Wootton High School seniors started painting their parking spots over Labor Day weekend, even though MCPS Central Office had not approved the activity.

The Class of 2027's Student Government Association (SGA) organized the initiative as a new tradition for the school's final year in its Rockville building on Wootton Parkway. The MCPS Board of Education voted 7-1 on March 26 to relocate Wootton's students and staff to the upcoming Crown High School in Gaithersburg for the 2027-2028 school year, Bethesda Magazine reported.

Students who wanted to participate submitted designs for approval to SGA officers and Assistant Principal Heidi Vermillion, then paid a $15 fee. The SGA also sought financial support from the Parent-Teacher-Student Association. Principal Joseph Bostic then forwarded the request to MCPS Central Office for final sign-off.

That sign-off never came.

The original painting day was scheduled for Aug. 22 but was delayed twice because of weather. As of Tuesday, Sept. 15, the central office had not responded, and SGA and administration had not set a new date, the Wootton Common Sense reported.

"I'm excited to paint my spot, but it's taken almost a month because central office won't give us approval, when in reality, it should only take a few minutes to approve," senior Maddie Luxenburg told the student newspaper.

Tired of waiting, some seniors who held parking spots painted them over the holiday weekend. Spots now display quotes, stripes and names. Senior Skye Cushing said she chose light blue stripes with her name on top as a personal touch.

Senior class president Manasa Iyer said the school's final year in the Rockville building pushed students to ensure the painting happens. She described "miscommunication and 'back and forth' with central office" and said SGA would keep working so every interested student gets a chance to paint.

Wootton has never previously allowed seniors to paint parking spots, despite past student requests. The school holds other senior traditions including senior sunrise, prom and the college decision picnic. As we reported Sept. 15, the Class of 2027 also recently adopted cartoon backpacks as a senior-year statement.

Whether the painted spots will stand or face consequences remains unclear. No MCPS Central Office response to the initiative has been made public. A parent-led legal challenge to the Wootton relocation is pending, with evidentiary hearings scheduled for Dec. 8-10 at the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings.