Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Dear Wootton High School Families,

We wanted to take a moment to share how the day started, acknowledge the very real emotions our community is experiencing, and outline the supports that are in place today and over the coming days. Also, to provide some vital information about today at Wootton High School.

First, today is not about academics or returning to “normal.” It is about ensuring that students and staff have access to mental health supports, trusted adults, and one another. Throughout the day, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and administrators are available to listen, to support, and to help students process what they are feeling—at their own pace and in their own way.

We recognize that for some families, sending a child to school today or even later this week may feel overwhelming. Please know that absences at Thomas S. Wootton High School will be excused today and tomorrow, and we respect the decisions families make for their children during this time.

At the same time, we have learned, both through experience and guidance from mental health professionals, that being connected to supportive adults and peers as soon as possible can be especially helpful for many students. Time together at school can provide reassurance, structure, and space to process emotions in a healthy way, which can be difficult to do alone or while navigating social media during moments like this.

This morning, we have in place MCPS counselors, psychologists, social workers, administrators, and central office staff. Their purpose was to be there, to listen, and to support students and staff as they reacted to what happened. We learned there is no one “right” way to feel after an experience like this. Some students and adults needed to talk. Others needed quiet, space, or routine. Some felt sad, scared, angry, confused, or tired and many felt all of these things. All of these feelings are valid and were respected by the support team in place. These resources will continue for the foreseeable future.

The teachers and staff have been amazing this morning. They have had to dig deep to be here and we are grateful for them showing up and prioritizing the needs of our students above their own very real needs to process. Please keep them in your thoughts this week and they manage this crisis along with your family and our broader community.

Also important to know is that Rockville City Police have shared that, as part of their ongoing investigation, the weapon involved has been recovered off-site and not at the school. While processing an event like this takes time, this information may help restore a sense of safety for members of our community. We appreciate the diligence and hard work of law enforcement in ensuring our school is safe for students and staff to return to today.

Our priority at this time is care. Supporting students with developmentally appropriate trauma-informed practices  have been shown to help students feel more safe, connected and understood.

You will hear from district leaders and mental health professionals who will share:

• What children may experience emotionally after a traumatic event
• How adults can talk with and listen to children in supportive ways
• Resources available through the school system and community partners
• Signs that a child may need additional support and how to access help
• Tips for social media use during crisis situations

We recognize that there may be remaining concerns from families regarding this incident, and to inform our community, there will be two family meetings today. We want to be very clear about the purpose of the family meetings: These meetings are intended to provide families with information about how today unfolded, the actions taken to support students and staff. We will also share how families can access resources and support students at home during this time. We will not have answers to every question, but we will continue our communication and connection with the community each day this week.

Those meetings will be in the Wootton High auditorium at the following times.

• 3:30 p.m. - Auditorium 
• 6:00 p.m. - Auditorium

These meetings are not intended to discuss details of the ongoing police investigation and this will NOT be a Town Hall format with an extensive question and answer period. That work is being led by the Rockville City Police Department and is outside the school system’s role and authority.  There is much that we don’t know about the circumstances of what happened and we are working with police during their active investigation.

We recognize that restoring a sense of safety takes time, and our focus remains on supporting our community as we move forward together.

In the days, weeks, and months ahead, our focus will remain on the well-being of students and staff. We know that the effects of a traumatic event do not follow a set timeline, and that reactions can surface or change over time. For that reason, mental health supports will remain available well beyond this week.

Yesterday altered our community, and it is okay to admit that. We are thankful for the care, patience, and compassion demonstrated by students, staff, and families during a very challenging time. 

Sincerely,

Thomas W. Taylor Ed.D. M.B.A.
Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Joseph Bostic
Principal
Thomas S. Wootton High School

Talking to Children About Violence
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Social Media Guidance and Cautions Following Crisis
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(missing translations will be completed later today and included in a followup message)