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
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
During the Spyglass Senior Celebration, newly elected Editor-in-Chief Valentina V. '26 gave some thoughtful remarks about my time on Spyglass.
OPINION: Joining Spyglass as a Senior
The AI generated image hanging in Mudd.
OPINION: 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
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Class of 2025 editorial board members—whose leadership, creativity, and bold ideas helped shape the voice of Spyglass—led with purpose and passion.
“Spicy, Opinionated, Brazen”: Spyglass Says Goodbye to Seniors
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
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
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
The permaculture garden in full bloom during the annual Open House, where students showcased a year’s worth of sustainability and design work.
Permaculture and Sustainable Building and Design Round Out the Year with Animal Friends at Annual Open House
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Spyglass staffer Lilah and her friends’ dresses hung up, ready to be worn.
Behind the Scenes: Westridge Prom Edition
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Associated Student Body Cabinet for the 2025-2026 School Year is Elected
Associated Student Body Cabinet for the 2025-2026 School Year is Elected
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
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."
After the Eaton Fire, Westridge Support Includes Teachers and Staff
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
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
An intense moment taken during the Quarter Final CIFs game against Oaks Christian, as a Westridge player shoots while under immense defensive pressure.
“We Wanted To Make History”
A collage graphic of Bennett, Micaela, and Teia competing in their respective events. All three champions have at least one year left in their athletics career at Westridge.
Three Individual Championships Carry Westridge to a Third Place Finish At Prep League Finals
Teia L. ’26 stands at the podium at CIF-SS Finals after winning third place in the entire division in pole vault.
A Spring Sports Recap: New School Records Made in Lacrosse and Track and Field
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
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
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
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
The old math workbook (left) and the new math workbook (right).
OPINION: How the New Math 7 Class Changed My Perspective
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
"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
  • May 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
All content by Ella B. ’25
The plaque inside Coach Horn's office that announces the naming of the "Melanie Horn Basketball Court." Besides it sit trophies, other plaques, and sports merch Coach Horn has collected over the years.

[Photo] After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge

Ella B.
May 24, 2025
Screenshots of some of the headlines of op-eds I've written in the past two years.

[Photo] OPINION: All the Op-Eds I Never Got to Write

Ella B.
May 24, 2025
Want to truly impress your teachers with an end-of-year gift? Read this guide.

[Photo] Etc.: 5 Gifts to Give to Your Teacher that Won’t End Up In a Goodwill Next Year

Ella B.
May 24, 2025
A picture of a student's screen while using Exam.net. While on the writing platform, students cannot receive messages, copy and paste, or screenshot.

[Photo] Westridge Responds to Generative AI’s Impact on Teaching and Learning

Ella B., Tanvi C., Karalim C., and Kristin C.
April 28, 2025
My furry friend, whose name I have already forgotten.

[Photo] Etc: My Trip to Chile in 8 Egregious Anecdotes

Ella B.
April 26, 2025
Screenshot 2025-03-09 at 8.54.57 PM

[Photo] Opinion: Give All Discovery Week Trips A Chance

Ella B.
March 8, 2025
A portion of my backyard burned in the fire—including my childhood trampoline.

[Photo] Opinion: What Losing the Places I Love Taught Me About Community

Ella B.
January 30, 2025
A selfie of me with a cart full of pasta, cans, and other food items.

[Photo] OPINION: Four Years of Food Drives: Connecting with Service and the Class of 2025

Ella B.
December 14, 2024
On Thursday, November 7, as students and faculty arrived at Westridge, they were met with an unexpected police presence. Pictured is the shattered glass door vandalized by the trespasser, alongside the police officer who responded to the scene.

[Photo] Unidentified Intruder Vandalizes Rothenberg Humanities Building in Early Morning

Ella B.
November 16, 2024
The New York Times' homepage blasts "Trump's America." In the back, students work somberly in their Environmental Science and Engineering course, after their teacher, Ms. Michelle Amos, altered her cirriculum to serve as a student work-day, cognizant of student emotions after the election results came out.

[Photo] Westridge’s Upper School Mourns Kamala Harris’ Loss, Grapples With a Second Term for Donald Trump

Ella B. and Josie S.-J.
November 16, 2024
All of Middle School came together to identify their "Top 10 Scariest Scenarios."

[Photo] Top 10 Scariest Scenarios – Westridge Middle School Edition

Westridge Middle School
October 29, 2024
Click the links below to enjoy Carolina's Halloween-inspired playlist!

[Photo] Bewitched: Halloween Edition

Carolina H.
October 29, 2024
Holly N. '25 is a guest contributor for Spyglass and will be voting for the first time this November.

[Photo] OPINION: The Power of a Vote: Why My 18th Birthday Was All About Registration

Holly N.
October 5, 2024
The outside of the building. Faith C. '25 said, "The stench is horrendous.”

[Photo] After a Summer of Construction, Rothenberg Humanities Building’s Odor Persists

Ella B.
October 5, 2024
Editor in Chief Ella B. '25

[Photo] Spyglass’ 2024–2025 Editorial Board

Gia S.
May 19, 2024
A collection of some of the outfits we wore during our experiment.

[Photo] We Were Out of Uniform for 12 Days and Here’s What Happened

Ella B. and Mirella C.
May 19, 2024
To many on the Westridge campus, sustainability is of the utmost importance. Recent developments now make Westridge more environmentally-friendly.

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

Ella B. and Rebecca L.
May 18, 2024
Both pairs of sisters have played sports with each other before, but this year marks the first time each sibling duo have played together at Westridge.

[Photo] Sisterhood in Sports: Westridge Siblings Reflect on Their Athletic Journeys Together

Ella B.
April 14, 2024
A group of Upper School students sit on the floor, excited to watch the eclipse.

[Photo] Westridge Embraces the Eclipse, Celebrates on Frank Field

Ella B.
April 14, 2024
Westridge's Varsity Soccer team stands outside of In-N-Out, while wearing their hats.

[Photo] Win or Lose, Westridge Sports Make Memories at Traditional ‘In-N-Out Games’

Ella B.
February 12, 2024
Upper School students sit together in the Hoffman Gymnasium to discuss the recent Monterey Park Shooting.

[Photo] Westridge Responds to Monterey Park Shooting

Ella B.
February 6, 2023
In the Performing Arts Center (PAC), several of the World Cup matches have been shown. One notable game was between the United States and Iran, which resulted in a 1-0 win for the U.S., allowing them to advance into the round of 16. Students could be seen across PAC cheering on their respective teams.

[Photo] World Cup Fever Hits Westridge

Ella B.
December 12, 2022
After many years eating in the Commons almost every day, I have come up with a pretty solid list of food combinations that you can get at the Commons.

[Photo] My Go-To Commons Combos That You Need to Try

Ella B.
December 12, 2022
claudia1

[Photo] Bananas and Men in Black: Halloween Parade 2022

Ella B. and Amanda S.
November 7, 2022
Star golfer Julia W. '24 and coach Ryan Miranda high-five during Westridge's match against Buckley School.

[Photo] 4 Seasons Undefeated: What’s the Key to Varsity Golf’s Success?

Ella B.
November 7, 2022
Freshman Micaela R. smiles after the Frosh volleyball team wins their first set of the year against Chadwick School.

[Photo] A Question for Each Fall Sports Team As the Season Ramps Up

Ella B.
October 3, 2022
Westridge freshman and JV players (from left to right) Sofia K., Lilah R., Holly N., and Lindsay C. walk off the field after they defeated Polytechnic School 4-1. They ended the season undefeated.

[Photo] The Magical World of Junior Varsity Soccer

Ella B.
February 14, 2022
Gabby C. '23 scores a goal from a free kick against Temple City High School.

[Photo] Winter Sports Round-Up: No Teams Advance to CIF Playoffs

Ariana E. and Ella B.
February 14, 2022
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Ella B. '25