• 2022-2023 CSPA Crown Award Finalist
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 Maria Sofronas
Editor-in-Chief emeritus Maria Sofronas (fourth from left) celebrates at senior picnic on May 10.

Top 10 cliches from a graduating senior to you

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
May 22, 2024
Students are required to sign in and out of the attendance office when leaving school in order to excuse their absence. The attendance office is located by the main office.

The chronic case of skipping school

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
April 24, 2024
MCPS officials speak at a press conference at the Montgomery County Police Department First District on Apr. 19 regarding the arrest of former student Alex Ye.

We are not a statistic: How MCPS, police stopped a potential school shooting

Elizabeth Mehler and Maria Sofronas
April 20, 2024
Rockville security team leader Teressa Holmes questions senior and Common Sense reporter Maria Sofronas after her attempt to enter the school. "You're going to have to go around to the front of the school and enter through the main office," Holmes said.

MCPS high schools prohibit breaking out, what about breaking in?

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
April 2, 2024
The orange blaze coming from the area around Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in the Kendlands lit up the sky on Feb. 9. "I was shocked to see a fire that big," senior Jake Kelley said.

Is safety in Montgomery County on a decline?

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
March 11, 2024
Kate Hawley (third from left) and her teammates celebrate a victory during their 6v6 tournament at training. Hawley has acclimated to her new school, the University of Maryland, with ease since starting classes on Jan. 24.

Common Sense alum Kate Hawley kicks off college soccer career

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
February 20, 2024
SGA posted an announcement on their Instagram story on Dec. 12 that revealed news about the disapproval of winter ball.

Winter Ball not approved: How does administration make decisions?

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
January 24, 2024
The SGA food drive bin held from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1 fills up with goods to be donated.

‘Tis the season of giving; How to donate

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
December 19, 2023
The student section erupts in cheers at the football game against Churchill on Sept. 14. "I'm upset I had to leave early to do homework since the game was on a Thursday," senior Lizzie Misovec said.

‘Friday Night Lights’ football games maintain spirit, tradition

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
November 30, 2023
Principal Douglas Nelson holds a sign at the Wootton v.s. Churchill football game on Sept. 14.

Principal Douglas Nelson carries school spirit

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
November 1, 2023
AP Statistics teacher Michelle George prepares students for their exam.

AP exam costs covered by new county policy

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
October 10, 2023
Juniors Zo Singh and Lizzie Misovec explore Scott's Run.

Discover local summer hot spots

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
May 30, 2023
Senior Commons editor, junior Elizabeth Mehler, works on her spread during class.

Read between the lines of Common Sense: What’s behind the pages?

Maria Sofronas, editor in chief
May 5, 2023
Senior Hope Safai visits college campuses around the country such as the University of Mary Washington with her family to help guide her decision.

Should I stay or should I go; Choosing between in-state or out-of-state colleges

Maria Sofronas, features editor
April 1, 2023
California citizens pay respects to victims of the Monterey Park shooting.

Gun violence in California leads to increasing concern for students on opposite side of country

Maria Sofronas, features editor
February 23, 2023
Juniors Sanjana Mudiya and Sofia Gabrielle enjoy an evening skating at the Rockville Town Center ice skating rink on Dec. 2.

Take a walk through Wootton’s winter wonderland

Maria Sofronas, features editor
December 16, 2022
Junior Leah Kaplunovich prepares to play in a football game.

Leah Kaplunovich tackles heavy course load, ambitious plans

Maria Sofronas, features editor
October 31, 2022
Sophomore Kelly Ren and friends explore D.C. with an electric scooter.

Ways to have fun under the D.C. sun

Maria Sofronas, features editor
June 1, 2022
Actor Will Smith hits comedian and Oscars host Chris Rock after he made a joke comparing Jada Pinkett Smith to GI Jane. "Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," Smith said later in apparent justification of his actions.

Students react to so-called “slap heard around the world”

Maria Sofronas, staff writer
April 29, 2022
Sophomores Maria Sofronas, Lizzie Misovec, Kelly Ren and Samantha Lau attend the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Students of the Year Grand Finale Event on Mar. 12. "It was a great experience for a great cause," Lau said.

Fundraisers aim to cure blood cancer one team at a time

Maria Sofronas, staff writer
March 21, 2022
Sophomore Alexa Vinner compares new classes with sophomore Lindsey McNey during lunch to spot any similarities. The second semester schedule change caused students to wonder which new classes they shared with friends. “I was disappointed to find out I still don’t have any classes with Lindsey,” Vinner said.

Is the second semester schedule change appreciated?

Maria Sofronas, staff writer
March 3, 2022
Coach JD Marchand

Math teacher JD Marchand focuses on aiding success

Maria Sofronas, staff writer
January 5, 2022
Students work in the school's greenhouse and tend to the crops they planted, in 2019.

We should garden because it benefits the world

Maria Sofronas, staff writer
November 20, 2021
Sophomores adorn the courtyard with '50s decorations in preparation for homecoming.

Sophomore planning focused on raising spirit, funds for class of 2024

Maria Sofronas, staff writer
October 27, 2021
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