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
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
(Lillian W. '27)
Projects at Westridge: How Creativity Benefits Student Learning and Engagement
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?
In the weeks and days before the election, three Westridge sophomores traveled to Nevada to support Kamala Harris' campaign.
“It’s Important to See That You Do Have an Opportunity to Help:” Sophomores Travel to Nevada to Support Vice President Kamala Harris’ Campaign in Election
(Sophia Y. '26) You still awake? Spyglass followed four Upper School students to uncover the factors and habits of their sleep routines.
You Still Awake? Spyglass Followed Four Upper School Students’ Sleep Routines for 22 days
PC: Gia S. ’25. Willow and some of the Westridgettes posing before their first performance.
Roll Call! Meet the 2024–25 Westridgettes
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
Students line up in single file after the new signs aim to streamline the flow of traffic.
“The Line is Working Again”: New Policies and Ramen Option Aim to Reduce Crowding and Improve Lunch Experience in the Commons
Despite Efforts of Promoting Sustainability at Westridge, Students Still Struggle to Properly Sort Trash and Silverware
Despite Efforts of Promoting Sustainability at Westridge, Students Still Struggle to Properly Sort Trash and Silverware
Ms. Mshaka posing in front of a Westridge sign on campus. (Fan Wang)
Alumna Profile: “I felt confident, I felt safe, and I felt seen.” Westridge Alumna Thembisa Mshaka Reflects on a Career in Entertainment and Westridge’s Role in Her Development
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
Middle School Students React to New Art Schedule Change
Middle School Students React to New Art Schedule Change
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
The Formula To Sisterhood: The Austin F1 Grand Prix Through The Eyes of Two Best Friends
The Formula To Sisterhood: The Austin F1 Grand Prix Through The Eyes of Two Best Friends
OPINION: I Don’t Care About the Uniform—So It’s Time To Go
OPINION: 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
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
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
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
(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
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
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
  • ❄ December 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: How An Immigrant, A Dream, And A Bunch of Bananas Changed The World

Ilena M.
May 19, 2024
College Column: Oh, the Humanities!

College Column: Oh, the Humanities!

Ilena M. and Giuseppe D.
May 19, 2024
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. Baldwin's 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 12, 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 12, 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 October's 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 30, 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 3, 2021
Humans of Westridge: Heidi R. '24

Humans of Westridge: Heidi R. ’24

Ilena M., Managing Editor
October 3, 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 3, 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 11, 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 o'clock 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 Didn't 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 11, 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.
April 30, 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 23, 2020

8 Fun Activities To Keep the Crazy Out of Quarantine

Ilena M.
April 16, 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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Ilena M.