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The Student News Site of Thomas S. Wootton High School

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The Student News Site of Thomas S. Wootton High School

Common Sense
The Student News Site of Thomas S. Wootton High School

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News
The sign outside the girls' bathroom by the health room, particularly the term vandalism, can be misinterpreted by students. "When we say vandalism, it's not any sort of graffiti or tagging, it is damage of actual equipment in the bathroom," Business Administrator Arlin De La Rosa said.
Vandalism shuts down bathrooms, frustrates students
Diya Khetan, news editor • December 17, 2024
Acting Principal Dr. Joseph Bostic Jr. settles into his office at this school, adding his water bottle with a University of Georgia sticker and his diploma from Northwood High School.
Dr. Joseph Bostic Jr. hopes for stronger Patriot community as acting principal
Emma Karcz, managing editor • December 14, 2024
Senior and BSU co-President Leila Khademian led a series of chants at the walkout after the first of the two pep rallies.
Black Student Union holds walkout to call attention to lack of change
Claire Lenkin, editor-in-chief • December 6, 2024
As the presidency transfers from Joe Biden to Donald Trump, America's education system may experience major changes.
How will Trump’s education plan affect America?
Claire Lenkin, editor-in-chief • November 19, 2024
Profiles
Choral director and class sponsor Keith Schwartz joins Acatonic seniors Aiden Feng, Naysa Mustafa, Joy Nadda, Kelvin Zhou and sophomore Benedict Santos for a team breakfast on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Panera in Fallsgrove. The group gathered ahead of their visit to feeder schools, where they promoted a cappella as an elective option and performed songs they had learned over the past four months. “I’ve had Mr. Schwartz as a teacher for four years, and every year I feel like I learn more about him and more about myself. Schwartz has taught me to be more timely and responsible,” Nadda said.
A week in the life of inimitable Keith Schwartz
Ahmed Ibrahim, opinion editor • January 14, 2025
Class of 2016 graduate Jordan Weitz was included in the Forbes 30 under 30 list. After graduating, Weitz attended Yale before becoming a cofounder of Keychain, a company worth over $250 million.
Jordan Weitz makes Forbes 30 under 30 list
Cameron Cowen, news editor • January 13, 2025
Senior Daksh Badri visits Columbia University with his mom, the college he will be attending in the fall after applying early decision this application cycle. "I decided to ED to Columbia because I formed a deep connection with the university when I went on a tour there," Badri said.
Students commit to dream schools through early decision
Diya Khetan, news editor • January 13, 2025
Honors modern world history teacher Kraig Bauer explains how to complete a worksheet to his fourth period class on Jan. 3.
From teaching history, to teaching to grill, Kraig Bauer does it all, building connections along the way
Evan Halpern, staff writer • January 3, 2025
Opinion
Juniors Beliz Kuter, Simrik Mahata, Shayna Kreiser and Emma Illig work on homework in the hallway during advisory on Friday Dec. 20. "I like having advisory but I would prefer it if we had it with lunch as well so we have more time to do assignments instead of having a 20 minute block," Kuter said.
Improving school safety or making students, staff lives harder?
Micah Felman, staff writer • January 3, 2025
Football is a intense and aggressive high contact sport. Referees are one of the only lines of defense to protect the players from illegal hits, (leading with the helmet) which in turn, leads to head injures.
More must be done to combat biggest danger in football
December 21, 2024
Since this school has a closed campus, students with parking spots can't leave to get food, increasing the demand for food delivery.
Benefits of offering food delivery to students
December 21, 2024
During third period, Emily Davis' AP Lit students work on group presentations about "Hamlet," by William Shakespeare.
American schooling needs to change
December 21, 2024
Reviews
Ranked as the fourth choice on the best winter movie list is "Home Alone." "I love 'Home Alone' because I think that it is fun to watch but also has a cute Christmas message about family. My part that stands out to me is the scene where the robbers try to break in and fail repeatedly because it is funny and unique," junior Mia Stubbins said.
Best winter movies: providing warmth, comfort during chilly weather
Hayley Gottesman, long form editor • January 9, 2025
Moana 2 is now playing at AMC theaters in Rio in Gaithersburg.
‘Moana 2:’ sailing waves to pulling up islands
December 16, 2024
Sophomore Noa Lucas rewatches Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik perform their Nov. 26 final freestyle with friends at lunch on Dec. 9. "My favorite part of the season was probably Rylee and Stephen’s last dance, they seemed so happy. Their emotions in that dance gave off the real reason the show was made, to make new friendships and to have fun," Lucas said.
Newest season of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ jazzes viewers
December 11, 2024
More than 20 years separate Gladiator and its sequel, Gladiator II, and the advancements in filmmaking technology, scale, and budget reflect the evolution of the industry. Gladiator (2000): The original film was made with a budget of approximately $103 million, which was substantial at the time. Gladiator II (2024): The sequel’s budget exceeds $200 million, more than doubling the original.
‘Gladiator II’: The return of ancient Rome to the big screen
December 10, 2024
Features
President-elect Donald Trump and his nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy stand together at a rally.
RFK health policies: ‘Make America Healthy Again’
Cyrus Kaz, staff writer • January 15, 2025
One of the ways to combat senioritis is spending time with friends. Seniors Alex Balian, AJ Shiflett, Tyler Siegel, Thomas Mehler, Will Balian, Ben Phillips, Ryan Kaufman, Kyle Fuster, Noah Friedman, Charlie Balian and Luke Brunner come together to play rec basketball for their last school year.
Common illness impacts seniors: senioritis
January 15, 2025
The Red Cross Club makes holiday-themed cards for veterans in the armed forces. Other clubs also participate in holiday drives and fundraisers to assist the local community. "I like holiday drives because they give everyone a chance to give back to the community and it also gives everyone a chance to get something back from the community,” junior Jasmine Rivas said.
Local holiday drives assist those in need
January 14, 2025
The Minecraft interface is recognizable to students, and different worlds and friends appear, which makes it easy to get back into after months of not playing. "I think the best part of Minecraft is the endless possibilities for what you can create with your friends," junior Edward Han said.
More than just 14 days of fun: Nostalgic phenomenon relights childhood
January 14, 2025
Columns
Junior Ahmed Ibrahim posts to his Instagram story on June 26, eating a Pop-Tart at the exact moment the third season of FX's "The Bear" dropped on Hulu and Disney+.
The three best TV shows of 2024
Ahmed Ibrahim, opinion editor • December 16, 2024
Perfect gifts to give to book-loving friends include a Kindle and bookmarks.
What the world is reading: Holiday gift guide for book lovers
Emma Karcz, managing editor • December 12, 2024
Junior Grace Song rewatches the trailer for Anora. Promoted as "A Love Story from Sean Baker," it is the eighth feature film under Baker's belt starring Mikey Madison in the titular role. "[Anora] accurately represents women overseen and easily taken advantage of. It emotionally enticed me. The ending is so good," Song said.
Why ‘Anora’ matters
Ahmed Ibrahim, opinion editor • November 21, 2024
This school's library has a table set up for Halloween, promoting scary books for the month of October. They also had a challenge for students: if they read and reviewed two books, they were entered to win a prize.
What’s the world reading: Are you thrilled yet?
Emma Karcz, managing editor • October 30, 2024
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