Wootton High School Principal Sends Message to School Community on Monday Following Arrest of Student (Message Originally Sent to Community on 4/18, But May Not Have Received by Everyone)

Wootton High School principal Douglas Nelson sent a message to the Wootton High School community on Monday that was originally sent out on April 18th, but may not have been received by the entire community.

In the message, regarding the arrest of the Wootton High School student for alleged plot to commit school shooting, Nelson writes “I want to acknowledge that some may have received the below message, dated April 18, 2024 and some may not have. To ensure the entire community has received the below message, it is being sent again.” The full original message can be seen below:

“Dear Wootton High School Community,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about a recent press release issued by Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) regarding a Wootton High School student who has been arrested. This student was also a former Lakewood Elementary School and Robert Frost Middle School student. I know this news is unsettling and disturbing to hear. However, I want to assure you of our commitment to safety and security, and reiterate that there is no immediate threat to the safety, security and well-being of our school community.

The safety and security of our students and staff is always our top priority. In response to the press coverage surrounding this incident, our team is reviewing our safety and security procedures to remain steadfast and laser-like around the processes, protocols and structures that sustain a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment for our students, staff and families. Further, we remain heightened to entry and exit procedures to prevent any unauthorized access to assure the safety of all stakeholders. Lastly, our cluster continues to collaborate with our MCPS Department of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management to monitor information, assess the deployment of additional resources, and review standard operating procedures related to safety and security.

It is important to note that while this news may be concerning, we take comfort in knowing that law enforcement has taken immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the community. I understand that it may raise questions and concerns among our students, parents, and staff and I want to assure you that we are here to support you. Further, I want to assure you that our cluster is engaging with our MCPS Office of School Support and Well-Being if any social-emotional concerns emerge among our students and staff that require additional counseling support.

Please also note the most recent message from MCPS, which can be found in [this link.]

As always, we remain committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all of our students. If you or your child have any concerns or questions about this matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. We are here to support you and address any concerns you may have.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this situation together.

Sincerely,

Douglas Nelson

Principal

Thomas S. Wootton HS”