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
Reed D.

Reed D., Editor, Website Manager/Designer

Reed is a senior, and this is her fifth year on Spyglass and her third year juggling her roles as Editor, Website Manager, and Website Designer. Outside of writing for Spyglass, you can find her studying (or busy curating Spotify playlists) in a cafe, crocheting, thrifting, and spending time with her 8 pet chickens.

All content by Reed D.
Holiday Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies

Holiday Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies

Reed D.
December 15, 2024
Dr. M: Latin Teacher and Style Icon

Dr. M: Latin Teacher and Style Icon

Reed D.
December 15, 2024
View inside Jones Coffee's South Pasadena from the staircase

Community in a Cup at Jones Coffee Roasters

Reed D.
October 5, 2024
Website Manager Reed D. '25

[Photo] Spyglass’ 2024–2025 Editorial Board

Gia S.
May 19, 2024
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

Reed D.
April 13, 2024
The recent reversal of test-optional admissions policies made by several of the nation's most influential college institutions stirs up a whirlwind of emotions as current high schoolers adapt to an ever-changing college admissions landscape.

The Dartmouth Domino-Effect: More Elite Institutions Reinstate Test-Required Admissions Policies

Reed D.
April 14, 2024
10 Indie Love Songs for Valentine’s Day

10 Indie Love Songs for Valentine’s Day

Reed D.
February 12, 2024
Copy of Westridge Welcomes New Faculty

[Photo] Highlights from Westridge Class of ’23’s First Semester in College

Lily C.
February 12, 2024
Painting depicting Lupercalia celebrations (Wiki Commons).

Ancient Lupercalia: My Bloody Valentine, Indeed!

Reed D.
February 12, 2024
(PC: Reed D.)

Holiday Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cake

Reed D.
December 11, 2023
Io, Io, Io, Merry Saturnalia!

Io, Io, Io, Merry Saturnalia!

Reed D., Editor
December 11, 2023
HBD to the PSL: The Pumpkin Spice Latte Turns 20

HBD to the PSL: The Pumpkin Spice Latte Turns 20

Reed D.
November 13, 2023
Screenshot of comments regarding Erewhon’s opening on Pasadena’s Nextdoor, 9/20/2023

Opinion: Erewhon: “Nowhere” I Want To Be

Reed D.
October 2, 2023
This June, 10 Westridge students and two faculty members embarked on a 10-day trip to Ireland as a part of Westridge's Summer Global Art Program.

Testimonies from Westridge’s Summer Global Art Program in Ireland

Ella B. and Reed D.
October 2, 2023
Westridge Summer Global Art Program Takes on Ireland

Westridge Summer Global Art Program Takes on Ireland

Ella B. and Reed D.
October 2, 2023
A stack of papers, a binder, and a laptop take the place of food on the plate. For many students at Westridge, lunch time is used for everything but eating.

The Westridge Diet: Is Serving Up Activities Instead of Food at Lunch Normalizing Disordered Eating on Campus?

Reed D.
October 2, 2023
Dr. Lexie Kovach

Westridge Alumna Interview: Lexie Kovach, M.D. ’99

Reed D.
May 29, 2023
An illustration showcasing an array of athletic equipment. (Bellamy S.)

Op-Ed: Westridge Needs to Rethink the P.E. Credit System

Reed D.
April 24, 2023
Where Does Tuition Money Go? A Guide to Westridge’s Budget

Where Does Tuition Money Go? A Guide to Westridge’s Budget

Reed D. and Katie S.
February 6, 2023
Ditch Ugly Cards for Tasteful Handmade Valentines

Ditch Ugly Cards for Tasteful Handmade Valentines

Reed D.
February 6, 2023
A collection of celebrities who died at 27.

Why Do So Many Celebrities Die at 27?

Reed D.
February 6, 2023
Thrifting is so fun! Sometimes you find clothes, sometimes you find naked dolls!

Op-Ed: It’s Time to Denormalize Overconsumption and Fast Fashion

Reed D.
December 12, 2022
Reed's Holiday Recipe: Molasses Cookies

Reed’s Holiday Recipe: Molasses Cookies

Reed D.
December 12, 2022
4 Back-To-School Tips and Tricks

4 Back-To-School Tips and Tricks

Reed D.
October 2, 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
Five Independent Local Coffee Shops to Visit From a Diehard Coffee Drinker

Five Independent Local Coffee Shops to Visit From a Diehard Coffee Drinker

Reed D.
May 30, 2022
Oddball Week of Remote Learning Causes Westridge Community to Reflect on the Pandemic

Oddball Week of Remote Learning Causes Westridge Community to Reflect on the Pandemic

Reed D.
February 14, 2022
Thin Mint Ice Cream Pie

Thin Mint Ice Cream Pie

Reed D.
December 13, 2021
Avoid the Shipping Crisis with Handmade Holiday Gifts

Avoid the Shipping Crisis with Handmade Holiday Gifts

Reed D.
December 13, 2021
Westridge removes the ISEE requirement from applications to promote diveristy, equity, and inclusion in the admissons process.

Westridge Goes Test-Blind. What Does This Mean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

Reed D. and Hailey T.
December 13, 2021
Humans of Westridge: Brooklyn P. ’25

Humans of Westridge: Brooklyn P. ’25

Reed D.
November 8, 2021
As part of Westridge's protocol, Westridge students wearing masks on Convocation. (@westridgeschool)

2021-22 School Year Ushers in a New Normal, Covid-Style

Reed D.
October 3, 2021
Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Meme Cards

Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Meme Cards

Sophene A., Ella B., and Reed D.
March 1, 2021
My mom, brother, and I standing outside of Philz last May

Opinion: Why I Love Philz Coffee + Five Drinks to Order

Reed D.
February 15, 2021
Mia G. ‘25 standing in front of piles of donated breakfast cereal

All-School Food Drive Triumphs Against All Odds

Reed D.
January 19, 2021
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Reed D.