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The Student News Site of Wootton High School

Common Sense
The Student News Site of Wootton High School

Common Sense
The Student News Site of Wootton High School

Common Sense
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News
The new townhall structure was created at the request of student leadership, who plan the gatherings with input from administration. Photo courtesy Catherine Bucsa
Town halls reimagined for new school year
Liana Usman, staff writer • October 3, 2025
The new deck in the concessions area of James A. Coles field is a product of the summer renovation.
Summer stadium renovation improves safety, accessibility
Micah Felman, sports editor • October 1, 2025
Students used this schedule to navigate the day: The tie-dye event and other activities took place in the morning, with classes only being 30 minutes. Image used with permission from @woottonsga
SGA mixes school spirit, wellness with tie dye event
Janna Frank, features editor • September 29, 2025
SGA posted additional information on Glochella on Sept. 25 when sales opened. Students can now buy their tickets online to be able to attend the Coachella-themed Gloco in the lower gym following the homecoming football game on Oct. 10. "I am excited to see the Glochella decorations at Gloco and the banner reveal at the pep rally," SGA member Malia Bellamy said. Photo by WoottonSGA instagram.
From California to MOCO: Glochella is this year’s homecoming theme
Helen Manolis, editor-in-chief • September 29, 2025
Sports
Patrick Corbin pitches against the New York Mets from Nationals Park, Washington, D.C., on April 7, 2022. Photo used with permission from Google Creative Commons
The Nationals have redefined rock bottom
Sloane Berk, Staff writer • October 3, 2025
Boys' soccer played Damascus on Sept. 10, ending in a 3-1 win for the Patriots. They have not had a win since then. The team is missing seniors Shreyas Ganeshan (7), Kevin Sun (6) and Langston Fabiyi (not pictured). "We have faced a lot of difficulties with injuries so far this year," Ganeshan said. Photo courtesy Shreyas Ganeshan
Boys’ soccer continues on downward spiral
Alex Grainger, online editor-in-chief • October 3, 2025
Junior cheerleader Winnie Kelly smiles with Cold Spring Elementary School students who participated in cheer's annual mini camp. "I had a great time and hope they did too," Kelly said. Photo courtesy Joanna Wallace
Spirit Games initiative builds spirit, stronger school community
Catherine Bucsa, news editor • September 30, 2025
Instagram hypes up the pickleball team on the @woottonsports account run by Atheltic Director Alton Lightsey. Image courtesy @woottonsports
Coed pickleball: Second year and second serves
Nicole Kaffee, reviews editor • September 26, 2025
Features
Junior Jia Micalizzi stops at Playa Bowls in Cabin John Village for a acai bowl after participating in a 5k run with her field hockey team.
Cabin John Village takes a food flip
Nicole Kaffee, reviews editor • October 6, 2025
Editors-in-Chief Ahmed Ibrahim, Helen Manolis, Cameron Cowen, Alex Grainger, Emory Scofield, Hayley Gottesman, Rebekah Buchman and Marley Hoffman create the first print magazine of the year during the October press days. “Only a quarter of the schools in MCPS have programs that are like ours, a thriving, robust program. That makes me really sad. This is not just good for [the student journalists] to be doing this, it’s good for the entire community. What [student journalists] provide to the community is a faith in journalism and that continues for their lifetimes," Starr said.
Turning the page: New year of Common Sense bring fresh feel
Hayley Gottesman, editor-in-chief • October 3, 2025
Senior Ryan Shin reads an informational pamphlet about Boston University in the career center on Sep. 19. Boston University has chosen to remain test optional for applications beginning in the fall of 2026. "If you have a good score, it can affect your application positively and give you an upper hand. In the same way if you don't have a good score, it doesn't harm you in any way," Shin said.
More than paperwork: why college application types matter
Cameron Cowen, online editor-in-chief • September 29, 2025
Data from the spring 2025 MCPS High School Staff Climate Survey.
Administration aims to rebuild fractured staff work culture
Emory Scofield, editor-in-chief • September 23, 2025
Opinion
The Montgomery County Public School Board of Education handles oversight and provides district-wide guidance for Section 504 accommodation plans. photo courtesy Bethesda Magazine
504s: Leveling the playing field or tilting it?
Sofia Sklias, arts editor • September 29, 2025
The school's premier a cappella group, the Acatonics, learn the song "When Will I Be Loved," by Linda Ronstadt, during eighth period on Apr. 25 for an upcoming performance. "Part of high school is making friends, making connections, meeting new people, and stretching yourself, and I think extracurriculars give you an opportunity to do all those things," a cappella director Keith Schwartz said. Photo courtesy of Sierra Lease
Lack of funding for extracurriculars creates inequality
Rebekah Buchman, online editor-in-chief • September 17, 2025
The MCPS Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor are responsible for implementing and executing policies that impact MCPS students, staff and community members. This school year marks Taylor's second as superintendent, and has introduced changes in the county. "Dr. Taylor is a consequential figure in MCPS’ recent history. Given the school system’s recent challenges, its boundary study, its academic program analysis and its large budget increase this year, it was a good time to assess the start of Dr. Taylor’s tenure,” Adam Pagnucco, writer and founder of Montgomery Perspective, said. Photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons
Superintendent Dr. Taylor’s leadership sparks change throughout county
Pragna Pothakamuri, managing editor • September 17, 2025
The 2025-2026 Editorial Board Alex Grainger, Cameron Cowen, Helen Manolis, Emory Scofield, Ahmed Ibrahim, Rebekah Buchman, Marley Hoffman, Hayley Gottesman, Pragna Pothakamuri and Natalie Pak (Chase Dolan not pictured) respond to the new MCPS grading policy. “When something that used to be easy suddenly becomes harder, it can turn [students’] mindset negative, whereas making something easier usually has a better impact. I think that’s where a lot of the pushback comes from. But if you put emotions aside, I do think this change could help build stronger work ethic,” Ibrahim said.
Common Sense Responds: Editorial Board thoughts on new grading policy
Hayley Gottesman, editor-in-chief • September 11, 2025
Profiles
Senior football player Ashton Ingram carries the ball while running down the field in a game against Walter Johnson on Sept. 26. Photo by Keon Gray
Speed, faith, leadership: Ashton Ingram drives football forward
Cameron Pietak, news editor • October 3, 2025
Principal Dr. Joseph Bostic before school starts on the morning of Sept. 22.
Principal Bostic steps into official leadership role
Sloane Berk, Staff writer • September 22, 2025
New counseling department head Maureen Ponce completes work in her office. In addition to spending her time doing the necessary tasks for her position, she also spends extra time learning about how to best run the department. “I am super invested in our progression. I invest a lot of time on my own learning to understand my profession, the research that's been done and the type of program that we’re supposed to run for kids," Ponce said.
Looking back, looking forward: new counseling head Maureen Ponce plans for the future
Natalie Pak, managing editor • September 19, 2025
School Business Administrator Arlin De La Rosa works at her desk on Jun. 3 during lunch. De La Rosa is in charge of the school's finances, building reservations and main office. "If you bring me a problem, we’ll find a solution; we’ll find some way to solve it. I think that’s my biggest drive every day," De La Rosa said.
No business done without Arlin De La Rosa
Pragna Pothakamuri, managing editor • June 10, 2025
Reviews
Backpage Editor Sami Karcz finishes watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and shares her thoughts about the first two movies before moving on to the third.
Eight days, eight movies: The Harry Potter series from fresh eyes, part one
Sami Karcz, back page and social media editor • October 4, 2025
The Starbucks in Fallsgrove is where students get their favorite cold brew and coffee before the first period bell.
Chasing perfect cold brew
Sophia Shapiro, profiles editor • May 31, 2025
A poster advertising the newest Marvel movie, Thunderbolts, is displayed at AMC Rio Cinemas in Gaithersburg.
‘Thunderbolts:’ boom or bust?
Micah Felman, sports editor • May 28, 2025
Columns
2025 graduate and Managing Editor emeritus Inayat Thukral watches James Gunn's seventh feature film, "Superman," at the AMC theaters in RIO on July 14. Thukral said the immigrant framing of Gunn’s take on Superman felt natural, explaining, “He is an alien, but the movie shows that he still feels the same emotions and suffers the same struggles as everyone else, which makes the immigrant story framing feel necessary rather than forced.”
Truth, Justice, the Political Way: James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ raises discussion
Ahmed Ibrahim, editor-in-chief • September 15, 2025
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
Arts
Top left: Freshman Ray Spivak performs as the titular character in Beetlejuice Jr. at Cabin John Middle on May 10. Top right: Sophomore Jonathan Henderson holds his viola after performing with the National Youth Orchestra. Bottom right: Senior Victoria Olanrewaju performs at a cappella competition SingStrong New York on Feb 1. Bottom left: Junior Olivia Shin, on May 8, holds her Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Rep. Jamie Raskin for her painting "Mirror of Disgust." Photos by Andy Spivak, Monica Henderson, Edwin Lomotan, Sammy Shin
Beyond the elective: Four journeys through the arts
Ahmed Ibrahim, editor-in-chief • September 29, 2025
New theater director Keith Schwartz designs the promo for the fall production, "Suessical Kids." "I'm excited for this play because some of our current seniors performed it when they were in elementary school, and now they get to go back and perform it again," Schwartz said.
Theatrical turnover: Drama department has new leadership
Sami Karcz, back page and social media editor • September 15, 2025
Senior Sabina Blate's portfolio follows her theme of connecting to her cultures through change in pieces like this one.
Every line, stroke, mark counts; AP art students finalize their portfolios
Inayat Thukral, managing editor emeritus • May 9, 2025
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