Updated to include letter to Wootton Community sent by principal Douglas Nelson on Monday afternoon.
Wootton High School was placed under a brief Shelter-in-Place Monday morning due to a bomb threat at the school, according to communication sent to parents and guardians at shortly before 8:30am. A second message was sent approximately 10-15 minutes later informing them that police cleared the school and directed administration to lift the Shelter-in-Place.
Initial communication to parents/guardians: “Wootton High School Families, Wootton High School is in a Shelter-in-Place as of today Monday, December 2, 2024 due [to] a bomb threat at the school. 911 emergency services have been contacted and we will continue to monitor and reassess the situation to ensure everyone’s safety. We will update the school community with any information as it becomes available and is verified.
Classes and other activities will continue as planned inside our building and our exterior doors will remain locked. Our communication will come as frequently as is possible dependent upon safety and in collaboration with emergency responders. Please do not come to the school or call and text your children as doing so may put you or your children in unnecessary danger.”
Follow up communication: ”Police have conducted a search of the building and have directed us to lift our Shelter in Place. Students will transition to their regular classes as normal. We want to thank all staff and students for moving into our shelter in place efficiently and safely.”
Letter sent to Wootton Community by Principal Nelson: “Dear Wootton High School Families,
I hope this letter finds you well. I want to inform you of a serious incident that occurred at our school today. This morning, we received a phone call regarding a bomb threat made toward the school. I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff is my top priority, and we took immediate action, which included:
- Contacting the Montgomery County Police, who promptly responded to our school. They thoroughly assessed the situation and provided us with guidance on how to handle this emergency. As a precautionary measure.
- Implementing a Shelter-In-Place for our school community. During a Shelter-In-Place, classroom instruction continues, transitions through the hallway are limited, and we monitor students who need to go to and from the restroom.
- Began an immediate investigation along with school security and the Montgomery
County Police Department who also conducted a thorough sweep of the campus to ensure there was no immediate threat.
I want to thank the team and the staff for their quick response during this situation and for their ongoing leadership. I understand that events like these can be unsettling, but please be assured that we are doing everything possible to address the situation and keep our students safe.
We will continue to work closely with the Montgomery County Police Department and the Montgomery County Public Schools Department of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management to gather more information and to take any necessary actions.
School counselors, administrators, and staff will be available to meet with students this week as needed. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our main office or your child’s administrator. They will be more than happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Douglas E. Nelson
Principal”