MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor and Thomas S. Wootton High School Principal Dr. Joseph Bostic shared a letter with the Wootton community titled “Why Being Together at School Mattered,” following Monday’s shooting and the school’s first day back (full letter below).
Before the letter was released, several Wootton parents contacted The MoCoShow expressing frustration and concern over how the situation was handled, particularly around communication and logistics during and after the lockdown.
Parents said students were locked down for more than four hours, with reports that some had limited or no access to food or bathrooms during that time. Multiple parents described confusion and stress as pickup plans changed several times, with some students required to leave backpacks and cars behind. Parents also said they stood outside in freezing temperatures for hours while waiting to sign their children out.
Several parents emphasized that they felt law enforcement handled the immediate safety response appropriately, but said communication with families was “a mess.” About a dozen parents said they left feeling unclear about what happened, why certain decisions were made, and what would change moving forward.
Parents said they wanted clear responses to questions such as how the school will keep students safe going forward, what changes are being made as a result of the incident, and when school operations will fully return to normal. Several parents said they were cautioned against spreading “false narratives” on Facebook, but felt that no clear facts were provided to help stop rumors or misinformation.
In the letter sent to families, Taylor and Bostic explained that the decision to bring students back to school was centered on connection and support, not academics. They wrote that being together allowed students and staff to access counselors, social workers, psychologists, administrators, and peers, rather than processing a traumatic event alone or through social media.
The letter emphasized that mental health support will continue in the days, weeks, and months ahead, noting that trauma does not follow a predictable timeline. School leaders also expressed gratitude for teachers and staff, acknowledging that many came to school carrying their own emotions but still prioritized student well-being.
Addressing safety concerns directly, the letter stated that Wootton is safe and cited increased police and school security presence, along with the start of an already scheduled installation of additional security cameras and electronic door locks. Excused absences will continue to be honored through Wednesday due to the high number of students who stayed home.
The letter also noted that two family information sessions were held, during which police reviewed their response and discussed the ongoing investigation, while MCPS staff outlined available student and staff support services. While the letter focused on healing, safety, and the value of community, some parents said they are still waiting for clearer answers, more transparency, and concrete details about what will change as the school moves forward.
“Dear Wootton High School Families,
As we conclude our first day following Monday’s traumatic events, we want to explain why being together at school today mattered.
In moments like this, connection is an essential part of healing and accessing necessary supports. Additionally, today was not about academics or resuming “normal” routines—it was about ensuring that students and staff were surrounded by helpful adults, mental health professionals, and peers, rather than processing a distressing event in isolation or through social media without support.
From the start of the day, counselors, social workers, psychologists, administrators, and central office staff were present and available to listen, support, and meet students and staff where they were emotionally. Some needed a conversation; others needed a routine, and all responses were respected. Mental health supports will remain available not just this week, but in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Trauma does not follow a predictable timeline, and reactions can change or resurface over time. Our commitment is to have key supportive people present and responsive for as long as that support is needed.
As school and district leaders, we need to share our deep gratitude for our teachers and staff. Candidly, our teachers and staff were amazing today. Many came to school today carrying their own emotions and concerns; in fact, some began to share them at an early-morning staff meeting. Despite this, they showed up for students. Their willingness to prioritize student well-being during such a difficult time speaks volumes about who they are and the strength of this community.
There was indeed a high absence rate at school today. This is completely understandable, but we want our students back; they are part of our community. Excused absences will be honored for one more day (Wednesday) because we know that every student’s needs are different, and processing yesterday’s events will be different for everyone.
Are we safe here at Wootton? Yes, and here is why.
Over the coming days, we will have increased police and school security presence. Today, an already scheduled installation of additional security cameras and electronic door locks was begun. More importantly, we at Wootton High School are here and present to keep us all safe.
While at home, we continue to encourage families to talk with their children about the value of staying connected to supportive adults and peers, whether at school or at home, particularly during moments like this. We’ve included helpful resources for those conversations at the end of this letter.
We held two family information sessions today, during which we heard from Rockville Police reviewed their response on Monday and also spoke about the ongoing investigation. MCPS Student and Staff support experts spoke to their work today and the services provided, from the beginning of the day to the end of the day. Again these staff will be back on Wednesday to continue their work in support of students and staff.
Sincerely,
Thomas W. Taylor, Ed.D., M.B.A.
Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Joseph Bostic
Principal
Thomas S. Wootton High School”
