The student-run newspaper of Westridge School for Girls, Spyglass strives to build community and evoke empathy through the medium of journalism. Comprised of passionate student writers, editors, designers, managers, and leaders, Spyglass is dedicated to ethical reporting that amplifies our unique voices to inform, entertain, and forge connection in the Westridge community and beyond.

Spyglass
From top left to bottom right: Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias, Administrative Assistant to Upper School Ms. Kali Spicer, Assistant Director of Upper School Ms. Kerri Epps, Upper School Dean of Student Support Ms. Bonnie Paiz Martinez (Valentina V.)
Community, Innovation, and Teamwork: Upper School Administration Reflects on First Year as a Team
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
This past year, the Los Feliz/Silverlake bus has faced multiple issues regarding the mechanics and sizing leaving students frustrated.
Nationwide Shortage of Bus Parts Impacts Westridge’s Los Feliz/Silverlake Bus
Kashmir Blake sitting in her dance studio.
The Last Curtain Call
Students at Westridge are seeing their classmates use generative AI more and more. Piper* said, “AI usage is definitely increasing in ways that I wasn't expecting."
Westridge Responds to Generative AI’s Impact on Teaching and Learning
Associated Student Body Cabinet for the 2025-2026 School Year is Elected
Associated Student Body Cabinet for the 2025-2026 School Year is Elected
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
The American flag displayed in front of the Main Hall building. The Trump administration's stance on scientific research, immigration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion has directly affected and will likely continue to affect the Westridge community.
Westridge Faces Impacts of Trump Policies
Seniors starting to stencil in their college emblems on Ayrshire Courtyard.
“It’s the End of an Era”: Seniors Reflect on What Chalk Day Means to Them
“I’ll Miss the Collaborativeness of the Lower School.”
“I’ll Miss the Collaborativeness of the Lower School.”
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
(Lillian W. '27) In the beginning of the second semester, a third math option was opened to seventh grade students, Math 7.
“Every Girl Can Do Math.” Middle School Administration Adds New Math Class
The eight representatives for eighth grade throwing the ping pong balls into the bright orange bin.
Ping Pong Balls Fly as Westridge Middle Schoolers Go Head-to-Head in Advisory Challenge
As I continue to physically improve my muscles, I am also motivated to improve my mind as well.
OPINION: Falling Into Finding My Resilience: What My Injury Taught Me About Perseverance
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Girls Can
During the Spyglass Senior Celebration, Valentina V. '26 newly elected Editor-in-Chief, gave some thoughtful remarks about my time on Spyglass.
Joining Spyglass as a Senior
The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
Give me any microphone and I'll have an opinion to share with you. This article details the premises of some of the opinions I never got to write for Spyglass.
OPINION: All the Op-Eds I Never Got to Write
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
Dr. Zanita Kelly, Director of Lower and Middle School, pictured above, and the rest of Westridge Administration were instrumental to providing Westridge faculty and staff the support they needed after the Eaton fire. "[Teachers] are part of the community," said Dr. Kelly. "Just like our families and students."
What Does Support for Westridge Faculty and Staff Look Like in the Aftermath of the Eaton Fire?
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
In the wake of the Eaton fire, Westridge launched the Community Relief Fund to provide financial support for impacted students and family.
“People Immediately Stepped Up”: Westridge Raises $450,000 to Support Fire-Affected Families
“Everybody Has Different Experiences”: Grief and Trauma Specialist Dr. Jennifer Levin Returns to Westridge to Offer Advice After Eaton Fire
“Everybody Has Different Experiences”: Grief and Trauma Specialist Dr. Jennifer Levin Returns to Westridge to Offer Advice After Eaton Fire
Postcard from 52 Days After the Fire
Postcard from 52 Days After the Fire
Sydney S. '25 posing for a picture in the car.
Humans Of Westridge: “Songwriting is my Safe Space.” Sydney S. ’25 On What Art Means to Her
Ms. Keller in 2016 jammin’, or also known as the point scorer, skating around the turn. “I think it’s just a great sport for anyone that wants to find another identity," Ms. Keller said about the sport.
Humans of Westridge: Westridge’s Very Own Roller Girl Ms. Shannon Keller
Alice C. '25 and the cast of Newsies rehearse a dance sequence two weeks before opening night.
A Day in the Life of the Lead in Westridge’s Upcoming Musical Newsies: Alice C. ’25
PC: Gia S. ’25. Willow and some of the Westridgettes posing before their first performance.
Humans of Westridge: 10 Questions with the Westridge Tiger Willow N. ’25
PC: Bianca P. ’28, Both sisters pose together on the first day of school.
Humans of Westridge: Bianca P. ’28 Embraces Her First Year of High School, Following in the Footsteps of Her Older Sister Brooklyn P. ’25
Going down the A Line, our next stop Historic Broadway.
Metro Stop Highlights: Historic Broadway
Going down the A Line, our next stop Little Tokyo.
Metro Stop Highlights: Little Tokyo
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Home, After All
A Senior in March: On Making the Most of Every Moment
A Senior in March: On Making the Most of Every Moment
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: It’s Time for Playoff Hockey
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Oh, the Humanities!
College Column: Oh, the Humanities!
The writer taking the football to the head instead of catching it during a game. (P.C. Austin M.)
College Prep and Lifelong Learning: From One Girls School To Another
College Column: College Prep and Lifelong Learning: From One Girls School To Another
College Column: College Prep and Lifelong Learning: From One Girls School To Another
College Column: Can I stay true to myself in the admissions process?
College Column: Can I stay true to myself in the admissions process?
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: It’s Time for Playoff Hockey
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Women’s Basketball is Winning
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: National Girls and Women in Sports Day Reminds Us of Our Accomplishments and Shortcomings
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Reflecting on the Careers of Women’s Soccer Players
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Introducing: Girls Just Wanna Play Sports, A Column
Sounds For State Street: Honey
Sounds For State Street: Honey
Sounds For State Street: Flora
Sounds For State Street: Flora
Sounds For State Street: Solstice
Sounds For State Street: Solstice
Sounds For State Street: Harvest
Sounds For State Street: Harvest
Sounds For State Street: Crimson
Sounds For State Street: Crimson
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: How An Immigrant, A Dream, And A Bunch of Bananas Changed The World
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: The Pet That Truly Rocks
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: The True Meaning of Christmas in Beheading a Candy Pig
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: The Women Who Drove Auto Innovation
The Backstory: A Brief History of Underwear Through the Ages
The Backstory: A Brief History of Underwear Through the Ages
Spyglass Live: All School Day 2025 with Nia C. '33
Spyglass Live: All School Day 2025 with Nia C. ’33
Spyglass Live | Yam Fest Yap Sesh 2024
Spyglass Live | Grandparent's Day 2024
Spyglass Live | Grandparent’s Day 2024
Do all Westridge students think the same? | Election Edition | Spyglass Live
Do all Westridge students think the same? | Election Edition | Spyglass Live
Spyglass Live: 2024 Dance Concert Documentary
Spyglass Live: 2024 Dance Concert Documentary
Sydney S. '25 posing for a picture in the car.
Humans Of Westridge: “Songwriting is my Safe Space.” Sydney S. ’25 On What Art Means to Her
Ms. Keller in 2016 jammin’, or also known as the point scorer, skating around the turn. “I think it’s just a great sport for anyone that wants to find another identity," Ms. Keller said about the sport.
Humans of Westridge: Westridge’s Very Own Roller Girl Ms. Shannon Keller
Alice C. '25 and the cast of Newsies rehearse a dance sequence two weeks before opening night.
A Day in the Life of the Lead in Westridge’s Upcoming Musical Newsies: Alice C. ’25
PC: Gia S. ’25. Willow and some of the Westridgettes posing before their first performance.
Humans of Westridge: 10 Questions with the Westridge Tiger Willow N. ’25
PC: Bianca P. ’28, Both sisters pose together on the first day of school.
Humans of Westridge: Bianca P. ’28 Embraces Her First Year of High School, Following in the Footsteps of Her Older Sister Brooklyn P. ’25
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Green Guerilla members and other Westridge students holding protest signs at the candle light vigil. There were around 15 Westridge affiliates in attendance.
“Carbon Free by 2030”: Westridge Students and Faculty Gather at City Hall with Pasadena 100 to Commemorate Clean Energy Resolution’s Anniversary
Pip D. '27 and Claire H. '28 have found temporary living arrangements with their Westridge best friends.
Living With a Friend During the Eaton Fire: Offering “Ecstatic” Support
Donations and Volunteering Opportunities: How You Can Get Involved in Fire Relief Efforts
Donations and Volunteering Opportunities: How You Can Get Involved in Fire Relief Efforts
The ban will reframe how both students and admission officers approach future applications.
Westridge Reacts to California’s Decision to Ban Legacy and Donor Consideration in the College Admissions Process
Teia L. ’26 stands at the podium at CIF-SS Finals after winning third place in the entire division in pole vault.
Historical Records Made in Lacrosse and Track and Field: A Spring Sports Recap
As both Coach Melanie Horn (left) and dance teacher Kashmir Blake are set to retire at the end of this school year after decades of service, the Westridge community is taking the time to honor their commitment and dedication to the school.
After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge
From left to right: Kelly C. '27, Skylar R. '28, Spyglass Copy Editor Hermione W. '27, Dillan R. '28, and Ammi O.-A. '28 at the Romona High School Distance Carnival on April 25.
Seven Distance Runners Earn Top 25 School Records in the 1600 Meter Race
Alice Lee will start her time at Westridge on July 1. She said, "I'm incredibly honored and grateful to join the Westridge community as the next Director of Athletics."
Williams College Lacrosse Coach Alice Lee Selected as New Athletic Director
Pictured left to right: Coach Amy, Ginny A. '25, Joss C. '25, Coach Karen. At the Winter Sports Wrap Up and Recognition, Ginny and I received our joint Leadership Award for our leadership on and off the basketball court.
Why I Joined Junior Varsity Basketball as a Senior
10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
ETC: Top 10 Relatable Senior Headlines
ETC: Top 10 Relatable Senior Headlines
Want to truly impress your teachers with an end-of-year gift? Read this guide.
Etc.: 5 Gifts to Give to Your Teacher that Won’t End Up In a Goodwill Next Year
Ms. Cutler goes around the world in five iconic outfits!
Vogue Voyages: A Fashion Expedition with Ms. Cutler
Just days into the trip, I stand in the Atacama Desert, unfazed.
Etc: My Trip to Chile in 8 Egregious Anecdotes
"I started nonprofit because I'm actually interested in that area, and I want to actually raise awareness for that specific topic," said senior founder of Madhatter Knits Kimberly C. She is one of several non-profit founders at Westridge.
Intent and Impact for Westridge Students Who Found Nonprofits
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
Credit: Jane K.
EDITORIAL: A Call for Leadership
On January 7, the Eaton Fire upended my life. I am still grappling with the destruction in my town—and what it means for the future.
Opinion: What Losing the Places I Love Taught Me About Community
Volunteering sites at PCC, Elks Lodge, and The WalkGood Yard, where donation drives were held.
After Devastating Eaton Fires, Westridge Students Channel Grief Into Fire Relief Efforts
  • April Edition Out Now!
The student-run newspaper of Westridge School for Girls, Spyglass strives to build community and evoke empathy through the medium of journalism. Comprised of passionate student writers, editors, designers, managers, and leaders, Spyglass is dedicated to ethical reporting that amplifies our unique voices to inform, entertain, and forge connection in the Westridge community and beyond.

Spyglass
The student-run newspaper of Westridge School for Girls, Spyglass strives to build community and evoke empathy through the medium of journalism. Comprised of passionate student writers, editors, designers, managers, and leaders, Spyglass is dedicated to ethical reporting that amplifies our unique voices to inform, entertain, and forge connection in the Westridge community and beyond.

Spyglass
Recent
Finley N.
Spyglass Survey of 200+ Students Reveals Attitudes Toward Cheating
Valentina V., Frances B., and Tanvi C. • April 27, 2025

Spyglass anonymously surveyed 228/305 Upper School students in April of 2025 to find out what cheating...

Recent Stories
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
April 27, 2025
On April 14, Spyglass elected its newest leadership team.
Introducing Spyglass’ 2025–2026 Editorial Board
April 27, 2025
At just 3:30 p.m., the once bustling Commons is desolate and student-free, as after school, Commons service has been suspended.
The Commons Struggles to Find Balance and Match Student Demand
April 26, 2025
Just days into the trip, I stand in the Atacama Desert, unfazed.
Etc: My Trip to Chile in 8 Egregious Anecdotes
April 26, 2025
Featured Story
Students at Westridge are seeing their classmates use generative AI more and more. Piper* said, “AI usage is definitely increasing in ways that I wasn't expecting."
Westridge Responds to Generative AI’s Impact on Teaching and Learning
Ella B., Tanvi C., Karalim C., and Kristin C. • April 28, 2025

As Piper* reviewed her Spanish notes for an upcoming group presentation in March, she stumbled on a piece of her partner’s writing. To Piper, it felt like it “was written with ChatGPT.” She said the writing “was...

Continue Reading
Seniors in Chile during Discovery Week. “I was very glad I went [to] Chile…it was a really cool experience,” said Jordan B. ’25. (Westridge School)
Discovery Week Resounding Success for Juniors and Seniors; Local Trips Leave Underclassmen Underwhelmed
Frances B. and Josie S.-J. • April 27, 2025
Alice Lee will start her time at Westridge on July 1. She said, "I'm incredibly honored and grateful to join the Westridge community as the next Director of Athletics."
Williams College Lacrosse Coach Alice Lee Selected as New Athletic Director
Ella B. • April 10, 2025
Top Stories
As both Coach Melanie Horn (left) and dance teacher Kashmir Blake are set to retire at the end of this school year after decades of service, the Westridge community is taking the time to honor their commitment and dedication to the school.
After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge
May 24, 2025
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Home, After All
April 26, 2025
The purchased property behind the commons on 310 Arlington Drive. Credit: COMPASS
310 Arlington Task Force Continues to Search for an Ideal Architectural Partner
April 26, 2025
Editor's Note
April Editor's Note
April Editor’s Note
Ella B. • April 27, 2025
Recent Stories
Features
From top left to bottom right: Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias, Administrative Assistant to Upper School Ms. Kali Spicer, Assistant Director of Upper School Ms. Kerri Epps, Upper School Dean of Student Support Ms. Bonnie Paiz Martinez (Valentina V.)
Community, Innovation, and Teamwork: Upper School Administration Reflects on First Year as a Team
Valentina V. • May 24, 2025
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Tekle S.-J. and Frances B. • May 24, 2025
This past year, the Los Feliz/Silverlake bus has faced multiple issues regarding the mechanics and sizing leaving students frustrated.
Nationwide Shortage of Bus Parts Impacts Westridge’s Los Feliz/Silverlake Bus
Rebecca L. • May 24, 2025
Etc.
10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Jessica S. • May 24, 2025
ETC: Top 10 Relatable Senior Headlines
ETC: Top 10 Relatable Senior Headlines
Isis L. and Finley N. • May 24, 2025
Want to truly impress your teachers with an end-of-year gift? Read this guide.
Etc.: 5 Gifts to Give to Your Teacher that Won’t End Up In a Goodwill Next Year
Ella B. • May 24, 2025
Ms. Cutler goes around the world in five iconic outfits!
Vogue Voyages: A Fashion Expedition with Ms. Cutler
Karalim C. • April 27, 2025
Just days into the trip, I stand in the Atacama Desert, unfazed.
Etc: My Trip to Chile in 8 Egregious Anecdotes
Ella B. • April 26, 2025
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Girls Can
Charley G. • April 25, 2025
Op-Ed
During the Spyglass Senior Celebration, Valentina V. '26 newly elected Editor-in-Chief, gave some thoughtful remarks about my time on Spyglass.
Joining Spyglass as a Senior
Joss C. • May 24, 2025
The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
Kelly C. • May 24, 2025
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
Katarina L.S. • May 24, 2025
Middle School
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
Katarina L.S. • May 24, 2025
(Lillian W. '27) In the beginning of the second semester, a third math option was opened to seventh grade students, Math 7.
“Every Girl Can Do Math.” Middle School Administration Adds New Math Class
Ruby S., Middle School Staffer • April 27, 2025
The eight representatives for eighth grade throwing the ping pong balls into the bright orange bin.
Ping Pong Balls Fly as Westridge Middle Schoolers Go Head-to-Head in Advisory Challenge
Harper W. • April 27, 2025
As I continue to physically improve my muscles, I am also motivated to improve my mind as well.
OPINION: Falling Into Finding My Resilience: What My Injury Taught Me About Perseverance
Carys H. • April 26, 2025
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Girls Can
Charley G. • April 25, 2025
Campus Culture
Local & World
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Sophene A. and Reed D. • April 27, 2025

Federal funding cuts for universities under the Trump administration have recently disrupted the research projects and opportunities of some...

Green Guerilla members and other Westridge students holding protest signs at the candle light vigil. There were around 15 Westridge affiliates in attendance.
“Carbon Free by 2030”: Westridge Students and Faculty Gather at City Hall with Pasadena 100 to Commemorate Clean Energy Resolution’s Anniversary
Ella B. and Lilah R. • March 8, 2025

A chant rings through Garfield Avenue, starting just outside of Pasadena City Hall: “Carbon Free by 2030.” Westridge students hoist signs...

Athletics
Teia L. ’26 stands at the podium at CIF-SS Finals after winning third place in the entire division in pole vault.
Historical Records Made in Lacrosse and Track and Field: A Spring Sports Recap
Jane K. • May 24, 2025
As both Coach Melanie Horn (left) and dance teacher Kashmir Blake are set to retire at the end of this school year after decades of service, the Westridge community is taking the time to honor their commitment and dedication to the school.
After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge
Ella B. • May 24, 2025
Spyglass Live
Columns
Sydney S. '25 posing for a picture in the car.
Going down the A Line, our next stop Historic Broadway.
Going down the A Line, our next stop Little Tokyo.
Sounds For State Street: Honey
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The student-run newspaper of Westridge School for Girls, Spyglass strives to build community and evoke empathy through the medium of journalism. Comprised of passionate student writers, editors, designers, managers, and leaders, Spyglass is dedicated to ethical reporting that amplifies our unique voices to inform, entertain, and forge connection in the Westridge community and beyond.