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
Profiles
Teachers Jen and Kraig Bauer attend their daughter's eighth grade promotion party in Smokey Glen. Photo courtesy Jen Bauer
The Bauers: How do they differ as teachers?
Sofia Sklias, Editor-in-Chief • June 2, 2026
New math teacher David McMahon helps students better understand the classwork after a difficult teacher transition from the previous math teacher, Albert Ticona, in early April. McMahon helps one of his students during homeroom on May 21.
New math teacher David McMahon brings scientific background to the classroom
Kameron Ardestani, staff writer • May 23, 2026
News
Sophomores Laila Krizer, Maya Gerstenzang and freshman Amelia Crespem played sports at Field Day on June 6. Photo courtesy Wootton Booster Club
Field Day brings sports, clubs, community together
Veronika Khrimian, staff writer • June 12, 2026
Freshmen work on an an English assignment in the Writing Center during third period. In addition to help with English assignments, the Writing Center also offers help with social studies assignments, college essays, scholarship applications and internship applications.
MCPS budget cuts eliminate English composition assistant positions
Sloane Berk, Back Page Editor • June 11, 2026
Montgomery County’s new law bans single-use plastic bags at most stores, aiming to reduce pollution and protect local rivers and streams. “Sometimes customers complain if the bags tear, and it’s costing us more money,” Congressional Aquarium manager David Deckert said. "plastic bags awaiting recycling" by EvelynGiggles is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
No more plastic
Noah Edlavitch, staff writer • May 26, 2026
Sally McCarthy is running for the Board of Education. Signs for candidates are plastered throughout Montgomery County, and people put them in front of their homes.
MCPS Board of Education candidates discuss experience, priorities ahead of election
Sloane Berk, Back Page Editor • May 21, 2026
The military draft has widely been unpopular among Americans. According to Gallup News, 45% of Americans are opposed to required sign up for the Selective Service and for those under the age of 30, it increases to 57%. "Pittsburgh #NoKings Rally June 14, 2025" by TheNoxid is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
U.S. government implements automatic military registration
Rebekah Buchman, online editor-in-chief emeritus • May 13, 2026
Sports
Junior Caleb Cook practices his time management skills by tackling homework before heading to lacrosse practice. “It separates the good from the best," boys’ varsity lacrosse head coach Daniel Phillips said.
The struggles of being a student athlete
Max Lee, Sports Editor • June 15, 2026
NCAA Men's Division l soccer teams from Simon Fraser University and Northwest Nazarene University face each other in a highly competitive league match on Oct. 23, 2024. "SFU Men's Soccer vs Northwest Nazarene" by SFU - Communications & Marketing is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
NCAA Division I men’s soccer adopts full-year season model
Kameron Ardestani, staff writer • June 12, 2026
Are private trainers worth it?
Are private trainers worth it?
Chapin Teague, Sports Editor • May 26, 2026
The girls' varsity softball team celebrates after a win against Magruder in the regional semifinals. This was a revenge game because the team lost against Magruder in the regular season, making the win stand out for girls. Sophomore Justice Key said that this year, compared to last year, the team has utilized spirit to fight back during games that seem impossible to win. Photo by Annika Rytting
Girls’ varsity softball team unites despite changes; improves record
Mahita Dheenadhayalan, News Editor • May 26, 2026
On Monday, May 11, the boys' varsity lacrosse team rematched a strong Rockville team. The Rams bested the Patriots 11-2. "I wish we all got to play in the final game, but maybe that will change for next year," junior Keon Grey said.
A season of momentum: Boys’ lacrosse reflects on season
Casen Linn, Editor-in-Chief • May 24, 2026
Features
Eighth graders at Robert Frost Middle School gather for the annual sports fair, introducing them to the sports Wootton offers. Photo by Arya Subramanian
A new chapter: The transition from middle school to Wootton
Alina Mylov, staff writer • June 15, 2026
Students wonder what the parking lot will look after it is decorated and how different it will be from now. Colomo said, "The parking lot will look so good once everyone's spots are painted." Photo by Adriana Colomo
Rising seniors get opportunity to paint parking spaces for 2026-2027 school year
Anna Sofronas, staff writer • June 14, 2026
On June 11, freshman Olivia Dickerson completes parts of her SSL form before her summer program starts. Her goal is to see how many hours she can accomplish and go beyond the required graduation minimum. “I think Bullis' summer program CIT volunteer opportunity is a great way to set personal goals. As a CIT, I can support campers in their daily activities and make an impact on my community beyond earning service hours,” Dickerson said.
From camps to animal shelters: Students find meaningful volunteer opportunities to earn SSL hours
Brooke Rowe, Arts Editor • June 13, 2026
Navigating the college admissions process can leave high school juniors with hard feelings. “The college application process can be very stressful and overwhelming, but by starting early and thinking about your plans, you will get through the process a lot easier,” author Emily Hokanson said. "College Application Guide: Junior Year Edition" by Emily Hokanson is licensed under CC0 1.0.
Juniors navigate high stakes of college essay process
Nydia Steven, Features Editor • June 13, 2026
Hundreds of seniors come together for the paper toss on May 22, filling the Commons with excitement and school spirit. Photo by Kyle Li
One final bell; a lifetime of memories
Sam Dang, Sports Editor • June 12, 2026
Opinion
Open letter to MCPS
Open letter to MCPS
June 13, 2026
Five U.S. presidents — spanning multiple generations — stand together at the White House in 2009 during the presidential transition period. “2009 Five Presidents George W. Bush, President Elect Barack Obama, Former Presidents George H W Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter Portrait” by Beverly & Pack is licensed by Public Domain Mark 1.0
Age limits: The missing check on executive power
June 11, 2026
Junior Lily Zaiderman watches the morning announcements on May 20 during lunch. May 20 announcements are the only one available to students in the month of May. "I was not shown the announcements so I decided to watch it during lunch," junior Lily Zaiderman said.
Are students missing out on morning announcements?
June 10, 2026
A map of the 2020 distribution of electoral college votes. In this election, former President Joe Biden received 306 electoral votes and 51.3% of the popular vote, a case in which the national popular vote interstate compact would be irrelevant. "US presidential election 2020 Knapp" by William S. Saturn is marked with CC0 1.0.
True voter equality is just a few signatures away
June 10, 2026
Reviews
Chopt's new Cabin John Village location is home to the top ranked chicken Caesar salad wrap. Photo courtesy Chopt Creative Salad Co.
Chicken Caesar wraps: A definitive guide
June 15, 2026
Director Curry Barker, actress Inde Navarrette, actor Michael Johnston and moderator Straw Hat Goofy speak at a Q&A for the 2026 horror film Obsession. "Obsession Q&A 2026 Century City" by Nguyk is licensed under CC 4.0.
Not obsessed with ‘Obsession’
June 15, 2026
Ted’s Bulletin in Downtown Crown (left) and Summer House Santa Monica in North Bethesda (right) are two popular brunch spots.
Breakfast, lunch, everything brunch in MoCo
June 15, 2026
"Off The Wall" was Michael Jackson's breakthrough album and was released when he was only 20 years old. To this day it is considered one of the most influential album in modern music. It established to the world that Michael was a standalone artist and capable of being independent. "Michael Jackson - Off the Wall (1979)" by Tilemahos Efthimiadis licensed under CC BY 2.0
‘Michael:’ Carrying on the superstar’s legacy
June 13, 2026
Arts
Helen Manolis (this writer) spends time with members of the cast and crew backstage during one of the show nights for the musical "Hairspray" on April 16. The entire theater team partakes in show day traditions that bring them all together before they take the stage. Photo courtesy Helen Manolis
Considering joining theater? Do it as early as possible
Helen Manolis, editor-in-chief emeritus
The Patriot Players perform the musical, "Hairspray" on April 16. "I really enjoyed watching this show," junior Elena Bernal said. "It showcased many students' talents, especially singing and dancing." Photo courtesy Ahmed Ibrahim
Patriot Players’ ‘Hairspray’ production opens with a bang
Sofia Sklias, Editor-in-Chief
The orchestra rehearses the piece "Symphonic Dances" from "West Side Story," composed by Leonard Bernstein during seventh period. The students are playing their instruments and following Carolyn Herman, the conductor. “The piece is highly challenging and difficult in technique and rhythm. Dr. Eckerle and I hoped to pick a piece that is both challenging and fun to make the end-of-year concerts worthy and memorable,” Herman said.
Orchestra, band prepare Bernstein’s piece for spring concert
Marilyn Huang, staff writer
Check out our magazine
Columns
Freshmen Kuyper Birdsall and Josh Downie sit in the media center during third period. Downie carries books he's planning to check out about Gandhi, who is the focus of 1982's Best Picture, Richard Attenborough's passion project, "Gandhi." Birdsall looks up 1983's Best Picture, "Terms of Endearment," which is James L. Brooks debut feature, on the media center computer. "I think the award [for Best Picture] gives attention to good movies, and that's important, especially for debut directors like [James L. Brooks]," Downie said.
A look back at ‘80s Best Picture winners
Ahmed Ibrahim, editor-in-chief emeritus
Senior Trixie Verrija watches Paul Thomas Anderson's 10th feature film "One Battle After Another" on Oct 18 at AMC Theaters in RIO. It is Anderson's first film since 2017's "Phantom Thread" to have a widespread cinema release. "Movie theaters are not only beneficial, but essential for shared experiences that provide a shared community with raw emotional impact that leaves a lasting impression. Movie theaters show stories that cannot be replicated by at-home streaming, and they connect us, whether you're watching a movie on a Monday afternoon or a Saturday night," Verrija said.
Oscar’s Best Picture nominees share common thread
Ahmed Ibrahim, editor-in-chief
The National Guard monitors the McPherson Square station in Washington, D.C., in 2019 during a protest. President Donald Trump has recently mobilized the national guard in democratic cities across the country that he views as "high in crime." Photo used with permission from Wikimedia Commons
Keeping up with the World: Government shutdowns and National Guard in D.C.
Rebekah Buchman, online editor-in-chief
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