News

For the final Big/Little activity of the year, students came together on Frank Field to climb up and slide down inflatable slides, jam out to current and throwback jams, and be around one another before the start of summer break!

Mind the youth! The phrase was chalked onto the ground, a cheerful caution for those on Westridge campus as the Lower School began the annual "Tour de Tigre" wheels P.E. unit. During this unit—which took place over the last few days—students brought their choice of "wheels" including bicycles, scooters, skates, and skateboards along with safety gear on their grade's designated day. They rode along a special course across Westridge campus, supervised by the P.E. faculty.

Dr. Arthur Benjamin, professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and self-described "mathmagician," put on a fun and informative show—revealing the math behind the magic—for the Lower and Middle School students at the Amphitheater on Tuesday. 

On Tuesday, 7th graders took part in a gardening rotation day on campus for their annual “Soil Unit,” an interdisciplinary, experiential learning project that explores soil systems, including the composition and ecology of soil and its impact on the environment and in our communities. This year, students got their hands dirty (literally!) developing Westridge’s new permaculture garden, a sustainable food garden behind the Ceramics Studio that will serve as a core part of the new Upper School Permaculture Garden elective next school year.

On Wednesday, Upper School students Alice C. '25, Clover D. '25, Eliza L. '25, and Stephanie C. '25 organized #WearOrangeDay at Westridge and encouraged students, faculty, and staff to bring a dollar to donate and support survivors and victims of gun violence.

Look out for the new middle schoolers in town: the Class of 2028! During the 6th Grade Recognition Ceremony in the Alumnae Courtyard today, students and families heard from Head of School Elizabeth McGregor, Lower & Middle School Director Dr. Zanita Kelly, and Lower School Student Activities and Leadership Council (SALC) President Taylor T. '28.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the 6th graders played in the annual Spanish-only soccer game on Herrick Quad—all part of a Mundo de Deportes (“World of Sports”) unit in Lower School Spanish Faculty Sabrina Leon’s class. The point of the game, Leon said, was to have fun and play soccer while putting Spanish skills to practice. As half the class played Spanish (communicating in Spanish), the other half acted as reporteras, or reporters, documenting the game plays.

Congratulations to the Speech & Debate team, which celebrated its successful 2021-2022 season with its annual banquet (aptly called "Debanquet")! There was a beautiful set-up in Alumnae Courtyard as students, coaches, and families got together to reminisce, celebrate, and enjoy food and drinks. The graduating seniors received a heartfelt send-off, parents were honored for their support, and there was even a game of Kahoot! to figure out superlative awards.