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
"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
(Rebecca L. '27 and Finley N. '28) Once again, the annual Discovery Week trips for Upper School students are met with questions about cost, equity, and direct communication.
It’s Discovery Week Season Again…and Students are Less Than Pleased with New Changes.
Investing in the Future of Women: Westridge's Financial Literacy Program
Investing in the Future of Women: Westridge’s Financial Literacy Program
Students embrace each other after a challenging week.
“It’s okay to ask for help”: How Westridge Supported Students and Faculty During the Eaton Fire Crisis
Smoke plumes from the Eaton Fire cloud the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 near the I-210 freeway.
“Each day felt like a year”: A Timeline of Westridge’s Response to the Devastating Eaton Fire
Over 50 attendees pose for a group photo at the playground structure after the two hour event.
Tiger Cub Club Builds Community Across Generations
Wowed by the Women of Westridge: Listening and Learning at Alumnae Weekend
Wowed by the Women of Westridge: Listening and Learning at Alumnae Weekend
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
6th graders (Cassie D., Alexa S., Zetta G., and Lucy L.) smile for a photo while eagerly awaiting to race through the dinosaur-themed obstacle course.
A Day to Enjoy Being a Kid Again: This Year’s Fantastic Jurassic All School Day
(Charlotte H. '29) Students of different ages listen in World Languages and Cultures Department Chair Dr. Vicki Garrett's Spanish III class.
New Schedule Allows For More “Crossover Kids,” Middle School Students Taking Upper School Classes.
(Ailis H. '29) Middle school students share their criticisms on the new schedule.
New 2024–25 Middle School Schedule Disappoints Students and Faculty
"Eternal Strength"
“We strive to rise” Rebecca U.G. ’29 paints with her pen a symbol for Westridge in response to the fires.
PC: Ruby S. Students returning to work and discussing after the meeting.
Middle School Students Find Strength in Community Amidst Election Results
OPINION: Movie Master Class: How Movies Have Brought My Dad and Me Together
OPINION: Movie Master Class: How Movies Have Brought My Dad and Me Together
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
Discovery Week has caused an uproar every year since its beginning.My biggest issue with it: trip inequity. Let's give every trip a chance.
Opinion: Give All Discovery Week Trips A Chance
Paddington in Peru is the third film in the Paddington series. Once again, the bear captured audiences' hearts.
REVIEW: Paddington in Peru is the Heartwarming Movie We All Need Now
Postcard from 52 Days After the Fire
Postcard from 52 Days After the Fire
Credit: Jane K.
EDITORIAL: A Call for Leadership
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
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
(Kim Kercher) The group of volunteers who helped set up the February 8 drive.
Westridge Holds Donation Drive for Victims of the Eaton Fire; Welcomes 80 Families to the State Street Parking Lot Distribution Center
The first week back at Westridge after the devestating Eaton Fire featured an adapted schedule, town meeting, and a variety of different lesson plans.
The First Week Back: Westridge Students Awkwardly Embrace a New Normal After the Eaton Fire
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.
The Day in 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
PC: Ariana E. Zetta G. ‘31 posing in front of the gym after a fun P.E class. 
Humans of Westridge: Spotlight on Zetta G. ‘31, “I love Westridge.”
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
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
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sarah and Lilah Review: Challengers
Sarah and Lilah Review: Challengers
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?
Confessions from the College Front Line: How Early is Too Early for College Pressure?
Confessions from the College Front Line: How Early is Too Early for College Pressure?
"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: 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
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
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
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.
The Day in 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
PC: Ariana E. Zetta G. ‘31 posing in front of the gym after a fun P.E class. 
Humans of Westridge: Spotlight on Zetta G. ‘31, “I love Westridge.”
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
Lindsay C.'25 after her third round of interviews for the Rose Court.
From a Westridge 4th Grader to the 106th Rose Queen: Lindsay C. ’25 Shares Her Growth
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
Water polo captain MG N. ’25 passes the ball in an attacking play against Tesoro High School. The Tigers defeated Tesoro 12–5 in the first round of CIF playoffs.
A CIF Playoff Appearance in a Season Truncated by the Eaton Fire: A Winter Sports Round-Up
Booster Club Co-Chair Ms. Vanessa Withers, Mrs. Allison Dietrick, and Co-Chair Ms. Angela Rashid stand in front of their “Tiger Treats” table. “Parents, players, and fans are excited about [“Tiger Treats”] because it kind of makes Westridge athletics more of a thing,” said Mrs. Dietrick.
Tiger Athletics Booster Club Brings School Spirit and Empowerment
Freshman Mira C. winds up for a shot against Tesoro High School's goalkeeper in the first round of CIF Playoffs. Mira would end up scoring a total of seven goals at the game.
From 0-10 in the Prep League to CIF Qualifiers: How Westridge Water Polo Started Winning
Athletes were unable to practice outdoors due to the poor air quality caused by the Eaton fire.
Westridge Sports Practices and Competitions Canceled Due to Eaton Fire; CIF Playoff Qualifications Temporarily Changed
This is Frog
This is Frog
Ivy Day, the day when all Ivy League schools release their regular admissions decisions online, always arrives in late March. This year, Ivy Day takes place during Discovery Week on March 27. With Spyglass seniors traveling to anywhere from Namibia to Japan to Chile, Ivy Day 2025 should prove to be an enlightening experience.
SATIRE: What Ivy Day Looks Like on Three Different Continents
SATIRE: Four New T-Shirts to Embody Your Westridge Pride
SATIRE: Four New T-Shirts to Embody Your Westridge Pride
I definitely won't be a student at Westridge when the new part of campus opens, but here is my new campus wishlist anyway!
SATIRE: 5 Things I Want to See on Westridge’s New Campus
(Lillian W. '27) On February 19, I went to the Arleta DMV and passed my behind-the-wheel test. Soon after, I began to reflect on my deservings to drive on the roads.
5 Reasons Why I Should Not Have My Driver License
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
Packets of seeds from California native plants about to be sent in an appropriately decorated envelope.
“It’s genuinely such a beautiful idea.” Upper School Permaculture Class Sends Native Seeds to the Altadena Seed Library to Restore Wildlife After Eaton Fire
On the morning of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, smoke from the Eaton Fire crowds the sky.
“What Happens Now?”: Students Displaced by Eaton Fire Seek Normalcy
Activity in the library fluctuates depending on time of day, divisional schedules, and events.
Westridge Library’s One Space Serves All: Convenience, Cramming, and Community
Guests settle down as the event dedicated to Anna Bondoc starts. (Credit: Aceley P.)
“This is really about the two years she spent here and her time as a teacher.” Anna Bondoc’s Celebration of Life
  • March 10th 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

Campus Culture

Natalie V. '21 celebrates her commitment to Auburn University.

Seniors Reflect on a College Process Like No Other

Sophia H. • May 17, 2021

For roughly the past eight months, Westridge seniors have endured the seemingly endless process of applying to colleges across and beyond the United States. Finally, past the May 1 deadline by which most...

Juanita working on the wheel in the Ceramics Studio.

Celebrating Juanita’s 50 years at Westridge

Sabina P. • May 16, 2021

“What was so fitting was when she came through the door, she walked up to me like she had known me forever,” recalled Ms. Lorri Deyer, Upper School History and Ceramics teacher, remembering when she...

Ninth Grade English Class with Ms. Bondoc

New Teachers Reflect on the Past Year of Remote Learning and the Resilience of the Westridge Community

Verena W. and Hannah W. • May 16, 2021

As the school year comes to an end, many in the Westridge community have a chance to look back and reflect on the past year. Teachers and students alike have learned to be more versatile, strong and persistent...

What's it Like to be Asian at Westridge? (art credit: Izzy S.)

Asian at Westridge: Students and Teachers Share Their Voices

Lauren C. and Hannah W. • May 16, 2021

According to NBC News, following the coronavirus pandemic, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate crimes (those that have been reported) increased over 100% in Los Angeles alone. As AAPIs in America...

One of Farm2Power's Produce Boxes (@farm2power on instagram)

Westridge Alumni Create a New Collective Supporting BIPOC Farmers

Lauren C. and Mckenna D. • May 16, 2021

Westridge Alumni Zoya Abbas ‘18, Amari Gaiter ‘17, Sarah Bacio ‘17, Elliot Snow ‘17 and Shoop Rosario ‘17 were unhappy with the food inequalities in their community. Together, they started the...

In-person history class

“Going to school…gives me a chance to wear my clothes.” Upper School Reflects on Return to Campus

Daria H. and Lucia P. • May 16, 2021

After spending over a year online, Westridge Upper Schoolers finally returned to campus. Although some students have returned to campus for SEL activities and sports conditioning, others haven’t seen...

In addition to wedding planning, Kerri Epps and her fiance, Mike, hope to spend lots of time on the beach in Kauai.

For the Westridge Community, this Summer is Filled with Family, Friends, and Traveling

Jessica W. • May 15, 2021

With this unpredictable school year of remote and hybrid learning coming to an end, faculty and students have begun making plans for the summer. Some have decided to travel; others are staying close to...

Part of the November 2020 DEI and Anti-Racism update. It starts with a letter from Elizabeth McGregor, Head of School.

Westridge’s DEI Efforts Part 2: How Involved are Students in the DEI Process?

Katie S. • May 15, 2021

A large part of the DEI effort involves student input — receiving student feedback, checking in with students’ sense of belonging, and having ongoing conversations with students about changes they...

Some of Westridge’s parent ambassadors with whom prospective families can connect.

Westridge’s DEI Efforts Part 1: Increasing Student Body Representation

Katie S. • May 10, 2021
DEI initiatives and efforts to increase student diversity are not new to Westridge’s admission process. “There are some strategies we have expanded upon and some newer initiatives that are underway to spread the word about Westridge to families that may not hear about us through traditional marketing and outreach efforts,” explained Margaret Shoemaker, Director of Admission.
A Year in Review: Westridge Looks Back and Forward at its DEI Efforts

A Year in Review: Westridge Looks Back and Forward at its DEI Efforts

Katie S. • May 10, 2021
Westridge published their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) planning strategies in January 2020, located in the Westridge Strategic Plan. Among other initiatives, the DEI plan includes: increasing DEI training for all Westridge constituencies, identifying biases in curriculum, and creating a plan to increase student body and faculty & staff diversity.
“Can YOU Save Spring Break: The Escape Room” Photo Credits: Verena W.

Tiger Week: A New Experience For Teachers and Students

Verena W. and Sabina P. • April 26, 2021

While the Interim week before spring break at Westridge is usually filled with school trips and activities, ranging from the on-campus to the international, this year was different. Due to COVID-19, Tiger...

On her Instagram, Pamela Reif shares weekly fitness routines ranging from beginner to 45-minute sweaty ones, making home workouts accessible to everyone.

Youtube, Yoga, and Outdoor Walks: How the Westridge Community Has Been Staying Active

Jessica W. • April 12, 2021

As we reflect on one year of lockdown in the pandemic, one thing is for sure: our lives have quickly become more stationary, and many began searching for new ways of incorporating movement into their...

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