Sept 19 issue

Inklings September 19, 2014 Founded in 1933 inklingsnews.com

PHOTO BY CAROLINE O’KANE ’16

CT officials debate tenure validity

MEET AND GREET Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy greats supporter Sal Liccione at a Democratic event in Westport on Sept. 3.

Michael Mathis ’15 & Emily Wolfe ’15

O

n the fully-lit stage of the Norwich Free Academy auditorium, Democratic Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Republican opponent Tom Foley seemed at equal ends. Insults harangued, fi ngers pointed. It

was a tennis-match of accusations and persecutions against the opponent.

However, the most powerful moment wasn’t an uncovered scandal or a simple gaffe.

It was an apology.

“It was bad language,” Malloy said. “It wasn’t about them.

It was about tenure.”

Malloy was referring to his now infamous statement four years ago, in which he said that teachers could receive tenure simply by showing up.

“I shouldn’t have said it. I apologize for saying it,” he said.

Tenure, by defi nition, guarantees that a teacher or professor will not be fi red unless there

is a justifiable cause. Recently, the question looming over the state’s school systems is if tenure will be restricted further or even outlawed in the Connecticut school systems.

In California, it was almost outlawed completely.

According to CNN, on June 10, 2014, California

judge Rolf M. Treu ruled in favor of the law, arguing that fi ring bad teachers is nearly impossible due to tenure laws and union protections. He stated that this deprives students of the quality education they deserve.

However, this reform was continued on page 3

Emma Lederer ’16 This summer, a select group of Staples students spent their time working in Bridgeport, Connecticut for Democratic candidates, Congressman Jim Himes and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.

Nora Cowherd ’15, who interned for Himes, explained that a lot of their job involved getting a head count. “We make phone calls to voters and try to get a feel for how many votes we have,” she said.

Another student, Max Kaplan ’15, who worked for both Steinberg and Himes, agreed with Cowherd. “I primarily called people on the phone to ask

Inside the issue

if they were supporting Malloy, Himes, etcetera, this November,” he said.

However, in addition to collecting data to try to better predict the fall elections, interns also tried to connect with both confi rmed and potential voters in person, as opposed to solely interviewing over the phone.

Cowherd explained that interns would go door-to-door talking to voters about the campaign.

They also did a lot of work at local events. “Interns will sign people in at events, take photographs and other odd jobs at fundraisers,” Cowherd said, and she added that a few interns even got the opportunity to participate in Himes’ campaign com-

mercial.

Even though there was a lot of work that came along with the job, it was still a personally beneficial and enjoyable summer for these students. Olivia Jones ’15, who interned with Himes over the summer, enjoyed working with and for these political figures.

“I had so much fun working there over the summer,” she said.

“I got to learn a lot about our political system and meet a lot of extremely interesting people.”

Agreeing and expanding on what Jones said, Cowherd explained that you not only form bonds with people who are involved in politics, but also form bonds with fellow interns.

“You get to know the other interns well, so that makes it really fun,” she said.

Even with the sacrifices that came along with the job, students appreciated the opportunities and the real world experiences they gained. “[I got] to see the political world from behind the scenes,” Cowherd said.

LITTLE LEAGUERS HIT THE BIG LEAGUE Page 11

LEVITT PAVILION RECEIVES NEW CHANGES Page 17

PHOTO BY CAROLINE O’KANE ’16

Students get involved in local politics

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Inklings

September 19, 2014 | News

NEW AND IMPROVED The new $38.5 million YMCA remodel includes a warm water shallow pool (top left), basketball court (top right), a lap pool (bottom right) and a stone entrance (bottom left).

PHOTOS BY JILLIAN KLEINER ’16

Out with the old YMCA and in with the new

T

Blake Rubin ’16

he new Westport/Weston YMCA officially moved its location from the urban downtown to the peaceful Saugatuck river. Members enjoyed their time at the downtown YMCA while it lasted. However, many were overwhelmed by the busy scene. On Thursday, Aug. 28, the new YMCA facility located at 14 Allen Raymond Lane inaugurated the completion of their new site with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Although not officially opened until further notice, the YMCA has been attracting the Westport and Weston commu-

nity with multiple open houses.

“The new facility has a huge gym that allows people to work out...with a diversity of machines.” Ryan Angerthal ’16, a long time member of the YMCA, said.

This $38.5 million facility includes a 10-lane, 25-yard lap pool, five locker rooms, a larger gym and a wellness center.

“In addition to the lap pool, there is a warm water shallow pool, which consists of basketball hoops, as well as a playscape,” communications director Scott Smith said.

While this facility has many exciting attractions, some sacrifices had to be made in or-

der to compensate for the new features.

Lexi Wetmore ’16, a YMCA gymnast, has been greatly affected by this new transition.

She explains that her team is now forced to haul their equipment to a local Norwalk gym to practice.

However, in early fall of 2014, after all construction stages have been completed, “the Family Y at Mahackeno will comprise 102,000 sq. ft. and is expected to include a Gymnastics Center,” according to the Westport/Weston YMCA website.

In order for the new YMCA to open, a Certificate of

Occupancy needs to be granted.

According to Smith, the downtown location will be the home to the fall activities for just a few weeks.

David Waldman, Vice President of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association and founder of David Adam Realty, has taken on the project of reviving the downtown YMCA building (after the Certificate of Occupancy is granted). He plans on building a beautiful space that will undergo a two year construction period. However, Waldman is unsure what tenants will be moving into the renovated space.

Since the new facility uti-

lizes the camp grounds of Camp Mahackeno (owned by the YMCA), Mahackeno campers were moved to the old downtown space this past summer.

Camp Hafday and Camp Mahackeno were combined while the YMCA was being built.

However, this coming summer, there are high hopes that Camp Mahackeno will return to its normal location, sharing the land with the YMCA. “Mahackeno will have an improved pick up and drop off area as well as refurbished locker rooms,” Smith said.

The Westport and Weston community has exciting openings to look forward to.

3

Inklings

September 19, 2014 | News

Security upgrades cost School Board In Brief

I

Katelyn DeAgro ’17 & Megan Root ’15

n response to the Sandy Hook tragedy, Westport public schools implemented this summer the first half of the Board of Education’s (BOE) $1.4 million plan for school security improvements.

Part of this plan includes automatic interior door locks, which is why any student who leaves for the bathroom can’t get back into the classroom unless someone opens the door for them.

Another change is the bullet-resistant film that now coats all ground-floor windows. The locks and the film combined for a total cost of $700,000, offset by about $260,000 of state reimbursement.

These projects stem from the $100,000 audit conducted last

September by Kroll, a security company. Westport has conducted similar audits in the past and according to BOE Chair Elaine Whitney, it was time for an update anyway. This time, the difference was just in the scale.

“We choose to conduct a much more comprehensive audit with Kroll than we had done in the past due in part to greater general awareness in the wake of Newtown,” Whitney wrote in an email.

Now, the BOE is looking to implement the final piece of physical security improvements: $750,000 of improvements for the schools’ communications system, including an upgrade to the loudspeaker system and enhanced connectivity with law enforcement.

While the Board of Finance (BOF) approved the appropri-

ations for the locks and window film, they recently decided to defer the decision about the communications upgrades until they had more details about the project.

Lasersohn pointed out that the nature of security projects has somewhat restricted public discussion. Because the results of the Kroll audit could expose weaknesses in school security, it has only been reviewed by the BOE, the fire and police departments and some administrators, but not the BOF. Lasersohn appreciates and agrees with the safety concerns, but notes that they limit the BOF’s ability to understand the reasoning behind the expenses.

“Because the BOF hasn’t reviewed the Kroll’s report, we are really relying on the judgment of the Board of Ed, the administration, the police, and the fire

GRAPHIC BY MEGAN ROOT ’15

departments when approving appropriations,” he said.

Westport is not the only town moving forward with school safety projects. In the aftermath of Sandy Hook, many Connecticut schools are tightening security. Bridgeport schools saw upgrades to security cameras, and Danbury placed unarmed “safety officers” in their elementary schools.

Some students doubt the need for this kind of security in Westport.

“The possibility of a crazy guy with a gun in Staples doesn’t feel real,” Sam Cooper ’16 said.

“I’ve always felt safe here.”

Principal John Dodig said that measures like locks and cameras can help, but pointed out that physical security is only part of the battle when it comes to school safety.

“If someone really wants to do harm, they could drive their car through the front door and the film is not going to stop it,” he said. “That’s why, when I talk about this subject, my emphasis is on knowing our kids.”

Whitney agrees with that priority, saying that the BOE is focused “first on prevention, next on deterrence, and then on delaying anyone intending to cause harm...until law enforcement can arrive.”

Dodig believes that the best way to prevent an attack is to recognize an unhappy student and offer to help with the situation early. He said Staples is fortunate to have resources like a full guidance department plus psychologists, social workers, and nurses who can provide that kind of help.

“I believe that...if something horrible was going to happen, [students] would tell somebody,” he said. “Maybe I’m naïve…but I have such a positive feeling about this school and the relationship the adults have with the kids.”

Tenure in CT is up for discussion continued from page 1

soon appealed due to the strong persistence of teacher unions.

This ruling would have made it much harder to “attract and retain quality teachers in our classrooms, and it ignores all research that shows experience is a key factor in effective teaching,” Dennis Van Roekel, the head of the National Education Association, said.

Teachers, like Staples science teacher William Jones, agreed that, in the Connecticut school systems, tenure is no shield from fi ring.

“In rare cases, it can be tough to get rid of an ineffective teacher,” Jones said. “But I think those cases are rare, and very over-represented in the news.”

The Connecticut General Assembly website stated, “Covered teachers fi rst hired after July 1, 1996 attain tenure after working for 40 school months…,” making it one of the longest waiting-periods for tenure in any state in the country.

In fact, Staples principal John Dodig argued that tenure

keeps qualified teachers from being fi red based on bias.

“We’re all biased in some way,” he said. “If there were no tenure laws, and pay scale was becoming too expensive, I could just get rid of you.”

However some students, such as Nora Cowherd ’15 saw tenure as something that gave an unfair disadvantage to newer teachers.

“I don’t agree with this ‘last in, fi rst out’ idea, that regardless of experience, the newest teachers are laid off fi rst,” Cowherd said. “I think that the hardest working and best performing teachers should be allowed to keep their jobs.”

But as said by Jones, “I think some powerful people recognize a huge potential for schools to be monetized.” He went on to explain that without tenure, teachers would not be fi red based upon their competence but based upon their profit.

Although Dodig claimed that the tenure system has always worked for the Staples administration, Malloy’s plan for educational reform is not

for top-performing high schools like Staples, but for underperforming school districts.

According to a Connecticut State Department of Education review of schools for the 20112012 period, 83 schools were listed as not meeting satisfactory criteria, including six magnet schools. In addition, of the 55 schools listed with “Focus Areas” (schools where a specific

“I don’t agree with this ‘last in, first out’ idea.”

-Nora Cowherd ’15

group requires more attention due to struggle), 25 were designated with “Black” focus areas and 17 were designated with “Hispanic” focus areas.

However, even Dodig agreed the statistics have meaning.

“We don’t have an educational problem in America; we have a social problem,” he said. Dodig, who taught in the New Haven school system nearly four decades ago, recounts

days where half of his students wouldn’t show up to class.

“It was a different half everyday. How could you hold me responsible?” he added. “It’s on the administration.”

Nonetheless, both sides have nothing but the students’ best interests in mind.

At the grand opening for the Westport Democratic Headquarters last Wednesday, Governor Malloy told guests of his administration’s continued support for educational improvement in Connecticut’s urban settings. His administration, he says, has built over 2,000 additional early childhood educational facilities in his three-anda-half years of being governor.

“We are on the road to universal access to free kindergarten in places like Bridgeport,” Malloy said to cheers. “These are real improvements.”

Whether it be tenure restriction or government grants, Dodig assures that there is no defi nite answer to how the educational gap can be closed.

“If I had an answer, I would be the richest man in America,” Dodig said.

Common Application Workshop Sept. 23

The Staples’ guidance department is hosting a workshop for seniors on filling out the Common Application. It will be held during all lunch waves in the College & Career Center. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptop. There will be a handout available on the guidance webpage for those who cannot attend.

Homecoming Sept. 27

The Staples Wreckers will be playing at the Staples football field Saturday, at 1:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold in the cafeteria during lunch periods throughout the week before and will also be sold at the game.

Teen Drug and Alcohol Awareness Oct. 1

Ginger Katz, the author of “Sunny’s Story” and founder of the Courage to Speak Foundation will discuss her family’s experience with teen drug abuse. The Courage to Speak Foundation is devoted to teaching young adults to be drug free and getting parents to talk to their children about the danger of drugs. “Sunny’s Story” is a story on drug prevention and is told from the point of view of the family dog, whose owner died from a drug overdoes.

This event will be held at the Westport Public Library on the third floor, in the seminar room from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information about Ginger Katz and her story go to couragetospeak.org or sunnysstory.com.

Fall Choral Concert Oct. 15

There will be the Fall “Parlor” Choral Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Staples High School auditorium.

This will be the first concert of the year and will consist of the Orphenians, Freshman Chorus, Sophomore Chorale and Acapella Choir. The theme for this year’s fall concert is “old and new,” meaning music from before the year 1600 and after the year 2000.

PSAT Exam Oct. 18

The PSAT is only open to Juniors and tickets will be sold in the guidance office during lunch periods starting Sept. 22 through Sept. 29 for $50. Tickets purchased after Sept. 29 are $57. Tickets purchased between Sept. 30 and Oct. 6 are $57.

Tickets purchased after Oct. 6 will be $65. Tickets will not be sold after Oct. 10. For more information contact your guidance counselor.

For continual updates, check www.inklingsnews.com

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Inklings

T

Talia Hendel ’16

he messaging feature will no longer be an option on the Facebook app, but will instead only be available as a separate app called Facebook Messenger. While this stand-alone app has existed in the past, Facebook is now forcing users to download it if they want to be able to contact their Facebook friends through Facebook messaging.

Facebook has sent out emails to users regarding the change, and has also released this statement: “In the next few days, we’re continuing to notify more people that if they want to send and receive Facebook messages, they’ll need to download the Messenger app.”

The statement continued: “As we’ve said, our goal is to focus development efforts on making Messenger the best mobile messaging experience possible and avoid the confusion of having separate Facebook mobile messaging experiences. Messenger is used by more than 200 million people every month, and we’ll keep working to make it an even more engaging way to connect with people.”

Morgan McWhirter ’17 said she would download the app because it is more efficient than going on the computer, but says that she will use caution due to the extensive permissions of the app.

The app’s permissions include many things that seem to be unrelated to messaging, such as editing text messages, testing access to protected storage, modifying or deleting the contents of your USB storage taking pictures and videos, recording audio, downloading files without notification and more.

This has caused some concern among students.

“I was confused and frustrated because isn’t it illegal to be reaching into people’s private lives?” Logan Murphy ’15 said. She added that after hearing about this, she immediately deleted the app.

The Facebook app’s disclaimer was written by Google and it’s the way all Android’s handle camera access.

Though it is possible for Facebook to record video and audio without you knowing, a Facebook spokesperson said it won’t happen, according to an article in Businessinsider.com.

“Although I don’t think any of this has ever happened through my app, knowing that it could is definitely scary,” Abby Lustig ’15 said. “It’s frustrating that they go so far with infringing our privacy, and I don’t understand why some of the things that are in the terms and conditions (like taking pictures and videos and sending, receiving, and reading texts) are reasonable or necessary for the company to include.”

Many apps that have various permissions associated with them ask the user to check a box that says, “I accept the terms and conditions,” while this app does not. While the permissions are listed when users go to download it, they are not very easy to find, as they are located on the bottom of the page on the app store under a tab labeled “Permissions” where one has to click “View Permissions” in order to see the list.

“After learning [about the permissions] I feel violated. I’ll definitely keep the app because I use it often and it is very helpful. But knowing these details I’ll definitely use it with caution and maybe use alternatives like texting instead of Facebook messaging,” Emma Fasciolo ’16 said.

The removal of the messaging feature on the main Facebook app has not occurred yet, but is set to do so in the near future. If users choose not to download the separate Facebook Messenger app, then they will have no way of messaging through Facebook.

World Briefs Bailey Ethier ’15

Isis

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was originally founded by members of al Qaeda in 2006, but al Qaeda renounced ties to ISIS in February after constant fighting between leaders.

Since then, the terror group has risen to power, according to CNN. ISIS posted videos onto YouTube in which they beheaded James Foley and Steven Sotloff, American journalists who were captured, as well as British aid worker David Haines, also according to CNN. In an interview with The New Yorker, President Barack Obama likened ISIS to a “jayvee” basketball team. Between then and now, ISIS has killed almost 2,000 Iraqis in June alone, and now has two billion dollars in assets and cash according to The Huffi ngton Post.

Back on Aug. 14, a pro-ISIS Twitter handle tweeted a picture of an ISIS flag in front of the White House saying, “#AmessagefromISIStoUS We are in your state We are in your Cities We are in your streets You are our goals anywhere.”

However, there are some doubts as to the authenticity of the picture, according to ABC News.

On Aug. 28 at a press conference, Obama admitted that, “We don’t have a strategy [to deal with ISIS] yet,” according to The Washington Times. And a few days after those remarks, King Abdullah ibn Abdilazīz of Saudi Arabia warned that ISIS could reach American land in two months if “neglected,” according to The New York Daily News.

This past week Obama announced a plan that centers around increasing support for Syrian rebels fighting against President Bashar al-Assad and the usage of air strikes in Syria to combat ISIS, according to CNN.

Staple s

Smart phone apps’ security questioned

September 19, 2014 | News

Scho h g ol i H

Ferguson After robbing a convenience store, unarmed black teen Michael Brown was shot dead in Ferguson, Missouri. on Aug. 9 by a white police officer, Darren Wilson, according to USA Today.

Wilson responded to the call regarding the robbery and reportedly shot Brown at least six times according to The New York Times.

In the days after the shooting, protests erupted in Ferguson, as stores were looted and stores and cars were vandalized, causing police to use tear gas and rubber bullets, according to USA Today.

The National Guard was deployed and NBC News reported that almost 80 protesters were arrested in one night alone.

Attorney General Eric Holder launched a US Justice Department investigation into Brown’s death, according to CNN. If Wilson is charged, the Brown family’s case may hit a serious snag. Lead witness Dorian Johnson has already had his credibility diminished as he claimed that Brown was shot in the back, something a federal autopsy found to be untrue.

Ebola

As of Sept. 4, almost 2,000 people in Western Africa have died of Ebola, a disease with a fatality rate of 90 percent, according to The World Health Organization (WHO). The current Ebola outbreak has infected 3,500 people, among several Americans. Medical missionaries Nancy Writebol and Kent Brantly were flown from Liberia to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, and were released upon recovery, while aid worker Rick Sacra is reportedly steadily improving at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha according to NBC. As of print time, the US Agency for International Development had given $100 million to fight the disease according to BBC.

Inklinations On the World Jenna McNicholas ’15

“

“It’s really scary to think about the huge risks journalists take when they travel.”

”

-Avery Mendillo ’18

“

“What’s happening in Ferguson is terrible. The shooting in the first place is a tragic event, but the way that the police are treating the citizens in Ferguson is just a concerning showing of U.S. law enforcement. People’s constitutional rights are being taken away, which is something that is not being addressed.”

-Amelia Heisler ’15

“

“A close friend of mine is from Nigeria, and he’s really upset about everything going on there. It’s devastating.”

”

-Leo Andruik ’15

”

September 19, 2014 | News

5

Inklings

Hot drink ban debated and explained

SC HO RR ’16

A

fter selling caffeinated drinks to students against state regulations for years, Staples was forced to cease sales of all caffeinated drinks, including coffee, hot chocolate and tea, to students beginning in the 2014-2015 school year.

State regulations allow for three specific groupings of beverages in school cafeterias: milk, water and 100 percent juices.

Caffeinated beverages, like those previously sold at Staples, are not on the list.

“The state directed me to stop serving coffee and hot chocolate despite the fact that I argued that our Staples students are young adults who have the capability to make their own decisions about whether or not to drink coffee and hot chocolate,” Superintendent Elliott Landon said in an email interview.

Federal funding for the free school lunch program at Staples would have been revoked had

Staples continued to disregard state mandates.

Until this year, Staples knowingly defied the state’s standards by selling caffeinated hot drinks.

Accord i ng to Principal John Dodig, when the state was auditing the Staples school lunch program and examining a specific student on the free lunch program, the auditors came across a purchase of coffee, which, they reminded the school system, violates state mandates.

This resulted in the removal of all caffeinated beverages from the school cafeteria, commencing at the beginning of the 2014-

GR AP HI C BY JU LIA

Zoe Brown ’15 & Cadence Neenan ’15

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15 AND SOPHIA HAMPTON ’15

The maximum amount of daily caffeine the FDA recommends

2015 school year.

“We got caught, so we had to comply,” Dodig said.

Dodig has actively fought against the state’s rules by writing letters to the governor and speaking out in front of former Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor. Landon encourages everyone to speak up.

“I believe that parents, students, teachers and administrators should call, write, text, tweet and email all of our elected representatives to have this statute changed to permit coffee and hot choco-

late to be served to high school students to protect their safety and well-being,” Landon said.

Self-titled coffee addict Jennie Blumenfeld ’15, however, doesn’t plan on speaking out.

“I would rather spend the energy on college and school work,” Blumenfeld said, adding “And it won’t work.”

Like Landon, other teachers and administration see the negative effects that this ban may have on students.

Culinary teacher Cecily Gans worries that the state’s rules show distrust in students’ decision making.

“We want to treat you guys like adults in making your own decisions,” Gans said. “And that’s where I find error.”

Landon is concerned that essentially forcing students to buy caffeinated drinks at venues like Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts and then rush to school could lead to motor vehicle accidents and needless injuries.

“I think this is a ridiculous situation and has the potential to adversely affect many of our students,” Landon said.

Caffeine the bean

The percent of Americans who prefer coffee with cream and sugar

200 mg 65% 1.7 billion cups of coffee are consumed everyday worldwide

49%

The percent of Americans who drink coffee

Americans age 13-17 drink 75 mg of caffeine a day

6

Inklings

September 19, 2014 | News

Trigger warning controversy reaches Staples Margeaux MacColl ’16

O

n the fi rst day of school, most classes are filled with breezy conversations centered on syllabi and introductions. Students can release the summer air from their lungs while getting readjusted to 6 a.m. mornings with light lectures on various homework policies.

But as English teacher Kim Herzog stepped to the front of her AP Literature class, she didn’t give another speech about the grading system. She gave a warning.

She warned students that the class would be covering sensitive material. For example, that day, they were discussing a rape scene in a book.

A student, whose curiosity must have outweighed their fi rst-day jitters, asked, “Is this our trigger warning?”

Herzog had never heard of the term before.

“I guess so,” she said with a laugh.

Herzog is not alone in being unfamiliar with the phrase. Until recently, trigger warnings only

existed in the realm of blogs and online forums.

Back in May, however, the phenomenon of trigger warnings spread throughout college campuses.

According to The New York Times, George Washington University, University of Michigan and Rutgers University are some of the few that found their students petitioning to add trigger warnings to the syllabus. Successful course changes were even implemented by the administration in Oberlin College and University of California, Santa Barbara.

A trigger warning is essentially a warning about any sensitive content that may emotionally affect a student. These often include scenes with violence, rape and drug use. This can potentially “trigger” strong and negative reactions in students, most prominently, in students who have had past experiences with the issues.

The Oberlin College policy towards trigger warnings said, “Realize that all forms of violence are traumatic, and that your students have lives before

and outside your classroom, experiences you may not expect or understand.”

As trigger warnings increase in popularity throughout colleges, the conversation is slowly shifting towards high schools as well.

Griffi n Haymes ’16, agreeing with the Oberlin College policy, said that trigger warnings are beneficial at the high school level since “you don’t necessarily know if there are people who have been victims in your class.”

Some students have even had experiences where a trigger warning would have been helpful.

Julie Bilotti ’18 remembers a time last year when her teacher assigned some students to read “The Burn Journals” by Brent Runyon and gave no warning to students about it being violent.

The plot of the book revolves around the main character dousing himself in gasoline and lighting himself on fi re. Bilotti said that students “actually ended up switching because they found it so disturbing.”

Sophie Betar ’18 agreed, saying when someone gives you

a trigger warning, it makes sure that “you’re prepared to read something inappropriate.”

However, trigger warnings are not without controversy. In fact, when Oberlin College implemented a requirement for trigger warnings in their curriculum, the policy was met with uproar from both the student body and teachers alike. Many claimed that the warnings impeded on freedom of speech, and, as a result, the policy was taken down by April.

Several Staples teachers, while understanding the argument for trigger warnings, agreed that the concept can be flawed.

“You don’t want to ruin the book for the students,” English teacher Brendan Giolitto said.

“A lot of shocking things are the point of the book.”

Herzog agreed that trigger warnings can sometimes harm students’ reading of the novel.

She pointed out that “it can be important for the students to see how the story unfolds.”

David Raice ’16 agrees with Herzog, feeling that sometimes a warning of what is to come can

be detrimental to the impact of the the event.

“I want to be surprised when the thing happens,” he said.

Staples currently does not have a policy for trigger warnings implemented, so it is up to the personal policy of the teachers.

Herzog prefers to warn students with an “overarching statement,” as opposed to giving away specific events in the book.

Giolitto and Herzog both said that they encourage any students who feel uncomfortable to talk to them about potential alternative assignments.

As trigger warnings grow more popular and more controversial, the debate continues to develop.

Teachers grapple with how much they need to protect students, and students struggle with how much they want to be protected.

Carolynn Van Arsdale ’16, a student personally against trigger warnings, said, “In the real world no one’s going to prepare you for those uncomfortable situations. It’s important to experience things like that in class.”

School start time changes prompt discussion Kacey Hertan ’16 If you’ve never given in to the temptation of catching a few minutes of rest in the back of a dim classroom fi rst period, you probably drink too much caffeine. According to the Center for Advancing Health, only 8 percent of high schoolers get enough sleep on the average school night.

The new 15 minute later start times for Coleytown Middle School and Greens Farms Elementary School, and the 15 minute earlier start times for Coleytown and Saugatuck Elementary Schools have Staples students debating the optimal start time for Staples.

The Board of Education’s decision to change the start times, including purchasing four new buses to do so, was made to improve reliability of transportation and give all schools access to before and after school programs. “[The change in start times] resolved the lack of parity across the elementary and middle schools in terms of access to before school programs, before school extra help and after school activities,” Board of Ed member Elaine Whitney said.

However, the new start times sparked an entirely different debate about students’ sleep at Staples.

“For some families the additional 15 minutes makes getting out the door a little easier,” Coleytown Middle School Principal Kris Szabo observed of the new start time at CMS. Many Staples students would like this same privilege.

“We go to bed so late because of homework that I think we could all use the extra sleep time,” Julia Kaplowitz ’16 said.

Some students who agree with Kaplowitz do not think the change needs to be drastic.

“I believe that even starting fifteen minutes to half an hour later would make a difference for a lot of people at Staples,” Adele Carter ’16 said.

However, many students see the disadvantages of a later start time. If school were to start later it would also end later. That means, for some students, a later start time wouldn’t provide more sleep, it would just move their schedules later.

“I don’t think that school should start any later than 7:30 because that would lead to school running later into the afternoon, leaving less time for sports, homework or other extra curricular activities,” Rachel Yules ’16 said.

“I would rather start early than get home later and have to stay up even later doing homework,” Jojo Adler ’16 said.

It seems that Staples stu-

dents are not the only ones debating this topic.

A recent New York Times article, “How Students Can Get More Sleep,” argues that teenagers cannot fall asleep early and, therefore, should not start school

INFOGRAPHIC BY JULIA SCHORR ’16

before 8:30 a.m. “Due to the delayed release of melatonin in the adolescent brain and a lack of ‘sleep drive’ in response to fatigue, teens do not feel sleepy until much later at night than young children or adults and

have difficulty falling asleep, even when they are tired,” New York Times reporter Anna North wrote.

According to North, a change in start time is necessary for high schools like Staples.

September 19, 2014

Opinions

7

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

Warning against trigger warnings

R

emember when you were a little kid, and you weren’t allowed to stay up late and watch the news? It was probably because your parents wanted to shelter you from hearing about all the bad happenings in the world – like murder, rape and robbery.

Inklings EDITORIAL

Something similar is happening in schools, mostly colleges, all across the country. Students are receiving trigger warnings before reading graphic or potentially upsetting material in novels.

A trigger warning is a warning given by a teacher

Inklings

to students regarding sensitive material in a book, from anti-semitism to death to racism to rape, that may “trigger” a student’s past negative emotional experience. Although there is no rule for or against trigger warnings at Staples, some teachers have begun integrating them into their lessons.

However as high schoolers, we’re about to enter a world that unfortunately does contain murder, rape and robbery.

And in some books, these topics are a vital focal point of the story.

If you’re about to read “To Kill a Mockingbird” in your English class, your teacher may warn you about the book’s impending description of murder.

Sorry if we just ruined

“To Kill a Mockingbird” for you, but that’s our point.

Trigger warnings detract from the effect a book may have on its readers.

We learn that in each book we read, each word, paragraph and sentence is chosen for a reason. If authors intended for us to be warned about the content of their book, they would have warned us themselves.

The shock of reading all the details of a character’s death isn’t necessarily comfortable, but that could be because the author wants us to feel uncomfortable.

Yet, it’s also not difficult to see where proponents for trigger warnings are coming from.

In schools, teachers are supposed to act in loco parentis, or “in the place of a

parent.” They do whatever they can to protect us. And we know that.

They want to make sure we can handle the content of the text they’re teaching us.

There are students at Staples who have trudged through immense, unimaginable hardships. And there are undoubtedly scenes in books that may mirror these students’ experiences and cause them to become upset.

Of course, we must be sensitive to that.

So how about a general, overarching warning or discussion one time during the year – a warning that simply cautions that, at some point throughout the year, the class may be exposed to some sensitive material.

Teachers should tell students that if they think they

may not be able to handle the content of any book at any point in the year, they should speak up.

They should talk to someone like their guidance counselor, the school counselor or their teacher.

High school prepares students for the real world by generating independent, self-sufficient young adults.

Part of that process is making students speak for themselves when need be.

So let’s foster an understanding, empathetic environment.

But let’s not damage a student’s developing independence and maturity.

And let’s keep intact the jaw-dropping, heart-racing, tear-jerking impact that some literary masterpieces can have on us.

Editors-in-Chief Zoe Brown Bailey Ethier

News Editors Greta Bjornson Sophia Hampton Deanna Hartog Megan Root

Web News Editors Kaila Finn Daniela Karpenos

Advisers Mary Elizabeth Fulco Rebecca Marsick Cody Thomas

Silver Crown Award for Inklingsnews.com from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2013

Managing Editors Alexandra Benjamin Caroline Cohen

Silver Crown Award for Newspaper Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2013

Web Managing Editors Nicole DeBlasi Cadence Neenan

Pacemaker from National Scholastic Press Association 2013

Breaking News Managing Editors Andrea Frost Taylor Harrington

All the opinions, news and features in this paper are those of Staples High School students. Inklings, a curricular and extracurricular publication, has a circulation of 1,800 and is uncensored. All letters to the editor must be signed. The editorial board reserves the right not to publish letters and to edit all submissions as it sees fit. The editorial board determines all editorial opinions, which are authored faithfully by the Editors-in-Chief. Inklings reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health. The paper is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center.

Directors of Social Media Mat Jacowleff Larissa Lieberson Associate Managing Editors Gabrielle Feinsmith Claire Lewin Photo Coordinator Justine Seligson Creative Directors Claudia Landowne Katie Settos

Opinions Editors Emma Berry Quinn Hughes Emma Lederer Izzy Ullmann Features Editors Claudia Chen Jackie Cope Jane Levy Margaux MacColl A&E Editors Jessica Gross Sarah Sommer Renee Weisz Emily Wolfe Sports Editors Claire Dinshaw Dylan Donahue Adam Kaplan Fritz Schemel

Web Opinions Editors Julie Bender Michael Mathis Web Features Editors Rachel Treisman Jane Schutte Web A&E Editors Zach McCarthy Blake Rubin Web Sports Editors Talia Hendel Jimmy Ray Stagg Business Manager Kacey Hertan Assistant Business Managers Chase Gornbein Jacquelyn Sussman Web Multimedia Editor Adam Kaufman Graphics Editor Olivia Crosby

70 North Ave. Westport, CT 06880 Phone: (203) 341–1994 Inklingsweb@gmail.com Decisions of Inklings and Westport Public Schools are made without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

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Inklings

James Foley provokes reaction from student journalists

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Megan Root ’15

n Thanksgiving day two years ago, I got together with my family to eat turkey and watch football. For my family, it was a pretty normal holiday.

But that was also the day James Foley was kidnapped.

For two years he disappeared completely, and then on Aug. 19, a terrorist group released a gruesome video showing his beheading.

His death sparked lots of weighty conversations about ransom payments, journalist safety, British jihadists, and American military strategy.

That’s what happened after he died. But his life was not about those big-picture ideas.

He spent his last ten years fi nding the people who live behind the headlines.

He found the 13-year-old Syrian boy who was injured by a bomb explosion while buying bread.

He found the 19-year-old American soldier who almost died fighting in Afghanistan when a sniper shot hit him in the helmet.

He found the 38-year-old Libyan man who witnessed the massacre of 1,200 political prisoners.

Journalists are supposed to fi nd and report the truth.

Foley did that not by writing down the facts of invasions and battles, but by recording the human truth: the stories of everyday people trying to live through the chaos we see on the front pages.

By bringing us these detailed portraits, he turned the chaos into something we could understand and empathize with.

It’s one thing to read about the Syrian civil war. It’s another to watch Foley’s video of rebels carrying their wounded on dirty mattresses to a makeshift hospital.

Foley walked along frontlines, braved gunfi re, and weathered air raids in his mission to expose us to that reality.

When he was in Libya, he saw another journalist die, got captured and was imprisoned for 44 days. He made it home, and then got back on a plane to fi nish covering the story.

Eventually, his mission got him killed.

For this, I think we at least owe him our attention. Read some of his stories. Watch some of his videos.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that when the news talks about rebels fighting in civil wars and refugees fleeing bombs, every one of those people is an individual human not all that different from ourselves.

James Foley never forgot.

He once told a group of students why he felt the need to keep going back into danger.

“It’s not enough to see it from a distance.”

September 19, 2014 | Opinions

Students steam over state’s java ban Jennifer Lupoff ’15

Ah coffee, glorious coffee.

For the past three years you’ve come to my rescue. You see, as a caffeine lover, I have grown to rely tremendously on you.

You picked me up in the morning, right after downing cup number one, and at lunch, you

gave me the strength I needed to survive the remainder of the long day ahead.

You even provided me warmth in a school where it seems to feel like winter all year long. You were always there for me.

RIP my friend. Since coffee can no longer be sold in Con-

necticut public schools, long are the days when I can easily purchase a simple cup of joe in the Staples High School cafeteria.

So I can’t say I’ve been handling it too well, and I’m sure all you other coffee lovers out there are experiencing an overwhelming sense of deprivation.

So why turn the students of

GRAPHIC BY NOELLE ADLER ’15

Staples High School into sluggish, caffeine deprived zombies?

Who could do such a thing?

Well, according to the State Department of Education (SDE), “Section 10-221q of the Connecticut General Statutes prohibits the sale of any caffeinated beverage to students in public schools. Caffeinated[ as well as non- caffeinated] beverages such as tea and coffee cannot be sold to students in any grade levels in public schools.”

Yet Connecticut’s policy is stricter than the United States Department of Agriculture’s guidelines, which notes that in high schools, “Food and beverages may contain caffeine.”

But if the motive behind this new law is to improve the health of Connecticut’s students, the SDE should have let us keep our coffee.

According to NPR, a daily dose of tea or coffee can help reduce the risk of stroke, as well as Type 2 diabetes. The same certainly cannot be said about fatty foods such as chips and french fries.

Now, isn’t it a bit strange that beverages with actual health benefits have been banned, yet plenty of junk food remains, sold to us in towering stacks ?

Whether it’s a health issue or not, for the sake of my first and last period teachers who are forced to watch my eyes droop to a close, please bring back our coffee.

Sophomores struggle to prepare for new SAT Jackie Sussman ’17 Easier vocab? Easier math?

An optional instead of required essay? At first glance, these new changes in the notorious Scholastic Aptitude Test, a.k.a. the SAT, may seem beneficial to new participants. And being the first to take the new test, the Class of 2017 should, theoretically, be overjoyed with their luck.

Yes, and theoretically, Marx’s version of communism works.

People should stop living in the theoretical world and start facing the facts: these new, supposedly “advantageous” changes disadvantage pretty much everyone who decides to take it in March 2016.

Problem #1: Imagine studying for two weeks for an ecology exam. Then, three days before the big test, the teacher suddenly decides to change the material covered in the test. That’s pretty much how most of the current sophomores feel right now with the new

to sufficient practice materials as did classes before them. The unknown when applying for colleges should be whether you get accepted to your dream school, not the format of the test you need to take to apply.

Problem #3: The sophomores really won the lottery: they get to take the new SAT and PSATs all in the same year they take the new Smarter Balance test! Perhaps they should call the sophomore class “the class of no expectations” considering they have no idea what to expect on every standardized test they are likely to take.

College Board has recently categorized the changes into the following: “command of evidence”, “relevant words in context”, an optional “essay analyzing a source”, R ’16 SCHOR IA L “math U J IC BY GRAPH that matters most”, “problems grounded in real-world context”, or both. Yet, “analysis in science and history/ how can sophomores make social studies”, and “founding this decision if they don’t know documents and global converwhat the new SATs will be like sation.” until they are juniors? In effect, Math that matters most. the sophomores are the guin- That’s quite a mouthful. Do ea-pigs who will not have access you think in the essay-analyzSATs. Anyone who had already started studying for the old SATs may have completely wasted their time.

Problem #2: Sophomore year is the optimal time to decide whether to take the SATs, ACTs,

ing-a-source section, they will ask what rhetorical device the category ‘math matters most’ employs? I know-- alliteration.

But getting to the substance of that category, I guess the only math they are going to be testing

The unknown when applying for colleges should be whether you get accepted to your dream school, not the format of the test you need to take to apply. us on is how to calculate taxes, if that’s what “matters most.”

But really, I think the question we should all be asking is “how in the world do you test one’s knowledge of global conversation?”

Is the College Board really trying to altruistically help the Sophomore Class, or are these changes a reaction to the ACT becoming more popular than the SAT? The reasons given for changing the SATs are as tricky to understand as some of the old SAT questions themselves.

Jonathan Demeter ’17 sums it up: “The grade is definitely not excited.”

September 19, 2014 | Opinions

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Inklings

Spirit week schedule conflicts with Rosh Hashanah Andrea Frost ’15

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schedule and conflicting dates, basing the decision on when the greatest number of students can attend.

Ultimately, the way spirit week falls out is not a factor in

the equation.

So, on Sept. 26, when the rest of the school proudly flaunts blue and white, I will face a decision. Will I put on my boa and put away the prayer book? Or will I

hear the shofar and stash my senior girl shirt?

My biggest problem with this whole conflict: this is a decision I simply shouldn’t have to make.

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

y whole high school career has culminated in this year: being a senior girl. I live for the pink boas, the whistles, the t-shirts and the chanting of “senior girls” through the hallway.

Let me give you some background on myself: I have been going to sleepaway camp for the past nine summers, where spirit comes first, and breathing comes second.

Naturally, by now, the pep and zest are engraved inside me.

Spirit is my way of life. I have buckets of crazy costumes, hats, necklaces, you name it, because come on, you never know when you’re going to need a cowgirl hat.

After learning this, you can probably understand my disappointment as a senior girl when I found out that spirit week this year was only four days long: a day shorter due to the first day of Rosh Hashanah falling on the Thursday before Homecoming.

However, my frustration doesn’t end there.

I became even more annoyed when I found out I might have to miss my final chance to

deck out in blue and white for school and cheer “senior girls” at the pep rally.

I observe the second day of Rosh Hashanah, which is the Friday before Homecoming.

Since kindergarten, I have missed a day of school in September or October to celebrate the second day of the Jewish New Year; a day the Westport Public School System does not give off, despite Rosh Hashanah being one of the most important Jewish holidays.

While everyone loved missing a day of elementary school, I think we can all agree that missing one day of high school is no easy feat.

However, in previous years, I have dealt with the extra assignments and tests I have had to make up because observing the holiday is very important to my family.

This year I am not sure if I can deal; I can’t just come to school the next Monday, wearing my senior girl shirt and boa, and “make up” the spirit day and pep rally with all the other students affected by this scheduling.

The administration said that they chose the date of homecoming based on the football game

Inklings Letters to the Editor Policy GRAPHIC BY KEANAN PUCCI ’16

Designated senior section displays inexplicable vacancy Jenna McNicholas ’15 As students round the corner to the cafeteria, the pace of their walks turn from casual and cool to intentionally brisk.

Light-hearted smiles fade into gritted teeth and intently furrowed eyebrows.

Not wanting to risk missing out on one of the eight seats at a round table, elbows are thrown, shoes are flat-tired and the cafeteria begins to vaguely resemble the cornucopia from “The Hunger Games.” You might find yourself developing a black eye the next morning.

It’s every man for himself.

Many blame this competitive culture on the seniors who don’t sit in the so-called senior section, which consists of the rectangular tables towards the back of the cafeteria. This,in turn, leaves fewer tables for the juniors, sophomores and freshmen to sit at.

Most seniors do end up moving to the rectangular section, though, saying a bittersweet goodbye to the circular tables that have given them fond memories of sharing and fighting over seats. But a select few, myself included, choose not to graduate to the other (dark) side of the cafeteria.

It might be annoying, it could be deemed as selfish, but it’s just the way things have consistently worked out for some seniors every year.

Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t a decision made to be a nuisance or to exert the power seniors have of controlling the cafeteria seating chart--well maybe a little bit. There is good reason behind this seemingly annoying trend that a few groups of seniors always seem to catch on to.

First off, in this digital age where you can have pizza delivered, shows recorded and pic-

tures taken from the click of a button on a smartphone, laziness is becoming a very favorable way of life. I’d be lying if I said that the shorter walk to the panini line had nothing to do with the reason some seniors elect not to sit in the “senior” section.

I mean, literally, the round tables in the front row (where we sit) are about two feet away from the entrance of the cafeteria. It cannot get more convenient than that.

Trust me when I say that after years of being an underclassmen and getting glared at for not sitting at the right table, and having permanent knee damage from kneeling on the floor because you didn’t get a seat, you will always choose the convenient option when it is your time as the top-dog at school.

Or, you might just choose to not because it’s easier but because, well, you can.

We want your mail! Send us an email at inklingsnews@gmail.com or drop off a letter in room 2033.

1. 300-word limit.

2. Only one letter per writer.

3. All letters must include the

writer’s name, address, and phone number. Only the writer’s name will be published.

4. All letters will be verified by

the news staff prior to publication.

If the news staff is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until contact is made.

5. Letters containing libelous

statements or those intended as advertising will not be published.

6. Inklings reserves the right to

edit or reject any letters to the editor.

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Inklings

September 19, 2014 | Opinions

Lone senior stranded in AP Language class

PHOTO BY QUINN HUGHES ’16

Larissa Lieberson ’15

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n the first day of school, 23 puzzled faces turned to look at me when I stepped into AP English Language, blowing my neon green whistle and wearing a pink boa.

They weren’t confused because of my strange wardrobe choice (I was dressed the same

as every single senior girl: tiara on my head, senior girls shirt, sparkly eyeshadow–the usual), but rather by the fact that I was in their class.

That’s because this is the first year that juniors and seniors can choose between either AP English Language or AP English Literature as their AP English class. Since my peers only had

the option to take AP English Language during junior year, they are all taken with the class.

However, due to a busy schedule last year, I didn’t have the chance to take it, but my love for writing drove me to take it this year.

But I am a lone senior.

The only person in my class who is actually allowed to park

at school, the only person in my class who doesn’t have to take gym, the only person in my class who will know where I’m going to college in the next few months.

While all the juniors are staring at me, I’m looking at them.

They literally look like they just saw a ghost when they hear about all the work in store for them.

I can’t blame them. I’m not

Succeed from sundown to sundown Molly Liebergall ’17

With countless pizza, sushi, and frozen yogurt restaurants scattered all over town, it seems to be Westport’s job to prevent fasting. So from sundown to sundown, on October 3 to October 4, the Jewish community observing Yom Kippur will be waging a war against cravings.

The rules for fasting on the holiest day of the Jewish year go as follows: No eating.

No drinking.

The purpose is to reflect and repent, so if you can’t make it the full 24 hours, don’t worry about it, because it’s the effort

that counts. But, for all of you who are determined to make it from sundown to sundown, there are a few pointers crucial to your success.

The first and maybe most important tip: Do. Not. Check.

Instagram. No matter what.

News feeds nowadays are half #food pictures, and half #starbucks pictures, both of which will tempt you to eat that leftover Angelina’s pizza straight out of the fridge before you have time to listen to your conscience.

The second is: fasting is a mental skill, so losing sight of your goal for even a second will send you sprinting (or probably speed walking; fasting tends to

much of an athlete, but when I think back to junior year, I think it must be like competing in the Olympics; one slip and you’re out. I wish they knew that stressing out will just make it worse. If they keep their cool they will do just fine.

Meanwhile, I slouch back in my seat, knowing that the worst is already over for me.

GRAPHIC BY EMMA BERRY ’15 AND QUINN HUGHES ’16

drain energy) to the kitchen.

Keeping your mind off of the fact that you are fasting prevents you from remembering that you are, in fact, hungry.

This can translate to different things for different people. For some, it could mean getting ahead on homework; for others, it could mean getting lost in a good book; but for most people, including myself, it means being on Netflix and praying your WiFi doesn’t crash.

Finally, throughout the 24 hours, remain optimistic. Remember the important reasons you are fasting and stay strong.

You’ll be eating Five Guys before you know it.

Early asking for counties generates anxiety months in advance

GRAPHIC BY SALLY PARK ’15

Julia Greenspan ’16 It all started in the first week of August, when I was frantically asked multiple times, “Julia, who are you taking to Counties?” In the midst of summer I had bigger things to worry about.

I had problems like if I should wear sunscreen at the beach or if it would be acceptable to have ice cream three times in one day.

However, the juniors of the past laid the foundation for us girls to reserve dates five months in advance. Now, I know I haven’t been through the Counties process, but I do know one thing’s for sure: this isn’t the way it always was.

There used to be surprise when it came to asking a date.

That spirit of spontaneity is now lost with that one text that reads, “Hey, let’s go to Counties together,” followed months later by an anticipated bland poster that says, “(Insert Name Here), Counties?”

Back in the day, there wasn’t a lull of time for the relationship between the girl and her escort to become rocky or non-existent.

Couples today, however, disregard the risk of complete relationship turmoil. Within a five month span, a significant other could easily become an ex through a break-up shortly followed by a, “but we’re still going to Counties, right?” text with smiling and thumbs-up emojis to alleviate the awkwardness.

Eventually, I learned to accept that this is the way dances work these days, so I conformed and chose a date.

You could call me a hypocrite but I’ve just come to terms with the way we girls now make Counties an almost-half-year ordeal.

In the long run, this person you reserved months ago will only be as significant as the countless photo albums that will be cursorily scrolled over in Facebook feeds the next day.

Features

September 19, 2014

Placement of bilingual students in AP world language courses provokes controversy

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Katie Settos ’15

fter only three classes of AP Spanish language and culture, Camille Shuken ’15, who once identified as bilingual, dropped the course.

Approximating that two-thirds of her class seemed entirely bilingual, Shuken was immediately deterred. “It was pretty difficult to participate on a conversational level because I’m not fully bilingual anymore,” Shuken said. “It seemed like an AP English class, but in Spanish.”

According to the College Board, there is only one grading scale for AP World Language exams. Much to the surprise of students entering accelerated language courses, non-native speakers and native speakers are assessed as equals on the exam, and the same rules apply to the classroom.

Like Shuken, Shelby Cataldo ’15 was caught off guard when she was partnered with a bilingual student on her first day of AP Spa n ish Language and Culture.

“I was a l ready nervous to be in this class,” Cataldo said. “And that just made me that much more uneasy. I really don’t want to sound stupid next to the native speakers.”

Non-fluent speakers who are tackling AP World Language classes admit they find the added pressure of working with students who have already mastered the language to be intimidating and stressful at times.

However, most students agree they do not take the disparities in levels of experience among students too seriously, as they seek to avoid an underlying sense of competition.

“Being in the classroom should not be a competition or a dogfight,” AP Spanish Language and Culture student Oliver Hickson ’15 said.

French teacher Natalie Clay said she understands why non-fluent speakers may

be apprehensive about a mixed learning environment. Nonetheless, she is thrilled to work with bilingual students as she believes they are strong assets to her classes.

“Students may think, ‘I can never reach that level,’ but then they realize they can learn a lot from [bilingual] kids,” Clay said, “not only from a linguistic point of view but also from a cultural point of view.”

Avery Wallace ’15 is one of the students to have already come to share Clay’s realization. Wallace finds collaborating with bilingual classmates to be incredibly helpful as they “create good conversation and help [her] to hear what things are sup-

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exceptions in French grammar. Some of these rules take a lot of practice to register,” Fuld said. “I decided to improve my learning and at the same time boost my GPA.” While Spanish native Belén Videla ’15 did not need to improve her language skills, she still chose to enroll in AP Spanish Literature and Culture, acknowledging her advantage in the course. Despite the fact that she considers the class “just a regular literature class” for herself, Videla feels that it is fair for her to be graded on the same scale as her non-fluent classmates.

“Of course it is easier for me,” Videla said. “But all of my other classes are in a second language for me

“ALL OF MY OTHER CLASSES ARE IN A SECOND LANGUAGE FOR ME AND [I’M] E Q U A L LY G R A D E D [AGAINST OTHER STUDENTS].”

and [I’m] g r a d e d equally [a g a i n s t other students].”

Though some non-fluent students say they find it frustrating that fluent speakers often succeed with ease, teachers and other students agree that a curve would not be fair, given that overcoming challenges to reach success is an expectation in any AP course.

“Just because you’re a native speaker doesn’t guarantee you a five on the AP Exam,” Clay said. “I would feel uncomfortable treating students differently based on their abilities.”

Rather than concentrating on the skill levels and grades of other students, students like Cataldo feel it is far more important to concentrate on honing one’s individual abilities.

“No one is asking if someone who is irregularly good at math should be graded differently because they’re more experienced or gifted than their classmates,” Cataldo said. “I think we need to look at it as something individual, something that is very much not about how other people do, but about how we do.”

– Belén Videla ’15

posed to sound like.”

Although students express a generally positive outlook towards the blend of fluent and non-fluent students, some say they question the ethics of native speakers choosing to pursue a language course to boost their GPA. However, many bilingual students claim they have legitimate motivations for taking the class aside from their grades.

Leah Fuld ’16, an AP French Language and Culture student, debated between taking AP French and AP Spanish, two languages in which she is fluent. However, she ultimately decided upon French because she can speak, read and write Spanish fluently, but can only speak French.

“There’s many complicated rules and

Little Leaguers hit the big league Caroline O’Kane ’16 It was a brisk summer night in Bristol, Connecticut as the Little Leaguers were playing with all their cards on the table in the Regional Finals against Rhode Island. The score was 2-1, Westport. The players were on their toes, coaches were standing restless, and the fans were cheering fanatically. Chad Knight ’19 was on the mound as the scoreboard showed two strikes. As the ball whistled through the air and landed in Matt Stone’s mitt behind the plate, the bleachers exploded as the Westport Little League team was headed to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series.

And now, the questions that everyone are wondering: where are they now, and what will they do next?

The answers: down the halls of Staples, sitting in the freshman ghetto, maybe even right next to you in class. These boys have made it to the big leagues. Welcome to the Staples Wreckers.

The Little Leaguers who won West-

port’s heart began their journey four years ago. Today you might not recognize them with their increased height and new baritone voices. They have grown up together and are ready to take Staples by storm.

Although their fame has somewhat subsided, passing them in the halls and sitting next to them in classes makes some still feel like they’re among celebrities.

Tatin Llamas ’18 humbly describes his past fame. “People definitely know my name, but really, I’m just a freshman like everyone else.”

As the summer chills into fall, which shivers into winter, all in anticipation for spring, the boys will continue to train in preparation for the high school season.

Max Popken ’18 is eager for the season to start. “I’m excited to be playing with new boys, some older and some whom I’ve never gotten a chance to share a field with from my own grade.”

Coach Tim Rogers adds, “They are wonderful people, the real-deal. The boys you saw on TV [are] who they are; humble yet confident, extremely competitive and good sports.”

PHOTO BY CAROLINE O’KANE ’16

HEY BATTER BATTER Tatin Llamas ’18, number 32, swings at Bristol, Connecticut in a game preempting their title as New England Regional Champions and their crusade in the Little League World Series.

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Inklings

September 19, 2014 | Features

Common Application isn’t so common All Aboard Schools with alternate applications cause complaints

Nicole DeBlasi ’15 ou look at your computer screen, staring at all the different tabs open for University of Texas, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Georgetown. All of these schools have different applications, and you switch from tab to tab, filli n g in the same i n fo r m a tion over and over again. “ I have to fill out different essays and they all want different information that I have to fill in multiple times,” Sophia Corde ’15 said, also noting that she might drop one of the schools she is applying to because it is hard for her to try to manage all the different websites.

Looking at the application used for public colleges in Texas, such as University of Texas-Austin, applicants fill out a separate application, write a required essay,and then choose a supplement to write from four different essay topics.

These essay topics include, “Describe a circumstance, obstacle or conflict in your life, and the skills and resources you used to resolve it. Did it change you? If so, how?” and, “Describe a setting in which you have collaborated or interacted with people whose experiences and/or beliefs differ from yours. Address your initial feelings and how those feelings were or were not changed by this experience.”

According to Missy Ketley, a secretary in the guidance department, there are a few key

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popular colleges that Staples students apply to that do not use the Common Application: University of California-Berkeley, Georgetown University, McGill University and University of Texas-Austin.

According to Annie Huerta, the Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at UCLA, by having their own application, UCLA can target a certain audience of students who are informed and familiar with the programs that UCLA can ofGR fer them. This AP HIC BY approach OL IVI AC RO also SB Y ’ 15

helps attract students that are truly interested in UCLA. Georgetown University speaks a similar sentiment, writing on their website that they have their own application because it keeps the applicant pool at a reasonable size, enables them to offer each applicant an alumni interview and allows counselors and teachers to submit “personalized letters of recommendation for their applicants.”

Tyler Byrd ’15 thought about applying to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and decided not to because MIT is not on the Common Application. The MIT application requires five essays, an interview

with an alumni and two recommendations.

“Having a separate application was actually the deciding factor for me not to apply,” Byrd said. “They literally have an 8 percent acceptance rate, and that’s from a pool of kids who took the time to write those [five] essays.”

For some students, whether or not the school is on the Common Application is not a factor.

“It really wasn’t that important to me that a college be on the Common Application because to me it’s more about what a school has to offer than what I need to do to apply,” Shelby Cataldo ’15, who is only applying to one school that is not on the Common Application, said.

Deborah Slocum, a school counselor at Staples H ig h

School, recommends to see if you can pick a topic that would fit with both the Common Application essay and the application for the other college because the topics can be “remarkably similar.” There is still the possibility that the student might have to write different essays.

In addition, Slocum said that many schools on the Common Application require supplements, so “there is really no difference between that and having a different [essay] question on a different application.”

For students stressed, Slocum has some advice.

“My most important piece of advice is to break things up into chunks,” Slocum said, adding that she recommends creating a calendar with deadlines because “when you look at the whole picture, it’s really overwhelming.”

“WPS-All-Aboard” Choo! Choo!

Jack Zeldes ’16 Six months ago, the lives of Staples students were forever changed by the introduction of a new and not-improved school WiFi network. WPS-AllAboard, as it has been named, has since completely replaced the old network. However, most students at Staples have not been all aboard with the changes that have occurred over the past six months.

Many students throughout Staples have been unhappy with the fact that in order to connect, they not only have to install the network profile, but they have to reconnect to the WiFi every time their phone locks.

“WPS-All-Aboard is so annoying because it makes it hard to check social media and it’s pretty slow. At this point, I would rather use the weak cell phone service/data because the WiFi is so annoying to deal with,” Luke Fonteyne ’15 said.

On laptops, students have had an easier time connecting to the WiFi by choosing WPSGuest, but this is not a permanent solution. According to the student help desk in the library, WPS-Guest is slower and not as

good to use.

While most students have, not everyone has had trouble with WPS-All-Aboard.

Some teachers and students alike have found the WiFi to work perfectly with their computers or cellphones.

“Once I have the profile installed correctly, I have never had a problem. My laptop and phone both connect to the wireless automatically,” social studies teacher Rob Rogers said.

Students really don’t care about how it’s done. All they want is their reliable Internet back.

“I wish we had a little more instruction to help set up or if it was just a simpler process to get connected. I just want to be able to use my iPhone and laptop during school without a problem,” Ben Thaw ’16 said.

Natalie Carrignan, director of technology in Westport Public Schools, declined to comment on the matter.

For extra advice on setting up the WiFi, check out the student help desk in the library, where they can assist any student, whether it’s a laptop or a phone.

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With promise of fresh start, freshmen expectations for cafeteria food skyrocket Caroline Cohen ’15 When you think of high school in a stereotypical, “Mean Girls” movie kind of way, the cafeteria often comes to mind. It’s where all the drama is expected to go down and where everyone sees their friends. And although Staples’ cafeteria isn’t exactly out of a high school movie, the chaos of the cafeteria is similar.

“The freshman area is always super crowded,” Amelia Brown ’18 said. “The older kids are all around it, and freshman are always running around trying to find their friends and an empty seat.”

Aside from the crowded mobs and chaotic atmosphere, freshman report that the the high school cafeteria seems to be an upgrade from both middle schools’ dining options.

Freshmen claim that Staples offers more options and variety as opposed to the more limited choices they have had in years past.

“I did come in with high expectations for the food,” Avery Shuldman ’18 said. “I kept hearing from many people that it was really good. I think what I expected was true because there are more choices, and overall the food is a lot better.”

“The food in middle school is mostly healthy,” Gabby Nuefeld ’18 said. “The food in high school has more options.”

Brown raved about the exciting choice of “way more chips and snacks.”

She also delved into the fact that in middle school, the food selection is minimal, and students can only get a sandwich personally made.

And although the cafeteria may not be ranked along the five-stars of dining, it definitely seems to be a step up from the cuisine at the middle school level.

PHOTO BY RACHEL MORRISON ’16

Senior girls string and bead together stunningly successful jewelry businesses Bella Gollomp ’15

PHOTO BY BELLA GOLLOMP ’15

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irls who grew up in the early 2000’s may recall some of the era’s popular fashion statements being quite the head turner; and not in a good way. To name a few, there was the infamous poncho, clunky clogs, and tinted colored sunglasses. A staple piece was the ‘choker’ necklace, which is now making a prominent comeback in the Staples hallways.

It’s hard to miss the many necklaces layered on girls necks, as the senior girls have begun a trend of designing, crafting, and then wearing and selling their own personal pieces.

Noa Wind ’15 and Courtney Brockwell ’15 have collectively sold their creations as a team and are having nothing but success.

“It started just as a fun activity for the both of us,” Wind said. “We immedi-

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ately got positive reactions from our friends asking us to make specific designs for them. We were so surprised by how much attention they were getting.”

The duo quickly saw potential in their work and decided to make an Instagram account (@strung. by.cn) where they posted

images of necklaces they made that were for sale.

Less than 24 hours from the first post, they had about 25 orders and over 100 followers eager to flaunt a custom necklace.

“I’ve never really considered myself to be skilled in jewelry making,” Brockwell said. “I’ve been watching my grandmother for years design her own jewelry, which is

where I picked it up from, and now I just can’t seem to stop.”

Wind and Brockwell aren’t the only ones receiving recognition. Meg Fay ’15, a close friend of the pair, has designed her own collection and Instagram account called “@goldndesigns,” which carries handmade bracelets, necklaces and rings.

Initially, Fay started with a few basic designs for herself and friends as a hobby over the summer.

Fay describes herself as being drawn to jewelry that has a dainty feel.

“I try to have a simplistic style come across in my pieces because that’s just how I am personally,” she said. “It’s very tedious work but well worth it in the end.”

All three girls are working hard and are glad to see others take interest in their projects. Students interested in their jewelry can contact their instagram accounts for details.

The times are a-changin’ but boutiques are here to stay

Alison Morrison ’15 In decades past, Westport was home to storefronts such as Miss Plums Particular or Mr. Frank’s Hair Salon. Nowadays, Urban Outfitters, The Gap and JCrew clutter up Westport vibes.

The ‘mom and pop’ boutiques in Westport have taken a hit. However, there are a few that are still going strong.

Faye Kim Designs, just off Main Street, has been in Westport 11 years, and feels the effects of the new downtown.

“We can’t compete with the Gaps and the JCrews and the Nikes,” owner Faye Kim said.

Kim tries to stay in the community, working with local manufacturers and employees, hoping to keep people educated about the benefits of shopping in town.

“When you shop locally, people don’t understand that they are investing in their own town” Kim said.

Julia Greene ’15 thinks that boutiques definitely add pizzazz to the Westport area. “They’re cute, and they’ve got class,” she said.

Greene understands that chain stores could act as drawbacks for business. “When we lose the privately owned businesses and boutiques, it changes the

whole feeling of Westport.”

Millie Rae’s boutique, located across from Stop & Shop, has been in Westport for five years. Owner Cheryl Sugel has an alternate point of view on the effects of chain stores.

“I think [chain stores are] actually great for the community,” Sugel said.

Sugel believes that while competition will get tougher as more big businesses move in, the changes will be for the better.

“I have a pretty positive attitude about the retail scene in town.

I think it’s healthy and good for us,” Sugel said.

Most agree that a happy medium is the way to go.

“It’s nice to have some big brand places as a backup, but it’s much more interesting and fun for the community to support and try to find cool stuff at local businesses,” Tova Byrne ’15, frequent shopper at boutiques like Oddz, said in a Facebook interview.

As chain stores continue to rise, there will still be a niche that only boutique stores can fill.

“I think there will always be a market for the kind of raw sartorial vibrancy that a store like Gap simply cannot provide,” Nic Amato ’16, self-proclaimed denim-on-denim enthusiast, said.

Binders and notebooks and pens, oh my!

Students raid the other Staples for the most stylish school supplies Jessica Gross ’15 According to every clothing and supply store ever the start of the school year means just one thing: back-to-school shopping.

Hours are spent trying on clothes in dressing rooms and closets planning the first day of school outfit.

Backpacks are stuffed to their breaking point with binders and notebooks waiting to be filled with the year’s work. Pencil cases have been loaded with supplies by students looking to start out the year on a high note.

For some students, that means lamination, color-coordination and alphabetical filing.

Jennie Blumenfield ’15, for example, a self-proclaimed “extremely organized” person, takes pride in her structured style and the fact that people often comment on it.

“I organize all my school supplies so, one, it’s easier to manage and, two, when everything looks pretty, it gives me some incentive to work!”

Blumenfield said. “My favorite part about organizing school supplies is making color coordinating labels for all of my notebooks and folders.”

Students like Blumenfield inspire awe, confusion, irritation and maybe even envy.

They’re instantly distinguishable: the seemingly-bottomless and betterstocked-than-Staples pencil case that would impress even Mary Poppins; the rainbow of coordinating binders and folders and dividers; the note-taking system that makes most of us look like bumbling baboons with an explosion of random papers come midterms and finals.

Claire Sampson ’15 also considers herself very neat and tidy, and agrees that keeping organized “definitely helps for studying when you get to a test” because “everything is all in one place.”

“Sometimes messy people comment on my organization and ask for help,” Marnie Adelkopf ’17, another

well-organized student, said. She shares Blumenfield’s belief that organization makes a heavy school load more manageable.

“Plus,” Sampson added, “It just looks better.”

Such order comes at a price, however.

“Every year, my mom gets frustrated not only with the extensive Staples receipt, but also how much time I spend in the store picking everything out until it matches perfectly,” said Blumenfield.

Olivia Wiener ’15 said her parents feel much the same way and “always comment on how much I spend.”

However, Wiener feels their lack of enthusiasm is unjustified, as neither her mom nor dad “actually understand what I do all day in school, so they don’t realize if it’s important or not.”

Wiener says this means she can usually get away with buying “whatever [she] wants,” which this year included a new Camelback water bottle.

“It’s a cute mini version of the two that I already have,” she said.

Others share Wiener’s pride and excitement over some of their favorite supplies. Halley Jonas ’16 fondly recals “the coolest supply [she’s] ever gotten”– Hello Kitty and Guardians of the Galaxy notebooks and folders.

Whatever grade they are in, whatever color scheme they choose, one thing about these students is clear: they have their lives together in a way some of us can only dream of.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get seated next to one to take advantage and bask in the glow of the new-pencil, fresh-shiny-plastic smell.

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

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September 19, 2014 | Features

QUIRKY CLASSE Nerdfighters Club “decreases world suck” Claudia Chen ’16 taples students have a variety of options for helping out their community. They can buy toys for children, collect shoes for people in other countries, provide care to animals in need and much more. But if students are looking for a unique way to help out, they need look no further than the Nerdfighters Club, which has a goal to “decrease world suck.”

“Decreasing world suck is the national motto of the Nerdfighters organization,” Douglas Raigosa ’16, a member of the club, said. “It means to do good for the community and help build a better and brighter future.”

The Nerdfighters are well on their way on the path to do good.

Last year, the club participated in “Project for Awesome,” an event in which they chose a charity and competed with other Nerdfighter groups around the world to generate the most amount of money for their charity, Canine Companions, an organization that provides dogs to people who have a permanent disability.

Project for Awesome had unique fundraisers, where donors were rewarded with prizes such as the first chapter of John Green’s next book,

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calendars with pictures of popular Youtube channel-owners and artwork donated by Nerdfighters themselves.

Raigosa said, this year, the club is planning on making educational Youtube videos and getting started on Priject for Awesome early. The club, which is president-less to allow members to guide the agenda in any direction they want, welcomes any new members who would like to join in on its second year of “decreasing world suck.”

“I think what makes this club so special is that it’s not just a charity organization; it’s so much more,” Claire Grosgogeat ’16, a Staples Nerdfighter, said. “Not only do we choose a charity we’d like to support every year, but we also get to discuss and bring attention to things we all care about.”

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Piano class teaches playing in key Becca Rawiszer ’17

Wait, Staples has a piano class? Most students certainly know about Staples’ popular orchestra and band classes, yet the beginning piano class is sometimes overlooked. Brimming with twelve enthusiastic students, the class is fast-paced yet informative, which allows the students to stay focused and make the most out of their 45 minutes.

“I see the class as a huge privilege, as, most of the time, one would need to pay to learn the piano,” Reece Armstrong ’16, a student in the piano class, explained .

Ross Goldberg ’16, another student in the class, also saw the long-term benefits of learning to play the black and white keys.

“I wanted to take the class because I thought it was a physical skill that I could use later in life, unlike some of the academic courses I’ve had to take,” he said.

This class is not just an ordinary piano class. They use technology and different softwares, such as Garage Band, Finale and Logic so that students can see the musical

accuracy on their screens.

“When I was growing up, in order to play music with others, we had to all be together in the same room at the same time,” piano class teacher, Greg Winters said. “Now, technology allows musicians to play over the internet with other musicians.” Our school is so fortunate to have the technology and equipment in order to make this class possible. As relatively unknown as it is, this class is something many are missing out on.

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Students f crease the Claudia Chen ’16

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Chai Kim ’15 can cre majestic crane, a sharp s practical box, and an int flower simply by moving he gers. This is not Harry Po world full of magic, or ev fantastic dream. This is the gami Club.

“I wanted to participa Origami Club because origa a relaxing activity,” Kim, mer co-president of the club According to an artic Ezine Articles’ online rep

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CAPTURE CURIOSITY Visual literacy puts the “pow” in English course Becca Rawiszer ’17 There are normal books filled only with words, and then there are graphic novels. Few people know there is an actual class focusing on these visual pieces of literature.

However, the 20 students per semester who partake in this lively and artistic class can’t stop raving about it. Visual Literacy is not only a lot of fun, but it can also benefit readers.

“I’m dyslexic and reading is tough, so, naturally, I like graphic novels a lot more than

having to read a full-sized book,” Kieran Winser ’15 admitted.

However, class does not just appeal to students interested in reading alternative literary mediums. Carla Eichler, an art teacher who co-teaches Visual Literacy with English teacher Jesse Bauks, explained that it is also a great opportunity for students interested in art.

The class doesn’t focus solely on text, but also on the surrounding aesthetics. They don’t only read graphic novels; they create their own, too.

Visual Literacy remains relatively unknown as it’s a new course this year. However, Winser and his peers expect the class to thrive in popularity.

Who knows? Maybe the next Gotham City has a river named Saugatuck.

Artsy AP students sketch portrait of a young class

fold and eir stresses away

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Chris Wethered, origami helps relieve stress. The folding of the paper along with the creativity involved helps both sides of the brain focus on a relaxing activity, washing all worries away.

Students looking to do something creative with their hands as well as bid their stress “sayonara” are welcome to join the Origami Club, no experience necessary.

“Students might assume that they need to know origami before joining,” Kim said. “However, we are more than happy to teach [them] if they do not know.”

GRAPHIC BY ALE BENJAMIN ’15 AND JACKIE COPE ’15

Claudia Chen ’16 This year, the art department’s new course addition, AP 2D Studio Art class, gives a whole new meaning to the sight of pencils flying. The blurs of yellow and pink are no longer exclusive to bubbling in scantrons and scribbling down an essay’s conclusion. They can also signify the perfection of crosshatching and shadowing.

Having to sketch their way through Drawing, two semesters of Advanced Drawing and then Honors Studio Art to be considered, AP 2D Studio Art , “makes it a little bit more exclusive and less likely to have a lot of students in it,” student Amy Perelberg ’15 said.

However, despite the number of prerequisits for the class, this artsy new addition to the course catalog is sure to teach student artists new techniques which will take their 2D art to a whole new level.

“I love art and it seemed like a great opportunity to improve and build my portfolio,” Perelberg said. “And I love the teacher, Ms. Eskell, so I can’t imagine a class with her not being fantastic.”

So far this year, students have learned about AP grading and have drawn a still life with a skull, a n artichoke and shells.

Perelberg said the class is work-heavy, but the aspiring artists-to-be are extremely committed to their craft.

Jess Spector ’15 said that AP Studio Art was exactly the higher artistic challenge she craved after plowing

through all other levels of art classes.

“Hopefully in a few years the class will be more popular to kids who are serious about art,” Spector said.

GRAPHIC BY JACKIE COPE ’15

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September 19, 2014 | Features

Cardio for a cure

Colorflash 5K to raise awareness for pediatric cancer Greta Bjornson ’15 ven if they do not produce a bead of sweat during the Colorflash 5K, runners will undoubtedly want to shower after the race. The event, which will be held at Westport’s Sherwood Island on Sept. 21, differs from other charity runs, as participants will be dusted with colorful powder at five points throughout the race.

The Colorflash 5K was organized by Phoebe’s Phriends, the charity group created by Staples student Phoebe Spear ’17.

Spear’s organization aims to raise awareness for pediatric cancer and plans to use the Colorflash run to raise funds for research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

At a board meeting, the Phoebe’s Phriends group was generating ideas for an annual fundraising event and decided to raise funds by holding the color run.

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“We were trying to come up with an idea that could be an annual Phoebe’s Phriends event, and we were thinking of some sort of run or bike ride.

The Color Run had become a popular thing to do, and everyone agreed it would be a great way to get people to donate money for a good cause,” Spear said.

The Color Run was inspired by the Indian festival, Holi, which uses colored dust to celebrate love and the colors of spring.

The run has become increasingly popular since the official first of its kind in 2012. Tia Zajec ’17, who plans on participating in the event, is especially excited for the colors.

“I’ve always wanted to do a color run,” she said. “I’m looking forward to running and getting sprayed by paint with my friends.”

Even for those who aren’t avid runners, partic-

ipants “can run, walk or even skip...It’s all about having fun, being colorful and raising money for an important cause,” according to the Colorflash website.

For after the race, participants can visits Fairfield County vendors food trucks. Favorites, like Bodega and Granola ,Bar will stop

by Sherwood Island on race day to satisfy hungry participants.

“It is amazing to see the community come together to help raise money for such a needed cause,” Spear said.

Registration for the Colorflash 5K opens at 9 a.m. on the day of the race. Participants will pay $25 and those who register on race day will pay $35. The run will begin at 10 a.m.

For more information on the run, visit www.colorflash5k.com.

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

September 19, 2014 | Advertisement

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September 19, 2014

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Staples Players greet “Hello, Dolly!” with a warm welcome Rachel Treisman ’15

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hile most students are still adjusting to their new classes and soaking up the last rays of sunny weather, members of Staples Players are belting out audition pieces and picking up complicated dance steps in preparation for the upcoming fall production of “Hello, Dolly!”

The Tony Award-winning show, which will open Nov.14, boasts big musical numbers -such as “I Put My Hand In” -- and promises lots of laughs.

“It centers around a busybody, matchmaker type who arranges her friends and the people around her into clever situations and relationships during a day trip to New York City,” Joe Badion ’15, who is double cast as a painter named Ambrose, said.

According to members of Players, even the atmosphere surrounding the auditions and call-

backs mirrored the lighthearted spirit of the show.

“Being a freshman, I was a little intimidated to be amongst a lot of upperclassmen,” Brooke Kessler ’18 said. “But in the audition room, everyone was really supportive and helpful.”

Both underclassmen and upperclassmen agree that the audition process has been particularly enjoyable this year, hopefully foreshadowing a successful show in November.

“The audition process has been pretty normal, if not less hectic than most, which is surprising since it’s such a big production,” Claire Smith ’15, who will be starring as Dolly Levi, said. “Honestly, I think everyone is just excited about the show.”

And in typical Players fashion, students assure that the competitiveness of the audition process is more friendly than cutthroat, ensuring that no matter who gets which role, every

A FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT (top left) Keanan Pucci ’16, Bailey Claffey ’15 and other dancers practice a routine on stage in the auditorium.

REHEARSAL MEANS NO PLAYING AROUND (bottom left) (right to left) Nick Massoud ’15 as Horace Vandergelder, Jack Baylis ’15 as Cornelius Hackl and Jack Bowman ’15 as Barnaby Tucker practice a scene in the Blackbox

member is supportive of the production and those who work on it.

“Even if I don’t get in, I am looking forward to seeing how the production comes together,” Kessler said. “Based on the past shows that I have seen, I know they will do an amazing job.”

Despite the group’s flair for the theatrical, tensions run low behind the scenes.

“There’s no crazy drama,” Smith said. “We’re just ready to start the rehearsal process again.”

Badion agreed that the rehearsal process is definitely something to look forward to.

“It’s nice to be back in the swing of the Players year with something fun to do every day after school,” he said.

Players anticipate that with all of their hard work, “Hello, Dolly” will be a showstopper.

“It’s funny and full of sight gags and quickly-timed wit,” Smith said. “[It has] Big songs, costumes, and dance numbers.

PAINTING THE SCENE (top right) Emily Greenberg ’16 paints the “Hello, Dolly!” billboard, which will be put outside Staples High School to advertise the upcoming show.

TAKING THE STAGE Claire Smith ’15, Noah Pines ’16 and Carly Kobylinksi ’16 rehearse their roles as Dolly Levi, Stanley and a dancer on stage.

PHOTOS BY TREVOR RIVKIN ’15 AND OLIVIA CROSBY ’16

New Netflix binge colors agony the new black Lulu Stracher ’17 The ending of season two of “Orange is the New Black”–an original Netflix production about one woman’s experience during her year in a women’s prison – has left its loyal television audience confused, impatient, and most importantly, lost. Many students are adrift without the comfort of hating the villainous Vee or laughing with the popular Poussey; it’s like a horrible breakup or having a best friend move away.

Watching interviews with the actors, reading articles analyzing each episode, and scrolling through endless Tumblr

gifs simply doesn’t cut it for this group of voracious viewers.

Most have turned to shows such as “Girls,” “Weeds,” or Netflix’s other original series, “House of Cards,” but these are only a temporary replacement for OITNB and lack its allure.

Relief is in sight, but not for the better part of a year. The third season of this addictive show will be released next June, leaving its fans out in the cold like a litter of abandoned puppies.

So how does a lost puppy function without its mother?

Ruby Dener ’16, explains her method of surviving without the show. “I am coping with the long wait with an out of sight,

It’s definitely family friendly.”

Cast members say they look forward to getting to know their characters and working on the elaborate musical numbers.

“I’m looking forward to the chance to dance a lot because I’ve been rather deprived of good dance work since ‘A Chorus Line’ two years ago,” Badion said. “That’ll be fun for sure.”

If the Players’ excitement is any indication, “Hello, Dolly!” is off to a winning start.

out of mind approach. As long as I don’t have to discuss the show, see the actors, or go to a women’s prison, I can pretend as though the wait isn’t killing me.”

Others are approaching this loss with a more melodramatic attitude. “[I am taking the wait] terribly. I can’t wait any longer.

All TV bores me besides OITNB,” Mikaela Dedona ’15 says.

Season two was so popular among its viewers because it contained many flashbacks to the inmates’ lives before prison, revealing the complicated and multi-layered reasons that led to their incarceration.

The only thing left for a fan to do to fill the OITNB void is to

speculate about what is coming next.

“I don’t think Alex [Piper’s ex] will show up again, which I’m a little upset about because her manipulative behavior was really intriguing. It was hinted that Piper and Larry will end up back together, but their story is not that exciting to me, so I’m hoping that season three will reveal more backstories of some of the other minor characters,” Izzy Baildon ’17 says.

Orange is the New Black has struck a chord with students at Staples, but it’s not for everyone.

For those who prefer to avoid heartbreak, loss, and despair, it is best to stay away.

September 19, 2014 | A&E

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Qdoba and Chipotle battle to the last bite

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Sarah Ellman ’15

town filled to the brim with salons, banks and clothing stores seems to finally be finding its new forte: Mexican fast-food.

As many Westport residents are aware, a fast-food restaurant chain called Qdoba Mexican Grill has recently opened its doors to the public. Located

on Post Road next to the Westport Playhouse, Qdoba offers meals such as burritos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, tacos and nachos with an ordering process similar to that of Subway.

Customers watch as more and more ingredients are added to

their meal as it slides across the counter.

Qdoba has been the talk of the town recently, but soon enough it will have to shed some of the spotlight to yet another Mexican fast-food chain coming soon to Westport: Chipotle Mexican Grill. Though these are only uncomfirmed rumors, according to Dan Woog’s blog, 06880, a new Chipotle is apparently going to be replacing the Oaxaca restaurant in Compo Acres Shopping Center. Even if this is untrue, however, students can still get their Chipotle fix nearby in Fairfield.

Chipotle too is operated in a Subway-like manner and sells similar products to Qdoba.

With Qdoba and Chipot-

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

le being so alike in style and in what they offer, Meg Fay ’15 is surprised that both will soon be in Westport. “I’m sure both will do good business,” Fay said.

While many argue that Qdoba and Chipotle are the same and have no preference when it comes to deciding which one to eat at, there are some Staples students with pretty strong opinions on which is better.

Lucas Jackson ’15 is a proud supporter of “Team Chipotle.”

Jackson thinks that the Chipotle burrito is larger and that the quality of the food is better. “Will I hike to Fairfield to go to Chipotle when Qdoba is down the road?

Probably not, but regardless I think the food is better,” Jackson said.

On the other hand, a plus for “Team Qdoba” is the variety of sauces including Three-Cheese Queso, Queso Diablo, Ancho Chile BBQ and Ranchera Sauce.

Camille Shuken ’15 is a big fan of these sauces and takes advantage of them whenever she goes.

“Qdoba has dank sauce,” Shuken said.

Similarly, Fay is more inclined to purchase her Mexican meals from Qdoba, not because of the vast range of sauces, but because she thinks their food is less spicy.

Whether they be “Team Qdoba” or “Team Chipotle,” students will be able to satisfy their cravings for a quick and quality Mexican meal.

GRAPHIC BY NOELLE ADLER ’15

Downtown desserts reduced to crumbs, Saugatuck Sweets offers solace Grant Sirlin ’16 Faces dimmed and diets became healthier as three downtown dessert places closed this summer. For Staples students, Michele's Pies, Crumbs and Pinkberry were among the most popular targets for a Friday night snack or occasional crave.

“Those were my favorite places in town. I’m not sure where to go now,” Kee Busk ’16 said.

Yet Crumb’s large corporate shutdown, Pinkberry’s lack of business and Michele’s Pies location change left students wondering who their new town culprit would be.

But now, a sweet tooth will swiftly lead them to Saugatuck Sweets.

From cookie dough milkshakes to gargantuan cakes and masses of candy, this place is heaven for any dessert-lover. It includes 100 different bulk candy items, 16 flavors of hard ice cream, “Saugatuck Sandwiches” and many other specialty desserts.

“It’s different from other places in Westport because it’s super creamy and has the perfect consistency,” Annie Haroun ’16 said.

This new candy shop has been open for just four months

and is already becoming a go-to location for students.

“Everyone goes there now.

Sunny Daes, Carvel and other average spots are places of the past,” Andrew Van Riper ’16 said.

With live bands performing most Friday and Saturday nights, the evolving Saugatuck area is sure to be a hot-spot for not only students but everyone. The area features paddle-boarding central Down Under, Garelick and Herbs and Dunkin Donuts.

Though many students will miss the downtown desserts, Saugatuck Sweets’ peak is yet to come.

GRAPHIC BY KEANAN PUCCI ’16

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Dance team pirouettes into possibility Isabella Ullman ’17

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lthough it seems that Staples offers every sport known to man, many dancers long to pirouette and chasse while representing their school and contributing to its spirit.

“I think that if Staples got a dance team, it could be a way to introduce people to a relaxing and fun side of dance without the stress,” Emily Ritter ’17, who is a competitive dancer at The Greenwich Ballet Company said.

While Staples sport teams practice right on Ginny Parker field, a lot of dancers have to make inconvenient commutes to their studios.

“I have to take one train to Stamford and then another one to Port Chester, so all in all it is about an hour,” Ritter said.

Not only that, but these dancers have schedules that are much more demanding than the usual school sport teams, which makes it difficult to manage school work.

“I dance about 18 to 20 hours week,” Ritter said. “This

works out to be six to seven days a week.”

Sasha Dymant ’16, who dances for D’Valda and Sirico, also finds that it can be difficult to manage school work. “It gets really hard in the middle of the year when the workload is really heavy; I go to bed extremely late.”

In addition to the inconvenient times, their programs lack the school camaraderie many dancers wish they could enjoy. “[A dance team] would make the dance community at Staples feel a part of the school spirit and appreciation,” Maialie Fitzpatrick ’16, a dancer at the Westport Dance Center said.

It can be hard for the dancers to constantly get left out of school spirit events like the pep rally, pasta dinners and banquets simply because there is not a team offered for them.

“The one thing that separates dance from all other high school sports right now is the school spirit associated with them and things like senior day,” Kathryn Bangser ’15, a dancer at Just Dance Studios, said.

While there may be interest

from students to start a dance team, there are still complications in making a new teams at Staples that can be difficult.

Principal John Dodig said that there is not any more space for a new team to practice and that there is not enough money to support a new team.

However, that does not mean that these determined dancers will back down in their attempts to get what they deserve.

English teacher Samantha Ginzberg is also interested in founding a Staples dance team ,and with her optimism there is a possibility that a dance team could be formed.

“It has been a long-time dream of mine to be the dance coach on the high school level,” Ginzberg said.

She hopes to make the team a place where students of all dance levels can come to practice what they love, while also being a part of the community.

“If our classmates could see and understand how hard we work, even if dance isn't considered a ‘sport,’ they would have more of an appreciation of our art,” Fitzpatrick said.

PHOTO DRAMATIZATION BY JULIA KAPLOWITZ ’16

PHOTOS BY CLAIRE DINSHAW ‘17

SKIPPIN’ TO TRIPPIN’ A couple busts some impressive dance moves to “Day Tripper” by the Beatles

WESTPORT ROCKS The mostly physician band DNR plays at the new Levitt Pavillion at the last free performance this season.

DANCING AND SINGING Crowds �ill the Levitt to listen to the Beatles, Van Morrison, and other big rock n’ roll names

New Levitt Pavillion lights up large crowds Chase Gornbein ’16 Located in downtown Westport adjacent to the Saugatuck River, the Levitt Pavillion has gone through a series of renovations in efforts to draw much larger crowds.

Although Greg Fisher ’15 has never witnessed a concert at the Pavillion, he is still awestruck by the amazing renovations that have taken place.

“It’s really cool. I have never gone to a concert there, but when I have gone during the day it’s pretty unbelievable,” Fisher said.

“The stage is located in perfect position, and the lawn for people to relax on is perfect for a nice peaceful evening.”

Shane Tighe ’16, who attended the Black 47 farewell tour concert on July 25th, was amazed by both the performance and the atmosphere surrounding the Levitt.

“The music was awesome, and the Pavillion hosted a great band.” Tighe said. “Besides that though, the stage really enamored me. Having such vibrant colors was a spectacle to see.”

This past summer, the Pavillion provided over 50 nights of live entertainment and art, free of charge, to an audience of roughly 50,000 people for the entire summer. Designed by Peter Cadoux, Principal of Peter Cadoux Ar-

chitects, P.C. the pavillion has an entirely updated stage, including its new technical equipment to enhance performances.

Gabriel Holm ’17 had always thought the old Levitt Pavillion needed remodeling.

Holm believed it was too crowded. “It was very tightly compacted and crowded; it felt as if there was no place to breathe.”

Drawing in over 50,000 people, the newly redesigned space

and remodeled Levitt Pavillion has certainly been a success this past summer.

Jake Berman ’15 put it best.

“I think it’s a great addition to Westport. The old Levitt Pavilion was falling apart, and it didn’t draw crowds to come see shows or live concerts.” Berman said. “However, the new Levitt is very nice and attracts more people, which is great for the community.”

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Some dress to impress while others dress without stress Alexia Vickers ’16

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uring the first week of school, some students come in focused on everyone’s new look. Classes and new teachers are the second thing on their minds. But if one pays close attention, one can see the people who are all about sweatpants with a t-shirt and the people who, no matter what, are in a dress or but-

ton-up.

Katy Twombly ’16 is always a well-dressed student, never taking a day off from fashion, with her cute and simple look.

“I generally tend to dress nicely for school all year round because when I just wear comfortable clothes, I am more tired and less focused in my classes,” Twombly said. Senior girls who keep up with the latest trends,

however, say they have entirely different motives.

Tracy Boyer ’15 hasn’t skipped a day of beautification over her entire high school career.

Her hair always sits prim and proper while her shirts are always ironed to a crisp and her bottoms are left without a single crinkle. “Well it’s my last year in school. I want it to be fun and

fresh. You don’t get to go to high school again,” Boyer says.

Then there are the students who don’t care from day one.

Victoria Tremonte ’16 dresses without stress. “I just don’t see the importance of dressing extra nice on the first day of school, like I just want to keep it real all day everyday,” Tremonte said.

Rachel Taylor ’15, on the other hand, sees her comfort as a

way of focus. “It’s just easier for me in the morning, and it helps me concentrate more on my work instead of my appearance.”

Finally, there are the people who sit in the middle of the spectrum.

“Sometimes I dress nicer than I do on other days. It depends, really. I can go from looking fine to homeless chic,” Elizabeth Jordan ’15 said.

June

January

September

Fashion digresses as school progresses: a timeline of the school year

GRAPHIC BY CHANNING SMITH ’17

New stores downtown spark same styles in students Amina Abdul-Kareem ’15 A popular clothing store, Brandy Melville, has remained a growing trend these past few years for teenage girls in Westport. It offers boho-chic style clothing that ranges from distressed denim shorts, to floral kimonos, to high-waisted skirts, shorts and pants. And with affordable prices and great quality, the phenomenon has been the most popular choice for back-toschool clothing among Staples students.

Considering that Westport is a small town, the stores downtown are very limited. Out of the very few trending clothing stores, Brandy Melville is one.

Along with the crop tops and skater skirts, the graphic tees were some of the most popular shirts trending Staples “Those Brandy Melville shirts with the moons” Kendall Vogt ’15 paused. “I think there was one day where I saw nine people wear the same shirt; too many people try to be unique, and they end up wearing the same clothes,” In middle school, everyone wore Juicy Couture sweaters, Ugg Boots and Butter sweaters; now Brandy Melville crops tops graphic tees, hooded sweaters, and vodi shorts are what most girls at Staples are wearing.

Helena Knoll ’18, a frequent shopper at Brandy Melville believes the key to fashion is wearing what you like.

“Whatever makes you feel good you should wear. You shouldn't care what people say,”

Knoll said. “Who cares if you have the same shirt as someone.

If you like it then don't be afraid to show your sense of style.”

Knoll predicts that for the upcoming fall fashion, flannels will still be a popular clothing item because they are warm and cute, and you can style them differently.

Free People, a recent trending clothing store that has more of a bohemian-hipster vibe, is apparently joining the Westport downtown clothing stores.

Students anticipate the Brandy Melville trend will be buried alongside past trends. “The chances that you’re wearing the same Brandy Melville shirt as someone on the same day is very high, but since Free People has a wider variety of clothing, I think people will have some of the same clothes, but not as much as Brandy Melville,” Taylor Rochlin ’18 said.

Jess Spector ’15, who is known around Staples for her creative style, hopes Free People doesn’t become as popular as Brandy Melville, so she can continue to value the importance of standing out among others.

Spector predicts overalls are making a comeback as a new trend, as well as halter tank tops under big t-shirts.

“I really like my personal style; it’s a little unique. And one of the main stores I shop at is Free People,” Spector said. “I feel like if it comes in [to Westport] then I will be losing some of my individuality, because the probability that people will be wearing it will be much greater.”

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September 19, 2014

Kyle Zajec scores long term goals T

Adam Kaplan ’16

o reach the highest level of any professional sport is one of the hardest feats imaginable, an accomplishment that only a select group can boast.

Kyle Zajec ’15 plans to not only join that elite group but make his mark in it.

Zajec started playing at age five, and at age nine he joined a competitive travel team. It did not take long for Zajec to woo his coaches with a skill set years beyond those of his teammates.

“From a young age you start to realize that you are in fact better than the others, and your idea is enhanced by the coaches when they play you more and favor you. I was specifically told that I was ‘special’ in u13 by my coach,” Zajec said.

Zajec decided to take his talents to the next level after travel became too easy.

“I started doing [New York] Red Bulls’ camps when I was about 10 years old. They recognized me there and invited me to try out for the academy when I was 13.” Zajec ultimately made the team, and developed with them throughout middle school.

Prior to stepping foot in Staples, Zajec had already built up quite a legacy.

Head soccer coach Dan Woog recalls some of what he heard, saying, “I knew he was a very good player. He was poten-

tially the best player we had since Kyle Martino ’99 who went on to play for the national team.” Zajec was bound to dominate the FCIAC, but to the disappointment of many fans, his potential went untapped by the Wreckers.

The choice wasn’t easy. “I knew going into high school that rules prohibited me from playing both Staples and academy. I wanted to play for Staples and I still do, but I wouldn’t give up the Red Bulls for it,” Zajec said.

Woog was originally skeptical of Zajec’s choice to turn down the offer from Staples. “At the time I thought he could be missing out,” he said. Woog realizes now the benefits of Zajec’s choice.

“In retrospect I think Kyle made a very good choice for himself. He is clearly head and shoulders above anybody at Staples. I fully support what [he] decided” Woog said.

A major benefit Zajec has gained from playing at the Red Bull Academy has come in the form of attention from colleges.

“I enjoyed the recruitment process. It’s nice to feel wanted by so many people. Of all the schools that reached out to me, my top four that I wanted to go to most were Georgetown, UVA, Duke and Wake Forest,” Zajec said.

In the Fall of his junior year Zajec decided to take his talents to Washington and play for coach Brian Wiese at Georgetown Uni-

versity. “First, they are a school with good academics and a soccer team that can compete for a national championship year in and year out. I connected with the players, coaches and the Georgetown area,” Zajec said of his choice.

Zajec’s hard work with the Red Bull organization has propelled him far. Currently he plays for the New York Red Bulls’ reserve team.

With the commitment Zajec has put towards playing professional soccer, he still manages to give back to the Westport soccer community. Woog raved about his support of the local soccer program saying, “He plays in our summer league. He’s been to a lot of our games. He has become friendly with a lot of the senior players. He’s a leader as far as mentoring younger players.

He’s been as much a part of Staples soccer as anyone outside our program can be.”

In Zajec’s most recent homage to Staples Soccer he has decided to switch his number to 15, in honor of former Staples soccer star Preston Hirten who passed away at age 20.

For Zajec the best is yet to come.

“My ultimate goal for soccer is to become a professional and play in the World Cup,” he said.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY KYLE ZAJEC ’15

INFOGRAPHIC BY FRITZ SCHEMEL ’17

September 19, 2014 | Sports

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Inklings

PHOTOS BY TREVOR RIVKIN ’16

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD Football teams start pre-season conditioning, sometimes rising at 6:30 a.m. before school even starts.

Teams gear up for season with conditioning Jimmy Ray Stagg ’16 bead of sweat trickles down his face and plunges to the sand below. A drop quivers and falls from her forehead to the hardwood floor of the gym. His drenched hair bounces as he runs, spraying sweat everywhere like a wet dog.

Even though each sport at Staples is different, they all have one thing in common, conditioning. Season in and season out, Staples athletes find themselves striving and sweating to get stronger.

Emily Lustbader ’16, who plays both varsity softball and varsity girls’ volleyball, notes the differences in the training.

She found that softball has more running and standard workouts,

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while volleyball has “seven minute circuits that include workouts for a lot of the muscle groups that are particularly important for volleyball,” with a focus on the core and the upper body.

For single-sport athletes, like varsity boys’ soccer captain Patrick Beusse ’15 and rugby player Aidan Clarke ’15, conditioning requires off-season workouts in addition to those during the season.

Soccer has two early morning practices a week from January until June. Throughout the summer the soccer players do extremely challenging workouts on the beach, which consist of sprints up a hill, running the full length of the beach, and basic upper body and core work.

“Conditioning [makes us] a much stronger and better prepared team, which helps us out-work and out-muscle other teams,” Beusse said.

As for Clarke, the rugby preseason workouts consist of basic strength work like fireman carries and push ups. During the season, all of the workouts are rugby oriented, with sprint-andtackle drills and other agility work. Like Beusse, Clarke finds that the work is very beneficial.

“The conditioning we do for rugby is spot on,” Clarke said.

“In rugby you have to constantly be moving. And with only eight subs you have to be ready to play the full 80 minutes.”

There is one sport that seems to have an even tougher regimen

than rugby and soccer.

The Staples football team is the pinnacle of off-season conditioning with a rigorous yearround training schedule. Besides the usual practices during the season, it is expected that unless a player plays another sport in addition to football, he is in the weight-room three days a week after school, all through the winter and into the spring.

This past year, Coach Marce Petroccio implemented a new workout schedule for the summer, with four-day-a-week workouts running from 6:30 a.m. until 8 a.m.

“With workouts that early, we figure out pretty quickly how badly you want to play football,” Petroccio said.

In addition to the obvious benefits of improved strength and stamina, Petroccio has two other important reasons for the demanding schedule. The first is safety.

“I’ve been to Boston College and [the University of Connecticut], and spoken to their head trainers, and what I’ve learned is that the better shape these kids are in and the more they build up their neck muscles, there is a lower risk for concussions, as well as any other injury,” Petroccio said.

The other reason is all about camaraderie.

“When you’re in that weight room that often with the same guys, it definitely builds a strong sense of team chemistry,” Petroccio said.

Staples’ soccer loses top players to clubs Gabrielle Feinsmith ’15 Prominent Staples boys’ soccer players face a dilemma: continue playing for Staples or play for an elite academy team.

“We lost [star players] Jordan McNair, Kyle Zajec and Phil Foisie to academy teams, which is obviously a big loss to the program because they’re all excellent players,” captain Michael Reid ’15 said.

The captains admit the team would be enhanced if players weren’t leaving to play on club teams. However, Reid reported the team looked very strong in the pre-season despite playing the top teams in the country.

Playing on an academy team improves the player’s game and gives an advantage when it comes to college recruitment. According to students who play for acad-

Kyle Zajec ’15 plays for the New York Red Bulls academy. Zajec experienced first hand the benefits of playing for one. “College coaches from all the top 50 Division I programs would frequently watch my games during my junior year. They would also frequently call my coach during the season asking about players. This, as well as Red Bull devolved me into a Division I level soccer player and led to my commitment to Ge orget ow n Un iver sit y,” Zajec said.

Jordan McNair ’15 also opted to play academy rather than Staples soccer. McNair played for BSC Academy and is now commitPHOTO BY ALE BENJAMIN ’15 ted to Dartmouth

emy teams, the academy league is the main place college coaches will look. The reason behind this is students who play on academy teams have the privilege of playing against stronger competition, training with better players and receiving training from coaches on a more personal level. “There are two showcases a year where practically every major college coach in the country can see you play. In addition, each individual league game has a few coaches watching,” Joe Pravder ’16 an academy player, said.

emy last year as a junior, but I wanted to play Staples soccer instead. It’s a real family being on Staples soccer, and I wouldn’t want to miss one of my high-school soccer years,” Captain Andrew Puchala ’15 said.

Although players leaving to play academy have hurt the Staples team, players remain confident.

“Moving forward is never difficult for Staples soccer because our season never ends. Since the 2013 season ended the 2014 team PHOTO BY FRITZ SCHEMEL ’17 has been working and preparing to bounce back this year, University Not all Staples players took and there’s no doubt in my mind their opportunity to play acade- that we will bounce back,” Capmy. “I was invited to play acad- tain Patrick Beusse ’15 said.

26

Inklings

September 19, 2014 | Sports

New bleachers grace Jinny Parker field Students

A

Sarah Ellman ’15

rolled ankle, torn ligament. and two weeks of riding the bench was the price that field hockey player, Maddy Sampath ’16 had to pay after an inconvenient tumble her Freshman year. The accident did not occur during a game, nor did it occur at a practice. In fact, the incident didn’t even happen on the field. It was on her way to practice when she twisted her ankle while attempting to trek down the steep, rocky hill to Virginia Parker Field (more commonly known as “Jinny Parker Field,” yes, spelled with a “J,” not a “G.”) “There weren’t steps or anything. I just went down the way that everyone always goes,

which is down this really steep hill that’s covered in rocks and sticks,” Sampath said.

Girls’ varsity lacrosse captain Paige Murray ’15 has taken a tumble down Jinny Parker as well. “I had a stain...for the rest of practice,” Murray said.

Fortunately, for both the field hockey and girls’ lacrosse team, Jinny Parker Field, located next to Loeffler Field (boys’ soccer), has gotten a serious makeover.

According to Scott Bennewitz, father of varsity field hockey captain Elizabeth Bennewitz ’15, two years ago Staples field hockey, Staples girls’ lacrosse, Westport youth field hockey and PAL girls’ lacrosse came together and created a fundraising program called “Tame the Hill.” The donations went directly towards in-

stalling stairs on both sides of the hill, leveling the slope, installing drainage, installing seating and implementing stair lighting.

“It is not an inexpensive project, and many people have given generously to make it happen,” Bennewitz said.

In addition to relieving athletes of possible injury, the construction at Jinny Parker has bettered the seating options for fans. Prior to the renovations that took place over the summer, the only places for spectators to sit and watch games were atop the wooden parking lot guards or on the ground.

“Having stands similar to baseball or soccer will hopefully encourage people to come to our games and cheer us on,” girls’ varsity lacrosse player Kate

Lesch ’16 said.

Similarly, varsity field hockey player Rachel Stanford ’16 thinks, “It will completely change the atmosphere of the games and motivate more people to come out and watch.”

Thanks to “Tame the Hill” and the drastic improvements at Jinny Parker, all field hockey and girls’ lacrosse players are guaranteed a way to get to practice in one piece, and fans will no longer be at risk of splinters and grass stains.

“I’m obsessed with [the new Jinny Parker]. I live for the improvements,” Murray said.

Note: Coach Virginia Parker spells her nickname “Jinny,” not “Ginny.” “She has been too polite to correct anyone over all these years,” Bennewitz said.

PHOTOS BY TREVOR RIVKIN ’16 PHOTOS BY TREVOR RIVKIN ’16

JINNY PARKER GETS A NEW LOOK During a Sept. 9 freshman field hockey game, fans enjoy newfound comfort in the recently added bleachers.

Bridgeport schools depart the FCIAC Cooper Boardman ’17 Bridgeport high schools Harding and Bassick will be leaving the FCIAC at the end of the 2014 season to join the Constitution State Conference (CSC).

“We were looking to get the athletic teams in these two schools on a more competitive level with the teams that they play,” Neil Kavey, Bridgeport Public Schools Athletic Director, said.

Staples sports teams have been extremely successful against both Bridgeport public schools. In the past 10 years, Staples football has posted an 11-0 record, including three shutouts of 30 points or more in

2006, 2008 and 2009 over Harding.

“To be honest I don’t think it affects the FCIAC too much just because they were not of great significance, but it still is sad to see those teams leave,” linebacker Jonathon Maragos ’16 said.

Both schools attempted an unsuccessful move along with Bridgeport Central to the Naugatuck Valley League in 2012, citing a lack of support among the athletic directors of the league.

This time, however, the two Bridgeport schools were welcomed with open arms to their new conference.

According to Kavey, the administration of the CSC was “receptive” to the fact neither school could participate competitively

in the majority of sports.

Both Bassick and Harding are hoping for more success in their new conference. The Bassick football, boys’ soccer and girls’ volleyball teams went a combined 8-30-1 last season, which is just a .339 winning percentage.

“It’s going to make the standings a lot closer, so each meet is going to be a lot more important,” Jacob Bonn ’17, long distance runner, said.

Bassick’s spring sports have not fared any better, as their baseball team has not won a single game against a team not located in Bridgeport in the past seven seasons, including a 19-0 loss to Staples in 2013.

Basketball is the lone sport

the Bridgeport Public Schools have excelled in during their 21 year tenure, including 28 boy’s state championships between Harding and Bassick, most recently in 2001.

Bridgeport Central was the 2014 state champion, but they will not make the move to the CSC since they are a Class LL school, while most of the teams in the conference are Class S and L. According to a U.S. World News report, Central’s student body is almost twice as large as both Bassick and Harding.

“The FCIAC has been a great partner for us. They’ve been helpful for us in many ways, in support of our schools, and for us it’s a win-win situation for these two teams,” Kavey said.

stay home for Homecoming Francesca Truitt ’17 We’ve got spirit, yes we do.

We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout you?

Homecoming festivities have begun, and while the big event of September is a necessary social event for some Staples students, it’s a complete bust for others.

Although Pep Rally and Spirit Week are meant to ignite students’ school spirit lost in the bustle of summer, some students find that these events are more of a nuisance than a celebration.

Football jocks shouting rhythmic cheers, rocking the bleachers and raising homemade posters in the musty air, believe it or not, might repel some social groups.

“Most of us are not very big, social people,” Jonathan Alter ’17 said, referring to his close-knit group of friends. “We tend to be a smaller group.”

Alter avoids Homecoming altogether, and while the devout sports fans are crammed into compact bleachers, Alter may be found playing a round of tennis, practicing the violin or really doing anything to keep himself happy.

Tyler Byrd ’15 also dodges the busy atmosphere. “I’ll probably just go home and watch TLC,” Byrd said, continuing with the statement that the games’ best attraction is the concession stand, but she’ll be home catching up on last week’s “Cake Boss”, so she’s not really missing much!

In regards to Spirit Week, Byrd’s effort in is minimal. “If I have it I’ll wear but if I don’t, whatever,” Byrd said.

“It’s not that we’re trying to be unsupportive of Staples, nor the football team,” Alter said “It’s just not really an event that any of us have much interest in going to.”

“I’ll probably just go home and watch TLC,” - Tyler Byrd ’15

Quincy Stein ’15 shares their perspective on the brief attentiveness of Homecoming. She however recognizes what avid fans might appreciate most, “The idea of being part of something that is bigger than themselves.”

Angie Parmar ’16, a devout fan of Homecoming, admires the high energy and fast pace of the event. “The whole school just comes together and everyone shows support for their team,” Parmar said. “It’s like a party!”

About Spirit Week, “You’ve got to go all out,” Parmar said.

“What makes it fun is if everyone in the school does it.”

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Inklings

September 19, 2014 | Sports

New lifetime gym causes gender divide

P

Will Dumke ’16

hysical education, gym class, free time, torture.

Call it whatever you will.

For years, the physical education classes in Westport have predominantly consisted of the same type of curriculum. Each class goes through certain sports units, health units and even swim lessons that make P.E. one of the best classes offered at Staples for some and, for others, the worst.

There has always been a divide between the students who enjoy the competition of P.E. and those who prefer to walk to class not drenched in sweat.

Now Staples has implemented a new choice of Physical Education class for those who would like to participate in “Team Activities” and those who would like to pursue “lifetime activities.”

The titles say it all. Team activities consist of intense, often action-packed sports such as football, volleyball and soccer, while the life-time activities, such as golf and yoga, are more relaxed.

However, in some cases, there may even be only one boy or only one girl in the class. Some don’t see this as a bad thing.

Noah Yokoi ’16 is the only boy in his lifetime activities class, but he still arrives with a positive attitude.

“Being the only guy in a 28 person class is like being a piece of fruit in a salad,” Yokoi said.

“Most people hate it, but it’s not that bad.”

Since the lifetime activities class generally consists of easy, relaxed courses, the students don’t have to worry about the heavy competition and exercise.

“I don’t mind it,” Yokoi said.

“It’s 45 minutes of straight chill.”

Lilly Valente ’16 is in the opposite situation, as she is the

GRAPHIC BY ANNIE HAROUN ’16

only girl surrounded by 30 boys in the team activities class. Still, Valente likes the class.

“It’s a little scary walking into gym class because I feel like the competition is on such a higher level,” Valente said, “but it is

PHOTO BY CAROLIN E O’KANE ’16 RACING TO VICTORY Hannah DeBalsi ’16 sprints to victory at a recent

meet in Darien.

really fun because almost everyone gets into the games and actually tries to win.”

The guidance counselors are also generally supportive in the new physical education courses and are completely neutral when

it comes to students choosing their class.

“We present the two options to the students,” Huydic said, “and we ask them where do you see yourself fitting in,” guidance counselor Ed Huydic said.

The counselors fully support any decision made by the students which is why this new program is working so well. The students finally can choose their interests when it comes to physical education.

Hannah DeBalsi races to sports person of the year Taylor Harrington ’15 Hannah DeBalsi ’16, Staples varsity runner and national twomile champion, came home from her Nike Elite camp this summer to a phone call from the Fairfield County Sports Commission. She was happily crowned Westport’s “Sports Person of the Year.”

Amanda Morgan, Debalsi’s cross country coach for the past three years, was excited to hear that DeBalsi recieved this honor.

“She is extremely deserving, both because she’s obviously talented and really successful, but I don’t think there’s anyone on the team that works harder than she does,” Morgan said.

Every August, for the past ten years, 15 students from Fairfield County have been selected to receive this award as a recognition of their tremendous impact on their team.

According to Laddie Lawrence, the longtime head of the boys’ cross country team, DeBalsi is the first Staples runner ever to receive the award.

He did mention, though, that two years ago, the Staples indoor/outdoor track team won the award as a unit; this is an exception that the Fairfield County Sports Commission is known to make when they believe a whole team deserves recognition rather than an individual athlete.

As a leader of her team, DeBalsi has been known to encourage her teammates to strive to do their best.

“Success breeds success,” girls’ cross country captain, Erica Hefneway ’15 said, in regards to DeBalsi’s outstanding performance. “Once someone on the team succeeds, everyone is anxious to do well.”

Despite the fact that cross country season is in full swing, DeBalsi is not currently racing.

She said she and her coaches made the decision for her to not run in the typical cross country meets this year so she could save her strength for FCIACs, the more competitive part of the season.

Lawrence said he is excited to watch DeBalsi keep pushing herself when she does start racing again.

“To be as good as she is so soon is really a fantastic thing.

She’s very dedicated, very determined, she’s a sweet kid, put her on the track and she’s a killer,” Lawrence said.

DeBalsi will be attending the Sports Night awards dinner on October 20 to receive yet another award to add to her collection of many displayed in her bedroom.

SPORTS

Inside

Hannah DeBalsi ’15 becomes sports person of the year

Kyle Zajec ’15 dominates the field

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The Wreckers

InBrief Boys’ Soccer

The boys’ soccer team, led by senior captains Andrew Puchala ’15, Patrick Beusse ’15 and Michael Reid ’15, has already played five games this season. The team will have the weekend off to rest but will be back in action with consecutive away games next week. The Wreckers will play Ridgefield Monday night at 6 p.m., and will make a quick turn around to face off with Norwalk at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday night.

Football

The football team is coming off an early season showdown against Xavier, a game in which they were defeated 3-0.

Tonight they will be at Wilton with kickoff taking place at 7:00 p.m. Next Saturday, at 1:30 p.m., the Wreckers will host Westhill for Homecoming.

Girls’ Soccer

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (Right) Cheerleading coach Jessica Harding instructs the girls during a practice Sept. 10. (Above) Soccer coach Barry Beattie scrimmages with Chloe Rosenfield ’15 as they practice their footwork in preperation for their game today.

PHOTOS BY DAMIA FRIES ’16

Girls’ soccer kicks off new season with new coach ful season as head coach.

Beattie, who was born and ust 24 months after raised in Ireland, always loved Barry Beattie was playing soccer. While he origifirst hired as the as- nally came to America on a vasistant coach for Sta- cation, he managed to land a job, ples girls’ varsity pack his bags and within two soccer, he is now weeks was settled in the U.S. ready to lead Two years ago, Beattie, who the team previously worked for the New to a suc- York-based soccer clinic acadecess- my that ran Staples’ soccer preseason camp, NOGA (No Other Game Around), was asked if he Ca would ever consider working at ro lin Staples as an assistant coach. eL “I replied, if you ofan e’ fered me a job, I would 1 Jessica 6& snap your arm off Harding, a pepG for it,” Beattie said r py English teachac with a laugh. “A e er at Bedford MidBo week later ni dle School, is trading in ng I was in screaming sixth graders for to here n the chanting Staples cheer team. ’1 6 Harding is the new coach that will lead Staples cheer to victory.

Harding, a former cheerleader herself, spent her high school days cheering on the Niskayuna added.

High School. She grew up right Harding outside of Albany, New York and during the off season she would could feel that enertravel to Syracuse, New York to gy from the second she cheer for the competitive cheer began. “I love the camarateam, CNY (Cheer Company of derie of the team,” she said.

New York). She traveled from Al- “It’s hard not to notice how close bany to Syracuse twice a week to they all are.”

School spirit is huge at Stabe on this cutthroat team. ples and with cheerleaders at the Harding’s love of cheerleadheart of it, Harding didn’t fail to ing is palpable. Almost every cheerleader will tell you how notice that.

“All the teams get along so close all the girls are. They spend well and, cheer each other on” every afternoon together from fall to winter, longer than any Harding said, “I hope to continue the great relationship with basother sport.

Haley Burns ’16 has been on ketball and football along with the cheer team since freshman the whole school”.

This great energy on the year and has loved her time. “I love how close our team is” she team will help the team go far in competitions this winter. Hardsaid.

“I really think that it trans- ing’s number one goal is to win lates onto the mat whether we’re some championships. cheering on the Wreckers or comStaples cheer team placed peting at a competition,” Burns fifth at FCIAC’s in 2012 and they

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serious and laid back.

“I like to try to be apPHOTO BY DAMIA FRIES ’16 proachable for every single player,” he said. “That way they can come talk to me about their problems, and it’s not intimidating.”

Charlotte Rossi ’17, a second year varsity member, had nothing but good things to say about her coach.

“He really wants what’s best for us, and that translates into his coaching,” Rossi said. “While he has fun on the bench with us and jokes around, he also takes his job very seriously and wants the team to be successful.”

Varsity captain Lauren Garcia ’15 agreed. “He has a perfect balance of serious and fun,” Garcia said. “He makes SAYING CHEESE New head coach Barry us want to work hard and do Beattie, was an assistant at Staples for better everyday, and he makes SAYING CHEESE two years before taking the head coach it enjoyable. Plus, he’s a total position this year. goofball at the same time.”

Other than Beattie’s long working.” afternoons spent with his team, On the field, Beattie’s he also enjoys playing the guitar Irish charm and opti- and cooking. mism make him a “It keeps me relaxed.” His team favorite. He absolute favorite food to cook describes his and eat? A homemade lasagna. c o a c h i n g “But it has to be completely from style as scratch,” Beattie said smiling. never Belief and resilience are also too major aspects of Beattie’s life. In fact, it’s one of his favorite things hope about the job. “I get to help kids to surhave a massive amount of belief pass that in themselves,” Beattie said. and grow “Because when you have as a team this belief, you can do anyyear. thing.”

Harding can’t wait to be involved with Staples Cheer. “I love that I can do something fun and keep cheerleading an aspect of my life,” she said.

Staples better watch out for Harding and her Lady Wreckers.

Rock steady, cause Staples ain’t even ready.

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The girls’ soccer team has had a busy start to the season with games already played against Trinity Catholic, Brien McMahon and New Canaan.

The team will be at home today as they face off versus Stamford on Loeffler Field at 4 p.m. Next week’s games, Tuesday and Friday are respectively away against Fairfield Ludlowe and Bridgeport Central. Both games will start at 4 p.m.

Field Hockey

The field hockey team will continue to play tomorrow versus Fairfield Ludlowe at 12 p.m.

The game will be played at Jinny Parker field and would be the start of four straight home games for the Wreckers. The next games will take place next Tuesday, Friday and then Tuesday Sept. 23 where the team will host Darien, Ridgefield and Fairfield Warde. The games will all start at 6 p.m., except for the Ridgefield game, which will start at 4 p.m.

Boys’ Water Polo

The boys’ water polo team is currently in the middle of a very busy stretch. Today they will play Horace Mann at 5 p.m. in the Staples pool. Next week on Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. the Wreckers will challenge Loomis Chaffee at home. The team will then prepare for the GHS Tournament set to take place over the weekend.

Girls’ Volleyball The girls’ volleyball team will take on New Canaan at home today at 4 p.m. The team will then have a busy week with games scheduled to take place on Monday at Harding and Tuesday at Fairfield Warde. Both games will start at 5:30 p.m. The Wreckers will then have two days of preparation to take on Ledyard at home. The game will take place on Friday, Sept. 26 and will start at 6:30 p.m.

For continual updates, check inklingsnews.com