year. During the week-long club rush in October, tables are swarmed with lines of students eager to join and partake in the free candy.

Whether it is for the candy or the club itself, students often start off the year excited for club activities.

However, no matter how strong a club starts out in October, it is a real challenge to sustain the club’s momentum throughout the school year.

“Club activity and individual group members’ commitment definitely weakens as the year progresses. Our main event, Candygrams, is in the winter, so the hype and participation has died down since then,” said Maddie Melnick ’12, Co-President of Global Friendship, a club meant to establish friendships around the world through pen pals and to raise money for Save the Children.

“Now that it is second semester it’s difficult for me to stay motivated. First semester this year, though, was very busy for us, so being a little less active is expected second semester anyways,” Melnick said.

Gabriella Rizack ’13, Vice-President of Go Pink, which raises money for Breast Cancer research, has faced difficulties in keeping her club afloat. “Partially due to my busy schedule this winter we have stopped scheduling meetings and having events towards the middle of the year,” said Rizack.

Rebecca Stern, advisor to the club Shaping New Horizons, tutoring kids at an after school program, states that without a core group of members activity decreases.

“Participation faded with each sports season, as different sports began, different people would be available to conduct the tutoring,” said Stern.

Sometimes members only get involved to put their membership on their college application.

Richard Franzis agrees that there is always a possibility students start clubs to put it on their applications, but they must have some level of interest in the club because of the work it requires. “They have to get at least five members and an advisor, it is a lot of work to do,” Franzis said.

For members that don’t have to do as much work as the leaders, they often do join for college. “Many volunteers have never worked, so it is clear that many students signed up for SafeRides just to put it on their college applications,” said Gregg Bonti ’12, President of SafeRides, a club organized to provide safe rides home for kids on Saturday nights.

Some clubs make sure members are only there because they are interested in it. “I feel that those who are in the club just for college have dropped out. In the beginning of the year, the first month of meetings were basically just me talking about how dedicated and respectful you need to be and if you are doing this for college applications, this is not the organization for you,” said Sami Schwaeber, President of Best Buddies.

Even though clubs may not be filled with college application seeking members,

submit their applications, and these expenses, when combined with the prices of travel associated with the college search, should be treated carefully, according to Fugitt.

To make sure they fully consider these costs, Fugitt suggests that any student considering colleges should list them with tuition prices, housing expenses and a monthly budget.

“It could all add up if you aren’t careful,” Fugitt said.

While Priyanka Subramanian ’12 was cautious about the price of her college search, she stressed that students should not cut down too much their college visits in order to save money.

“The whole process of application fees and visiting is overpriced, but necessary if you want to attend the college of your choice,” Subramanian said.

PHOTO BY CARLIE SCHWAEBER ’12

lub es C u sy i d sb ud t B stay bers. s e B nd e m m T he y a N : e s d a and O I s u T e T i ICA ry ivit D E D t s e v e f ac t o e m e h lot s w it

membership can still falter. “It seems like a lot more students play winter and spring sports for our club, so not as many people are able to come to the meetings,” Melnick said.

Countless clubs that start off the year successfully will have disappeared by the end of the year, for reasons that are out of the clubs control. But, some manage to thrive despite the challenges.

Leaders realize that in order to keep the members interested they must be proactive presidents. “People just need more reminding to attend meetings and make cards,” said Claire Carroll ’13, President of Stamps for Soldier. Stamps for Soldiers

writes cards to send to the troops.

President Victoria Mechanic ’12 of the Interact Club designed for volunteering around Westport agrees. “We have meetings every Wednesday, no matter what, it doesn’t matter whether we have something to do or are just going to discuss future plans and activities,” Mechanic said.

Bonti also attributes SafeRides’s success to the good reputation it has among the Staples community. “The enthusiastic volunteers and their dedication have also greatly contributed to the success of SafeRides!” said Bonti It may seem as though clubs have sports, senioritis, and schoolwork against them, but yet many have found the key to success and continue to flourish.

13

Features

Inklings /April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

Riding in Style Features Editor

W

hile most licensed students crawl tiredly through school-morning traffic on North Ave in their jeeps, Audis, and Honda Civics, with loud dub step or light NPR news coming from their speakers, one student rolls into the Staples parking lot with a whole different kind of swag.

Caroline Valerio ’12 prefers to cruise to school on her twowheeled, MAUI 49cc ECO Gas Moped, in a sleek and sunny yellow paint job, and complete with a roaring Honda Engine.

“I will admit I feel pretty cool when I’m riding it,” Valerio said.

“My bright yellow moped, baby blue helmet, and neon pink flipshades, it’s a little obnoxious, but fun to see people turn and stare.”

The yellow, grey, and black colors of her sweet ride inspired her to name her moped after the transformer, Bumblebee, however she calls it “Bumble” for short.

“My friend group and I have turned the name into a verb, so instead of saying ‘I rode my moped today’ I say, ‘I bumbled today,’” said Valerio.

Hanging from the front of the shiny exterior, is Abima, an Ugly Doll, given to Valerio from her friend to protect and guard her moped when she is not around.

The inspiration for the moped came when Valerio would go on family vacations to Bermuda, she would see all of these people riding around on their colorful mopeds.

“I thought mopeds were so

cool,” Valerio said.

Valerio takes her friends for a ride on her scooter all the time, and they enjoy it very much.

Meghan Fox ’14 described what it felt like to ride her friend’s moped.

“It’s basically like riding a really fast bike without the effort of using your legs,” Fox said.

“Once it starts moving, there isn’t much to think about besides how nice the wind and the sun feel.”

But riding in style isn’t the only reason why Valerio decided to ride the two-wheeler.

“I knew that I wasn’t going to get a car for my 16th birthday, and since the moped is cheaper in terms of cost, gas, and gets pretty good mileage, I decided to invest in one,” Valerio said.

According to Valerio, her moped cost under $800 when she purchased it, and gas is practically pocket change.

Valerio’s moped runs about 100 miles per gallon, and she has never paid more than $4.00 for gas.

Valerio added that in the summer, when she rides

it the most, she only fills it up about every two weeks.

Since the moped requires so little gas, it is an excellent green alternative of transportation because it reduces the rider’s carbon footprint, and gives off less CO2 emissions.

Though the moped may be a cheaper and more fun alternative, many wonder what to do when there is bad weather.

“When I leave for school in the morning the temperature is around 50 degrees, so I’ll put on some sweatpants and a sweatshirt under or over what I’m wearing. Once it is warmer outside and I don’t need the layers I just wear regular clothes,” Valerio said.

Valerio said she rides in any thing f r o m

shorts and sneakers, to dresses and flip flips.

“I should however, invest in some gloves for the morning rides since my hands get extremely cold,” she said.

Though she enjoys riding her moped as much as she can, when bad weather hits Westport, she will just drive a car to get around, or get a ride home. However, she will definitely ride her moped in a light drizzle.

The smaller source of transportation doesn’t complicate her baggage situation either, as she can keep a bag in between her feet and there is a small compartment under her seat, and in the back of her moped.

Valerio strongly recommends that everyone ride a moped.

“We can order some leather jackets…and have a Moped gang!” Valerio joked playfully.

She continued, in a more serious manner, that buying a moped would be a smart investment

PHOTO BY LEAH BITSKY ‘12

LĊĆč BĎęĘĐĞ ’12

Staples student uses a unique transportation on her way to school since they have pretty good mileage, they are cheaper than a car, and they are extremely fun. As a plus, Valerio explained that she can park her scooter in any parking spot or near a bike rack and even sometimes on the sidewalk, so finding parking at Staples is super easy.

One down side is she cannot ride the moped on the highway, however she uses it all around town.

Anyone with their driver’s license can drive a moped. According to Valerio, if a motor vehicle is under 50cc, then a person does not need a motorcycle license, and he or she does not have to register either.

As for the safety of riding a moped, Valerio feels confident that they are just as safe as a car, and her friends agree with her.

“At first I was kind of freaked out ‘cause I have horrible balance,” Gabrielle Wimer ’12 said, describing her experience of riding Valerio’s moped.

“I thought I was going to get both of us killed, and we had to go up a huge hill to get to her house, but we ended up being fine and now I want to get one of my own.”

Valerio explained that her parents were always supportive of her riding a moped, and she never had to do any persuading.

Valerio’s unique means of transportation makes her light up with joy, and she doesn’t plan on parting with it when her first semester of college rolls around.

“If it’s allowed,” Valerio said with a smile, “Bumble is definitely coming to Charleston with me next year.”

Behind the Scenes What is means to be a Student of the Month CčĆėđĎĊ GėĊĊēĜĆđĉ smiling who were recently awarded “Student ’12 Web A&E Editor

The trophy cases glimmer in the hallways, brightly showcasing the athletic and academic accomplishments of Staples students. In every hallway of this school, there is a plaque or an award, honoring pupils for their exceptional achievements. Some of these awards are tucked away in the hallways, offices and lobbies of Staples In the front of the school, however, there are pictures of students

of the Month”—an award given out to Staples students by the faculty once a month— not because of grades or involvement, but because of citizenship.

“I send a memo to all teachers at the end of September and again in February (second semester) asking them to submit one student name out of all the students they teach who simply makes them happy that they are teachers,” said Principal John Dodig.

The award includes everyone from freshman

to seniors and, in the past, some students have won twice, even with a three-year gap between their nominations.

“I would always walk by the bulletin feeling jealous, wishing I could be on it too,” said Sofia Zenzola ’12, a recent winner. “It felt pretty cool that I could make someone smile and make school enjoyable just by being myself.”

Matt Silver ’12, a recent winner and Class of 2012’s Valedictorian, said that the best part of the award was the fact that the teachers choose the winners.

“Student of the Month is a great way for the teachers to show how much they appreciate and respect you in school,” Silver commented.

The teachers who nominate the students are always anonymous.

It could mean that any teacher—or teachers— picked the winner.

“It was such a rewarding feeling,” added Rachel Samuels ’13, a current winner. “I really felt incredibly honored.”

Therein lies the beauty of this award: it doesn’t have anything to do with grades or accomplishments. It shows

how important it is to “be yourself” and follow the golden rule, elementary principles that still hold true. Principal Dodig understands that—and that’s why he felt the need to bring this award to Staples.

“I have always believed that in all schools there are kids who have never been recognized publicly for anything,” said Dodig. “The kids who are the backbone of the school – who do the right thing every day, but never get their moment in the sun—they are the ones who deserve this award.”

14Features

Inklings/April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

Let The Games Begin AP Students Battle it Out With Nerf Guns CĆđđĎĊ AčđČėĎĒ ’13 ƭ RĞĆē PĆēēĞ ’12

Social Media Specialist & Staff Writer

2 1 0 2 n io t a in s AP Assas

T

he last student walks out of the last AP test and seniors everywhere breathe a sigh of relief; now, a something more important can begin: An intense game of manhunt and a vicious fight to the death.

Well, a fight to the finish at least.

Excitement is rising for the 2012 AP Assassination, a game for those enrolled in one or more AP class their senior year.

Each person is assigned someone else to “kill” with a Nerf gun, and the last person standing is the winner.

Once everyone else is dead, the winner collects his or her prize money, rumored to be somewhere in the upper hundreds, which is contributed in part by every participant.

“It gets really, really intense and competitive,” said Anna Link ’12. She said that hearing “crazy” stories from past years only adds to the mounting anticipation among her peers.

Her favorite? The story in which the assassin rode in the trunk of a car all the way to Boston in order to take out his target.

David Katter ’12 agrees that the legendary stories are one of the reasons he wanted to participate.

Katter’s favorite tale comes firsthand from a fellow member of his swim team. “[Katter’s friend] staked out a girl’s house before school, and shot the first girl who ran outside,” he said, who turned out to be the target’s little sister.

“She started to cry and the dad came out and chased him away with an umbrella.”

From these stories, every senior is able to gather that in order to win, serious guts and dedication are required.

“You have to get creative if you want to win,” Link said. “People do crazy things under pressure, and the competition can get to some people.”

Isaac Brown ’03, who won when he was a senior, is a perfect model of ingenuity and commitment. He and his friends invested in walkie-talkies and binoculars. He had allies. He had a gun that shot 30 darts at a time.

Stories told over generations have a habit of becoming less factual and evolving into the stuff of legends. Tales go from waiting outside a store for hours into, “a rope system on top of the building so I could repel down and shoot her when she came out to her car.”

Once the game has begun, participants are not allowed to kill someone on school grounds, during an internship, in a moving car, or inside his or her own house unless the assassin is invited inside. In order to stay in the game, each person must kill his or her target.

The competition often reduces some to a hermetic life, staying indoors at all hours in order to survive. Katter agrees that one of the best strategies is just staying at home so no one has the chance to shoot.

“I’m willing to put my social life on hold and just work on my FIFA game,” Katter said.

Emerson Lovell ’12 also has a word of advice for those who want to avoid death: “Don’t trust anyone.” Lovell says that he is willing to go to extreme measures in order to best his peers. “The idea is to win,” he said.

The buzz for AP Assassination is especially eager this year due to the recent “Hunger Games” obsession amongst students.

The two games have a few similarities; one being that out of all the competitors, only one emerges triumphant.

“Think ‘Hunger Games’ just with a lot more people and I’m Peeta,” Lovell said.

Leave no weaknesses

The time between lea car and entering a ho prime opportunity for sins.” Therefore, a hou an attached garage w advantage to the “ta

Tips From A Winner

Isaac Brown ‘03 shares the key to success What kind of strategy was most successful for you during the game?

“You want your target to be confused about who’s targeting them. So send two of your friends to hide outside of their house in the morning and purposely ‘get caught,’ so your target thinks he or she is being pursued by the wrong people.”

What makes a house ideal for AP Assassination?

“It’s essential that you can access your car without walking outside of your home. Hence, garages are extremely clutch.”

Where can you obtain the best nerf guns?

“You can’t buy high quality nerf guns in stores anymore, since school shootings became more prevalent. So you’re better off ordering old models from ebay.”

What other gear is needed for success?

“My friends and I bought walkie-talkies with earpieces, and used binoculars to ensure full surveillance. We staked out houses from before dawn. We had a point man, a lookout, a get-away driver.”

All in all, how would you describe your AP Assassination experience?

“AP Assassination might’ve been the most fun experience of my entire life.”

Vulcan EBF-25: This battery-powered gun features a belt system for loading and fi ring. It shoots approximately three darts per second on fresh batteries, and it can shoot up from 30 to 35 feet.

Longstrike CS-6: This is the longest blaster that Nerf has ever made, capable of shooting darts up to 45feet away. Although there is a slight delay between shots, it works very well as a primary weapon.

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Inklings /April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

15

On the lookout Finding a high lookout spot will be very beneficial in catching the “assassin” before he or she arrives. Pull a Katniss Everdeen and scale a tree for a couple hours-- just don’t forget the binoculars.

Tips for the Target For better or worse, AP Assassination is a game that involves the Westport suburban home. The various entrances and egresses must be understood by both the “assassins” and “targets.” As participants will likely be spending the better part of the two weeks in their home, knowing these certain hot spots is essential to the game.

s

aving a ouse is a “assasse with will be an rget.”

Quick getaway A back door or secret entrance/ exit will be very useful for discrete exits.

Trust no one Before anyone enters your home, search their bags for any weapons. If the person is your “assassin,” they will be able to shoot you as long as you invited them in.

GRAPHIC BY SOPHIA HAMPTON ’15

not ination is s s a s s A P f r: A istration o in Disclaime m d a e d by th uch of the sanctione M l. o o h c hS and Staples Hig t is illegal n e v e is th f e it. activity o encourag t o n s e o Inklings d

l a n e s r The A

Make your sibling take out the trash The “target” is exposed when he or she leaves the house, so avoid taking out the trash and other such chores that involve the outdoors.

tion a n i s s a s s PA A f o y r n o Weap

Rapid Fire: Don’t be fooled by it’s average range; this blaster can unload all of its 20 darts in three-to-four seconds. It’s perfect for an ambush weapon.

Bow and Arrow (1991): This classic weapon is perfect for all those “Hunger Games” fans out there. However, this Katniss Everdeen-esque beauty isn’t just for show; it can shoot Nerf arrows up to 60 feet away.

16Features

Inklings/April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

Staples Students Are Divided Over Reasoning Exams DĊĆēēĆ SĈčėĊĎćĊė ’13 ƭ AĆėĔē HĊēĉĊđ ’14

A&E Editor & Staff Writer The ACTs are on the rise.

There’s no debate as to whether or not the SATs are still popular, but the question is, what advantages does the ACT have to offer.

Historically, the SATs have been the more common option, especially on the East and West Coasts, due to their creation 86 years ago by College Board. The ACT, however, created in 1959 in Iowa City, was meant for students between the coasts. It was the fi rst viable alternative for the SAT. Recently, its popularity worldwide has grown. According to Deborah Slocum, a guidance counselor at Staples, since 2007 all four-year colleges in the US began accepting the ACTs. As colleges started changing their policies, the ACTs grew even more. According to ACT Inc., in the past five years, the number of ACT takers on the East Coast has risen 66 percent and on the West Coast 46 percent. The geographic barrier is somewhat astonishing. Many students now feel they have been placed in the position to choose between the two.

According to Study Point Inc., an online tutoring service, the major difference between the two tests is that the ACTs are more “content-based” while the SATs are “reasoning tests.”

The two are also formatted very differently. The ACT is comprised of four separate sections: 30 minutes of writing, an hour of

math, 35 minutes for the reading portion, and the 35 minutes science test, which is the biggest difference from the original SAT. By contrast, the SAT test is divided into small bursts of time ranging from 25 minutes to ten minutes. Each section has three different bursts separated throughout the test.

Another huge disparity between the two is that a common

“Many students are driven to the ACT due to disappointment in PSAT results,” —Deborah Slocum

perception that the ACT is more straightforward. Students generally fi nd the questions longer but easier to decipher. The SAT, on the other hand, is known for creating difficult wording that can easily trick the test-taker.

Perhaps one of the largest and most attractive attributes of the ACT is that it does not penalize for answering a question incorrectly. The SAT takes off a quarter of a point if an answer is incorrect, but does not take off point is the question is unanswered. The ACT, also, will not deduct points for an unanswered question, rewarding

students for attempting to answer the question.

Slocum believes that the SATs at Staples are still very popular because the PSATs are offered, but when students receive poor results they seek other alternative standardize testing.

“Many students are driven to the ACT due to disappointment in PSAT results,” said Slocum.

Many students take the decision between taking the ACTs and SATs very seriously.

“The ACT doesn’t try to trick you while the SAT does. I think that’s why a lot of people take the ACTs,” Ashley Hyun ‘13 said.

But other people see the ACTs as appealing to students for other reasons.

“I think the ACTs are more appealing to people because for most it is easy to spend an hour and do all of one subject, instead of having to fl ip flop between all the different subjects,” said Margaux Stamm ‘12.

Often times, specific subjects, not just the entire format of the test, are what convince students to take the former mainstream test, the SATs. Such was the case for Eric Lederer ‘13.

“I didn’t like the idea of taking a science section,” Lederer recalled. “I also took the SAT because I always thought that was the primary standardized test.”

But even though Stamm and Hyun acknowledged the appeal of the ACT, they both in fact took the SATs, just like Lederer.

Hyun spent less time analyzing the two sides of the tests and

just wanted to fi nish them; she knew they were necessary for college and stuck with one.

Stamm chose the SAT, however, because she believed the organization of the sections of the test were best suited for her.

“I chose to take the SATs because I prefer to have many sections of only 15-25 min periods of time so I can focus for shorter periods of time,” Stamm said.

On the other hand, many Staples students seem to opt out of this decision. They attempt to cover all the basics by taking both standardized tests, hoping that one will be in the scoring range they fi nd acceptable.

August Laska ’13 sees his standardized tests as an opportunity to show his versatility to colleges.

“I decided to do both because I think it makes me look well-rounded,” said Laska. “If there is one that I do significantly better on, I’ll only send that one to colleges.”

Some students choose the ACTs over the SATs or vice versa because of where they are applying to college. Stephan Patterson ‘12 felt the SATs were the better option because he “was advised [by his tutor] that eastern colleges tend to prefer to have their applicants take the SATs, and I only applied to Eastern schools.”

However, Patterson does not deny the increased popularity in the ACTs: “Some colleges like to see both,” he said.

Regardless of which test you are taking, the most important thing is to stay calm. Francesco Martinovic ’13 advises, “Relax, you’ll get into college.”

Demistifying the Senior Superlative Process MĔđđĞ BĆėėĊĈĆ ’13 Opinions Editor

The ballot box overflows with tickets.

The fate of each candidate rests in these small slips of paper. No, these are not the results of one of the many Republican primaries taking place throughout the country. These are the Senior Superlative elections.

Before the votes are tallied, before the photos are taken, before people can happily declare themselves “Class Clown” or “Most Huggable,” the yearbook staff faces a daunting task.

The selection process.

The staff works tirelessly before the actual initial nominations of each category to first select the superlatives that will be included in the 2011-2012 yearbook.

“We try to come up with ideas that will best represent our senior class,” said Alexis Kelly ’12, a senior section editor on the yearbook staff. “After that, the entire staff collectively works to choose the best categories.” Although this may seem easy, it is difficult to embody and incorporate every student in the senior class.

However, choosing the categories is only the beginning. After the superlatives have been selected, the nomination process begins. The senior class is given a blank slip of paper on which it can submit an unlimited number of nominees for the various superlatives.

“It was difficult to select people for every category. For some I had so many people I wanted to nominate, but for other superlatives I could barely think of one name” said Emily Bicks ’12.

The nomination is perhaps the most difficult step for the yearbook staff, which must now count each nomination in order to figure out who will run on the final ballot. Usually the top three to five scoring nominations are the final contenders in the superlative showdown.

Although some categories may only have three candidates, each of the awards is equally coveted.

“I don’t think there is one award that everyone wants because all of the seniors are so different. There isn’t one person who fits into every category, and that makes it more exciting because it encompasses everyone,” said Amanda Pacilio ’12, senior section editor for the yearbook.

“Danny and I had a giant hug-fest and we skipped around the lunchroom to let everyone know of our victory.”

— Emerson Lovell ’12 The voting took place on Thursday, March 29 during all three lunch waves, and soon after those final ballots were cast, the yearbook staff began to count all of the votes. In addition to being featured in the yearbook, the winners are announced on the loudspeaker by Mr. Dodig as well as posted on Facebook.

The results were released to the winners on Tuesday, April 2 and for some, the selection process paid off. Emerson Lovell ‘12, who won Most Huggable and Dynamic Duo along with good friend Andrew Fishman ’12, was ecstatic to receive a superlative.

“Danny and I had a giant hug-fest and we skipped around the lunchroom to let everyone know of our victory. We also bought victory clothing to wear for our yearbook picture,” said Lovell ’12.

Although it may seem like an easy task, the Senior Superlative selection process is an intricate and important procedure.

A&E

m o n e h o-p ion t t o a h n p e th The g n i p e we s s ’ t a th

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April 13, 2012

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SMILE FOR THE CAMERA: (Top) Natasja George ’14, Gea Mitas ’14, Alanna Zavoico ’14, and Veronica Defelice ’14 make different silly faces as they take a picture of themselves at a party. (Right) Hanna Alghrim ’12, Amanda Beusse ’12, and Jessica Menachemson ’12 simply smile in their selfie. (Lower Right) Will Haskell ’14, Gregg Bonti ’12, and Helena Wippick ’12 had a picture taken of them while they were taking a selfie.

Managing Editor & Web News Editor

S

ince the advent of camera phones, a pervasive phenomenon has taken hold in teenage, but especially Staples, culture: the selfie.

For those who are not enlightened on what exactly a selfie is, it is when people hold their phone or camera up and takes a photo of themselves.

Once seen as the domain of tourists, however, with the release of the new iPhone with a second camera, the selfie has been reborn.

But the debate over the moral value of a selfie is still something to be contested, especially at Staples.

Some students view selfies as a means of identifying one’s whereabouts.

Selfies “show where you are

if you’re somewhere interesting,” says Larissa Lieberson ’15.

Other students see selfies as a way to assert friendships.

According to Sydney Newman ’15, one takes selfies to “show you’ve been there, mark your territory on [someone else’s] phone.”

The variations of the selfie are endless: the Photobooth snapshot, the cameraphone photo, and even the occasional mirror pic.

But recently one type of selfie has become recently popular.

“The duck face is popular in my grade,” says Lieberson.

What exactly is a duck face?

“It’s all about pursing your lips, keeping your eyes very wide,” says Maeve Flaherty ’12.

Staples students use their own adaptations of the duck face.

“They look up to the sky and purse their lips and use a peace sign,” says Tom Karrel ’12 Whether or not the duck face is a desirable face to make is a controversial issue.

When I see someone’s phone on a table, I feel a natural instinct to take as many pictures as possible before they notice and stop me.

-Will Haskell ’14

“Girls think they actually look pretty with their lips like that,” says Flaherty. “[Girls] think they look good,” says James Maracante ‘15, but “the boys think it’s annoying; they shouldn’t do it because it’s weird.”

With the recent Facebook purchase of Instagram, a popular venue for the chronic selfie-taker, the future of selfies may be in jeopardy.

However, not all girls take selfies with the intention of uploading them to a social media outlet, such as Facebook or Twitter; some take them for their own personal enjoyment.

“I don’t ‘mupload’ a lot of them,” Brianne Birch ’12 said. “But there’s alot on my phone of just me, for fun.”

Flaherty agrees that selfies should not be posted on Facebook and they are just something funny to look back on and laugh at.

While it’s socially acceptable to have them on cell phones, “If you actually end up uploading them, then it’s kind of weird,” said Sam Oberlander ’12.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY HELENA WIPPICK ’12

LIX NEENAN ’12 & EMILY KOWAL’12

Selfies are really fun to take and whenever there’s nothing to do selfies are always funny!

-Victoria Smith ’15 -Caroline Mckechnie ’15 -Emily Phillips ’15

18 A&E

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MADISON HORNE ’12 Photo Editor

A

lthough launched first in March 2010, Pinterest, a website used as a virtual pinboard, has gone viral on the web as well as within the student body. With about 1.36 million users daily, students have been finding all sorts of ways to join in on the pinning sensation.

By creating an account on the website, users can set up boards of specific categories where they pin different links. This function reaches the website’s goal to “connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting.”

This website gives users the ability to look at other accounts and if they see something they like, they can pin it to their own board.

“I use it mostly for fashion and recipes,” said user Brittany Berlin ’12. “I can look at other people’s style for inspiration and seeing other people’s cooking and baking creations is so fun.”

Using these pinboards is creating an even closer relationship between technology and the younger generation. Ana Barcelona ’12, who has been an avid user since November 2011, calls Pinterest her addiction. “I [too] find recipes, fashion ideas, house ideas, and

much more on it. I’ve already planned out my future wedding and home from it.” It has been referred to by many users in the Staples community as a way to do “online scrapbooking,” eliminating traditional scrapbooks.

1.36 million users go on Pinterest daily Being able to pin on their boards, users can take their clippings, notes and pictures that would have been in physical scrapbooks to the web, on a much greater scale with this mass database and community. “Personally, I don’t like how our lives revolve around technology,” said Berlin. “But I guess it’s useful since I don’t have enough time right now to make my own scrapbook.”

As Pinterest increases in popularity, climbing up to the third most popular social networking site, other sites may be facing some competition. It’s biggest comparison and competition has been the website, Tum-

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blr. Tumblr is a blogging site that allows users to expresses themselves through text posts, pictures, video, audio, quotes, links, dialogue, slide shows, and more.

With 42 million blogs through the site, it too has been climbing in social networking popularity. With their ability to post a variety of media, many users have been comparing the two.

Some users have faith that Tumblr will still have a chance standing up against Pinterest’s growth in popularity. Kumi Goto ’12, a user of both Tumblr and Pinterest, believes that the two sites serve completely different purposes and can both stand separately and successfully. She keeps her blog and her scrapbook separate.

“I would have to disagree and say that Pinterest is not the new Tumblr,” says Goto, “I still use both but Tumblr is more for things that make me laugh, while I use Pinterest as inspiration.”

Others predict that Pinterest will pull through and claim a higher rank than Tumblr.

With the similarity of posting things of interest, some users prefer the layout that Pinterest offers compared to Tumblr. “I think it is becoming the new Tumblr. People seem to like [Pinterest] a lot more,” said Barcelona. “It is much more organized and you find a ton of other stuff on it.”

A&E

Inklings /April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

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I

am not your average high school student. While I hold my Saturday nights in great importance, I doubt it’s for the same reasons as those of others my age.

You’re unlikely to find someone like me who schedules her entire night around 11:30 p.m., when the greatest comedy show to ever grace television, at least in my opinion, begins.

Yes, it’s true. I live for good comedy. And if you’re like me, Saturday Night Live is probably not a foreign entity to you.

Since 1975, the late-night comedy show has been bringing laughs to comic enthusiasts everywhere.

Ever since middle school, when watching the occasional sketch on Hulu turned into watching the entire hour and a half, I have lived for 11:30 on Saturday nights. But this season, the show w has hit a slump.

The question n is: why?

Fresh off Saturday’s episode featuring first-timer mer Sofia Vergara as host and “One Direction” ction” as musical guest, t, most teenage girls might ight argue that this was withthout a doubt thee best episode of the season. Yes, the show had

some great moments (take the Hunger Games sketch for example), but one good episode does not necessarily redeem all else.

I will forever and always adore Kristen Wiig for everything she has brought to the SNL table. Bill Hader’s “Stefon” will NEVER get old. But with recent rumors that Wiig, Andy Samberg and Jason Sudeikis all might be saying goodbye after their contracts are up this season, it’s hard to say whether or not it was a coincidence that this week Samberg and Sudeikis appeared in a sketch together, and Wiig’s renowned—but also retired—“Gilly” character was brought back for a somewhat mediocre reprise.

Yet, while I miss the dynamic duo that was once Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler on Weekend Update, along with such cast members as Maya Rudolph, I have come to learn that Saturday Night Live is a cycle: the talent comes in phases. Great comedians come in, great comedians leave; new talent comes in, sometimes good, sometimes b bad. Kate McKlinnon, tthe newest featured cast member, left m me open-minded after this Saturday, so I am convinced thee cast is not the c issue. i sue. is What Wh lies at the heart of o the problem here is this season’s hosts, who have host been be unquestionably inconsisab tent.

Those who te at a first seemed

promising quickly proved otherwise; take Lindsay Lohan, for example.

Instead of a revival of the infamous “Debbie Downer” sketch featuring Lohan, Jimmy Fallon and Rachel Dratch, the episode consisted of an atrocious mess of awkward jokes poking fun at her relationship with drugs and alcohol over the past years. Really?

Adding to the comic meltdown are the horrendous musical guests that in my opinion should be taken out of the show all together. Sure, “One Direction” was ever so charming, but nothing changes Lana Del Rey’s performance a few weeks back, so awful that it turned into a sketch the next week, and the debut of the band “Sleigh Bells” that sounded like people banging trashcans together.

Furthermore, the humor has turned dull. The sketches are underdeveloped, and instead of watching with tears of laughter, I’m just flat out confused.

Where are the notorious “Digital Shorts,” like “I’m on a Boat” and “Lazy Sunday?” The edgy humor SNL once provided is being replaced with “J-Pop America Fun Time Now.” Still, as the avid lover of Saturday Night Live that I am, the unfortunate moments of this season will not keep me from watching. Yet every Saturday, I find myself wishing for more hosts like Justin Timberlake or more musical guests that people have actually heard of and can be incorporated into the show in a humorous fashion, like Lady Gaga and Michael Bublé.

Of course, we must not dwell

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HULU.COM

‘Saturday Night Live’ (or Dead?)

IT’S LEGIT: (Top) Bill Hader plays the infamous “Stefon” on Weekend Update with Seth Meyers. (Below): Kristen Wiig revives “Target Lady” with host Daniel Radcliffe. (Left): Kristen Wiig portrays the well-known “Gilly” on SNL. on the negative. In every show, even the bad ones, I have found something hysterical. During Jimmy Fallon’s Christmas episode, I was in stitches, and in Daniel Radcliffe’s episode, “Target Lady” was a personal favorite.

I don’t think SNL is doomed.

It’s bound to make a comeback

sooner or later. But all I’m asking for is some new material; more timeless comic moments that are the staple of late-night television, something I’ll want to watch over and over the next day. Until then, I can only hope that Saturday Night Live will soon be brought back to life.

Role Reversal: One Acts Let Actors Direct ALICIA LOUREKAS ’12 News Editor Directing a play is an impressive accomplishment for many adults, but at Staples, students are stepping up for the challenge.

For the past couple of weeks student actors and directors have been practicing for two hours everyday, and through hard work and lots of laughs, they have produced 10-minute plays by themselves.

These plays are called One Acts and are student-directed with typically two or three actors in each play. The plays can range from dramas and comedies to thrillers. This year’s One Act Play Festival will take place on April 28 and 29.

The Directors Every year at Staples, student directors have the tough job of making a theatrical statement in only 10 minutes.

The directors begin by choosing from a list of plays after reading them in directing class.

They find the script they are most excited about and interested in doing. They also must cast it, stage it, make a set design, and mark up scripts for each character.

“I had a very hard time picking my One Act; I would read and read, but nothing would hit me,” said Adam Mirkine ’13, student director. “I ended up picking my One Act past the deadline, but now I couldn’t be happier with it.”

PHOTO BY ALEX GREENE ’13

GO FETCH: Ryan Shea ’13 acts as a dog as he looks at awe at the tennis ball that Faye Osgood ’14 holds while rehearsing for their upcoming performance.

For many new directors, it’s hard putting together a play. They have to delve into the scripts, searching for creative ideas that would get their play’s message across in a more entertaining way.

“It’s really cool to envision what you think the piece should look like and then watch your vision come to life throughout the process,” Tyler Jent ’13 said.

One of the many jobs of these

directors is casting. This is a new experience for many of these student directors, having only been actors in plays. They are used to having all eyes on them. By becoming a director, these actors are able to feel what it’s like being behind the scenes instead of being on stage.

“The best moment for me in this process has been casting my actors, who have so much potential to make this a great play,” Al-

exandra Rappaport ’13 said.

Directing is out of the ordinary for these students, and each one decides to direct these plays for a different reasons. It’s the reward of watching a play they designed and directed come alive; They challenged themselves with something new.

“I’m usually one to be onstage, so I thought that it would be a good experience for me [to direct],” Ashley Snow ’13, student

director, said.

The Actors A play can only be as good as the actors, and directors must choose the actors that they feel best fit their play. Auditioning for these plays and landing roles are what some actors refer to as “callbacks.”

“One Acts are unique because you first audition and then get called back to several shows depending on if the directors think you could play a certain part,” Gregg Bonti ’12, student actor, said.

Bonti is currently cast in the one act “The Cooking King,” which is a comedy directed by August Laska ’13. Even though Laska is new to directing, he worked hard to cast the most suitable actors for his play.

Being the director of “Rumors” this year and acting in an One Act last year helped Bonti become a better actor.

“I was in One Acts sophomore year, directed one junior year, and now I am thrilled to have the opportunity to act in them again,” Bonti said.

The End Result Without any prior directing experience, students must work hard and be dedicated to learn and direct a 10-minute play. For the past 12 years that One Acts has been produced, the directors have shown that with lots of rehearsal time and a deep understanding of the scripts, these plays can turn out to be something to remember.

20 A&E

Inklings /April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

Album Review

Minaj’s ‘Roman Reloaded’ Hardly Reloads

I

loved and hated Nicki Minaj’s sophomore album “Pink Friday…Roman Reloaded.” In fact, if the album and I were in a relationship on Facebook, our status would be “complicated.”

Minaj is renowned for her multiple personalities as the flamboyant and self-centered Roman, sweet and innocent Barbie, Roman’s polite mother Martha, and more. And, it seems her new album suffers from multiple personalities as well, since the tracks are so unpredictable and diverse.

Rap, Hip Hop, Pop, and Electronic; Minaj does it all, and she does it right. The album begins with “Roman Holiday,” which is full of everything we could expect from the pink-haired rapper.

It’s theatrical and upbeat, with a hint of vulgarity to add that Nicki edge to it. However, memories of her overdone, Lady Gaga-esque performance of the song from the Grammys resurfaced, leaving me with a bad aftertaste.

For those who thought her first album “Pink Friday” didn’t have enough rap in it, they will be pleased to find that the next five tracks on the album are heavy with her barely-taking-time-tobreathe rap lyrics. “Come On a Cone,” “I Am Your Leader,” “Beez

In the Trap,” “HOV Lane,” and “Roman Reloaded,” are packed with Lil Wayne-like puns, and explicit, playful, and humorous lines that really bring out the masculine side of Roman. Basically, in these songs, Nicki could really use a stick of Orbit gum to clean it up because her mouth is dirty.

Though it was exciting to hear Nicki purely rapping as opposed to her more pop-styled music from “Pink Friday,” the songs are very beat-heavy, and the weak music in the background sounds like it was produced by a 10-yearold playing around with Garage Band. Basically it was uncreative, unsurprising, and it could put me to sleep faster than two NyQuils and a mug of Sleepy Time tea.

In the next three tracks, “Champion,” “Right by my Side,” and “Sex in the Lounge,” the production kicks up and actually gets exciting. As a bonus, the songs actually start to mean something, unlike the first seven tracks of the album, which were harder to interpret.

At track 12, the record makes a complete turn from raunchy rapping to electric dance music.

“Starships,” “Pound the Alarm,” “Whip It,” “Automatic,” and “Beautiful Sinner” are all songs that anyone would want to dance to, with their catchy melodies and lyrics that make it easy to sing along.

These songs, I think, along with “Turn Me On,” are the main reason people are calling Roman Reloaded a sell out. Minaj re-

THE FEMALE WEEZY: The deluxe edition of the album includes a digital booklet of photos and a press conference interview with Charlemagne and Safaree “SB” Samuels. Album is available to download on iTunes for $14.99. ceived criticism from many of her fans because they judged her for singing what would make money instead of spitting her old school rap. I would have to agree that these tracks are sell outs, and they aren’t anything close to genius; however, there is a reason these songs sell. These are the type of songs that get people up on the dance floor. These are the type of songs that make people feel all fuzzy and happy inside. These are the type of songs that get people pumped for a good workout or a night out on the town. That has got to mean that these songs are actually good.

Not in the sense that they are good music, but in the sense that they are likeable. If they are a sell out, so be it. I think even Charlie Sheen would agree that Nicki

National Poetry Month Unrecognized but Unconsciously Celebrated AMANDA PICCOLINO ’12 Staff Writer April is National Poetry Month, but not many students, not even poets, are aware.

National Poetry Month, along with National Soft Pretzel Month, National Garden Month, and National Straw Hat Month (all celebrated in April) are politicians’ cheesy advertising efforts that scarcely receive much attention. At least for National Poetry Month, we are reminded of the work that poetry-lovers praise every day of any given month.

“I didn’t know April is National Poetry Month. I don’t think I will do anything to honor it as I think poetry is so expressive that to force it would be counterproductive,” WestportREADS poetry contestant Rusty Schindler ’13 said.

According to Schindler, who describes language as his paintbrush, poetry is too personal and expressive to be forced to honor something theoretical like National Poetry Month.

“I love poetry because it

is the truest expression of the soul. It is an art form, and those who have a passion for it feel as though it flows out of them rather than writing it,” Schindler said.

Poet Tori Ebel ’15 was also unaware of April being National Poetry Month but states that because she knows now, she will put more effort into English to “simply honor writing.” Her extra efforts aside, Ebel, like Schindler, will continue to write poetry only when it comes naturally to her.

“I usually write poetry when I’ve experienced something dramatic that really made an emotion surface in me,” Ebel said. “If I’ve had an awful day or I’ve been in a fight with someone, it could lead to writing poetry.”

Sammy Key ’12 did not even know National Poetry Month existed but says that as she is always reading and writing poetry anyway, she is already celebrating it. Key is sure that on multiple occasions, her English and math teachers alike have found poems written in the margins of tests and homework sheets.

“I know my mom will periodically come into my room holding

a gnarly scrap of notebook paper that’s just been through the wash in one of my back pockets, and behold! It’s got a poem on it.”

Melanie Mignucci ’12 has a similar syndrome; she claims that you can find her poems on her hands, scraps of paper, her journals, and in rich text files on her laptop. She claims to frequently think about her favorite poems: Sylvia Plath’s “Mad Girl’s Love Song,” and Jeffery McDaniel’s “The Quiet World.”

“I love poetry because it’s a way we can distill the human experience into a series of lines or syllables or even letters and punctuation marks,” Mignucci said. “I don’t even know how much of it you’d call poetry as much as lines that I thought sounded cool that I thought I’d use but never did.

But isn’t that sort of poetic of itself? These invisible lines sitting around, waiting for the day they’ll be read?”

Even though Mignucci is another Staples poet unaware of National Poetry Month, it doesn’t matter because she, like the others, celebrates poetry every day regardless of the month.

Minaj is, in fact, winning.

The course of the album changes once again as we approach track 17, where the music is full-fledged pop music. “Marilyn Monroe,” “Young Forever,” “Fire Burns,” and “Gun Shot” are all songs I could picture Rihanna or JLo singing. However, Minaj adds more personality to these pops songs that other artists would not be able to accomplish.

Following these pop songs is “Stupid Hoe,” then “Va Va Voom,” and finally, “Masquerade.” “Stupid Hoe” is a stupid song, musically. It sounds like some little girl trying to annoy her mother by repeatedly yelling “Woop! Woop!

Woop!” while clapping to a beat.

Nicki’s rapping is, of course, topnotch as her talent can overpower any tasteless music, but her lack-

luster lyrics fail to engage me.

“Va Va Voom” and “Masquerade” are sweet pop songs that would get the stamp of approval from Barbie herself, but they include a good amount of rapping, as well. The balance between pop and rap in these two songs make for a successful conclusion to her album.

Minaj’s “Roman Reloaded” record didn’t quite live up to my expectations; however, it wasn’t completely unbearable, with its hidden gems of good rap verses here and there and the occasional build-up and bass drop that can leave anybody a little tingly and begging for more.

All I can say is, I’m excited to hear what Nicki will bring in her next album…emphasis on the “bum.”

An Excerpt from Rusty Schindler’s “Wings to the Mind” clouds not obstacles but metaphors no end in sight, no ground below once the wheels begin to turn air force imagine can take off runway unfolding like a blank page opportunity taking hold as the mind’s motor is engaged sky a limitless expanse of possibility soaring beyond the sun glancing at mountains’ peaks from an eagle’s eye poetry provides wings to the mind.

A&E

Inklings /April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

21

Awkward Moments

Students, Parents Learn to Coexist on Facebook BAILEY ETHIER ’15

Growth of Facebook Users by Age Groups 300% 276.4%

250%

200% 194.3%

150%

101.5%

100%

50% 29.6%

55 +

4 -5 35

34 25 -

18 -2 4

20.6%

017

arents have always embarrassed their kids. Going to the movies, that dreaded moment when parents show your baby pictures to your friends, and hearing shouts from the stands calling you BP when your name is Bailey, are some things teenagers typically try to avoid.

Yet teenagers might as well get used to embarrassing parents because they aren’t going away anytime soon. In fact, with the use of Facebook, parents can embarrass their children anytime, anywhere, and anyplace with the use of social media.

But why would parents want to be on a site that is dominated by the number of teenage users? Well for starters, only 10 percent of users in the U.S. are between 13-17 years old. Sixteen percent of users in the U.S. are between 35-44 years old and 12 percent of U.S. users are between 45-54 years old.

What does this mean? There are more adults on Facebook than teenagers. Teenagers don’t actually rule Facebook.

We are outnumbered.

Parents use the most popular social networking website to do many of the same things teenagers do. Although shocking to some, parents do have social lives and they do connect via social media.

Ken Asada ’15 said that he thinks his parents use Facebook to keep in touch with old friends in Japan, where they grew up, and, “try to be funny with really corny Facebook statuses.”

However, like many teenagers who are friends with their parents on Facebook, Ken Asada’s parents embarrass him. Asada said his parents often post about his accomplishments, but due to his parents’ privacy settings, none of his friends are able to see any embarrassing statuses.

Asada was tagged in some embarrassing photos that his father posted from summer vacation, though.

“That kind of creeped me out,” said Asada. “My dad tagged me in every picture and I had like a million notifications. I had to make him untag me from half of them.”

While parents like Brett Aronow, mother of Baxter Stein ’14, try not to embarrass her children, Stein admits it does sometimes occur.

Stein said his mother posted embarrassing photos of him when he was younger once. Thankfully for him though he wasn’t tagged in them. “I just told my mom to delete them,” said Stein, “And it was fine.”

While some teenagers have blocked their parents on Facebook, to avoid being embarrassed, there are other ways to avoid parental embarrassment on Facebook.

Henry Wynne ’13 doesn’t get embarrassed on Facebook by his mother, Julie Wynne, because the two aren’t Facebook friends.

“I don’t do anything bad,” said Henry Wynne, “But I still don’t want (my parents) seeing what I do.”

Julie Wynne doesn’t mind not being friends with her son though. “I’m not friends with my child, because he doesn’t want to be,” said Julie Wynne.

Due to this, Julie Wynne doesn’t constantly “stalk” her son’s profile unlike some parents. “I just post links about what my kids are doing or what I have been doing,” said Julie.

She shares this information with all 127 of her Facebook friends (compared to her son who has over 1,000 friends).

Also unlike her son, Julie Wynne interacts with all of her Facebook friends.

“I’m not friends with anyone I’m not friends with in real life,” said Julie.

Ken Asada’s father, Hiroshi Asada, said that while it is kind of weird being friends with his son on Facebook, he is being a responsible parent by monitoring their child’s activity online.

“I think it’s important for parents, and also their responsibility, to be familiar with what kind of messages their kids are sending publicly through Internet,” said Hiroshi Asada.

As both parents and children use the world’s second most visited website (Google is No. 1), their posts and status updates are going to continue to awkwardly mix.

Percent Growth

P

Staff Writer

Age Group *taken on 01/04/09 by iStrategyLabs

22 A&E

Inklings /April 13, 2012/ Inklingsnews.com

The Reasons Why Students Go to Concerts Social Media Specialist

M

any Staples students would agree that going to concerts is more about the experience than about the performer. Instead of looking forward to music, students look forward to a train ride and a night in New York City with a group of friends.

At Staples, house music concerts are becoming more and more popular. This fall, “every human being at Staples” attended concerts such as GlowFest and Deadmau5, according to Shelby Schulman ’12. Dayglow and Avicii are also coming to the tri-state area and Staples students have been anxiously awaiting the two events.

“The funny thing is that people don’t go to these concerts for the music, they go for the experience. Deadmau5 didn’t come on until 11:30, and at that point, I had completely forgotten that I was even there for him,” said a junior girl on the soccer team, who wished to remain anonymous.

The concert experience seems to be divided into three major parts: getting ready, the concert itself, and the after-effects.

Before On the night of a concert, a group of friends will gather to get ready with one another. They get dressed at one person’s house and then all go to the train station together, according to Schulman.

“There are more people at the station than you can imagine. One group of friends meets up with many other groups from Staples on the platform,” Schulman said.

A second junior girl, also anonymous, explained that the real draw of the train ride is pregaming. Pregaming is drinking before an event that doesn’t allow alcohol, so that the feeling of being drunk lasts through the night.

“On the train, everyone drinks vodka from a Gatorade bottle. The trick is to drink at the right time, so you begin to feel it while you are at the concert. Being sobe at a concert is just not fun,” the girl said.

During Being at the concert is a whole new experience.

“The atmosphere is just wild. On the dance floor, you can barely move without bumping into another drunk, sweaty kid.

And it’s so loud that by the end of the night, you feel like your eardrums are bursting,” said the junior soccer player.

“I didn’t care about the music, I was just there to party,” she said.

Being at these concerts is fun, both junior girls explained. It is the

combinat ion of the loud, electronic music with the sheer number of people there that makes it so different, they said. People spend the whole time dancing, both with people they know and people they don’t know.

For this reason, concerts can even be a place to meet new people.

Not only are there hoards of Staples students at them, but there are also kids from all over Connecticut and New York, explained Schulman.

At one concert that she went to, she sat down at one point because she was tired.

“I made some new friends who sat down with me; I don’t even know who they were or where they were from, but it was cool to talk to them,” she said.

Just being at a concert is enough, explained Savannah Donahue ’13. “I don’t even think Avicii is that good but I will be with my sister, so why not go?” she said. She is going to Avicii at Colgate this spring. “Concerts are not about the music, they are just about being there,” she said.

After Fo l lowing the concert, people are left to think about what the experience truly means. The train is about getting ready for the actual concert. The concert is about dancing, partying, meeting new friends.

The big picture, though, is more than just the night of the concert. Going into the city with a whole group of high school friends is an experience in and of itself.

“When my friends and I go to concerts, we are no longer spending a Friday or Saturday night in Westport and I feel really independent,” Schulman said. The independent feeling that people get from going to concerts makes the actual experience of being there even more fun, she explained.

Many teams at Staples also go to these concerts together. Many girls on the soccer team went to Deadmau5 together, and some members of the softball team are going to Avicii together.

“Going to a concert as a team can be a whole different experience than just hanging out on the weekend because we are traveling together and spending a long night far from home,” said Ryan Kirshner ’13, a varsity soccer player.

She explained that not only is being there fun, but the “concert experience” can help bring the team closer.

Whether you attend a concert with your team or just your friends, you can always manage to have a good time at a concert. And now with the rise of house music, knowing the words to the music is not an issue.

APRIL:

4/17 Avicii Webster Bank Arena Bridgeport, CT

MAY:

Flux Pavilion 5/10 Roseland Ballroom New York, NY Rusko 5/13 Terminal 5 New York, NY Milkman 5/19 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY

JUNE:

Flux Pavilion 6/8 The Dome at Oakdale Theatre Wallingford, CT

PHOTO REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM MCT CAMPUS

GRAPHIC BY RUSTY SCHILNDLER ’13

ALEXANDRA O’KANE ’13

UPCOMING CONCERTS

A&E Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

23

RĆĈčĊđ LĆćĆėėĊ ’14 A&E Editor

It’s time for change - not the change in your pocket, but the change from Uggs to sandals. Spring has arrived and your heavy chunky sweaters need to switch to light weight cardigans and jean jackets. The dramatic transition from winter clothes to spring clothes is sure to have you digging deep in your closets to find all of the clothing that’s been hidden for months.

ALL PHOTOS BY DEANNA SCHREIBER ’13

Monochromatic Outfits Wear an outfit tth that’s primarly one color - like creamy crea white, as seen here. This givess a very springlike feeling, especiall ly if it’s a light especially color.

Scarves The thin scarf is perfect for spring, when the weather is still not as hot as it is in summer. Scarves with floral prints or pastel colors will nicely match any spring combo.

Sofia Zenzola ’12

Emma Rhoads ’14

Crochet Knit Sweaters This is the perfect top for spring because it’s not too summery and not too wintery. Although it’s a sweater, the holes will make sure that you don’t get too hot. Like last season, oversized sweaters are still very in style, so for spring, try mixing these two styles.

Alexis Teixera ’13

Cardigans Light weight cardigans are the all-time perfect way to finish your outift. It supplies a hint of warmth and a lot of style to any combination of clothing underneath.

Sarah Duvall ’15

Jean Jackets These casual covers are perfect to wear over your summer-esque tank top on a chilly spring day. Jean jackets can also serve to dress up an outfit for outside of school.

Jessica Fields ’14

Gladiators These strappy sandals can be worn in the spring and summer, so pull them out from the depths of your closet and from behind the boots. They’re a little fancier than flip-flops, but still school appropriate.

24

SPORTS

Ya Gotta Believe April 13, 2012

One true Mets fan recounts the good times—and the bad SAMMY WARSHAW ’12 A&E Editor

M

eet the Mets, meet the Mets, step right up and greet the Mets.

If anyone is ever wondering about my childhood, all I have to do is sing him or her those famed lyrics. The song is about those “Amazin’ Mets,” and it was written all the way back in 1961

by Ruth Roberts and Bill Katz.

To this day, the song still echoes through the stadium during the seventh inning stretch of every home game.

Anyone who knows anything about sports knows that the Mets do not have a famed history in the MLB. In fact, they happen to be the butt of all New York sports team jokes. Never has it been more obvious than the past couple years, for they haven’t even scraped the surface of the playoffs.

But that’s why I love the Mets.

Growing up, I worshipped them.

Ever since their Cinderella run to the Subway Series in 2000, when I was only five years old, I have known every player on the roster.

I memorized their numbers, their batting averages, and even the type of bats they liked to use. On perhaps the most proud day of my childhood, I was given the incredible opportunity of meeting several of my heroes at Mets training

camp in Port St. Lucie, Fla. These “heroes” weren’t the Mets that you would first think of. Champions like Tony Tarasco, Melvin Mora, and Timo Perez graced me with their 30 seconds of presence on that fateful day.

Like a kid at a candy store, I proceeded to pummel them with various questions, ranging from their change in bat color preference to their children’s names. It was borderline stalkerish.

It didn’t matter that they proceeded to have five straight losing seasons. I was proud to be a fan because they would never let you down, for there was never any hype.

To get philosophical, I think that’s why I grew up such a devoted fan. I cherished the rare victories, excited to go to school and brag the next day. I loved the idea that nothing was ever expected of them, and there was honor in their lack of grace. It’s kind of like Nicolas Cage, in a weird sort of way. The guy is a mockery in the world of acting and cinema criticism, but everyone seems to forget he won an Oscar. Losers can win, and the Mets occasionally showed me that.

Sure, the 2006 season was phenomenal. For anyone who doesn’t know, the Mets were one pitch away from a World Series bid. I don’t want to get into that, however, because it will only re-

sult in a noise complaint from my neighbors.

This year, for the first time since 2002, the Mets truly have no hope. I say that with all the love in the world. Financially speaking, the term “in the toilet” is an understatement. Owner Fred Wilpon lost nearly all of his money to Bernie Madoff, and we couldn’t afford our most prized star, Jose Reyes.

As for the roster, it is a bunch of nobodies. And when I say nobodies, I really mean it. But that’s why I love them. There is something endearing about a team that is down on its luck. Don’t let the three game winning streak fool you—they’re seriously bad. As an example to all of you non-sports fans, it’s just like Florence Nightingale syndrome, the idea that a nurse has the ability to fall in love with her patients on their death bed, becoming intrigued with their lives before their eventual death. My love for the Mets is just like Florence Nightingale.

Let my undying love for the New York Mets serve as an example for all fans of lowly sports teams. And no Jets fans, I’m not talking about you. I’m talking to you, Wizards, Nationals, Browns, and Nets fans. I know it’s tough, but think about the memories you shared with those teams as a kid.

Some of my greatest moments growing up were throwing

GRAPHIC BY AMY PERELBERG ’15

THERE’S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR: In the midst of losing season after losing season, bankruptcy courtesy of Bernie Madoff, and predicted to finish last in their division this year by Sports Illustrated, the Mets force their faithful every year to wait until next spring. back a bag of Jolly Ranchers and a liter of Diet Coke, and watching the Mets getting absolutely crushed by the Braves. Looking back on it, I sometimes wonder why I loved the team so much.

But then I talk to a friend, a fellow Mets fanatic, and we reminisce about the SNY pre-game theme song, beloved outfielder Timo Perez, and everything in between. Don’t give up on the guys that were there when you

started. I’ll always stand by the Mets, no matter how far below .500 they fall.

To end with a word of wisdom from our friends Ruth Roberts and Bill Katz, “bring your kiddies, bring your wife. Guranteed to have the time of your life! Because the Mets are really socking the ball, knocking those homeruns over the wall.”

Whether they are “socking” it or not, I’ll always love them.

Sports Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

25

PHOTOS BY ALEX GREENE ’13 SHARING THE COURT: The Staples varsity boys tennis players pair up and play doubles match and match again, but the strategy that goes into their play is overlooked by some fans.

It Takes Two SAMI BAUTISTA ’13 Web Features Editor

T

he sound of the tennis ball coupled with labored breathing and rapid footsteps echoes throughout the court as two opposing tennis players compete fiercely against one another. Individuals can rely only on themselves; the outcome of the match rests completely in their hands.

When a teammate is thrown in the mix, the whole dynamic changes.

“The major difference between singles and doubles is that in singles you have to depend on yourself for motivation, strategy, and emotional support,” said Melissa Beretta ’14, a girls’ varsity player. “In doubles you have another person that can pump you up when you are upset, help you when you are stumped for how to beat a certain team, and calm you down when you, as almost all tennis players do, freak out and get dangerously close to having your game break down.”

Doubles involves two teams of two, one pair on each side of the net, competing

Double the players, double the fun

against each other to win a match. Having another teammate on the court spurs the strategy, teamwork, and most importantly, communication.

“It is crucial that you learn to get along with your partner and that you combine your strengths to be the best doubles team you can be,” said Nicole Marcante ’12, a second doubles player on the girls’ varsity team.

Luke Foreman ’14, also a second doubles player but on the boys’ varsity team, agrees.

“If you can’t get along or effectively talk with your partner throughout the match, the game becomes much more difficult,” he said.

Jake Hirschberg ’13, a boys’ varsity player who received All State in doubles and All FCIAC in singles last year, describes the most common communication error between partners.

“It can be difficult because if a ball is hit in between you and your partner, you don’t have very much time to decide who is going to hit it,” Hirschberg said.

A similar event occurred between

Foreman and his partner, Steve Thomson ’12, during the last match of their undefeated season. Staples was tied 3-3, and their match would be the deciding factor.

“Both Steve and I were really nervous, and I remember that during one of the first points we played, a routine ball was hit down the middle, and we both left it, anticipating that our partner was there,” Foreman said. “We were both extremely embarrassed, and if it weren’t for the support of each other, who knows how the match could have turned out.”

Foreman and Thomson were able to pull through and win the match, which Foreman attributes to their positive attitude throughout the game. “On match point, I was scared but ended up hitting the winning volley. Steve and I both jumped about three feet in the air, elated and relieved,” Foreman said. “It was much more fun to win with a partner, and knowing that all the weight wasn’t on my shoulders also took a lot of the pressure off.”

Not only must doubles players adjust to each other’s presence on the court, they also have to adapt different strategies in

order to be successful. Some of the most popular ones include placing two players on the baseline, placing one player back at the baseline and the other up at the net, or placing both players at the net. “These formations give the team different angles and shot options, and depending on the situation, they can each be very effective,” Beretta said.

Once the players are set up in one of these positions, the game mostly consists of serves and volleys. Foreman takes advantage of this type of hit and positions both himself and his teammate at the net.

“It’s the most effective strategy, especially on fast courts,” Foreman said. “When two people are at the net, it becomes much harder for the other team to get the ball by, so as long as there are good volleys, it tends to be pretty successful.”

Although playing with another person is tough, working hard to cooperate together can be very rewarding.

“With their skill and ability to communicate on the court, high level doubles players will blow you out of the water,” Beretta said.

26

Sports

Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

From

nions to G lf Balls

PHOTO BY ROSE PROPP ’13

ROSE PROPP ’13 Staff Writer

A

lthough the students of Staples High School never knew the town of Westport as it used to be, many would be surprised to know the deep-rooted history of our hometowns past. Whoever lived here before us back in 2,000 B.C. was using gouges and adzes (an axe-like tool) that were actually found on the area of land that now occupies the Longshore Golf Club.

Regarded as the “most significant land acquisition in Westport’s history,” the Longshore Beach and Country Club opened to the public on May 28, 1960. But before any of this happened someone else was using these tools, and not to play golf.

Just last year the club celebrated its 50-year anniversary. With 50 years down and many more to come, the club definitely sports some interesting stories behind its manicured course.

According to Westport Connecticut

by Woody Klein, Longshore was known as Compo Farm from the beginning of its existence up until the early 20th century. The land’s original owner was the Cutting family of Brooklyn, who found the land good f the land to grow onions. Charles Francis Godfrey and his family worked for the Cuttings while they owned the farm, and when the Cuttings moved to New York, he began supervising the land.

Years later, New York tycoon Alexander M. Lawrence purchased the 180-acre farmhouse. Then, in 1929, the land once again changed ownership when Patrick Powers converted it into a private country club—Longshore. Twenty-three years later, the Powers sold the property, and the town of Westport bought the land seven years after that, making it public to all Westport residents.

John Cooper, current Golf Course Manager, said “it was designed to be a family style golf course and is very user friendly. They don’t tend to build these types of golf courses anymore.”

The uniqueness of the course may have been just what had drawn countless numbers of celebrities to Longshore in years past. According to Cooper, Harry Connick Jr., Sergeant Slaughter (WWE wrestler), Bob Hope and Babe Ruth are just some of the big names that have enjoyed the services that the club has to offer. Bert Lahr who starred in The Wizard of Oz as the cowardly lion was the “Club Champ” in 1933.

For many years now, the Staples High School golf team, who won both FCIAC and State Championships in 2012, has held practices on the Longshore Golf Course after school during their spring season. Players from the 2012 team are extremely fond

PHOTO BY ROSE PROPP ’13

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ANDREW FELMAN

PHOTO BY ROSE PROPP ’13

T E E T I M E : Ross W helan ’13 ( l e f t) t a k e s h i s t i m e p e r f e c t i n g h i s s t r o k e . Wa l k ing through the green, Stephen Colodny ’13 (a b o v e l e f t) l o o k s b a c k a t t h e g a z e b o (t o p r i g h t) t h a t stands in the middle of the Longshore course.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTEDBY ANDREW FELMAN of their home course.

“I really think that Longshore is perfect for what it is. It is a very easy course because it is short and open, but there are a lot of risks to take for better players. I think it’s a great course to learn on, and therefore we see a lot of beginners, women, kids, and elderly out there,” says Senior Captain Austin Alianiello.

Those who have golfed at Longshore know the best times to be out on the course.

For most, the best time of the year to golf is late summer, when the days are warm and the nights are slightly cool. According to Alianiello, the two “golden hours,” which are from 6 to 7 a.m., and 6 to 7 p.m. in the summer, are the best.

Members of the golf team, including junior Devon Lowman, have experienced extremely memorable events on the Longshore Golf Course. “My favorite hole is hole number 11, because it’s a nice par three, and I had my first hole in one there,” says Lowman.

Considering the fact that 35,000 rounds were played on the Longshore Golf Course last year, many people may have also enjoyed their first hole in one in 2011.

Since its days of growing root vegetables, the Longshore Club has greatly expanded the use of its land. There are now a tennis pro shop, lockers, food concession and a vastly improved pool, inn, golf course and marina, far superior to anything that used

PHOTO BY ROSE PROPP ’13

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Inklings / April 13, 2012 / inklingsnews.com

Staff Writer

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fore sophomore year.

“Our team was short on pitchers.

Jimmy volunteered to give it a try, and ended up doing a tremendous job,” he said.

Kopack said that after he started to pitch more sophomore year, he “ended up being pretty good and stuck with it.” In fact, Kopack made the All-FCIAC West team as a junior and will be the number one starter for the Staples team that is coming off a FCIAC title.

While there is no doubt natural talent plays a part in Kopack’s success on the diamond,, his passion for the p

No Pain No Gain ERIC ESSAGOF ’12 Editor-in-Chief

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PHOTO BY BEN REISER ’13

SIMON STRACHER ’14

immy Kopack ’12 toes the rubber, looks in for the sign, brings his hands perpendicular to his hips, raises his left leg, throws back his right arm, and catapults his body towards the plate, unleashing an 85-mile per hour fastball at an unsuspecting victim. The batter has no chance.

The pitch, to no one’s surprise, is a strike.

Also not a surprise: the transformation of Staples baseball captain Jimmy Kopack from a middle infielder to the ace pitcher for the varsity baseball team.

Kopack’s journey from the infield to the pitcher’s mound was born of necessity.

Fellow captain Ben Greenberg ’12 says the change g occurred during g the summer be-

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game also contributes to his achievement.

“Jimmy is so competitive that he can be successful at any position. He has great life on his fastball, and great break on his curve, but it’s his incredible will to win that makes him our ace,” says Greenberg.

Kopack’s will and competitive nature mirrors that of his pitching coach Kevin Morton, who pitched for the Red Sox and has taught Kopack how to prepare throughout all of his seasons. Kopack wishes to be “as accomplished as he is,” and with the t e natural talent level and drive th that that Kopack possesses, anything seems possible.

Kopack’s work ethic is another major reason why he is the team’s ace. According to Kopack,

durin the offseason, he worked out with during a trainer on Mondays, Wednesdays and tra Saturdays.

He also pitched on Thursdays Satu and hit h on Tuesdays. He would also try to get an a additional long toss day in sometime during the week to get his arm stronger. Essentially every day of the week for the entirety of the winter, Kopack prace ticed baseball, showing a work ethic that most athletes aspire to have Kopack also has a profound love of the game.

He quit football in fourth grade g to play pl fall baseball, citing baseball as, “always his favorite sport to watch and definitely nitel to play.”

Whether it’s striking out opposing batters, or sitting on the bench with his batte teammates, Jimmy Kopack’s love for the team game is always there, and is a major aspect as to why he is the ace pitcher for the Staples Stap p baseball team.

Rugby team balances competitive edge with sportsmanship

home game of the season. After that, every rugby game was at another school, largely due to the lower division the team was playing in.

Coupled with rules that American audiences are not used to, this means that attracting fans can be a daunting task.

But the players don’t see this as too much of an obstacle. Jackson Moss ’12, outside center and one of the co-captains of the team, believes that the sport is perfect for the average Staples fan.

“Superfans should come out to see the big tackles of football mixed with the continuous play of soccer,” Moss said. “I can assure you the entire game will k e e p you on the edge of your seat.”

The circumstances surrounding this season

should certainly make things interesting.

While the team played in a lower Division Two league last season, it performed so well that it was moved back up to Division One. This success has given the team some confidence coming into this season.

“Last year we went undefeated up until our last regular season game, which was big to prove we’re a real team with serious competition,” Jackson Yang ’13, flanker and another co-captain, said.

However, the team has gradu15 starters from last ated 11 of its of seniors will have season, so a lot cleats. to fill some Yang showed little concern. wholeheart“I edly know that we have the talent and depth this

year to fill those spots and have plenty of strong backup players,” Yang said.

Moss uses the words of his coach to keep his head up.

“As our coach says, ‘If you really want something, you cannot be denied,” Moss said.

And while getting fans to see the game would be appreciated, Barahona’s real goal is create a great team, both during the games and after.

“My motto to the kids is ‘animals on the field, gentlemen off of it,’” Barahona said.

The players throw and kick a ball to each other, there are bone-crushing tackles, and the players do not wear pads.

Sound familiar?

That’s because rugby, the oft-forgotten Staples sport, is based on the two most popular sports at school.

At a school where football and soccer are the most popular sports for Superfans, one might think that rugby would flourish. Rugby has been described as a mix between the two sports.

However, rugby games at Staples have often lacked a large fan presence.

This is something that Coach Joseph Barahona and his team is looking to change this year.

“Everyone starts playing football when they are little,” Barahona said.

“They know baseball, they know basketball, but rugby is kind of relatively new.”

The popularity of the sport has skyrocketed in recent years. When Barahona first started coaching the team, there were 24 players on the roster. This year, there are 64, and students are still signing up.

Still, the fan presence at the games has been lacking, Barahona said.

Barahona attributes the lack of enthusiasm for rugby at Staples to the fact that the sport is not well-known. While popular on college campuses, rugby teams are more rare at high schools and are rarely seen at lower age levels. The sport is so rare in Connecticut in fact that the FCIAC website doesn’t even have a section for rugby.

The team was almost helped out by some positive media coverage last season in the form of a highlight reel on Good Morning Staples.

While this coverage spread the word PHOTO BY ERIC ESSAGOF ’12 about the team, there was one problem: LIFTͳOFF: Guerric Vornle Van Haagenfels ’13 is raised into the air by two teammates to try to snag the ball from his Greenwich opponent. the footage shown was from the only

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The Wreckers

Staples rugby is causing a “ruck”-us on the field

ROCKING THE BOAT

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY STAPLES SAILING

SMOOTH SAILIING: PJ Syrrist ’13 steers the boat as co-captain Emily Bicks ’12 keeps a lookout for their competition.

ELLIE MANN ’13 Staff Writer

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ot all sailors run on spinach.

Rather, Staples sailors are fueled by raw determination and skill.

After a long winter, their sails are raised, and, once again, the Staples sailing team is ready to take to the water.

While the sailing team is a great place for Staples students to share their passion for sail-

Talkin’

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ing, it is not all fun and games.

This season, Coach Geoff McCuskey is aiming to participate in 14 to 20 regattas.

Prior to becoming the coach at Staples last fall, McCuskey was the sailing director of the Cedar Point Yacht Club junior sailing program.

“My goal for this year is to improve every sailor’s boat handling, boat speed, tactics and teamwork,” McCuskey said.

Staples competes mostly in fleet and team racing regattas.

Fleet racing means that every

boat is for herself, and team racing means that it is three boats versus three other boats.

The regattas are usually held at the yacht club of one of the participating sailing teams.

McCuskey said that the stronger teams in the Fairfield County Sailing League have historically been Greenwich High School and Brunswick Academy.

According to James Manning ’13, a member of the team, sailing is a much more physical and a much more dangerous sport than most people think.

“I have a concussion and have also needed 10 stitches in my leg after a boating accident,” Manning said. “Many of my friends have broken their arms, fi ngers and toes while sailing.”

Being on the water can also be incredibly scary. Captain Kelly Chang’s ’13 most terrifying sailing moment occurred at a fall season regatta.

Kelly and her crew were “blowing about 35 knots,” which is an extremely rare amount of wind to encounter in the Long Island Sound. Due to the in-

credibly windy conditions, it was hard to keep the boat upright.

Chang and her crew did not respond to the boat quickly enough, and within minutes, the boat was fi lled to the rim with water.

“The support boat came by and told us to keep sailing— that the water would eventually drain,” Chang said.

Chang’s crew tried, but the nose of their boat ended up buried in the water.

“We were afraid that the boat was going to sink or collapse on top of us,” Chang said.

The boat eventually drained. However, this experience is one that Chang and her crewmembers will never forget.

In spite of that event, Chang still says “being on the water is [her] ultimate stress reliever.

The combination of mental and physical demands make sailing extremely addicting, and because of that, I plan on sailing in college.”

Captain Emily Bicks ‘12 has been sailing since she was eight years old and loves the feeling of being on the water after a long day at school.

Chang has also been sailing since she was eight years old.

The year that Chang moved to Westport from Hong Kong, she was looking for a summer activity and decided to sign up for lessons at the Longshore Sailing School.

Henry Dumke ’12 has been hit in the head by the boom and blacked out, but with this one forgettable event come plenty of moments to remember.

“Once, in the middle of a race, I mooned the other boat which had 10 people on it,” Dumke said. “I gotta admit, it was pretty funny.”

If Dumke and the rest of the guys and girls are any indication, this is a team that will certainly not be unnoticed this spring.

Have you ever wondered what to say at sea? Wonder no more, Captain. With our list of eight nautical terms, you’ll never be at a loss for words on the open water.

8 -ack o Ch lock b

1 Ab o Sh i u t p

7 Squa ll

2 Jibe

2

3 K i l l ic 3 k

6 k Tac

Rea Ab dy ou 5 t

rd Ha e r Ov 4

4

The order to tack the ship

5

An expression used by the crew to indicate that the boat is about to tack

When the stern of the boat passes through the wind

6

When the bow turns through the wind

Nautical name for an anchor—originally was a stone used as an anchor

7

A sudden and violent gust of wind often accompanied by rain

Pushing the tiller as far to one side as possible

8

When a line is pulled as tight as is can go

1