FEATURES

PTA serves vital role in community, many unaware of impact

Public Relations Director

In Elementary School, the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) had such an obvious presence in our lives. Now, vious presence in our lives. Now, although we don’t see it, the although we don’t see it, the PTA is constantly working to PTA is constantly working to better the lives of all high school better the lives of all high school students, even if that takes students, even if that takes shape in a less obvious manner. shape in a less obvious manner.

Most recently and notably in Most recently and notably in the high school, the PTA hosted the high school, the PTA hosted the graduation party for the class the graduation party for the class of ’21. Although the pandemic adversely affected the PTA’s efforts, they remained committed to providing students with a celebration to remember.

“Some of our events were curtailed, but we were able to host a graduation party with a DJ, raffl e prizes, outdoor games, great food and even a mechanical bull,” Tami Benavav, Co-President of the PTA, and Claudia Shaum, a former PTA president, wrote. “After a year of very limited senior experiences, we were ited senior experiences, we were thrilled to be able to provide thrilled to be able to provide a more normal graduation a more normal graduation

GRADUATION DECOR The PTA decorated last year’s fi eld graduati on with fl owers, balloons and school banners.

celebration for the class of ’21.” The PTA can also be thanked for the decorations for the 2020 outdoor, drive-through graduation. “Our partnership with the school administration was never more important than it has been during Covid,” Benavav and Shaum wrote. “We really felt like we were part of a team and that everyone was working to help our community make it through as best we could.” But the PTA does much more than throw parties. “We help make sure that day-to-day questions get answered for parents, and [we] help the administration out in so many ways,” Benavav and Shaum wrote in an email. “The PTA presidents meet with Principal Thomas on a weekly basis to both stay informed about important happenings in the school as well as to provide insight into parent concerns.”

More tangibly, the PTA also supports school events.

“We help provide volunteers for things like Picture Day, Back to School Night and

SENIOR PARTY

The PTA organized a dance fl oor in the courtyard and provided a DJ, in additi on to games, refreshments and acti viti es. handing out caps and gowns for the seniors; we often organize donations for beverages for fi eld days and more,” Shaum and Benavav wrote. The PTAs in each individual school are subsets of the larger Westport PTA Council, consisting of an Executive Board, town-wide committee chairs and the PTA presidents from each school in the district. The PTA works hard as simultaneously a voice to the community and an organization constantly working to better the lives of students. “[The Council’s] goal,” Benavav and Shaum said, “is to coordinate and bring cohesiveness to [the committees’] efforts on behalf of all Westport students, and to assist them in bringing programs and opportunities, as well as lend support to their efforts in enhancing healthy and productive learning environments.”

POPCORN (left to right) Ruby Coleman ’21 and Maizy Boosin ’21 enjoy last year’s graduati on party, hosted by the PTA.

New elective promotes inclusive space, diffi cult conversations

Broadcast Manager

When Gemelle Domingue ’22 entered the Westport

Public School District in rst Public School District in rst grade, she found herself quickly grade, she found herself quickly disappointed by the education disappointed by the education she recieved on minoritized she recieved on minoritized populations, or, rather, the lack populations, or, rather, the lack thereof. To her, the conversathereof. To her, the conversations about Rosa Parks and tions about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. were Martin Luther King Jr. were redundant and limited. redundant and limited. “Even though in elementary “Even though in elementary school, middle school [and] school, middle school [and] high school, we’ve talked high school, we’ve talked about slavery and the Civil about slavery and the Civil Rights Movement, I feel Rights Movement, I feel like we just talked about like we just talked about the snippets,” Domingue the snippets,” Domingue said. “We didn’t go said. “We didn’t go into or talk about other into or talk about other important black leadimportant black leaders like Fred Hampers like Fred Hampton or Malcolm X.” ton or Malcolm X.” With this school year’s With this school year’s emergence of a new elecemergence of a new elective, “African American, tive, “African American, Black, Latino and Puerto RiBlack, Latino and Puerto Rican Studies” (AABLPR Studcan Studies” (AABLPR Studies), Domingue was among a ies), Domingue was among a group of around 20 juniors and group of around 20 juniors and seniors who signed up, citing her seniors who signed up, citing her experience as a “Black woman experience as a “Black woman in a predominantin a predominantly white school” ly white school” as motivation as motivation for her interest. for her interest. “I know that “I know that the things that I the things that I want to say and put want to say and put out there are valid and I out there are valid and I QuotegraphicbyMadelineMichalowski ’22 shouldn’t be afraid or scared of the repercussions of what I’m about to say, so that’s kind of what I’m looking to get from the class,” Domingue said. The class, which is the product of high school students advocating for a more diverse education, runs as a developmental pilot course in which its participants may offer criticisms of the framework.

“We felt it was really important to take the lead, run the course and be the fi rst ones out there to give the feedback so that any revisions to the course would also refl ect some of our experiences and the voices of our students,” Lauren Francese, Social Studies Department Chair, said.

The curriculum itself

shouldn’t be afraid or scared of considers the experiences of marthe repercussions of what I’m ginalized groups through the about to say, so that’s kind of lens of their struggles and tribuwhat I’m lations, but looking to also their get from accomplishthe class,” ments. In Domingue an attempt said. to fully unThe class, derstand which is the this history, product of the opening high school weeks of students class startadvocating ed by emfor a more phasizing diverse edu- the need cation, runs for empaas a devel- thy and reopmental pilot course in which its participants may offer criticisms of the framework.

“We felt it was really important to take the lead, run the course and be the fi rst ones out there to give the feedback so that any revisions to the course would also refl ect some of our experiences and the voices of our students,” Lauren Francese, Social Studies Department Chair, said.

The curriculum itself considers the experiences of marginalized groups through the lens of their struggles and tribulations, but “I hope to educate also their accomplishmyself on the history ments. In of the systemic an attempt to fully un-racism within our derstand country and do my this history, part as a member of the opening weeks of this community to class starthelp celebrate and ed by emphasizing learn about people the need who di er from me.” for empathy and re-Alexa Anastasi ’22 spect in class discussions. spect in class discussions. “The idea here is that “The idea here is that we all come together with our we all come together with our various cultures and experiencvarious cultures and experiences. Historically some may be es. Historically some may be valued more than others, but valued more than others, but there’s so much to be learned there’s so much to be learned from all of them,” social studfrom all of them,” social studies teacher Cathy Schager said. ies teacher Cathy Schager said. The fi rst few days of the The fi rst few days of the course were spent discussing course were spent discussing how students would identify how students would identify themselves and setting a founthemselves and setting a foundation for future discussions. dation for future discussions. “Although it is only the be“Although it is only the beginning of the course, every acginning of the course, every activity we have done so far has tivity we have done so far has been extremely meaningful,” been extremely meaningful,” Alexa Anastasi ’22 said. “I hope Alexa Anastasi ’22 said. “I hope to educate myself on the histo educate myself on the history of the systemic tory of the systemic racism within our racism within our

IS STAPLES SATISFIED WITH THE CURRICULUM COVERAGE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN, BLACK, LATINO AND PUERTO RICAN TOPICS?

country and do my part as a member of this community to help celebrate and learn about people who differ from me.” After speaking with former students who feel they have been ill-prepared going into racially diverse post-high school environments, Schager believes that an inclusive education system is of the utmost importance. “This is based on a lot of feedback I got from former students after the murder of George Floyd, [but I think] a lot of them are very disappointed in the lack of their education here at Staples,” Schager said. “So I feel like in general, we need to do a better job of being as inclusive as possible of content, but also of humans.” Schager’s hope, echoed by Francese, is that the AABLPR Studies course will teach students to engage in diffi cult conversations. A robust education, they agree, ultimately allows students to go on to become strong, empowering citizens.

“At the end of the day, activism is a big part of social studies, and democracy is not a spectator sport,” Schager said. “So I would love to empower these students to make a change, fi gure out what matters to them and ask for more, if that’s what they want and need to make this world a more suitable environment.”

Flag graphic by Maya Hruskar ’23

G ra phicbyMadelineMichalowski’22

Scan this QR Code to read about African American, Black, Lati no and Puerto Rican Studies being a state-required course.

S tap lescommunitycontemplatesYomKi pp u r Yom Kippur, which took place on Sept. 15, is a day for atonement, spirituality and family for Jews around the world. It comes nine days after Rosh Hashanah, the fi rst day of the Jewish new year (which is now year 5782). Jewish holidays span from sunset to sunset because they follow a lunar calendar, and many Jews fast for 25 hours on Yom Kippur. Jews of differing levels of religiosity observe the holiest day of the Jewish calendar with many different traditions, and the meaning of the day is intimate for every person observing. GraphicbyRachelGreenb er g’ 22

Assistant Creative Director CamilleEskell

Drawing teacher Camille Eskell observes Yom Kippur in memory of her parents and the religiosity they imparted to her. “It’s to commemorate my parents, who were very strict,” Eskell said with a chuckle. Eskell has actually live streamed services from the Central Synagogue in New York City and fasted on her own since her parents passed away in the 2000s. “I liked the idea of looking inward and seeing what you’ve done that’s not quite right for anythat’s not quite right for anyone or yourself,” Eskell said. one or yourself,” Eskell said.

Photo by Lilly Weisz ’23

Before the pandem Before the pandem-JordyGreenspan’24 Photo by Natalie Bandura ’22 ic, Jordy Greenspan ’24 ic, Jordy Greenspan ’24 would eat a pizza dinner would eat a pizza dinner (“for carbs, I guess,” Greenspan (“for carbs, I guess,” Greenspan said with a smile) before going to Kol Nidre (the said with a smile) before going to Kol Nidre (the services on the fi rst night of Yom Kippur). The services on the fi rst night of Yom Kippur). The next day she would return to services, ending the next day she would return to services, ending the holiday with a “break-fast” meal (the meal at the holiday with a “break-fast” meal (the meal at the end of the fast) with her congregation. Now, the way end of the fast) with her congregation. Now, the way her family has always observed Yom Kippur has comher family has always observed Yom Kippur has completely shifted to a smaller break-fast in her own home pletely shifted to a smaller break-fast in her own home with guests. “I think it’s good. It’s led my family to think with guests. “I think it’s good. It’s led my family to think of a different way of doing it that is actually, you know, of a different way of doing it that is actually, you know, more personal and better than before,” Greenspan said. more personal and better than before,” Greenspan said. Her family and synagogue community are a large infl uHer family and synagogue community are a large infl uence on her observance of the holy day. “The most imence on her observance of the holy day. “The most important part,” she said, “is refl ecting on the past year and portant part,” she said, “is refl ecting on the past year and thinking about what you could do better in the new year.” thinking about what you could do better in the new year.” ChloeNevas ’22

In a typical year, Chloe Nevas ’22 eats dinner together with her family on Erev Yom Kippur (the night before Yom Kippur), goes to services the full next day and, like many American Jewish families, breaks the fast with bagels. However, COVID-19 stopped Nevas from going to synagogue. “Last year, we didn’t go to services,” she said. “And this year there’s only online options available, or outdoors, which is in this big tent, which isn’t as appealing.” Even though COVID-19 disturbed her plans, she still values the holiday for the emphasis it places on introspection and forgiveness. “I think it’s important to take time to refl ect on how you behave and things that have happened during the year,” Nevas said.

For Noah Salpeter ’23,

Yom Kippur means he can see his grandparents, a cherished family gathering made all the more rare because of the pandemic. “Having the opportunity where my whole family can get together is really rare, and when we get the chance, it’s always really fun,” he said. Though he himself does not fast, Salpeter still holds the traditions of the day in his heart, partaking in the break-fast meal with his loved ones. “I always make sure that day is free so I can go see family,” Salpeter said.Photo by Eli Shorrock ’22

NoahSalpeter’23

For Noah Salpeter ’23, Yom Kippur means he can see his grandparents, a cher- Photo by Amanda Rowan ’22 Photo by Amanda Rowan ’22 ished family gathering made all the more rare because of the pandemic. “Having the opportunity where my whole family can get together is really rare, and when we get the chance, it’s always really fun,” he said. Though he himself does not fast, Salpeter still holds the traditions of the day in his heart, partaking in the break-fast meal with his loved ones. “I always make sure that day is free so I can go see family,” Salpeter said.

Lindau creates music, celebrates his passion

News Editor

Many humans possess a great passion in life: a sport, an arts-related activity, a niche hobby or interest. For Witt Lindau ’23, this passion is music—one that he has been cultivating and immersing himself in since his youth. “I started my fi rst drum lesson when I was 6,” Lindau said. “My parents say I had always taken interest in rhythm, even as a toddler.” Lindau, who identifi es himself as a drummer, can also play bass, keyboard and guitar and began his musical career at the School of Rock in Fairfi eld. This was where he learned the fundamentals of music, rhythm and how to play fulllength songs and perform live. “My fi rst teacher there would always say ‘You’re the clock, man!’” Lindau said. “He hammered the importance of good time right away and familiarized me with the unique role of the drummer.”

Through School of Rock, Lindau was able to form several bands as the years passed—although many of them have not lasted longer than a year due to members having other obligations. He has been able to perform in a myriad of locations, including wellknown venues in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Phoenix and Las Vegas, as well as local restaurants, events and fundraisers.

“The type of music we play depends on the type of gig,” Lindau said. “Will we serve as background music? Are people coming specifi cally to watch us? Or does the audience want to dance? How old is our audience? How long is our set? If we are playing “To me, making music is at a private parlike a second language, ty for and the ultimate tool of a wide range expression. It’s what I of age love to do most. It’s this groups sense of unity, this who ultimate satisfaction want to dance, that lets you live we’ll completely in the play lots moment.” of rock, disco -Witt Lindau ’23 and pop from t h e 60s or 70s ranging to today.” Lindau’s younger brother, Bennett Lindau ’25, described that his brother’s love for music propelled him to study music, too. “Growing up with [Witt] has been an inspiration for my own musical career and it has launched my own passion for music,” Bennett said. “He makes me want to practice and get better at my instrument every day.” At Staples, it is the fi rst year that Witt has played in the Symphonic Band as a percussionist, and the third year that he has been playing the drum set in the Jazz Ensemble. “[Witt] brings an excellent attitude to our music department at Staples,” band director Philip Giampietro said. “His peers are magnetically attracted to his love for making music.” Ultimately, Witt views music as an integral part of his life and future. “To me, making music is like a second language, and the ultimate tool of expression,” Witt said. “It’s what I love to do most. It’s this sense of unity, this ultimate satisfaction that lets you live completely in the moment.”

Graphic by Rachel Greenberg ’22

Photo by Cami Vynerib ’23 Drum graphic by Betti Kobak ’22

‘Shang-Chi’ melds Marvel action with love, culture, comedy

Ella Shi ’23

Features Editor

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a fi rst in many aspects. It is the fi rst Marvel movie to come out exclusively in theaters, and not on Disney+, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But more importantly, it is the fi rst Marvel movie to star an Asian superhero and a predominantly Asian cast. “Shang-Chi” is the latest Marvel movie, featuring comedy, action, love, loss and everything in between. The fi lm, which premiered in theaters on Sept. 3, is a riff on a 1970s comic series written by Steve Englehart and illustrated by Jim Starlin. The problematic comic, which originally depicted harmful Asian stereotypes, was revamped into a movie that appreciates Asian culture. “[The villain] was a Chinese super genius who’s bent on taking over the Western world,” Gene Luen Yang, writer of the modern “Shang-Chi,” said in an interview with Polygon, referring to the original comic. “He had bright yellow skin, he had really exaggerated facial features, hair, pointed ears. An early Asian stereotype was that Asians had pointy ears.” In the new version, Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and his best friend and comical sidekick, Katy (Awkwafi na), along with his sister, Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), face a somewhat unexpected form of evil. His father, Wenwu (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), is the owner of the infamous Ten Rings, granting him superpowers and immortality. Graphics by Anna Diorio ’23

- Xu WenWu You can’t run from your past

While riding the San Francisco public bus with Katy, Shang-Chi is ambushed, and his martial arts skills are revealed. Wenwu trained Shang-Chi to be a martial arts master and skilled assassin; however, at age 15, he fl ed to the U.S., reinventing himself as Shaun. Eventually, it is revealed that Wenwu is on a mission to the village of Ta Lo, which is guarded by a magical forest that engulfs anyone who enters. While the cinematic elements are well crafted, I most appreciated how “ShangChi” incorporated familiar Chinese customs into the movie. The entire introduction and many lines throughout the movie are in Mandarin with English subtitles, which embraces the Chinese culture, despite being viewed by a mainly Western audience. Scenes of Chinese food stands, preserved portraits of deceased family members and mahjong tables portray classic Chinese traditions. And the characters bring up relatable experiences of being Asian in America. Katy reminisces about a childhood bully saying “What up Gangnam style” to her. Overall, “Shang-Chi,” while fantastical, is a movie of cultural appreciation, self-discovery, along with the typical MCU fl air. “If you aim at nothing, you hit nothing,” Shang-Chi’s grandma said to Katy before the fi nal battle scene. This saying perfectly emanates the barriers this movie has broken in regards to race. But, it also can be a message to each viewer, personally. I highly recommend this movie to everyone. 10/10 stars.

Scan this QR code to read a Mandarin translation of this article.

Governors Ball Music Festival opens its doors for 2021

Maria Krug ’22

Arts Editor

In previous years, as the school year came to an end and the weather became warmer, students could only think about one thing: e Governors Ball Music Festival. is year, the threeday weekend music festival, previously hosted in June at Randalls Island in New York City, took place at the end of September at Citi Field. With last year’s lineup getting canceled due to COVID-19 stucanceled due to COVID-19 students were exdents were excited to get back cited to get back to a sense of to a sense of “normalcy” once “normalcy” once GovBall opened GovBall opened its doors to the its doors to the public on Sept. public on Sept.

Graphic by Lily Caplan ’22

Photos by Rachel Greenberg ’22

24-26. Prior to the event, stu- crafting their outfi ts,” Raia Badudents were asked about their feel- rina ’23 said, “while there are also ings towards GovBall this year. some people, like me, who hav “I’m very excited to be at- en’t even started thinking about tending GovBall this year,” Cate it yet. It gives a great excuse for Morris ’22 said. “My favorite people to wear really bold and part about it is the different fun things that they normally artists that you are able to lis- don’t get the chance to wear.” ten to in one day and being In terms of COVID-19 able to go with your friends.” safety protocols, according to The festival was dominat- ABC News, the festival orgaed by famous admired artists, nizers put a lot of work and ranging from all different music thought into having a Covidgenres. Crowd favorites include safe festival for the public. Billie Eilish, “[We are] Asap Rocky, “It gives a great excuse for working in Post Malone people to wear really bold close consulwand Megan and fun things that they tation with Thee Stallion. normally don’t get the the City of Artists aren’t the only chance to wear.” New York and the fesattractions - Raia Badurina ’23 tival will people looked follow all forward to when arriving at the state and federal guidelines manfestival: there was also the fash- dated at the time of the event,” ion. With some putting months ion. With some putting months organizers of the event said. of preparation into it and shopof preparation into it and shop- On the festival’s webping at every store they could ping at every store they could site, they state that a vaccinafi nd, the music festival could also fi nd, the music festival could also tion card or a negative covid be considered a “fashion show.” be considered a “fashion show.” test result was mandatory “I know a lot of peo “I know a lot of peo- at the entrance of the event. ple who have spent weeks ple who have spent weeks “ I think less people

organizers of the event said. On the festival’s website, they state that a vaccination card or a negative covid test result was mandatory at the entrance of the event. “ I think less people will be attending GovBall this year due to COVID-19,” Morrissaid. “A lot of people are worried about contracting it even though there are safety protocols.” Not only was COVID-19 on people’s minds as the festival approaches, but many students were overwhelmed with the festival taking place during the start of the school year. “It’s defi nitely more stressful having it be in September because there’s so much more work to be done than if it were in June,” Chloe Nevas ’22 said. “Especially as a senior, it’s stressful because we’re applying to college and having the time on the weekend to work on applications is really helpful.”

Mosh Pit Massive crowds gathered to experience the performance of rapper Megan

Staples Takes NYC Several

Staples students attended the event. Pictured (left to right) are Sydelle Bernstein ’22, Alie Shutze ’22, Kate Smith ’22, Rachel Greenberg ’22 and Jen Westphal ’22.

Yankee Doodle

Graphic byAnna Diorio ’23