Community Letter Regarding Bomb Threat at Wootton High School Monday Morning

Wootton High School in Rockville was evacuated at approximately 8:30am on Monday morning due to a bomb threat that was investigated by Montgomery County Police. The school was cleared by police and students and staff re-entered the building at approximately 9:05am. Wootton principal Douglas Nelson sent the following message to the community:

“Dear Thomas Wootton High School Community,

I am writing to provide an update and additional information regarding a serious incident at school today, Monday, November 27, 2023.  At approximately 8:30 am, Wootton High School was evacuated due to a bomb threat being called into the school’s main office.  The decision was made to evacuate the school to keep students and staff safe.  Our police partners quickly responded to the school, and the building was thoroughly searched.  The building was deemed safe for students and staff to return at approximately 9:05 am.  The investigation into today’s bomb threat is being handled as an active police investigation.  Police staff have been working on this matter throughout the day.

The staff and students at Wootton prepare by practicing annual drills for such events.  I am pleased to share with you that today’s evacuation accomplished what it sought to do, which is to move our school to safe holding locations.  A heartfelt thank you to our Montgomery County police, MCPS school security staff, school system leaders, and staff for their leadership and efforts during this crisis. Their swift actions and dedication to the ongoing safety of our students and school community have been commendable.

As we move forward, I believe it is critically important to share that our school continues to remain a safe place.  Today was unsettling, but we should be reassured that our protocols worked. I encourage you, as parents and caregivers, to speak to your child about how a bomb threat should never be called to a school.  It is dangerous and disrupts the school.  Please speak to your child about being vigilant and proactive in maintaining a safe and secure environment. If you see something, say something.  If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to share them with a Wootton administrator and security staff. Your support is invaluable as we continue to ensure our school remains a safe and nurturing environment.

Sincerely,
Douglas Nelson”