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
Sophene A.

Sophene A., Editor

Sophene is a senior and in her sixth year on Spyglass. In her free time, she enjoys baking, spending time with family, and watching Gilmore Girls and Friends.

All content by Sophene A.
Photo Credit: Sophene A.'25

Your Senior Year Survival Guide

Sophene A.
December 15, 2024
Photo Credit: Abby H.

Minimal Discourse on the 2024 Presidential Election Takes Place on Campus

Sophene A.
October 6, 2024
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

Sophene A.
April 13, 2024
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

Sophene A. and Arden R.
February 12, 2024
Director of Upper School Mr. Baldwin sits in his office. (PC: Sophene A. ’25)

Director of Upper School Mr. Gary Baldwin to Step Down at the End of the 2023–2024 School Year

Sophene A.
February 12, 2024
When Did It Become Fashionable to Hate America? It’s Time to Abandon This Trend

When Did It Become Fashionable to Hate America? It’s Time to Abandon This Trend

Sophene A., Managing Editor
December 11, 2023
The Permaculture Garden (PC: Lorelei CE)

New Middle School Permaculture Class Spreads Awareness About The Ecosystem

Sophene A.
December 11, 2023
Ms. Farrell Heydorff, Dean of Lower and Middle School Student Activities, sitting at her desk.

Ms. Farrell Heydorff Retires From the Military After Twenty Years of Service

Sophene A.
November 13, 2023
8 Items That Convinced Us That Erewhon Is Worth the Hype

8 Items That Convinced Us That Erewhon Is Worth the Hype

Tanvi C. and Sophene A.
October 1, 2023
“It’s been a year of planning and training”: Westridge’s Honor Council Concludes Its Pilot Year

“It’s been a year of planning and training”: Westridge’s Honor Council Concludes Its Pilot Year

Sophene A.
May 30, 2023
Art by Alex S.

Opinion: Teachers’ Political Beliefs Do Not Belong Inside the Classroom

Sophene A.
April 23, 2023
Is having a tutor necessary to being successful at Westridge?

Tutoring: An Exception or Expectation?

Sophene A. and Kristin C.
March 12, 2023
Swipe left to check your answers!

Valentine’s Day Crossword Puzzle

Sophene A.
February 6, 2023
In Brazil’s capital city, Brasília, supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro storm the Congress building.

Brazil’s Protests Echo the U.S. Capitol Attack on January 6

Sophene A.
February 6, 2023
Sophene's Holiday Recipe:

Sophene’s Holiday Recipe:

Sophene A.
December 12, 2022
An outdoor education-focused Olympic backpacking trip during Upper School Discovery Week. (Westridge School)

“This Has to Be Accessible for Everyone”: A Reimagined and More Equitable Discovery Week

Sophene A.
December 12, 2022
Lusha G. ’24 inside Caffeina, the name of a nearby cafe and her favorite study spot.

“My View of the World or Just Everything Is Expanding”: Lusha G. ’24 Spends the Year Studying Abroad

Sophene A.
December 12, 2022
Some students work in the library as others collaborate with their peers.

The Westridge Library Lacks a Noise Policy: What Does This Mean for Students?

Sophene A.
November 7, 2022
A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in support of Amini.

Protests Erupt Across Iran Following the Death of Mahsa Amini

Sophene A.
November 7, 2022
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Grabs Spotlight at the Beginning of the Supreme Court’s New Term

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Grabs Spotlight at the Beginning of the Supreme Court’s New Term

Sophene A.
November 7, 2022
Participants in the Women’s March and Rally for Abortion Justice in Los Angeles on October 2, 2021

A Post-Roe America: Abortion in California

Sophene A.
November 7, 2022
Campus COVID-19 Safety Team Lifts Indoor Masking and Announces Updated Protocols

Campus COVID-19 Safety Team Lifts Indoor Masking and Announces Updated Protocols

Sophene A.
October 3, 2022
Westridge Develops Student Honor Council to Support Community Growth and Healing

Westridge Develops Student Honor Council to Support Community Growth and Healing

Sophene A.
October 2, 2022
Opinion: Schools Want to Emphasize Learning Over Grades. That’s Why We Need an Open Grade Book.

Opinion: Schools Want to Emphasize Learning Over Grades. That’s Why We Need an Open Grade Book.

Sophene A.
May 31, 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
Stephen Parlato holds a sign with the words, “Hands Off Roe,” outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 1, 2021, protesting a 2018 law that would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

America Braces for Imminent Overturn of Roe v. Wade

Sophene A. and Lilah R.
May 31, 2022
Candidates at a debate hosted at the University of Southern California (USC).

Homelessness and Public Safety: The Issues That Will Decide Los Angeles’s Mayoral Election

Sophene A.
May 31, 2022
21 Killed in Texas Elementary School Shooting

21 Killed in Texas Elementary School Shooting

Sophene A.
May 31, 2022
First Black Woman to Be Appointed to the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Is Confirmed by Senate

First Black Woman to Be Appointed to the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Is Confirmed by Senate

Sophene A.
April 7, 2022
Jodi Kreyman walking the halls of her high school.

Review: “Tall Girl 2” Is Beyond Disappointing. And I’m Not Surprised.

Sophene A.
March 21, 2022
Manuel Oliver, father of a teenager killed in the Parkland school shooting, holds a banner calling Biden to take action on gun violence. (Photo Credit: Stefani Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images)

Parkland School Shooting Survivors Remain Disappointed Four Years Later

Sophene A.
March 21, 2022
Opinion: COVID-19 Stigma: What It Is and How It's Dangerous to the Pandemic

Opinion: COVID-19 Stigma: What It Is and How It’s Dangerous to the Pandemic

Sophene A.
February 14, 2022
President Biden Follows Through Pledge to Nominate a Black Woman to the Supreme Court

President Biden Follows Through Pledge to Nominate a Black Woman to the Supreme Court

Sophene A.
February 14, 2022
A 2021 Roundup: 5 New California Laws Worth Knowing About

A 2021 Roundup: 5 New California Laws Worth Knowing About

Sophene A.
February 14, 2022
The Chicago Teachers Union protested over health and safety concerns. (Photo Credit: NBC News)

Chicago Teachers Union Stages Walkout: Disputes About the Safety of Schools Continue

Sophene A.
February 14, 2022
Joe Biden addressing unvaccinated individuals in the United States.

Opinion: A “Pandemic of the Unvaccinated”: Blaming the Unvaccinated Will Get the U.S. Nowhere

Sophene A.
January 21, 2022
Opinion: Dear Administration, It’s Time To Get Serious About Enforcing The Uniform Policy

Opinion: Dear Administration, It’s Time To Get Serious About Enforcing The Uniform Policy

Sophene A.
December 13, 2021
Date Caramel Squares

Date Caramel Squares

Sophene A.
December 13, 2021
Lesridge Instagram Account: Both a ‘Meme Account’ and Safe Place for Students

Lesridge Instagram Account: Both a ‘Meme Account’ and Safe Place for Students

Sophene A.
November 8, 2021
“It’s Just a Toxic Place to Be”: Facebook Whistleblower Reveals Studies Confirming Instagram’s Harmful Effect on Teens’ Body Image

“It’s Just a Toxic Place to Be”: Facebook Whistleblower Reveals Studies Confirming Instagram’s Harmful Effect on Teens’ Body Image

Daria H. and Sophene A.
November 8, 2021
The quotation in the bathroom at the beginning of the year.

Lower School Bathroom Remodel Faces Criticism for Gender Exclusive Design

Sophene A.
November 8, 2021
A protest in 2019 that advocated for menstrual equity. (The Guardian)

California’s Bill Ignites Discussion Regarding Period Poverty

Sophene A.
October 3, 2021
Those who are against the COVID-19 vaccine protest. (The Independent)

“It is my choice. It’s not a law”: Students Weigh in on the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Sophene A., Staffer
October 3, 2021
Protest against SB 8 at the Capitol in Austin, Texas. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman/Associated Press)

Texas Abortion Ban SB 8: 6 Things You Should Know and Why You Should Care

Sophene A.
October 3, 2021
Opinion: Put Self-Care on Your To-Do List

Opinion: Put Self-Care on Your To-Do List

Sophene A.
May 17, 2021
Representative David Cicilline advocating for the Equality Act.

House Passes Legislation Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights

Sophene A.
May 17, 2021
A torchlight march in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, to mark the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

An Unrecognized Genocide is a Repeated Genocide

Sophene A.
May 17, 2021
New Legislation Challenges Abortion Rights

New Legislation Challenges Abortion Rights

Sophene A.
March 1, 2021
Photo Credits: Instagram

New Zealand Works to Reduce Period Poverty: What Does It Mean for Other Countries?

Sophene A.
March 1, 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
Opinion: A Family Divided

Opinion: A Family Divided

Sophene A.
February 3, 2021
Opinion: Burnt Leaves, Strong Roots

Opinion: Burnt Leaves, Strong Roots

Natalie M. and Sophene A.
December 4, 2020
LuciDesignsCo’s Instagram, where she advertises some of her products.

Eighth Grader Promotes Voting With Small Startup

Sophene A.
October 11, 2020
Ms. Oseran with her dog.

Westridge Welcomes Anna Oseran

Sophene A.
October 11, 2020

Behind The Scenes: ALL SCHOOLS DAY

Ella B. and Sophene A.
April 16, 2020

Rigorous Remote Learning in Middle School

Ella B. and Sophene A.
April 16, 2020

Dance-less Middle School Dances

Sophene A.
February 18, 2020
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Sophene A.