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
Communication gaps during the fire closure left students confused about homework and class expectations.
Gaps in Communication Create Confusion for Students Returning to School After Eaton Fire
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
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
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
Communication gaps during the fire closure left students confused about homework and class expectations.
Gaps in Communication Create Confusion for Students Returning to School After Eaton Fire
Alumna Lauren Tom '12 compiled Westridge families' GoFundMe fundraisers after the Los Angeles wildfires into a Google Sheet for better shareability and organization.
Alumni Profile: Bringing Together the Westridge Community, Lauren Tom ’12 Supports Families Affected by LA Wildfires by Sharing GoFundMe Fundraisers
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
Students entering Braun for the class meeting.
Reassembling the Westridge Community
Pip D. '27 and Claire H. '28 have found temporary living arrangements with their Westridge best friends.
Living With a Friend: Offering “Ecstatic” Support
"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
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
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: Losing the Places I Love to Fire Asked Me Questions About Community
Postcard from 15 Days After the Fire
Postcard from 15 Days After the Fire
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
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
Pip D. '27 and Claire H. '28 have found temporary living arrangements with their Westridge best friends.
Living With a Friend: 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
Going down the A Line, our next stop South Pasadena.
Down the Metro A-Line: South Pasadena
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
(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
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
  • Fire 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 Kristin C.
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

Rebecca L. and Kristin C.
January 30, 2025
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

Kristin C. and Jessica S.
December 15, 2024
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?

Kristin C. and Tekle S-J
November 17, 2024
The 2024-2025 school year brings about yet another new schedule after Upper and Middle School administration considers last year's student feedback and faculty concerns.

New Upper School Schedule Responds to Student Priorities

Kristin C.
October 5, 2024
(PC: Floatie Kings)

What Your Favorite Pool Floaty Says About You

Valentina V. and Kristin C.
May 19, 2024
7 Westridge Red Flags

7 Westridge Red Flags

Kristin C. and Valentina V.
February 12, 2024
Micah M. '25, a head of Jewish Affinity, shares data indicating the recent rise of antisemitic sentiments. Other heads of the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) and Jewish Affinity gather behind her as the rest of their members listen attentively.

 “We wanted to create a space where people would feel safe to share.” MENA and Jewish Affinities Host Community Gathering About War in Gaza

Kristin C.
December 11, 2023
Spyglass staffers and faculty chaperones pose on Westridge stairs before departing for Boston.

Spy Us in Boston!: Spyglass Visits Boston for Journalism Convention

Kristin C. and Tekle S-J
November 13, 2023
Mosquito Mayhem: Westridge Gets Itchy!

Mosquito Mayhem: Westridge Gets Itchy!

Kristin C. and Valentina V.
November 13, 2023
Director of Dining Services Brandon Worrell (Kristin C.)

Custom Salads and Sandwiches At the Commons Are Back, But Are the Lines Worth the Bite?

Kristin C. and Sarah L.
October 2, 2023
The Upper School flag football team huddles up during a game (PC: Coach Horn)

A Season of Firsts: Flag Football’s Inaugural Season Launches With High Hopes

Kristin C. and Gia S.
October 2, 2023
Here at Spyglass, we’ve been coming up with some personal headlines to narrate our daily lives. (PC: Kristin C.)

10 Headlines for the First Month of School

Kristin C.
October 2, 2023
MS flag football A team playing against Mayfield Junior School. Ilyana P.K. ’28, quarterback, snaps the ball to Brynn C. ’27. (Melanie Horn)

Westridge Tackles Implementing Upper School Flag Football Next Fall

Kristin C.
May 30, 2023
Westridge Puts Summer Homework on Permanent Vacation

Westridge Puts Summer Homework on Permanent Vacation

Sarah L. and Kristin C.
April 23, 2023
Is having a tutor necessary to being successful at Westridge?

Tutoring: An Exception or Expectation?

Sophene A. and Kristin C.
March 12, 2023
8 Songs to Play on Valentine’s Day (That Aren’t T-Swift or from TikTok)

8 Songs to Play on Valentine’s Day (That Aren’t T-Swift or from TikTok)

Kristin C.
February 6, 2023
Students with learning differences can struggle without support in the classroom.

Accessing Academic Accommodations

Ilena M. and Kristin C.
December 12, 2022
Brandon Worrell, the Director of Dining Services, stands near the entrance to the Commons

The Commons Prioritizes Faster Service Over Personal Orders

Sarah L. and Kristin C.
November 7, 2022
Halloween: What’s In and What’s Out

Halloween: What’s In and What’s Out

Kristin C. and Sarah L.
November 7, 2022
Elliott Chang: Westridge’s Newest Math Teacher

Elliott Chang: Westridge’s Newest Math Teacher

Kristin C.
October 3, 2022
New School Year Brings Commons Back to Normalcy

New School Year Brings Commons Back to Normalcy

Sarah L. and Kristin C.
October 2, 2022
The Label of an Immigrant

The Label of an Immigrant

Kristin C.
May 31, 2022
7th grade Spanish students in class.

Heritage Speakers Share Their Language Learning Experience at Westridge

Kristin C. and Rebecca L.
May 31, 2022
Pictured are three books in the eighth-grade curriculum that are commonly challenged in schools, as well as Apple: Skin to the Core, a book being considered as a replacement for The Lone Ranger.

Eighth-Graders Question Sherman Alexie’s Place in American Studies Curriculum

Kristin C.
March 21, 2022
Pandemic Fatigue and the New Struggle to Socialize

Pandemic Fatigue and the New Struggle to Socialize

Kealani P. and Kristin C.
May 17, 2021
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Kristin C.