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

  • May 20th 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

Features

Many students at Westridge recognize the benefits of rewriting, but do it ultimately for a better grade. [When I revise] I get to make those changes and like, obviously, get a better grade, but also because Im learning more things, said Avin M. 27.

Balancing Grades and Learning: Westridge Teachers and Students Weigh in on Revisions, Rewrites, and Retakes

Ella B. and Mirella C. May 19, 2024

Last fall, junior Sophie C. opened TurnItIn.com, a platform for teachers to give writing feedback. It was her first history paper of the year. When she saw her grade, she was taken aback—she had not...

Dr. Melanie Arias, Incoming Director of Upper School, Cant wait to learn more about Westridge

Dr. Melanie Arias, Incoming Director of Upper School, “Can’t wait to learn more” about Westridge

Lily C. May 19, 2024

Dr. Melanie Arias, the new Director of Upper School for the upcoming 2024–2025 school year, says she is “thrilled” to make the transition from Windward School to the Westridge community. Westridge...

To many on the Westridge campus, sustainability is of the utmost importance. Recent developments now make Westridge more environmentally-friendly.

Earth Week is Over, But Sustainability is Still Going Strong at Westridge

Ella B. and Rebecca L. May 18, 2024

From April 22 to April 26, Westridge celebrated Earth Week, an annual celebration for Westridge. The Green Guerrillas, Westridge’s sustainability club, organized events and posted signs encouraging students...

The recent reversal of test-optional admissions policies made by several of the nations most influential college institutions stirs up a whirlwind of emotions as current high schoolers adapt to an ever-changing college admissions landscape.

The Dartmouth Domino-Effect: More Elite Institutions Reinstate Test-Required Admissions Policies

Reed D. April 14, 2024

Although students who derive fiendish pleasure in taking standardized tests and are freakishly brilliant at it probably exist (at least in urban myth), I am not one of them; I have never been an easy-breezy...

With demanding academics and time-consuming extracurriculars, what do Westridge students sleep habits look like?

What Do the Sleeping Schedules of Westridge Students Look Like? Spyglass Asked 200+ Students to Find Out.

Rebecca L. April 14, 2024

With demanding academics and time-consuming extracurriculars, it’s not uncommon for Westridge students to sacrifice sleep first in their long list of to-dos.  According to the Centers for Disease Control...

Earlier this year, the Facilities team removed several panels from classroom ceilings. Depicted is an animated green smoke coming out of the holes, representing the smell in Rothenberg Building.

Facilities, Administrators Hopeful for an Odor-Free Rothenberg Building In Near Future

Ella B. April 14, 2024

Going back more than two decades, the Rothenberg Building on Westridge’s Upper School campus has boasted an unfortunate smell, garnering complaints from students, faculty, and visitors alike. Notable...

Ms. Heydorff in her office explaining her role when working with ASB. ASB really took the lead on [ASD] and I was just there to support and give them assistance in any way they needed, said Ms. Heydorff.

“It’s been hard.” Westridge US Faculty and Students Unite to Support Each Other Amidst Admin Absence

Lily C. and Grace F. April 14, 2024

At Westridge, like every institution of higher learning, the wheels of learning must keep turning regardless of a pandemic or flood; or in this case, the absence of key members of the Upper School leadership...

Westridge players use the John Muir Tennis Court during a match. (PC Emily L. 26)

“Our tennis kids deserve a good spot.” Westridge Athletics Struggles to Secure Ideal Tennis Courts

Valentina V. and Emily L. February 12, 2024

It was the start of tennis season and the first rainfall of autumn had left the John Muir tennis courts full of puddles. Spyglass staffer Emily L. ’26, a member of the JV tennis team, walked onto the...

A handful of Westridge classes have incorporated a flipped learning approach. Teachers aim to find the right balance between traditional and flipped learning. (Eliza K. ’26)

Westridge Teachers Seek to Find the Right Balance Between Traditional and Flipped Learning

Sophene A. and Arden R. February 12, 2024

The confused tourist in an unfamiliar culture, a stubborn train on a dilapidated track, a fierce soldier heading into no man’s land. Depending on the subject, learning can feel like any of the above....

Westridge students consider opportunities for co-ed social exposure in a single-sex school.

Desperately Seeking Social: What Co-Ed Social Opportunity Looks Like at an All-Girls School

Mirella C. February 12, 2024

Last fall, for the first time in my high school career, I forayed into the realm of high school football games by attending several at Loyola and St. Francis—infamous for their large student turnout....

“We Don’t Need to Tiptoe Around Sex-Ed:” As Students’ Needs Evolve, So Does the Program for Sex Education

“We Don’t Need to Tiptoe Around Sex-Ed:” As Students’ Needs Evolve, So Does the Program for Sex Education

Eliza W. and Daria H. February 12, 2024

“Do you have a pad?” one classmate not-so-quietly announced just moments into B Block History. Before I could respond, three other students had already pulled out a colorful array of various pads (and...

A student athlete walking into campus while carrying her volleyball backpack.

Making Memories and Building Community: The Student Athlete Experience

Rebecca L. and Lily C. December 11, 2023

Every school can be defined by a few prominent elements of its culture. For Westridge, it’s undeniably the academic rigor. Even the Director of Athletics Coach Melanie Horn agrees: “At Westridge, we...

Load More Stories
Activate Search
Features