![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."](https://westridgespyglass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dr.-kellyyy-1-e1748143600809.png)
![Lacrosse had an incredible season, making it to the semifinals. Jeff Searock, the father of player Sophie S. '28 has gone to most games and said, "[The season has] been great. Great coaching, great players, kids have great attitude. You can't ask for much more."](https://westridgespyglass.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_3652-1200x900.jpeg)
Every fall, Westridge hosts Grandparents and Friends Day, where students bring their grandparents or a special guest to school for a half-day of classes. The event is an opportunity for visitors and guests to get a glimpse into daily school and see firsthand the kind of education that Westridge provides.
The morning began with a relaxed 9:15 a.m. start on November 21, as students arrived later than usual. Upon their special guests’ arrival, classes began, and students and their guests headed to their A Block class together. With the event schedule shortened, classes were condensed to 30 minutes. The day is an interactive experience for visitors who enjoy being with their students and engaging in their classes. “It’s just fun to actually sit in on the classes and see what the kids are learning, and how they’re learning. That’s really terrific,” said Mary Scott, grandmother of Roen S. ’28.
Many students and grandparents love bonding with each other during this special day. “My grandma and I live together, but there aren’t many times where we can go out and actually experience different things together,” said Ilyana P.-F. ’28. “And I get to bring her into my world once a year, so it was really nice to bring her.”
Mary Nord, grandmother of Anna K. ’29 said, “It’s really fun to be here, just being here with my granddaughter is an opportunity I always want to take advantage of.”
Seeing a Westridge experience and education up close gives grandparents a window into their students’ lives and an opportunity to support them. “It really is special to meet Anna’s teachers. I think teachers do a very nice job of sharing what the kids are doing in their classes,” said Ms. Nord.
“Coming to Westridge was Anna’s idea. She wanted to be here, and so did her family, so everyone was thrilled that it was something she wanted, and that she would work hard to earn her place here,” Ms. Nord added.
Nylee B. ’29, a new student this year, brought her grandparents, Barbra and Jerome Blackwood. “I enjoy just being in the classroom and seeing how the teachers teach and doing a lesson with the kids. It was really enjoyable. I think Nylee is gonna prosper here,” Mrs. Blackwood said.
“Westridge is a great place for them to learn and thrive. I know they’re very smart girls, and if you put some smart girls together, they can take over the world,” Mr. Blackwood added.
