On Wednesday afternoon, shortly after 3 pm, Wootton High School was alerted to police activity along Wootton Parkway in Rockville following an alleged threat by a current and former student to harm the school. The police detained the involved individuals, and as a precaution, the school transitioned to a shelter-in-place– bringing athletes inside from the fields until an update was received from Montgomery County Police.
The shelter-in-place ended around 3:27 p.m., and normal school activities resumed, including after-school programs and athletic games. The school commended the swift response of its security team, administrators, and emergency services, and offered support for students affected by the incident. The full letter written to the community by principal Dr. Joseph Bostic can be seen below:
Good afternoon, Patriot Students, Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers:
I am writing to let you know of an incident that occurred today. Just after 3 p.m., Wootton High School received a report of police activity in the community along Wootton Parkway. The police activity was the result of an alleged threat made by one student and a former student to harm the school. Police identified and detained the identified students. During the police activity and out of an abundance of caution, the administration made the decision to transition the school to a shelter-in-place. While the incident took place after school, we brought our athletes in from the athletic fields until we received an update from MCPD. Throughout the incident, we were in communication with the MCPS Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management (OSSEM) and the Office of School Support and Improvement (OSSI).
We are grateful for the swift response of our security team, administrators, and emergency services and the cooperation of our students and staff during this incident. Their quick actions and teamwork ensured the safety and well-being of our students. We transitioned out of the shelter-in-place around 3:27 p.m.
UPDATE: After-school activities and normal school operations have resumed. Tonight’s athletic games will proceed as scheduled.
We know that the police presence and the sudden shift to a shelter-in-place may have been alarming for some of our students. Our school counselors, school psychologist, and other support staff are available if students need to talk about the incident to ensure their emotional well-being.
One way we support each other for safety is if we exercise “See something, say something,” and I encourage everyone that they can anonymously report any school or student safety concerns, including mental health concerns, through the Maryland Center for School Safety’s Safe Schools Tipline (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233).
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach the main office at 240-740-1500.
Please contact Dr. Bostic with any questions or concerns. Take care
Respectfully,
Dr. Bostic