DISCLAIMER: Article contains explicit language.
“FIRST WARNING: INAPPROPRIATE USE.” Walking into class before my first high school midterm, my heart raced. I had no idea what that email was about. What had I done? Would I be in trouble?
Students at Staples High School produce an enormous digital footprint filled with essays, homework, emails and surveys, all of which is monitored by the third party surveillance system, Gaggle. While students may have no expectation of privacy on school-owned platforms, because we are required to use Google suite for every piece of schoolwork, and Gaggle has access to everything on or linked to that Google address, it infringes upon our privacy.
During normal years, the winter holidays are the cause for exotic vacations, grand parties and elaborate meals. In January, students and staff return to school refreshed, full of lingering holiday spirit and a golden tan. However, 2020 was far from normal. But despite COVID-19 restrictions, the Staples community was still able to enjoy the holiday break with adjustments to their typical celebrations.
In order to slow the spread of Covid during the holidays, social distancing guidelines were implemented throughout the state. According to the Connecticut Health I-Team, as of Nov. 6, indoor and outdoor gatherings have been limited to a maximum of 10 people, curbing Westport families’ holiday traditions and travel.