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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

Common Sense
All content by Image used with permission from Google Commons
This symbol, the hammer and the sickle, is an iconic symbol of communist thought. It symbolizes the unification of the working class.

[Photo] Communism: The most misunderstood idea in education

Richard McDaniel, staff writer
February 23, 2023
For the holiday season, people can purchase gifts even last minute.

[Photo] 10 last minute holiday gifts from newspaper staff

Danielle Land, online EIC
December 22, 2022
Over winter break, students will be partaking in festivities and traditions such as putting up Christmas Trees.

[Photo] Students to relax, travel, study during winter break

Daniel Sofer, managing editor
December 8, 2022
Rory Gilmore is forced to decide between Jess Mariano and Dean Forester in the early seasons of "Gilmore Girls."

[Photo] Dean vs. Jess: Who’s a better boyfriend?

Heerah Jayakumar, staff writer
December 5, 2022
Perfectionism hinders growth in students in and outside of academics.

[Photo] Perfectionism among students increases as pressure grows

Isaac Muffett, opinion editor
November 29, 2022
Students have fun activities planned for their upcoming Thanksgiving break.

[Photo] Students looking forward to fun Thanksgiving break

Darren Shapiro, staff writer
November 16, 2022
Science fiction is being influenced by famous philosophers, which is shaping the genre to be more realistic.

[Photo] Beyond dead Greek guys: philosophy set to illuminate science fiction’s future

Richard McDaniel, staff writer
November 14, 2022
The American political system is tipped in favor of one party.

[Photo] American democracy isn’t democratic

Ethan Lenkin, EIC
November 4, 2022
The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, is the choice of Just Books Club this month.

[Photo] Just Books Club looks to recruit members as they discuss books to read

Sara Deno, staff writer
November 4, 2022
Mochi donuts have become some of the most popular item choices at new local restaurants.

[Photo] New Asian dessert shops spring up

Emma Song, managing editor
November 4, 2022
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects an estimated 10 million Americans every year.

[Photo] Navigating seasonal depression as a student

Isaac Muffett, opinions editor
October 19, 2022
Students report having a fun and relaxing summer break.

[Photo] Students enjoy fun, relaxing summer break

Darren Shapiro, staff writer
September 21, 2022
Hulu released "Shoresy" on May 13.

[Photo] Hulu releases must-watch comedy ‘Shoresy’

Justin Miller, staff writer
June 13, 2022
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic motivation - playing to play vs. playing to win.

[Photo] Learning over school: Relearning the intrinsic value of education after a year online

Isaac Muffett, opinion editor
June 6, 2022
The Billboard Music Awards celebrated musicians across genres.

[Photo] Billboard Music Awards celebrate artists’ accomplishments

Alec Fleischer, senior sports editor
June 3, 2022
The third movie in the spin-off and prequel to the Harry Potter film series, "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore" was released into theaters on Apr. 15.

[Photo] Warner Brothers’ ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’: What’s next?

Olivia Smith, features editor emeritus
May 29, 2022
TikTok reached one billion users worldwide in 2021.

[Photo] TikTok’s impact on students’ brains

Isaac Muffett, opinion editor
May 10, 2022
Daylight savings time becomes permanent in 2023 with no more falling behind or jumping ahead of one hour.

[Photo] Senate passes daylight savings bill, ending time change

Ellie Mollica, opinion editor
May 5, 2022
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars on Mar. 27.

[Photo] Will Smith’s Oscars fiasco met with concern, shock, disappointment

Simon Kidane, managing editor emeritus
May 3, 2022
Fans enjoy filling out brackets such as this one from the 2006 Mens March Madness Tournament.

[Photo] Students rewind on March Madness tournament

Sean Snyder, staff writer
April 29, 2022
Derek Hough and Julianne Hough dance their way onto the big screen in the TV special, "Step into the Movies."

[Photo] ABC’s “Step into the Movies”: a leap into the past

Olivia Smith, features editor
April 29, 2022
Signs reminding patrons of the mask optional policy have been posted outside of many businesses.

[Photo] MCPS lifts mask mandate: Why or why not wear a mask?

Christina Martirosova, staff writer
April 26, 2022
MLB fans look forward to another exciting season that began Apr. 7 with Opening Day.

[Photo] MLB is back as fans are excited for new season

Darren Shapiro, staff writer
April 25, 2022
Channing Tatum portrays a former soldier in "Dog."

[Photo] ‘Dog’ starring Channing Tatum released Feb. 18

Justin Miller, online sports editor
March 31, 2022
One reason for the increase in college applications is the Common App. The Common App simplifies the college application process and allows students to apply to almost any college in the U.S. via their website.

[Photo] Increase in college applicants leads to all-time low acceptance rates

Jake Dolan, managing editor
March 27, 2022
The movie “Uncharted” starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg was available in theaters on Feb. 18.

[Photo] Get nostalgic with Sony’s “Uncharted”

Olivia Smith, features editor
March 24, 2022
NFL free agency period starts the second week of March and allows NFL teams to sign on new players.

[Photo] NFL free agency proves fun time for fans

Darren Shapiro, staff writer
March 19, 2022
In American Underdog, a movie released on Dec. 25, audiences are wowed with Zachary Levi's portrayal of Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner.

[Photo] Zachary Levi plays Kurt Warner in film ‘American Underdog’

Justin Miller, online sports editor
March 1, 2022
The official Scream reboot poster shows old and new characters.

[Photo] New ‘Scream’ movie brings nostalgic feeling back to franchise

Shreyas Jindal, staff writer
February 28, 2022
Racers trek along in a biathlon during the skiing session at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Biathlons consist of cross country skiing and rifle shooting. Norway won six gold medals in these events.

[Photo] 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics displayed challenges for athletes amidst public controversy

Carter Jones, managing editor
February 27, 2022
The Commanders logo is a nod to a military commander patch.

[Photo] Washington team gets new name: Commanders

Alec Fleischer, reviews editor
February 23, 2022
Spiderman

[Photo] ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ breaks the box office

Alec Fleischer, reviews editor
January 21, 2022
Cobra Kai season four released on Dec. 31, 2021.

[Photo] Does Cobra Kai live up to the hype?

Justin Miller, online sports editor
January 21, 2022
"Don't Look Up" premiered on Netflix on Dec. 5.

[Photo] ‘Don’t Look Up’ flops

Josie Rosenstein, managing editor
January 20, 2022
ESOL (English as a second language) programs ensure that students whose first language is not English are able to succeed in school.

[Photo] ESOL teacher Daniel Ring approaches teaching with dedication, openness

Ian Dowell, staff writer
December 21, 2021
Thanksgiving break is a joyous time for students.

[Photo] Thanksgiving week schedule elicits mixed reviews

Darren Shapiro, staff writer
December 17, 2021
Marvel's new show Hawkeye stars Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld.

[Photo] Is‌ ‌Marvel’s‌ ‌new‌ ‌show‌ ‌Hawkeye‌ ‌a‌ ‌miss‌ ‌or‌ ‌is‌ ‌it‌ ‌a‌ ‌Bullseye?‌ ‌

Justin Miller, online sports editor
December 16, 2021
Marvel Studios' logo for their film 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RIngs'

[Photo] China censors Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,’ despite overwhelmingly positive response to studio’s first film featuring predominantly Asian cast

Isaac Muffett, staff writer
November 1, 2021
Mental health days are equally as important as sick days.

[Photo] Students now able to take mental health days as excused absences

Julia Lvovsky, opinion editor
October 14, 2021
See the endless possibilities of What If...? on Disney+

[Photo] What If…? leads fans down new paths

Alec Fleischer, reviews editor
September 20, 2021
Right on the brink of summer 2021, mask mandates are being lifted across the country, with increases in vaccinations hopefully spelling the end for the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] MCPS mask mandate lift raises concerns on both ends

Simon Kidane, managing editor
June 4, 2021
My future self won’t offer me advice, she’ll only encourage me to keep going.

[Photo] Sarah-ious discussions: Onward

Sarah Firdaus, managing editor
May 27, 2021
Take time to explore your anger; only then will you be able to calm yourself.

[Photo] Sarah-ious discussions: When we’re provoked

Sarah Firdaus, managing editor
February 28, 2021
At that moment, she was not OK, which was OK.

[Photo] Sarah-ious discussions: Embracing instability

Sarah Firdaus, managing editor
February 1, 2021
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[Photo] Which movies, shows on Netflix should stay, go

Amanda Slud, commons editor
January 28, 2021
Pixar’s Soul features Joe Gardner, voiced by Jamie Foxx, and 22, voiced by Tina Fey.

[Photo] Pixar’s Soul review: What makes this movie so special

Isaac Muffett, staff writer
January 27, 2021
Hopefully 2021 will be better.

[Photo] Will 2021 be better than 2020?

Noah Lenkin, online sports
January 24, 2021
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