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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 attendance office is located at the front of the school near the office. Office administrator Marie Vincenty works in the attendance answering phone calls. Signs remind students that they must submit absence notes within three days to be marked excused. "The signs by the attendance office are helpful to understand the policies of notes and absences," junior Ashley McGuinness said.
Attendance policy grows firmer for new school year
Shayna Fleischer, longform editor • October 8, 2025
Members of SEIU 500, MCPS's contracted union, rally outside of the Board of Education Building on Sept. 25, to demand that MCPS fix its payroll issues.
MCPS employees hold concerns over payroll issues
Rebekah Buchman, online editor-in-chief • October 7, 2025
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
Sports
Varsity volleyball prepares before their game against Quince Orchard on Sept. 30. The game resulted in a nail-biting 3-2 win for the Patriots. Photo by Alison Wang of Maaven Media
Volleyball team success built upon communication, competitive atmosphere
Emory Scofield, editor-in-chief • October 7, 2025
Junior Captain Jude Ampofo takes the field with teammates for game against Walter Johnson Wildcats. Photo by Keon Gray
Football stays positive toward big stretch
Blake Graham, staff writer • October 7, 2025
On Friday, Oct. 4., freshmen Brody Winokur listens to the song "Cold," by Nemzz, to prepare for his game. "I like to listen to rap, and right now I am listening to this song to lock-in," Winokur said.
Game time decision: pump up or wind down?
Casen Linn, sports editor • October 6, 2025
Woodward High School / Tilden Middle School was demolished and will be rebuilt into the new and improved Woodward High School. The school will pull students from Walter Johnson, Whitman and other clusters. The school is currently a holding school for Northwood, but will be in use for its own students in fall 2027. Photo by G. Edward Johnson used with permission from Google Creative Commons
Crown, Woodward High Schools expected to impact MCPS athletic landscape
Nathan Zweig, staff writer • October 6, 2025
Features
The average cost of a college application at different types of four year colleges. Infographic courtesy BestColleges.com
Applying to college has led to increasing costs
Sophia Shapiro, profiles editor • October 13, 2025
Sophomore Nathan Neeches plays fantasy football on his phone. Students join leagues with their friends to make football season more enjoyable. “I think fantasy football is fun because it makes you watch games and root for players you wouldn't normally watch," sophomore Jack Sisco said.
Students play to avoid punishment in NFL-based game
Eric Mehler, opinion editor • October 10, 2025
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
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
Staff development teacher Gisela Morales-Colón presents to staff on Oct. 6.
New staff bring excitement, experience to school
Chase Dolan, managing editor • October 6, 2025
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
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
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Arts
The University of Maryland's "Mighty Sound of Maryland" marches in a parade before their performance on Sept. 13. "One of the things that I love the most about continuing marching band into college is being able to meet people who have the same passion about the activity as me," class of 2024 alum Waverly Nakashima said. Photo by Ken Rubin
Alumni continue to shine in UMD marching band
Natalie Pak, managing editor • October 8, 2025
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
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