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 recent reversal of test-optional admissions policies made by several of the nations 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
With demanding academics and time-consuming extracurriculars, what do Westridge students sleep habits look like?
What Do the Sleeping Schedules of Westridge Students Look Like? Spyglass Asked 200+ Students to Find Out.
Earlier this year, the Facilities team removed several panels from classroom ceilings. Depicted is an animated green smoke coming out of the holes, representing the smell in Rothenberg Building.
Facilities, Administrators Hopeful for an Odor-Free Rothenberg Building In Near Future
Ms. Heydorff in her office explaining her role when working with ASB. ASB really took the lead on [ASD] and I was just there to support and give them assistance in any way they needed, said Ms. Heydorff.
“It’s been hard.” Westridge US Faculty and Students Unite to Support Each Other Amidst Admin Absence
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
Spyglass Live: Whats In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
All actors in The SpongeBob Musical come together for the final scene. (Credit: Cliff William)
Westridge’s The SpongeBob Musical: Silly, Entertaining, and Playful
A group of Upper School students sit on the floor, excited to watch the eclipse.
Westridge Embraces the Eclipse, Celebrates on Frank Field
Westridges Love for Stanleys
Hydrate or Diedrate: Westridge’s Love for Stanleys
Seniors Julia H., Lauren K., and Verena W. at a train station in Berlin
Journeys Filled With Laughter and Learning: Students Bond While Exploring New Places Together During Discovery Week
Danielle even knows how to appreciate the tough moments. I love being tired, I love grunting, I just love like, dying
Danielle L. ‘29 – Student by Day, Ninja By Night
Class Pet by Noelle D. and Maya K.
COMIC: Class Pet
Mr. Mermelstein talking about the criminal justice system with 8th graders.
Guest Speaker Sheds Light on Inequities of the Justice System
”They looped and meandered, like long conversations with close friends.” -Ms. Anna Bondoc. Ms. Bondoc loved to draw art that traced bird wing movements.
She Painted Birds In Flight And Helped Me Fly: An 8th grader Remembers 6th grade with Anna Bondoc
Is this how you do it? A non-athlete’s soccer journey
“Is this how you do it?” A non-athlete’s soccer journey
Spyglass Live: Whats In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Women’s Basketball is Winning
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
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
Official Mean Girls Poster in the Universal Studios Cinema (Credits: Rebecca Lopez)
Mean Girls (2024) Falls Short of Fetch
Spyglass Live: Whats 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
Isla R. ’25, Westridge’s First-Chair Violinist
Humans of Westridge: Meet Star Violinist Isla R. ’25
Sarah and Lilah Review: Poor Things
Sarah and Lilah Review: Poor Things
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Women’s Basketball is Winning
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
Spyglass Live: Spotlight on Mia N. 24
Spyglass Live: Spotlight on Mia N. ’24
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: The Pet That Truly Rocks
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?
Confessions From The College Front Line: Looking Back While Stepping Forward
Confessions From The College Front Line: Looking Back While Stepping Forward
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Women’s Basketball is Winning
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
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 highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Reflecting on the Careers of Women’s Soccer Players
Girls Just Want to Play Sports is a column highlight women athletes. This edition is about the tremendous growth of womens basketball.
Introducing: Girls Just Wanna Play Sports, A Column
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
Sounds For State Street: Butterscotch
Sounds For State Street: Butterscotch
Sounds For State Street: Golden Hour
Sounds For State Street: Golden Hour
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
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
Spyglass Live: Whats 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 Years Resolutions
Spyglass Live: New Year’s Resolutions
Spyglass Live 22-23 Bloopers!
Spyglass Live 22-23 Bloopers!
Senior Chalk Day
Senior Chalk Day
Spyglass Live: Whats 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
Isla R. ’25, Westridge’s First-Chair Violinist
Humans of Westridge: Meet Star Violinist Isla R. ’25
An inside-view of Hodgsons 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
The side entrance to Erewhon on Lake Avenue during the community wellness event on Saturday, September 16.
Why Erewhon? Students Voice Opinion on the Popular and Extravagant Market
This June, 10 Westridge students and two faculty members embarked on a 10-day trip to Ireland as a part of Westridges Summer Global Art Program.
Testimonies from Westridge’s Summer Global Art Program in Ireland
8 Items That Convinced Us That Erewhon Is Worth the Hype
8 Items That Convinced Us That Erewhon Is Worth the Hype
Athletic Trainer Mike in his office.
Humans of Westridge: Meet Mike, Westridge’s Athletic Trainer
Both pairs of sisters have played sports with each other before, but this year marks the first time each sibling duo have played together at Westridge.
Sisterhood in Sports: Westridge Siblings Reflect on Their Athletic Journeys Together
(PC: Melanie Horn)
Soccer and Basketball Show Improvement Despite No Teams Reaching CIF Playoffs: A Winter Sports Round-Up
Westridges Varsity Soccer team stands outside of In-N-Out, while wearing their hats.
Win or Lose, Westridge Sports Make Memories at Traditional ‘In-N-Out Games’
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
The comic caption contest is a new initiative to boost viewership engagement.
Introducing the Comic Caption Contest
One of the worst crimes to look out for on Westridge Campus, taking the last Breakfast Bacon Burrito.
Top 10 WORST Westridge Crimes to Look Out For
In the pandemic, Westridge replaced classes on Wednesday with a wellness day, dedicated to student wellbeing.
SATIRE: Bring Back Wellness Wednesday
The Westridge 2024 Roster
The Westridge 2024 Roster
Class Pet by Noelle D. and Maya K.
COMIC: Class Pet
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
  • April 15th 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
Katie S.

Katie S., Editor

Katie is a senior, and this is her fifth year on Spyglass and third year as an Editor. In her free time, she loves playing guitar, writing, and doing calligraphy.

All content by Katie S.
(Mena J.)

Is Financial Accessibility Enough to Make Discovery Week Equitable?

Katie S. and Gia S.
April 24, 2023
(Graphic Credit: Addie K.) Students with eating disorders at Westridge come forward about their experiences on campus.

How Does Westridge’s Culture of Competition and Achievement Impact Eating Disorders?

Katie S.
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
Screenshot 2023-02-05 at 9.00.59 PM

[Photo]

Westridge’s Budget Process

[Photo]

Katie and Mandys Holiday Recipe: Gluten Free Dark and Spicy Pumpkin Loaf

Katie and Mandy’s Holiday Recipe: Gluten Free Dark and Spicy Pumpkin Loaf

Katie S. and Amanda S.
December 12, 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
A timeline outlining the progression of the Gender Identity Policy.

[Photo] “What does it mean to be a girls’ school when we’re no longer living in a binary world?”

Katie Shirreffs
May 31, 2022

Click Here for March Editor’s Note…

Katie S.
March 21, 2022
A Spyglass Guide to Civic Engagement

A Spyglass Guide to Civic Engagement

Katie S. and Ilena M.
February 14, 2022
Let the AI Machine Quiz Gadget Calculate How Single You Are

Let the AI Machine Quiz Gadget Calculate How Single You Are

Katie S.
February 14, 2022

Click Here for February Editor’s Note…

Katie S.
February 14, 2022
What your toffee should look like as it sets. (“Hot Toffee” by Liz West is licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))

Swiss Milk Toffee

Katie S.
December 13, 2021

Click Here for December Editor’s Note…

Katie S., Editor In Chief
December 13, 2021

Click Here for November Editor’s Note…

Katie S., Staffer
November 8, 2021
What Your Favorite Candy Says About You

What Your Favorite Candy Says About You

Katie S.
October 31, 2021
A computer science student works on an assignment.

[Photo] With the New School Year Comes a New Computer Science Department

Mckenna D.
October 4, 2021
Westridge’s new HD Teacher and Strength and Conditioning Coach Katie Dockter finds that her two roles at Westridge work well together.

Westridge Welcomes Powerlifter HD Teacher Katie Dockter!

Katie S.
October 4, 2021
The State Street parking lot is nearly always full during school days. (Katie S. 23)

Why the Uptick in Westridge’s Parking Lot Accidents?

Katie S. and Jessica W.
October 4, 2021

Click Here for October Editor’s Note…

Katie S., Editor In Chief
October 4, 2021
Westridges DEI Efforts Part 3: Moving Forward

Westridge’s DEI Efforts Part 3: Moving Forward

Katie S.
May 24, 2021
Part of the November 2020 DEI and Anti-Racism update. It starts with a letter from Elizabeth McGregor, Head of School.

Westridge’s DEI Efforts Part 2: How Involved are Students in the DEI Process?

Katie S.
May 15, 2021

Click Here for May Editor’s Note…

Katie S.
May 16, 2021
Some of Westridge’s parent ambassadors with whom prospective families can connect.

Westridge’s DEI Efforts Part 1: Increasing Student Body Representation

Katie S.
May 10, 2021
A Year in Review: Westridge Looks Back and Forward at its DEI Efforts

A Year in Review: Westridge Looks Back and Forward at its DEI Efforts

Katie S.
May 10, 2021
Feldmeth teaching a Contemporary Ethical Issues class in 2019. Sometimes in his Ethics classes, students will ask Feldmeth about his personal viewpoint.

Share their Views or Remain Neutral? The Difficulties of Navigating Politics for Teachers

Katie S., Writing Editor
April 12, 2021
The Friday lunch discussion addressed the recent incident of anti-Asian racism.

Westridge comes together after alumna hurls anti-Asian slurs

Katie S., Writing Editor
March 15, 2021
Conversation Hearts For A Valentine’s Day In Quarantine

Conversation Hearts For A Valentine’s Day In Quarantine

Katie S. and Eliza W.
March 1, 2021
A meeting with a club that Christina S. and Cyana L. attend monthly.

[Photo]

Weighing the Functionality of Teams Versus Zoom for Westridge’s Remote Learning Platform

Weighing the Functionality of Teams Versus Zoom for Westridge’s Remote Learning Platform

Katie S. and Jessica W.
January 27, 2021
Instagram app. Between 46% and 51% of adults have been using social media more since quarantine began, according to a Harris Insights and Analytics poll.

Opinion: What Quarantine Taught Me About Social Media

Katie S., Writing Editor
January 14, 2021
Everyone takes a deep relaxing breath in a meditative pose.

Employee Yoga Classes: Self Care, Relaxation, and Community

Katie S.
November 18, 2019
The maintenance staff. (Felicia Johnson)

Westridge’s Maintenance Staff Prepares Campus for Students’ Return

Katie S., Writing Editor
November 21, 2020
Microsoft Teams app loading screen.

Microsoft Teams Video Presence Raises Questions of Privacy and Distraction

Katie S., Writing Editor
November 2, 2020
Kamala Harris endorses Joe Biden at one of his campaign rallies on March 9.

Kamala Harris’s Nomination Is Met With Both Excitement And Hesitation

Katie S. and Mckenna D.
October 12, 2020
The first level of Fireboy and Watergirl: The Forest Temple.

Fireboy and Watergirl: My Favorite Pandemic Pastime

Katie S.
October 11, 2020
Evelyn’s February spread in her bullet journal, or as she likes to call it her “bujo”.

Fun Hobbies and Interests During COVID-19

Katie S.
May 1, 2020
Each sport has its own Padlet. This lacrosse Padlet has links to lacrosse games, workouts, and yoga classes for all athletes to review and experiment with.

COVID-19 Interrupts Spring Sports

Katie S.
April 24, 2020
One of Audrey’s puppies climbs on top of the other.

More Time with Pets!

Katie S.
April 17, 2020
Jacqueline L.

Opinion: Civics Belongs in Our Classrooms

Katie S.
April 16, 2020
Ms. Stevenson (left) and Ms. Yurcak (right) discuss their favorite books.

Taking A Look Inside Westridge’s Offices

Katie S.
February 18, 2020

Bringing Home the Gold and Silver: Westridge Students Win Creative Writing Awards

Katie S.
February 18, 2020
Ms. Shang organizes her desk before starting her work. “A good office environment is not how we’re having fun all the time, it’s how we really respect each other and how we support each other,” shared Ms. Shang

[Photo]

(Left to Right) Dr. P and Dr. E have known each other since they went to grad school together. Dr. E often brings in essential oils and some hand lotions. “We’ll text each other funny pictures--definitely with me and Dr. E if I see a license plate or something that has a Greek or Latin phrase,” shared Dr. P.

[Photo]

(Left to Right) Ms. Shang and Ms. Hull chat at their desks. “I just want to say we are the best [office] and we accept challenges,” Ms. Hull joked.

[Photo]

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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.
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