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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

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
Science teacher Kristen Daugherity works to connect her computer to the smartboard for her seventh-period honors chemistry class on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Diet, electrons, work; Kristen Daugherity balances student lives
Nate Massey, staff writer • December 21, 2024
English teacher Lindsey Vance reads over a student's essay and provides feedback.
Lindsey Vance’s empathetic heart has profound impacts on school community
Becca Hwang, staff writer • December 20, 2024
Science teacher Brett Bentley helps a student with their project in fourth period AP Research on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
From farm hand to teacher, Brett Bentley makes lasting impacts on students going to college
Cameron Pietak, staff writer • December 20, 2024
Physics teacher Michael Thompson helps a student on an assignment during advisory on Thursday, Dec.19.
Michael Thompson works to make physics easy for all
Zorawar Sodhi, staff writer • December 20, 2024
Opinion
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
Evan Halpern, staff writer • 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
USC Trojans wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (8) and Drake London celebrate after London's touchdown catch in 2019.
Let the winners plant their flags
December 21, 2024
Reviews
Moana 2 is now playing at AMC theaters in Rio in Gaithersburg.
‘Moana 2:’ sailing waves to pulling up islands
Shayna Fleischer, opinion editor • 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
The poster for Univeral Pictures' "Wicked" in the Rio AMC theater shows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). "We really took care of what had come before, we trust in it. The music is really beautiful," Erivo said to People magazine.
‘Wicked’: audiences brought back to Broadway musical that defied gravity
November 23, 2024
Features
Juniors Alek Bargman and Danielle Rubin discuss their opinions on junior banquet.
Students hold differing opinions on junior banquet
Siena McCarthy, staff writer • December 19, 2024
On Dec.16, juniors Marley Hoffman, Aadi Chaudhari, Sami Karcz, Siena McCarthy, Addison Purvis and Maya Bellamy eat lunch while wearing their UGG slippers, Crocs and Nike sneakers.
Shopping for shoes? Here’s what to buy throughout cooler seasons
December 19, 2024
Junior Zorawar Sodhi and senior Joshua Oluwaboro discuss their journalism project due on Dec. 10 requiring them to each take a graphic image and write a caption that is around 75 words. They chose to take journalism because of their love for writing, specifically sports writing. “I love journalism because it allows me to write about one of my passions, sports. I am excited for my future in newspaper,” Sodhi said.
J1 writers finalize their skills for newspaper
December 17, 2024
Media Specialist Tammie Burk works on her computer during lunch on Dec. 11. Burk offers students a safe space and ensures that the Media Center runs smoothly.
School library: safe haven for all students
December 16, 2024
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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