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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

Jake Sklias, profiles editor emeritus

Jake is a 2025 graduate.

All content by Jake Sklias
Seniors and co-presidents of SGA Alex Balian and Ashi Stanislaus present the daily agenda to members on May 7 during period 4 in sponsor Amy Buckingham's room. Stanislaus said, "I wish I was able to get involved in freshman year or start my journey in these clubs earlier because I think the earlier you start, the more opportunities you have."

Passion or presentation? Students get involved with extracurriculars before college

Jake Sklias, profiles editor emeritus
May 11, 2025
Seniors Ashi Stanislaus, Maddy Matthew and Mikaela Ngo attend the University of Pittsburgh Admitted Student Day on Mar. 28. Stanislaus said, "Getting to talk to professors was really interesting and it gave me a good perspective on what classes would be like."

Uncommitted seniors attend admitted student days

Jake Sklias, profiles editor
April 8, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak at the White House on Feb. 28.

US-European relations usher in shift in tide of Russo-Ukrainian war

Jake Sklias, profiles editor
March 25, 2025
A message pops up on writer Jake Sklias's TikTok on Jan. 18, stating that TikTok is not available right now.

TikTok terminated temporarily

Jake Sklias, profiles editor
February 26, 2025
Senior Morgan Egelston tours the campus of Washington University in St. Louis in March 2024. Egelston was accepted through Early Decision on Dec. 15. "I loved the campus because it seemed very lively and had a nice surrounding area," Egelston said.

How do students decide to apply Early Decision?

Jake Sklias, profiles editor
January 17, 2025
Junior Jenny Brailosvky celebrates Thanksgiving with her two brothers and their significant others. “I celebrate Thanksgiving at my house in Florida every year, usually with my brothers and my parents, this year I celebrated with my brother and his girlfriend, my other brother and his wife, and my parents, and it felt so great to all be together,” Brailosvky said.

The pie’s the limit: Thanksgiving traditions continue

Marley Hoffman and Jake Sklias
December 10, 2024
AP Psychology teacher Jennifer Bauer's pen collection sits atop her desk on Tuesday, Nov. 19. She has three flower pens, one R2-D2 pen and several others. Bauer said, "My aunt thinks it's fun to buy me fun pens."

Teacher pen preferences persist in silent controvesy

Jake Sklias, profiles editor
November 23, 2024
The poms team performs in front of the stadium at the Fall Festival on Oct. 26. Captain Ashi Stanislaus said, "I loved performing with my team at the Fall Festival."

Annual Fall Festival tradition returns to school cluster community

Jake Sklias, profiles editor
November 2, 2024
Senior Hanan Alsaghir consults College and Career Information Coordinator Jennifer Macdonald on Friday, Sep. 13 about her college list. Macdonald said, "We actually have more information about a guest speaker from Montgomery College coming out soon." Macdonald sent out an email later that day about an after-school workshop on Sep. 27 at which students can have their college essays read by school staff or industry experts and a representative from Montgomery College will give a presentation.

Are college counselors worth it?

Jake Sklias, profiles editor
September 18, 2024
Junior Alex Foster looks for tickets on May 22 for a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert taking place at Virginia Beach.

Students sing for concerts heading into summer

Jake Sklias, staff writer
May 26, 2024
Students receive a text from Remind that places the school in a Shelter-in-Place and confirms the presence of a bomb threat on Apr. 23.

Administrative action in recent threats of violence pose safety concerns for students

Jake Sklias, staff writer
May 20, 2024
Junior Naomi Negussie studies for the May 4 SAT on Apr. 24 in room 213.

Schools grapple with test-optional admissions

Jake Sklias, staff writer
April 24, 2024
Students exit the school through the parking lot in the rain on Apr. 2.

A whole lot of traffic

Jake Sklias, staff writer
April 3, 2024
Sophomore Max Scherr and sophomore Blake Graham exit baseball tryouts on Saturday, Mar. 2.

Baseball swings into spring

Jake Sklias, staff writer
March 10, 2024
Junior Max Greenberg practices for his team multimedia project (TMP) presentation in the Media Center. AP Seminar students work diligently to perfect their presentations.

AP Capstone sharpens skills, minds for college

Jake Sklias, staff writer
February 21, 2024
Sophomore Nathan Downie runs in the cross country county championships this fall.

Downie sprints to nationals

Jake Sklias, staff writer
December 20, 2023
Freshman Benjamin Hall sits in AP NSL while listening to music. Music can be beneficial to students as it allows them to perform better. "I listen to music in class because it helps boost my memory and helps with retaining information," Hall said.

Integral component of student productivity banned in some classrooms

Jake Sklias, staff writer
December 13, 2023
World language teacher Christine Maass helps sophomore Wassim Benslimane on an assignment.

Maass serves as staple of student success

Jake Sklias, staff writer
November 30, 2023
Co-President Daniel Son of So What Else? club sends out meeting reminders.

So What Else? Club has big plans for future

Jake Sklias, staff writer
November 3, 2023
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