• 2022-2023 CSPA Crown Award Finalist
The Student News Site of Thomas S. Wootton High School

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

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

Common Sense
SNO Distinguished Sites Badges

Excellence in Writing

Common Sense Print Edition
Poll

What is the most entertaining spring sport?

Loading...

Sorry, there was an error loading this poll.

  • Thomas S. Wootton
    0
    Rockville
    3
    May 6 / Coed Volleyball
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    3
    Northwest
    1
    May 6 / Boys Volleyball
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    3
    Gaithersburg
    0
    May 5 / Baseball
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    12
    Richard Montgomery
    5
    May 3 / Baseball
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    11
    B-CC
    3
    May 2 / Boys Lacrosse
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    4
    B-CC
    10
    May 2 / Girls Lacrosse
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    8
    Churchill
    2
    May 1 / Baseball
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    3
    Clarksburg
    2
    May 1 / Coed Volleyball
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    0
    Magruder
    5
    Apr 30 / Baseball
  • Thomas S. Wootton
    16
    Clarksburg
    3
    Apr 28 / Baseball
News
Protestors participate in the #TeslaTakedown protest in front of the Tesla showroom on Rockville Pike on Apr. 26. The #TeslaTakedown organization hosts protests across the country rallying against Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his connections with President Donald Trump. "I never thought I would see this in my lifetime. To get to this point, it just breaks my heart,” protester Catherine Zizlavsky said.
#TeslaTakedown protesters rally on Rockville Pike
Pragna Pothakamuri, managing editor • May 9, 2025
The Attendee Mobile app allows students, parents and counselors to sign up for NACAC college fair events. The app provides information about which colleges will be attending the events. It also provides a QR code for each student to show to a college to get on their mailing list.
The NACAC National College Fair: A Gateway to the Future
Marley Hoffman, editor-in-chief • May 8, 2025
Senior Max Podlesny looks at the schedule for the two weeks of AP testing during his eighth period photography class on May 5.
New testing schedule affects students, staff
Emma Karcz, managing editor emeritus • May 6, 2025
Protesters attend a "Hands off" rally in Washington, D.C., on Mar. 25 to protest President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
Hands off protests targeted toward Trump administration, Elon Musk escalate
Nathan Zweig, staff writer • May 3, 2025
Profiles
Juniors Isabel Tang and Aaron Tian celebrate after a debate tournament at Harvard in February with their semifinalist trophies. Tian received the competition's fourth-best speaker award. The team finished the tournament, and the season, ranking seventh nationally.
Preparation is key for nationally-ranked debater Aaron Tian
Avni Koenig, staff writer • May 9, 2025
Students in the counseling office are greeted by secretary Amy Smith.
The backbone of counselling: secretary Amy Smith supports all
Nicole Kaffee, reviews editor • May 1, 2025
Athletic trainer Brenna Allen wraps baseball player Keon Gray's ankle before practice.
Athletic trainer Brenna Allen to the rescue
Sophia Shapiro, staff writer • April 9, 2025
Junior Zaara Burnett officially commits to Ohio State University on Feb. 3 after receiving an offer during her visit to the school. Ohio State was one of Burnett's top five choices, and she is excited to start a new chapter of her life as a Buckeye in 2026.
Junior Zaara Burnett commits to Ohio State University
Helen Manolis, features editor • March 18, 2025
Opinion
Students wander throughout the Commons without any visible form of identification, violating the school ID policy.
IDs for All policy fails to protect anyone
Evan Halpern, features editor • May 9, 2025
Cherry blossom trees in Rockville during peak bloom.
Local trees allow better options for cherry blossom viewing
May 8, 2025
Junior Megan Lomotan approaches history teacher and varsity girls' soccer coach Chris Thompson after school on Friday, May 2, in the history department office to ask for a college recommendation letter. While Lomotan felt anxious, Thompson agreed to write the letter. "It has crossed my mind to start making my recommendations more selective, but generally speaking, I try to write a letter for everyone that asks," Thompson said.
College recommendations: quiet honor turned cold, soulless transaction
May 6, 2025
Junior Lina Seo scrolls on her phone during her sixth period precalculus class.
Is technology hurting our education?
May 5, 2025
Decorative Background
Reviews
Senior Anthony Derba looks at the MLB The Show mobile app for updates on his Diamond Dynasty team. "I love being able to get updates, open packs, and fix my team from anywhere even if I'm not on my console," Derba said.
MLB The Show: copy and paste or original product?
Tyler Mollica, staff writer • May 8, 2025
Caught between innocence and consequence, a young teen faces the harsh realities of adolescence behind locked doors.
Should Adolescence be your next must-watch — or skip?
May 7, 2025
Directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg discuss their new show "The Studio" on Apple TV.
‘The Studio’ showcases reality of Hollywood
May 7, 2025
"A Minecraft Movie" premiered on Apr. 4 and was enjoyed by junior Alex Grainger. The movie stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black and Danielle Brooks. The opening weekend broke the record for best opening weekend for a video game movie.
A diamond in the rough; ‘A Minecraft Movie’ shines
May 3, 2025
Features
The sophomore class held a bake sale to raise funds for class activities on Sunday, Apr. 6.
Making memories, earning money: The impact of class fundraising
Sofia Sklias, arts editor • May 9, 2025
After campaigning and voting concluded, the polls were counted and the SGA officers for the 2025-2026 school year were announced. Each of these officers experienced the application and interview process to be accepted into the class and will strive to make an impact on the school as student leaders.
School leadership interviews vs. real job interviews: How similar are they?
May 8, 2025
Freshman Hannah Yuan and senior Maddie Zincke attend the blackout football game against Watkins Mill on Oct.18, 2024.
Students reflect on memories from the year
May 7, 2025
Senior Max Rubinstein presents at the AP Research symposium on Apr. 26. For a year-long, work-intensive class like AP Research, students find it important to stay motivated each quarter.
The fourth quarter slump: is it inevitable?
May 7, 2025
Columns
Senior Rayna Panikulam sits with her friends, seniors Leah Antony, Serena John and Ruthiga Veerasingham, at lunch on Monday, Feb. 24. Antony and John banter over what day graduation is while Panikulam and Veerasingham reminisce over senior sunrise. "I'm so grateful to have spent the last three and a half years surrounded by such beautiful and kind people and I'll cherish these moments for the rest of my life," Panikulam said.
Does romanticizing high school make senior year more painful?
Ahmed Ibrahim, opinion editor • February 27, 2025
Sophomore Amen Tekleab shows off her Valentine's Day gift from her friend during advisory Friday, Feb. 14.
What the world is reading: Romcoms for the season of love
Emma Karcz, managing editor • February 14, 2025
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
Check us out on Instagram
Support Us
$2050
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Thomas S. Wootton High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

Donate to Common Sense
$2050
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal