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
Voices and Votes: Navigating the Political Landscape at School
Voices and Votes: Navigating the Political Landscape at School
A screenshot of my personal morning commute.
“You Live Where?!” Westridge Students Who Commute the Long Haul
Administrative Assistant to the Upper School Ms. Kali Spicer, Dean of Student Support Ms. Bonnie Pais Martinez, Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias, and Assistant Director of Upper School Ms. Kerri Epps in Dr. Arias’ office
New Upper School Office Builds Upon Existing Infrastructure, Creates “Infinite” Possibility for Future 
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
Many students at Westridge recognize the benefits of rewriting, but do it ultimately for a better grade. "[When I revise] I get to make those changes and like, obviously, get a better grade, but also because I'm learning more things," said Avin M. '27.
Balancing Grades and Learning: Westridge Teachers and Students Weigh in on Revisions, Rewrites, and Retakes
Photo Credit: Abby H.
Minimal Discourse on the 2024 Presidential Election Takes Place on Campus
Westridge sits in PAC as Ms. Heydorff introduces the new program (Kristin C. ’26)
“A Sense of Belonging”: Westridge Announces New Tigers and Cubs Program
Discussions surrounding politics are essential for students' critical thinking and active role as a citizen.
Electioneering at Westridge: Faculty Strive to Balance Political Discourse with Student-Centered Education
“I was just craving newness”: Admission Associate Nicole Larios Embarks on Her New Adventure at Westridge
“I was just craving newness”: Admission Associate Nicole Larios Embarks on Her New Adventure at Westridge
The Rothenberg Hummanities Building has long boasted an unfortunate smell. Lauren C. '26 described the odor, "It’s like rotten eggs with Febreeze added on top.”
After a Summer of Construction, Rothenberg Humanities Building’s Odor Persists
“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
Dances Give Middle School Students Opportunity for Community and Bonding
Students working on their homework during Ms. Chabot's study hall
Studying Study Hall: Striking a Balance Between Student Support and Needs
And Then, She Picks Up Her Confidence
I Don’t Care About the Uniform—So It’s Time To Go
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
I perform Beethoven's "Tempest" Sonata at the Beethoven Museum during my joint recital.
OPINION: What Beethoven’s “Tempest” Sonata Taught Me About Resilience
My tap shoes (Valentina V.)
OPINION: Flapping Passed The Fears: My Teenaged-Tap Journey
A collection of some of the outfits we wore during our experiment.
We Were Out of Uniform for 12 Days and Here’s What Happened
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
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
"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: Crimson
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
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
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
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?
Spyglass Live: Spotlight on Mia N. '24
Spyglass Live: Spotlight on Mia N. ’24
Spyglass Live: New Year's Resolutions
Spyglass Live: New Year’s Resolutions
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
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
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
A short series highlighting the Metro stops in Los Angeles, California, starting with Lake Avenue.
Metro Stop Highlights: Lake Avenue
An inside-view of Hodgson's 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
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
Westridge's freshman star pitcher Jadyn M. who led the league in strikeouts.
Jadyn M. ’27 Makes Mark on Westridge Softball, Leads the Prep League in Strikeouts
For the first time ever, Westridge's lacrosse team advanced to CIF playoffs. While they lost in the first round, the Tigers put up an incredible fight.
A CIF Champion Among Several CIF Appearances: A Spring Sports Round-Up
In addition to being the 2023 Prep League pole vaulting champion, Teia L. '26 is now a CIF champion! Coach Horn spoke about Teia's greatness, saying, "I've lost count as to how many times Teia has broken the Westridge School record in the past 15 months but I can tell you she still holds the record at 11'4"
“Talk about a prodigy”: Teia L. ’26 is a CIF Pole Vaulting Champion, Clearing a Height of 11’1
Athletic Trainer Mike in his office.
Humans of Westridge: Meet Mike, Westridge’s Athletic Trainer
Two Westridge seniors, Lindsay B. and Kimberly C., take a photo during their last convocation as students.
Snapshot of the Edition: Convocation
Top places to study highlighted on a map of Westridge.
Looking to Boost Your Mid-Semester Study Game? Top 4 Places to Study on Campus
I will no longer be shamed for wearing open-toed shoes. I will "let the dogs out!"
OPINION: Seniors, Let the Dogs Out
(PC: Floatie Kings)
What Your Favorite Pool Floaty Says About You
Spyglass' Staff Summer Playlist
Spyglass’ Staff Summer Playlist
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
  • October 7th 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.
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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