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 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
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.
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
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
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
Spyglass Live: Whats In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
All actors in The SpongeBob Musical come together for the final scene. (Credit: Cliff William)
Westridge’s The SpongeBob Musical: Silly, Entertaining, and Playful
A group of Upper School students sit on the floor, excited to watch the eclipse.
Westridge Embraces the Eclipse, Celebrates on Frank Field
Westridges Love for Stanleys
Hydrate or Diedrate: Westridge’s Love for Stanleys
Seniors Julia H., Lauren K., and Verena W. at a train station in Berlin
Journeys Filled With Laughter and Learning: Students Bond While Exploring New Places Together During Discovery Week
Danielle even knows how to appreciate the tough moments. I love being tired, I love grunting, I just love like, dying
Danielle L. ‘29 – Student by Day, Ninja By Night
Class Pet by Noelle D. and Maya K.
COMIC: Class Pet
Mr. Mermelstein talking about the criminal justice system with 8th graders.
Guest Speaker Sheds Light on Inequities of the Justice System
”They looped and meandered, like long conversations with close friends.” -Ms. Anna Bondoc. Ms. Bondoc loved to draw art that traced bird wing movements.
She Painted Birds In Flight And Helped Me Fly: An 8th grader Remembers 6th grade with Anna Bondoc
Is this how you do it? A non-athlete’s soccer journey
“Is this how you do it?” A non-athlete’s soccer journey
Spyglass Live: Whats In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Women’s Basketball is Winning
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
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
Official Mean Girls Poster in the Universal Studios Cinema (Credits: Rebecca Lopez)
Mean Girls (2024) Falls Short of Fetch
Spyglass Live: Whats 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
Nati L. 25 and her Mad Dog teammates posing for a photo at their lacrosse tournament.
Humans of Westridge: Nati L. ’25 Found Love for Lacrosse at Westridge
Mrs. Rocio Ramos in her office at her desk.
Humans of Westridge: “My family is my everything.” Rocio Ramos, Back in the Westridge Family as Administrative Staff
Isla R. ’25, Westridge’s First-Chair Violinist
Humans of Westridge: Meet Star Violinist Isla R. ’25
Sarah and Lilah Review: Poor Things
Sarah and Lilah Review: Poor Things
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Women’s Basketball is Winning
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
Spyglass Live: Spotlight on Mia N. 24
Spyglass Live: Spotlight on Mia N. ’24
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: The Pet That Truly Rocks
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?
Confessions From The College Front Line: Looking Back While Stepping Forward
Confessions From The College Front Line: Looking Back While Stepping Forward
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Women’s Basketball is Winning
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
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 highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Reflecting on the Careers of Women’s Soccer Players
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Introducing: Girls Just Wanna Play Sports, A Column
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
Sounds For State Street: Cupid
Sounds For State Street: Cupid
Sounds For State Street: Pudding Mix & Sugar Plum
Sounds For State Street: Pudding Mix & Sugar Plum
Sounds For State Street: Butterscotch
Sounds For State Street: Butterscotch
Sounds For State Street: Golden Hour
Sounds For State Street: Golden Hour
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
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: LA’s Long History of Blowing Things Out of the Sky & Out of Proportion
Spyglass Live: Whats In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: Spotlight on Mia N. 24
Spyglass Live: Spotlight on Mia N. ’24
Spyglass Live: New Years Resolutions
Spyglass Live: New Year’s Resolutions
Spyglass Live 22-23 Bloopers!
Spyglass Live 22-23 Bloopers!
Senior Chalk Day
Senior Chalk Day
Spyglass Live: Whats 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
Nati L. 25 and her Mad Dog teammates posing for a photo at their lacrosse tournament.
Humans of Westridge: Nati L. ’25 Found Love for Lacrosse at Westridge
Mrs. Rocio Ramos in her office at her desk.
Humans of Westridge: “My family is my everything.” Rocio Ramos, Back in the Westridge Family as Administrative Staff
Isla R. ’25, Westridge’s First-Chair Violinist
Humans of Westridge: Meet Star Violinist Isla R. ’25
An inside-view of Hodgsons Antiques on a sunny, spring day. Its location on Mission Street in South Pasadena, only a short walk away from Westridge, makes it a prime destination for an after-school outing.
Hodgson’s Antiques: A Time Capsule of Nostalgia in South Pasadena
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Parker. (PC: Jamie Martin/Associated Press)
Alabama Falls Into the Nation’s Spotlight Following the State’s Ruling to Stop IVF Services
The side entrance to Erewhon on Lake Avenue during the community wellness event on Saturday, September 16.
Why Erewhon? Students Voice Opinion on the Popular and Extravagant Market
This June, 10 Westridge students and two faculty members embarked on a 10-day trip to Ireland as a part of Westridges Summer Global Art Program.
Testimonies from Westridge’s Summer Global Art Program in Ireland
8 Items That Convinced Us That Erewhon Is Worth the Hype
8 Items That Convinced Us That Erewhon Is Worth the Hype
Athletic Trainer Mike in his office.
Humans of Westridge: Meet Mike, Westridge’s Athletic Trainer
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.
Sisterhood in Sports: Westridge Siblings Reflect on Their Athletic Journeys Together
(PC: Melanie Horn)
Soccer and Basketball Show Improvement Despite No Teams Reaching CIF Playoffs: A Winter Sports Round-Up
Westridges Varsity Soccer team stands outside of In-N-Out, while wearing their hats.
Win or Lose, Westridge Sports Make Memories at Traditional ‘In-N-Out Games’
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
The comic caption contest is a new initiative to boost viewership engagement.
Introducing the Comic Caption Contest
One of the worst crimes to look out for on Westridge Campus, taking the last Breakfast Bacon Burrito.
Top 10 WORST Westridge Crimes to Look Out For
In the pandemic, Westridge replaced classes on Wednesday with a wellness day, dedicated to student wellbeing.
SATIRE: Bring Back Wellness Wednesday
The Westridge 2024 Roster
The Westridge 2024 Roster
Class Pet by Noelle D. and Maya K.
COMIC: Class Pet
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
Commuters getting on and off the North Hollywood metro at Union Station.
Who Needs Cars When You Have the Metro? The Appeal of L.A. Public Transits Outweighs the Cons for Local Riders
  • April 15th 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
Ilena M.

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist

Ilena is passionate about stories— especially histories— good snacks, and bad puns. She has been on Spyglass for a very long time. Ilena is a senior.

All content by Ilena M.
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The Pet That Truly Rocks

Ilena M.
February 12, 2024
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The True Meaning of Christmas in Beheading a Candy Pig

Ilena M.
December 11, 2023
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The Women Who Drove Auto Innovation

Ilena M., Contributor
November 13, 2023
A snapshot of Mr. Baldwins email sent to families.

Discovery Week 2024 Announcement and Sign-Ups Raise Equity Concerns And Minimal Enthusiasm

Ilena M.
November 13, 2023
The Backstory: A Brief History of Underwear Through the Ages

The Backstory: A Brief History of Underwear Through the Ages

Ilena M. and Sabina P.
May 31, 2023
Spyglass Honors Its Seniors

Spyglass Honors Its Seniors

Ilena M.
May 30, 2023
Commuters getting on and off the North Hollywood metro at Union Station.

Who Needs Cars When You Have the Metro? The Appeal of L.A. Public Transits Outweighs the Cons for Local Riders

Lilah R. and Ilena M.
May 30, 2023

Click Here for April Editor’s Note

Ilena M.
April 24, 2023
Westridge alumnae of all ages gather to hear from 2023’s Distinguished Young Alumnae Award winner. (Katie L. ’27)

Alumnae Weekend Gave Me All The Westridge Feels

Ilena M.
April 23, 2023

Click Here for March Editor’s Note

Ilena M.
March 13, 2023
A Westridge Student’s Ode to Men

A Westridge Student’s Ode to Men

Ilena M.
March 13, 2023
Patrons line up to enter Octavia’s Bookshelf on opening day.

Community Stacks Up at Octavia’s Bookshelf

Ilena M.
March 13, 2023
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: LA’s Long History of Blowing Things Out of the Sky & Out of Proportion

Ilena M.
March 13, 2023
Patrons line up to enter Octavia’s Bookshelf on opening day.

[Photo] Westridge Raises Questions About the Future of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Ella B. and Tanvi C.
March 13, 2023

Click Here for February Editor’s Note

Ilena M.
February 6, 2023
Octavia’s Bookshelf will soon open its doors.

A New Shero for Pasadena: Nikki High Opens Octavia’s Bookshelf

Ilena M.
February 6, 2023
Lunch with the Archer Oracle staff.

Spyglass Goes to St. Louis!

Ilena M., Eliza W., and Valentina V.
December 12, 2022
Students with learning differences can struggle without support in the classroom.

Accessing Academic Accommodations

Ilena M. and Kristin C.
December 12, 2022
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The Pig & Potato War

Ilena M.
December 12, 2022
Ilena’s Holiday Recipe: Honey-Olive Oil Granola

Ilena’s Holiday Recipe: Honey-Olive Oil Granola

Ilena M.
December 12, 2022

Click Here for December Editor’s Note

Ilena M.
December 12, 2022
Scary Places to Find Yourself on Halloween Night

Scary Places to Find Yourself on Halloween Night

Ilena M.
November 7, 2022

Click Here for November’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M.
November 7, 2022
The Backstory: Hershey’s Happy Accidents & Flavorful Failures

The Backstory: Hershey’s Happy Accidents & Flavorful Failures

Ilena M.
November 7, 2022
The Backstory: A Moo-ving Story of Cow-lifornia

The Backstory: A Moo-ving Story of Cow-lifornia

Ilena M.
October 3, 2022
Click Here for Octobers Editor’s Note!

Click Here for October’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M.
October 3, 2022
10th Grade History: A Love Story

10th Grade History: A Love Story

Ilena M.
October 3, 2022
What to Say When You Get Dress Coded

What to Say When You Get Dress Coded

Ilena M.
October 3, 2022
Summer Editors’ Picks

Summer Editors’ Picks

Ilena M., Eliza W., Tanvi C., Reed D., Sophene A., Florence J., Katie S., Daria H., Hailey T., and Lauren C.
May 31, 2022
Fun with fruit trees in Mr. Libicki’s B-Block Algebra II class.

Westridge Says Goodbye to Mr. Libicki

Ilena M.
May 31, 2022

Click Here for May’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M.
May 31, 2022
Loafing Around With Paleo Bread

Loafing Around With Paleo Bread

Ilena M., Mili L.-M., and Lauren C.
May 31, 2022
Advanced Knife Juggling 101 & Other Suggested Replacements to the AP Curriculum

Advanced Knife Juggling 101 & Other Suggested Replacements to the AP Curriculum

Ilena M.
March 21, 2022
A Spyglass Guide to Civic Engagement

A Spyglass Guide to Civic Engagement

Katie S. and Ilena M.
February 14, 2022

Top 10 Suggestions for Feeling Less Single On Valentine’s Day

Ilena M.
February 14, 2022
Top Ten Tips to Dress like Dr. Kelly

Top Ten Tips to Dress like Dr. Kelly

Ilena M. and Lauren C.
February 14, 2022
Scallion Pancakes

Scallion Pancakes

Ilena M.
December 13, 2021
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: How Weird Clothes Brightened Up the Dark Ages

Ilena M.
December 13, 2021
Andrea Kassar

Andrea Kassar’s Week At Westridge: “An abstract excitement became a really real excitement.”

Ilena M.
December 13, 2021
Places To Find Candy On Campus

Places To Find Candy On Campus

Ilena M. and Lucia P.
October 31, 2021
Screen-Shot-2021-10-31-at-12.20.07-PM

[Photo] Imagined Conversations With Weird Neighbors While Trick-Or-Treating

Eliza W., Daria H., and Verena W.
October 31, 2021
James Evans

What’s That British Guy Doing On Campus?

Ilena M.
October 4, 2021
Humans of Westridge: Heidi R. 24

Humans of Westridge: Heidi R. ’24

Ilena M., Managing Editor
October 4, 2021
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: Some Fangtastic Suggestions for Warding Off Vampires, Brought to You By Classic European Literature

Ilena M.
October 4, 2021
Remote Learning Forces Teachers to Rethink Assessments

Remote Learning Forces Teachers to Rethink Assessments

Nitya C. and Ilena M.
May 21, 2021
The Backstory: How Monopoly Helped Prisoners of War Get Out of Jail Free

The Backstory: How Monopoly Helped Prisoners of War Get Out of Jail Free

Ilena M.
May 16, 2021
Westridge students gather for a Tiger Week class. Even when used recreationally, videoconferencing is often still mentally draining.

The Ups and Downs of Zoom Culture

Ilena M.
April 12, 2021
The beginning of high school brought with it a very __ need for emotional reassurance in the form of baked goods. On good days, that manifested itself in the form of homemade crepes, which made me gasp in horror at the realization of just how much butter goes into __ food, then shrug and eat twelve. When I didn’t have that kind of ambition, it was jarred whipped cream in a pre-made pie crust -- which I can’t say is too bad at all. And when we couldn’t get our typical honey-laden baklava from a local bakery for the Jewish New Year, I decided to keep up the tradition by brewing homemade cinnamon syrup and experimenting with phyllo dough for the first time. It was a little chewy, and it didn’t cook through until ten oclock at night, but when I sat around in my pajamas at midnight, it tasted like victory.

Etc: Valentine’s Day Edition

Ilena M. and Spyglass Staff
March 1, 2021
Some Appropriately Professional, Non-Invasive Valentines For Teachers

Some Appropriately Professional, Non-Invasive Valentines For Teachers

Ilena M.
March 1, 2021

Suggested Artisanal Ice Cream Flavors for Valentines Day

Ilena M.
March 1, 2021
Fascinating Facts About Valentine’s Day You Never Knew You Needed to Know

Fascinating Facts About Valentine’s Day You Never Knew You Needed to Know

Ilena M. and Katie X.
February 28, 2021
The Backstory: Three Historical Couples Who Didnt Start Wars, End Empires, Or Marry Their Cousins

The Backstory: Three Historical Couples Who Didn’t Start Wars, End Empires, Or Marry Their Cousins

Ilena M.
February 28, 2021
The Abraham Lincoln

Alternative Ways to Wear Masks: A Photo Essay

Ilena M.
January 29, 2021
In Online School, Mental Health is Hurting: How Do We Move Forward?

In Online School, Mental Health is Hurting: How Do We Move Forward?

Ilena M.
December 8, 2020
Column: The Backstory: 3 Female Pirates Who Swashbuckled Their Way Into History

Column: The Backstory: 3 Female Pirates Who Swashbuckled Their Way Into History

Ilena M.
December 4, 2020
If all else fails, turn off your video and conk out on your keyboard.

Tuesday: A How-to Guide

Ilena M.
November 5, 2020
Column: The Backstory: Häagen-Dazs; A Story of Immigration, Entrepreneurship, and... Ice Cream?

Column: The Backstory: Häagen-Dazs; A Story of Immigration, Entrepreneurship, and… Ice Cream?

Ilena M.
November 1, 2020

Finding Connection Through the Mundane: My Covid Summer

Ilena M.
October 12, 2020
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Opinion: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, My Jewish Feminist Hero

Ilena M.
October 11, 2020

When STEM is Forced on Girls

Ilena M.
May 1, 2020
(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

8 Fun Activities To Keep the Crazy Out of Quarantine

Ilena M.
April 17, 2020
Sophia L.

Presidential Elections & Peanut Butter Cups: What Westridge Has to Say About the Year Ahead (Kinda)

Ilena M.
February 18, 2020
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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.
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Ilena M.