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
Freshmen adjust to the academic demands and freedoms of Upper School while exploring new opportunities for growth.
“The Expectations Have Gone Up.” Freshmen Navigate Upper School’s Increased Academic Standards While Balancing New Freedoms and Choices
(Lillian W. '27)
Projects at Westridge: How Creativity Benefits Student Learning and Engagement
Students taking the same class can often have different experiences than their peers depending on their particular teacher's interpretation of the course.
Same Class, Different Teacher. When Does One Class Become Two?
In the weeks and days before the election, three Westridge sophomores traveled to Nevada to support Kamala Harris' campaign.
“It’s Important to See That You Do Have an Opportunity to Help:” Sophomores Travel to Nevada to Support Vice President Kamala Harris’ Campaign in Election
(Sophia Y. '26) You still awake? Spyglass followed four Upper School students to uncover the factors and habits of their sleep routines.
You Still Awake? Spyglass Followed Four Upper School Students’ Sleep Routines for 22 days
PC: Gia S. ’25. Willow and some of the Westridgettes posing before their first performance.
Roll Call! Meet the 2024–25 Westridgettes
Upper School Office Seeks to Resolve Discovery Week Equity Issues Despite Rising Costs
Upper School Office Seeks to Resolve Discovery Week Equity Issues Despite Rising Costs
Students line up in single file after the new signs aim to streamline the flow of traffic.
“The Line is Working Again”: New Policies and Ramen Option Aim to Reduce Crowding and Improve Lunch Experience in the Commons
Despite Efforts of Promoting Sustainability at Westridge, Students Still Struggle to Properly Sort Trash and Silverware
Despite Efforts of Promoting Sustainability at Westridge, Students Still Struggle to Properly Sort Trash and Silverware
Ms. Mshaka posing in front of a Westridge sign on campus. (Fan Wang)
Alumna Profile: “I felt confident, I felt safe, and I felt seen.” Westridge Alumna Thembisa Mshaka Reflects on a Career in Entertainment and Westridge’s Role in Her Development
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
All of Middle School came together to identify their "Top 10 Scariest Scenarios."
Top 10 Scariest Scenarios – Westridge Middle School Edition
“We lost as a team and won as a team.” Middle School Flag Football Team Puts up a Valiant Fight Playing for the Prep League Championship
“We lost as a team and won as a team.” Middle School Flag Football Team Puts up a Valiant Fight Playing for the Prep League Championship
Middle School Students React to New Art Schedule Change
Middle School Students React to New Art Schedule Change
Photo courtesy of Festival de Cannes
Gory Thriller “The Substance” (2024) Evokes Emotions But Lacks Substance
Spyglass staff writer Lilah R. '25 and I pose with our cart full of soup cans. We bought around 100 cans during this trip to the store.
OPINION: Four Years of Food Drives: Connecting with Service and the Class of 2025
The Formula To Sisterhood: The Austin F1 Grand Prix Through The Eyes of Two Best Friends
The Formula To Sisterhood: The Austin F1 Grand Prix Through The Eyes of Two Best Friends
OPINION: I Don’t Care About the Uniform—So It’s Time To Go
OPINION: I Don’t Care About the Uniform—So It’s Time To Go
Holly N. '25 is a guest contributor for Spyglass and will be voting for the first time this November.
OPINION: The Power of a Vote: Why My 18th Birthday Was All About Registration
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.”
Spyglass Live: What's In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
Athletic Trainer Mike in his office.
Humans of Westridge: Meet Mike, Westridge’s Athletic Trainer
"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
We Need to Start Caring About the Waste Production Problem at Westridge
We Need to Start Caring About the Waste Production Problem at Westridge
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
Song ’24
Sounds For State Street: Solstice
Song ’24
Sounds For State Street: Harvest
Song ’24
Sounds For State Street: Crimson
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
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 | 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
Spyglass Live: What's In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
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.”
Spyglass Live: What's In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
Athletic Trainer Mike in his office.
Humans of Westridge: Meet Mike, Westridge’s Athletic Trainer
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
Going down the A Line, our next stop South Pasadena.
Down the Metro A-Line: South Pasadena
View inside Jones Coffee's South Pasadena from the staircase
Community in a Cup at Jones Coffee Roasters
Going down the A Line, our next stop Del Mar.
Metro Stop Highlights: Del Mar Boulevard
(Esperanza O-C. '26) Esperanza posing with the U-17 National Women’s Team of Nicaragua.
“It’s Just So Much More Than Just Playing Soccer”: Esperanza O. ’26 Is Selected for the U-17 National Women’s Team of Nicaragua
Layla R. '27, center, rushing the ball in a game.
In Second-Ever Season, Westridge Flag Football Features a Postseason Triumph in CIF’s First Year of Offering Playoffs
Sophomore quarterback Abby W. pitches the football as Layla R. '27 looks back. The Tigers played Ayala in the season opener, losing 19-6, but went on to win four straight games after that.
Jennifer L. ’25’s Back-to-Back Prep League Tennis Championship Headlines the 2024 Fall Sports Season
Coach Horn sits in front of a cluster of sporting trophies and an inspirational tiger poster. (Gemma A. '27)
“I Will Be a Tiger for Life.” After Over Thirty Years At Westridge, Director of Athletics Coach Melanie Horn Announces Her Retirement
Sarah L. ’25, who reached scoring 100 goals earlier this year, playing in a lacrosse game
Sarah L. ’25 Scores 100 Goals During Lacrosse’s First CIF-Advancing Season
Photo Credit: Sophene A.'25
Your Senior Year Survival Guide
Holiday Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies
Holiday Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies
Dr. M: Latin Teacher and Style Icon
Dr. M: Latin Teacher and Style Icon
1. Get in the holiday spirit by listening to some classic Christmas music. (Ms. Amos holding a vinyl of Christmas carols.)
10 Ways to Spend your Winter Break – According to Your Freshman Advisors
5 Ways to Get Into the Holiday Spirit
5 Ways to Get Into the Holiday Spirit
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
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
“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
Remembering Anna Bondoc 1969-2023
Remembering Anna Bondoc 1969-2023
  • ❄ December 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 Hannah W.
(Hannah W.)

Annual Voices in Literature Conference Speaks to the Theme of “Disruption”

Hannah W. and Jessica W.
April 23, 2023
From left to right: “Letters from Birmingham Jail,” Malala’s Magic Pencil, “The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination,” “Cinderella’s Stepsisters,” Introduction to House on Mango Street, “Crying in H Mart,” and “Gate A-4.”

MLK to Malala: A History of Westridge’s All School-Read

Hannah W.
February 6, 2023
Saba K. ’25 and Reema R. ’23 read “Gate A-4” at the assembly.

Westridge’s English Department Hosts Its 7th Annual All-School Read

Hannah W.
February 6, 2023
Pepero Recipe

Pepero Recipe

Hannah W.
February 6, 2023
The MENA Affinity gave a deep dive into the poem.

From left to right, Alexandra Ahtty (relative to Gabriela L. ’31 and Rebecca L. ’27), Beatrice Chen (relative to Penelope C. ’27 and Lila C. ’29), and Linda Diller (relative to Isabel B. ’27) take the time to catch up.

Happy Post-Grandparents and Friends Day! Here Is a Timeline for Those Who Missed It

Hannah W.
December 12, 2022
New Service Requirements Provide Flexibility to Students

New Service Requirements Provide Flexibility to Students

Tanvi C. and Hannah W.
October 2, 2022
Coach Ginny Garofalo

Coach Ginny Garofalo Retires, Leaving a 20 Year Legacy in Tennis and Softball

Hannah W.
May 31, 2022
Berry Compote

Berry Compote

Hannah W.
December 13, 2021
Outside of Braun, Crystal Z. ’23 plays her flute with her specialized masks.

While Westridge’s Chamber Orchestra Reconvenes, Wind Players Still Face Challenges to Play

Hannah W.
October 3, 2021
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
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

One Word Valentine’s Day Opinions

Julia W. and Hannah W.
March 1, 2021
Students warm up before the start of the workout.

Get Up and Get Ready! Westridge Returns to Campus for Conditioning

Hannah W. and Lauren C.
March 1, 2021
Before town meeting started, Peer to Peer handed out stickers to show support for Love Your Mind Week.

Love Your Mind Week Brings Attention to Mental Health

Hannah W.
November 18, 2019
My dad forces a photo of us right before the game starts.

Opinion: What the Dodgers Gave to My Dad and Me

Hannah W.
December 4, 2020
Ms. Epps’ advisory meets together during advisory time.

Admin Uses New Advisory Schedule to Promote Social Connection

Hannah W., Staff Writer
November 2, 2020
Elisa D.

Keeping Faith Alive During COVID-19

Hannah W. and Hailey T.
May 7, 2020
Hannah W. '23 At Trader Joe’s, signs are placed near the entrance line, reminding the shoppers the protocols.

5 Groceries Stores To Check Out During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hannah W.
April 23, 2020
Westridge alumna Sylvia Holmes ’76 talks to Staff Reporter Emerson, about what she’s been doing.

After Graduating Westridge, What Next?

Jacqueline Y., Emerson L., Emily S., Isabella W., Isabel A., and Hannah W.
April 15, 2020
Maya

Opinion: Mandatory Community Service, An Oxymoron

Hannah W.
April 15, 2020
Coach Horn in her office full of athletic trophies

PROFILE: Coach Melanie Horn, Twenty-Five Years at Westridge

Hannah W.
February 18, 2020
Mr. Baldwin with his two daughters.

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Hannah W.