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
Students at Westridge are seeing their classmates use generative AI more and more. Piper* said, “AI usage is definitely increasing in ways that I wasn't expecting."
Westridge Responds to Generative AI’s Impact on Teaching and Learning
Finley N.
Spyglass Survey of 200+ Students Reveals Attitudes Toward Cheating
"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
On April 14, Spyglass elected its newest leadership team.
Introducing Spyglass’ 2025–2026 Editorial Board
Emerson F. '26 and Audrey L. '26 smile alongside their projects.
Westridge’s 13th Annual Voices in Literature Conference
Seniors in Chile during Discovery Week. “I was very glad I went [to] Chile…it was a really cool experience,” said Jordan B. ’25. (Westridge School)
Discovery Week Resounding Success for Juniors and Seniors; Local Trips Leave Underclassmen Underwhelmed
At just 3:30 p.m., the once bustling Commons is desolate and student-free, as after school, Commons service has been suspended.
The Commons Struggles to Find Balance and Match Student Demand
The purchased property behind the commons on 310 Arlington Drive. Credit: COMPASS
310 Arlington Task Force Continues to Search for an Ideal Architectural Partner
(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
As I continue to physically improve my muscles, I am also motivated to improve my mind as well.
OPINION: Falling Into Finding My Resilience: What My Injury Taught Me About Perseverance
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Uniform Evolution
COMIC: Uniform Evolution
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
Uniquely Nova: The Musical by Valentina V. '26 (me) and Sydney S. '25 is currently rehearsing for a staged reading that will take place on May 23. (PC Miyari V.-W. '27)
OPINION: From Brain to Stage: The Journey of Writing my Own Musical, Uniquely Nova
PC: After my mom finishes her marathon (we all finished at different times) we gathered for a family photo, marking out first full marathon ran together. Almost about to collapse from exhaustion, my mom leans by my dad for support while my brother and I smile awkwardly for the photo.
OPINION: How We Find Love as a Family Through Marathons
I sit atop Giselle R ’28’s back as the team poses in front of our senior banners (Deijah Bradley)
OPINION: Softball, Capris, and Me
As I continue to physically improve my muscles, I am also motivated to improve my mind as well.
OPINION: Falling Into Finding My Resilience: What My Injury Taught Me About Perseverance
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
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
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.”
Metro Stop Highlights: Little Tokyo
Metro Stop Highlights: Little Tokyo
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Home, After All
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
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Home, After All
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?
"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: Honey
Sounds For State Street: Honey
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
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.”
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
From left to right: Kelly C. '27, Skylar R. '28, Spyglass Copy Editor Hermione W. '27, Dillan R. '28, and Ammi O.-A. '28 at the Romona High School Distance Carnival on April 25.
Seven Distance Runners Earn Top 25 School Records in the 1600 Meter Race
Alice Lee will start her time at Westridge on July 1. She said, "I'm incredibly honored and grateful to join the Westridge community as the next Director of Athletics."
Williams College Lacrosse Coach Alice Lee Selected as New Athletic Director
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
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
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Uniform Evolution
COMIC: Uniform Evolution
COMIC: This is Frog
COMIC: This is Frog
"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
  • April 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
Valentina V.

Valentina V., Editor

Valentina is an 11th grader in her 3rd year on Spyglass. She likes admiring bugs, playing with dolls, being on stage, carrying around a purple bunny, and writing plays. One day, Valentina hopes to own a toy store.

All content by Valentina V.
Screenshot 2025-04-27 at 3.23.10 PM

[Photo] Introducing Spyglass’ 2025–2026 Editorial Board

Gia S.
April 27, 2025
Uniquely Nova: The Musical by Valentina V. '26 (me) and Sydney S. '25 is currently rehearsing for a staged reading that will take place on May 23. (PC Miyari V.-W. '27)

OPINION: From Brain to Stage: The Journey of Writing my Own Musical, Uniquely Nova

Valentina V.
April 27, 2025
Finley N.

Spyglass Survey of 200+ Students Reveals Attitudes Toward Cheating

Valentina V., Frances B., and Tanvi C.
April 27, 2025
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.”

Keira K. and Valentina V.
January 30, 2025
(Lillian W. '27)

Projects at Westridge: How Creativity Benefits Student Learning and Engagement

Frances B. and Valentina V.
December 14, 2024
Via and Katherine with their tea pot and sticker.

Brewing Tea and Warming Hearts: Freshmen Katherine D. and Via K. start “The Mystertea Monopoly”

Valentina V.
December 14, 2024
Match the Student with the Stickers!

Match the Student with the Stickers!

Valentina V.
November 16, 2024
A screenshot of my personal morning commute.

“You Live Where?!” Westridge Students Who Commute the Long Haul

Valentina V.
October 5, 2024
My tap shoes (Valentina V.)

OPINION: Flapping Passed The Fears: My Teenaged-Tap Journey

Valentina V.
October 5, 2024
(PC: Floatie Kings)

What Your Favorite Pool Floaty Says About You

Valentina V. and Kristin C.
May 19, 2024
Elected Associated Student Body Cabinet is Excited For the 2024–2025 School Year

Elected Associated Student Body Cabinet is Excited For the 2024–2025 School Year

Valentina V.
May 19, 2024
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

Valentina V. and Emily L.
February 12, 2024
7 Westridge Red Flags

7 Westridge Red Flags

Kristin C. and Valentina V.
February 12, 2024
Discovery Week Trip “Crossing Borders: San Diego/Tijuana” Is Canceled Due To “Unforeseen Logistical Challenges”

Discovery Week Trip “Crossing Borders: San Diego/Tijuana” Is Canceled Due To “Unforeseen Logistical Challenges”

Valentina V.
December 11, 2023
Mosquito Mayhem: Westridge Gets Itchy!

Mosquito Mayhem: Westridge Gets Itchy!

Kristin C. and Valentina V.
November 13, 2023
Radium Girls painting dials (PC Wikipedia)

Westridge Theatre Tackles the Tragically True Radium Girls

Valentina V.
October 2, 2023
Me and my sister at the Eras Tour

Opinion: Taylor Swift Has Brought Me and My Sister Closer Than Ever

Valentina V.
October 2, 2023
Spotlight on the Class of 2023

Spotlight on the Class of 2023

Sylvie S.-J. and Valentina V.
May 30, 2023
An “Enchanting” Night of Dance and Connection

An “Enchanting” Night of Dance and Connection

Valentina V.
May 29, 2023
The Canada Geese hanging out behind Mudd.

A Wild Westridge Goose Chase – Canada Geese Claim Campus

Valentina V.
April 24, 2023
The WPA Night Market provided a space for families to share their cultures. (Valentina V.)

WPA Night Market Celebrates Culture With Fashion, Food, and Fun

Valentina V.
April 23, 2023
My doll, Aria, and I

Op-Ed: Yes, I’m 14 and I Still Play With Dolls

Valentina V.
March 13, 2023
My doll, Aria, and I

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

Ella B. and Tanvi C.
March 13, 2023
Pickup Lines for Other Holidays

Pickup Lines for Other Holidays

Valentina V.
February 6, 2023
Students in Acting I preparing for the Winter Showcase.

What the 3 Months of Hard Work Leading Up to the Westridge Theatre Winter Showcase Were Like

Valentina V.
February 6, 2023
Izzy C. ’23 entertaining everyone in the dressing room before the show.

Layla R. ’26 and Ms. Hawk singing Taylor Swift.

Acting I exploring the prop loft.

Me laughing while crying under the sink in the PAC bathroom.

Lunch with the Archer Oracle staff.

Spyglass Goes to St. Louis!

Ilena M., Eliza W., and Valentina V.
December 12, 2022
Green Guerrillas Pave The Way For Sustainability at Westridge

Green Guerrillas Pave The Way For Sustainability at Westridge

Valentina V.
December 12, 2022
Athena N. ’23 and Natalie S. ’23 working together in the Math Center

New Math Center is a Helpful Resource for Upper Schoolers Brave Enough to Enter

Valentina V.
November 7, 2022
New Head of School Initiated as a Roman in Dinosaur-Themed Greek and Roman Initiation

New Head of School Initiated as a Roman in Dinosaur-Themed Greek and Roman Initiation

Ella B., Valentina V., and Helena C.
October 3, 2022
(Left) Kara Ramirez, Westridge’s new MS English Teacher (Right) Kara Ramirez Hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Walking into Westridge With Open Arms: Kara Ramirez, New Middle School English Teacher

Valentina V.
October 3, 2022
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