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
Postcard from 52 Days After the Fire
Postcard from 52 Days After the 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
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
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.
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
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

Middle School

Stephanie C. ’25 in a debate tournament at home.

The New Age of Speech and Debate

Ella B. • November 1, 2020

Please bear in mind that the author is a member of the Westridge Speech and Debate Team.  The Westridge Speech and Debate Team’s season is yet another activity impacted by remote learning. After...

LuciDesignsCo’s Instagram, where she advertises some of her products.

Eighth Grader Promotes Voting With Small Startup

Sophene A. • October 11, 2020
Bored during quarantine? Luciana P. ‘25, an 8th-grader at Westridge, decided to do something about her boredom and started a project that would not only occupy her time, but also include her favorite hobbies: art and design. Luciana decided to create her own Etsy store, LuciDesignsCo, to sell products of her own design, such as phone cases, sweatshirts, t-shirts, pencil cases, and notebooks.
Taylor T. ‘28 with her Mac n Cheese while in the activity.

Tiger Club: The New Afterschool

Ella B. • October 11, 2020
Westridge unveiled a new line up of online after school programming.  The new Tiger Club is a series of afterschool activities led by various faculty members for lower and middle school students. Some featured activities included Cooking with Brandon, Books with Ms. Stephanie, Yoga with Courtney, and Making with Mick.   
Ms. Oseran with her dog.

Westridge Welcomes Anna Oseran

Sophene A. • October 11, 2020
Ms. Oseran starts her day by making herself a cup of coffee. The first sip of her coffee is the second best part of her day, the first being in class with her students. As she prepares to start her day, she always reads something, usually The New York Times. Next, she heads on to Advisory and then teaches 8th grade English for the rest of the workday.

When STEM is Forced on Girls

Ilena M. • May 1, 2020

Growing up in Los Angeles, I’ve been told that girls can do anything they set their minds to, especially STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math, the decided holy grail of intellect and success...

(clockwise from left) The author talks with Gia M. ‘27, eighth-grader Sydney W., and Sylvie S. J. ‘24

Lower & Middle School Remember Ms. V.

Ilena M. • April 24, 2020

On April 14, we lost an integral member of the Westridge community, Lower and Middle School Dean of Student Support Carol Van Zalingen, to complications due to COVID-19. As Westridge reflects upon and...

Quarantine Inspired Haikus

April 17, 2020
In Eighth Grade English, students wrote haikus reflecting on their experience during the Coronavirus quarantine. Spyglass would like to feature three of these haikus to add some cheer in these times of fear and uncertainty. 

Behind The Scenes: ALL SCHOOLS DAY

Ella B. and Sophene A. • April 17, 2020

“When I walked onto the field, a smile came to my face. I immediately knew this was going to be an exciting and great day!” exclaimed Reed D. ’25 as she recounted this year's All Schools Day.  Amidst...

8 Fun Activities To Keep the Crazy Out of Quarantine

Ilena M. • April 17, 2020

1. Spaghetti Sword Fights A starchy and competitive workout for the whole family, or whoever’s willing to get off their laptop for five minutes. C’mon, dad, I’m looking at you. * If participating...

Eighth Graders Support and Cheer Each Other On During the 60 Second Sermons

Eighth Graders Support and Cheer Each Other On During the 60 Second Sermons

Verena W. • April 17, 2020

Nothing inspires more fear than speaking in public.  When it comes to presenting the 60 second sermon, an infamous Eighth Grade English assignment, students found that banding together in support is the...

Rigorous Remote Learning in Middle School

Ella B. and Sophene A. • April 17, 2020

On March 11, Head of School, Elizabeth McGregor announced that Westridge would switch to remote learning in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff. At first, some students...

Dance-less Middle School Dances

Sophene A. • February 18, 2020
The middle school dances have been a part of Westridge since its founding in 1913. Pasadena Independent School Directors, the organizers of the middle school dances, believed that dances would allow students to socialize with their peers. However, middle schoolers’ opinions reveal that middle school dances don’t always fulfill the purpose for which they were created.
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