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
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
During the Spyglass Senior Celebration, newly elected Editor-in-Chief Valentina V. '26 gave some thoughtful remarks about my time on Spyglass.
OPINION: Joining Spyglass as a Senior
The AI generated image hanging in Mudd.
OPINION: The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
Give me any microphone and I'll have an opinion to share with you. This article details the premises of some of the opinions I never got to write for Spyglass.
OPINION: All the Op-Eds I Never Got to Write
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Class of 2025 editorial board members—whose leadership, creativity, and bold ideas helped shape the voice of Spyglass—led with purpose and passion.
“Spicy, Opinionated, Brazen”: Spyglass Says Goodbye to Seniors
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
From top left to bottom right: Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias, Administrative Assistant to Upper School Ms. Kali Spicer, Assistant Director of Upper School Ms. Kerri Epps, Upper School Dean of Student Support Ms. Bonnie Paiz Martinez (Valentina V.)
Community, Innovation, and Teamwork: Upper School Administration Reflects on First Year as a Team
This past year, the Los Feliz/Silverlake bus has faced multiple issues regarding the mechanics and sizing leaving students frustrated.
Nationwide Shortage of Bus Parts Impacts Westridge’s Los Feliz/Silverlake Bus
The permaculture garden in full bloom during the annual Open House, where students showcased a year’s worth of sustainability and design work.
Permaculture and Sustainable Building and Design Round Out the Year with Animal Friends at Annual Open House
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Spyglass staffer Lilah and her friends’ dresses hung up, ready to be worn.
Behind the Scenes: Westridge Prom Edition
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Associated Student Body Cabinet for the 2025-2026 School Year is Elected
Associated Student Body Cabinet for the 2025-2026 School Year is Elected
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
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
An intense moment taken during the Quarter Final CIFs game against Oaks Christian, as a Westridge player shoots while under immense defensive pressure.
“We Wanted To Make History”
A collage graphic of Bennett, Micaela, and Teia competing in their respective events. All three champions have at least one year left in their athletics career at Westridge.
Three Individual Championships Carry Westridge to a Third Place Finish At Prep League Finals
Teia L. ’26 stands at the podium at CIF-SS Finals after winning third place in the entire division in pole vault.
A Spring Sports Recap: New School Records Made in Lacrosse and Track and Field
As both Coach Melanie Horn (left) and dance teacher Kashmir Blake are set to retire at the end of this school year after decades of service, the Westridge community is taking the time to honor their commitment and dedication to the school.
After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Want to truly impress your teachers with an end-of-year gift? Read this guide.
Etc.: 5 Gifts to Give to Your Teacher that Won’t End Up In a Goodwill Next Year
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
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
The old math workbook (left) and the new math workbook (right).
OPINION: How the New Math 7 Class Changed My Perspective
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
(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
  • May 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 Verena W.
Remembering Anna Bondoc 1969-2023

Remembering Anna Bondoc 1969-2023

Verena W.
October 2, 2023
Playing Mahjong with my family at the Air Bnb.

[Photo] The Chinese New Year that Gifted me a Sense of Home after a Natural Disaster

Verena W.
May 31, 2022
Mei Mei as a Red Panda Pictured with Her Mom and Tyler (Right) and Friends (Left) Miriam, Priya, and Abby (Left to Right).

What Turning Red Taught Me About Embracing Imperfection

Verena W.
May 31, 2022
Oxtail Tomato Noodle Soup

Oxtail Tomato Noodle Soup

Verena W.
December 13, 2021
​​Ms. T posing behind her work at her exhibit opening of “A Recurrent Retreat” in the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Painting With A Purpose: Lower School Art Teacher Val Trimarchi’s New Exhibit Highlights Optimism and Overcoming Obstacles

Verena W.
December 13, 2021
A photo of Ms. T and late friend, Regine (left) and Acrylic on Canvas Painting of “Italian Hills” (center) by Ms. T from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Ms. T (right) helping out a student (left) in her classroom

Ms. T’s Workspace in her Classroom

Ms. T’s Workspace in her Classroom

Acrylic on Canvas Painting of “Blue Umbrellas” by Ms. T from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Watercolor Painting of “Pink Chair” from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Acrylic on Canvas Paintings of “Dancing Crowd” (left) and “Wine Country Glow” (right) from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Acrylic on Canvas Painting of “Cloud Shadows” from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Group of Small Sketches, from“A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Description of Ms. T’s exhibition, “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Acrylic on Canvas Painting of “Dive in” from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

A photo of Ms. T and late friend, Regine at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

“A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Imagined Conversations With Weird Neighbors While Trick-Or-Treating

Imagined Conversations With Weird Neighbors While Trick-Or-Treating

Eliza W., Daria H., and Verena W.
October 31, 2021
As the First Month of School Comes to an End, Students Reflect on Their Mental Health

As the First Month of School Comes to an End, Students Reflect on Their Mental Health

Verena W.
October 4, 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
“Can YOU Save Spring Break: The Escape Room” Photo Credits: Verena W.

Tiger Week: A New Experience For Teachers and Students

Verena W. and Sabina P.
April 26, 2021
Photo Credits: Samantha C.

Opinion: One Year of My Dad Working on the Frontlines

Verena W.
March 1, 2021
Valentine’s Day Haikus

Valentine’s Day Haikus

Jacqueline Y. and Verena W.
March 1, 2021
Greek and Roman families share their self-portraits during Wednesday’s festivities. (Photo Credits: Verena W.)

Virtual Love Your Body Week Gives Students an Opportunity to Share their Voices

Jacqueline Y. and Verena W.
March 1, 2021
The New Renovated Lower School Playground Photo Credits: Kim Kerscher

Lower School Playground Renovation Highlights the Importance of Community

Verena W.
December 4, 2020
Westridge Welcomes Anna Bondoc

Westridge Welcomes Anna Bondoc

Verena W.
October 11, 2020
IMG_0651

Eighth Graders Support and Cheer Each Other On During the 60 Second Sermons

Verena W.
April 17, 2020
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