Wootton High School

July 18, 2022

Hello Wootton High School Community,

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer. I am thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to introduce myself to the Wootton High School community.  On July 12, 2022, the Board of Education for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) appointed me as the new principal of Thomas S. Wootton High School beginning on July 18, 2022.  It is an honor and privilege to lead a school that is built upon excellence and strives to do what is best academically and socially for all students.  Over the coming weeks, I will work diligently to acquaint myself with the school and community as I learn the Wootton culture.

I want to share a bit of personal information about myself.  I grew up in central Pennsylvania in the small town of Philipsburg.  I received a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2001.  I earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College in 2008 along with earning my certification in school administration.  My family is so important to me.  They provide me with love and unending support.  Some of my interests include singing, skiing, and seeing plays and musicals. 

My career with MCPS started in 2001 at Clemente Middle School as an English and theater teacher. I worked in the central office for a brief time as a Staff Development Specialist before transitioning into administration which has been one of the best moves I have ever made.  I have served three schools as an Assistant Principal including Clemente Middle School, Silver Spring International Middle School, and, most recently, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School where I have learned knowledge and developed skills which will serve me well at Wootton High School.

It is my vision for Wootton High School that our school will be a place of strong academics and challenge for students while being a place where students feel they belong.  Belonging is at the core of my beliefs about education.  We’ll aspire to provide students with numerous opportunities to find the learning and extra-curricular opportunities that will prepare them for their next step in life.

The leadership team and I will spend the summer working to ensure we are prepared to welcome the students in August. I look forward to meeting with the PTSA president and executive board and learning about their work so I can collaborate and support it.  Additionally, we will be hiring new members of the administrative team who will be joining our work at Wootton. Mr. Joe Mamana retired on July 1st and Mr. Nick Hitchens has accepted a new opportunity outside of MCPS. We will miss both of them, and wish them all the best in their new endeavors. 

I look forward to meeting you and will send dates for staff and parent meet-and-greets very soon.  In the meanwhile, if you are in the building, please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself. Thank you in advance for your support as we prepare for an amazing school year for the entire Wootton school community.

Sincerely,                                                       

Douglas E. Nelson

Principal