Worcester Public Schools - From Here, Anywhere... Together

🎉 Honoring Excellence in Public Service 🎉 Join us in congratulating Adrian Machado, World Language Spanish Teacher at Worcester East Middle School, on receiving the 2025 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau! 🏆 Adrian is a dynamic educator whose dedication to the children and youth of Worcester is unmatched. As a Spanish teacher, mentor, coach, and advocate, he continually goes above and beyond to support his students and community. 🇪🇸🏀 A nominator shared: “Adrian is a key part of our community and has made a huge difference in the lives of our students and families. He is well-known and respected for his hard work, kindness, and dedication to helping others.” 🤝💙 👏 We’re so proud of Adrian and grateful for the incredible impact he makes every day across Worcester Public Schools and beyond! 🔗 Learn more about this year’s recipients: https://buff.ly/H3LbvfO

Friendly Faces of Burncoat Street Preparatory School 🤗 We recently visited Burncoat Street Preparatory School to see our elementary learners in action! Burncoat Street Preparatory School is a neighborhood school serving approximately 235 students in grades K-6 in the Burncoat Quadrant. Burncoat Prep proudly acknowledges and honors the strengths of all students, and is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed. Burncoat Prep is dedicated to providing personalized learning, high expectations and student empowerment while developing teachers and staff as leaders in a collective commitment to student academic progress.

Accelerated Learning Academy Highlights Math-Focused Spring Programming 🏫🧮 Over spring break, Worcester Public Schools scholars dove into hands-on learning through the Accelerated Learning Academy, hosted at schools across the district—including Burncoat Preparatory School, Burncoat High School, Elm Park Community School, Forest Grove Middle School, North High School, and Worcester East Middle School. 🏫🌸 Throughout the week, scholars explored math in engaging and practical ways—tackling geometry through art projects 🎨📐, solving word problems 🤔📝, and building test-taking strategies for the MCAS 📊. At some sites, students applied measurement skills by following recipes and cooking simple meals 🍽️🥄—turning math into a multisensory experience! Fun activities also included physical exercise in the school gym 🏃‍♂️🏀, cooperative board games 🎲, and quality time spent with friends 😊—making for a well-rounded week of learning and connection. 💬🤝

🎉 Honoring Excellence in Public Service 🎉 Join us in congratulating Mohammed Siddiqui, Senior Software Developer in Worcester Public Schools' IT Department, on receiving the 2025 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau! 🏆 Mohammed has been pivotal in developing key systems like the Special Education Information System, the Translation Services Database, and digital guest sign-in tools. His innovative solutions and dedication have had a lasting impact across the district. 💻🔧 A nominator shared: “Mohammed’s problem-solving and strategic planning are unmatched. With decades of experience, he consistently delivers efficient, reliable solutions that enhance our tech infrastructure for students, staff, and faculty.” 🧠⚙️ 👏 We’re so proud of Mohammed and thankful for his continuous dedication to supporting our schools and students! 🔗 Learn more about this year’s recipients: https://buff.ly/H3LbvfO

📎🌟 Happy National Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟📎 Today, we celebrate the amazing administrative teams who are the backbone of our schools! From front office staff to registrars and administrative assistants, you keep things running smoothly with professionalism, care, and a whole lot of heart. 💚📚 Whether you're managing paperwork, coordinating communication, or supporting students and families every day—you are essential to our school communities. 🍎🙌 THANK YOU for everything you do! 🙌🍎 We’re so grateful for your dedication and proud to have you as part of the Worcester Public Schools family.

📢 Reminder: Worcester Public Schools' First Annual Job Fair is Coming Up! Your Next Career Move Begins Here! Join us for the First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair on Tuesday, April 29, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland Street, Worcester. This event presents an excellent opportunity to explore career options within public education and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community. Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your career, Worcester Public Schools offers a range of meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/J4fg8um

🚌💛 Happy National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Today we hit the brakes to give a huge shoutout to our incredible Worcester Public Schools bus drivers—the everyday heroes who keep our schools moving! 🚦☀️🌧️ Through early mornings, busy roads, and all kinds of weather, they show up with a smile, ready to safely guide our students to and from school. 👋👏 From the honks, waves, and high-fives—your impact goes far beyond the yellow bus. Thank you for your dedication, patience, and for being such an important part of the WPS family. 🙌

Worcester Public Schools will be closed in observance of Patriots' Day. Learn more about the history and meaning of this day by exploring Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day resources: https://buff.ly/dr1Tref

Happy Easter! 🐣🌸 Did you know that Easter’s roots trace back to ancient festivals celebrating Spring? Discover the fascinating history behind this holiday and how it evolved over time! Learn more about the history of Easter: https://buff.ly/2prGpwk

⭐ Katie O’Leary, School Adjustment Counselor at Burncoat High School ⭐ “With over 11 years of experience in WPS, Katie has made a lasting impact in every position she has held. I had the privilege of working closely with Katie at Canterbury Street School, where her influence was profoundly felt by both students and staff. Even after her transfer to Burncoat High School two years ago, her exceptional work ethic, infectious smile, and impeccable sense of humor continue to resonate with the Canterbury community. At Burncoat, Katie has positively impacted students as both a teacher and an adjustment counselor. As a parent of a student at Flagg Street School, I have heard numerous stories from one of her former students, who is now a parent there. She shared how Mrs. O'Leary, affectionately known as "Mrs. O," supported her and her friends through both challenges and triumphs. This former student recounted how Katie has consistently been there for her and her son, even years after graduation, seeking her guidance and life advice. Katie O'Leary goes above and beyond for everyone, always prioritizing the needs of others both inside and outside the school environment. She truly embodies the spirit of a WooStar.” ⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels. 👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW 👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N

Congratulations to Norrback Avenue School's Ms. Rachel Garabedian for being honored by the Worcester Red Sox and Country Bank as a Most Valuable Teacher!

🎓 Worcester Dual Language Magnet School Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony ✂️ Please join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new name of the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, located at 525 Chandler Street, Worcester, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM.

Worcester Technical High School Leads Earth Day Cleanup at Green Hill Park 🌱🚮 Last week, Worcester Technical High School students helped clean up Green Hill Park in preparation for Earth Day (April 22). 🧤🌳 The event kicked off with a keynote on Worcester’s sustainability efforts, followed by a student-led presentation on pollution and its impact on Worcester. 🗑️📊 Afterward, students headed to the park with gloves and safety flags for a hands-on cleanup. The day wrapped up with an outdoor lunch and cross-program collaboration. 🍽️🌞 Way to go, Worcester Tech! 💚👏

😊 Friendly Faces of Jacob Hiatt Magnet School We recently had the opportunity to visit Jacob Hiatt Magnet School and see our incredible students in action! 👏✨ As part of the Doherty Quadrant, Jacob Hiatt Magnet School serves 387 students from Pre-K through grade 6. 📚👧👦 The school embraces a dynamic STEAM focus, integrating Science 🔬, Technology 💻, Engineering ⚙️, Arts 🎨, and Mathematics ➕ into the learning experience. This approach helps students develop critical thinking 🤔, problem-solving 🧠, and collaboration skills 🤝 that will prepare them for success in the future. 🚀 In addition, Jacob Hiatt hosts the Specialized Approaches to Individual Learning (SAIL) program, ensuring that every student receives the individualized support they need to succeed. Whether students are designing experiments 🧪, creating art 🎭, or tackling real-world challenges 🌍, they are building a solid foundation for lifelong learning. 📈📖 Jacob Hiatt Magnet School is committed to providing an inclusive 🫶, innovative 💡, and supportive 🏫 learning environment that inspires students to reach their full potential. 🌟🎓

⭐ Joshua Waddell, Seventh Grade Scholar at Burncoat Middle School ⭐ “Joshua took the initiative to connect with Legendary Legacies Inc., rallying his Burncoat class to support formerly incarcerated individuals by assembling supplies for welcome home bags. His leadership and compassion exemplify the spirit of community service, making a meaningful impact.” This work demonstrates that Joshua is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Joshua identified a need in the community, articulated and communicated solutions, and developed an action plan to address the need (EC.M2). ⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels. 👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW 👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N

🎓 Call to Education Event Recap at Worcester State University Last Friday, nearly 100 junior and senior high school scholars from across Worcester Public Schools, including students from Burncoat High School, Claremont Academy, Doherty Memorial High School, Gerald Creamer Center, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus, and Worcester Technical High School, gathered at Worcester State University for our “Call to Education” event! 🙌📚 They had the opportunity to hear from 18 WPS educators and support staff—including teachers, wraparound coordinators, nurses, psychologists, and more—during two insightful panel sessions. 🎤 The scholars asked thoughtful questions 💡, made real connections 🤝, and learned firsthand about the journeys of those who have chosen careers in education and student support. 💬🌟 Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event memorable, and to our scholars for bringing their enthusiasm and curiosity! 💙🎉

📢 First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair Your Next Career Move Begins Here! Join us for the First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair on Tuesday, April 29, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland Street, Worcester. This event presents an excellent opportunity to explore career options within public education and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community. Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your career, Worcester Public Schools offers a range of meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/J4fg8um

Friendly Faces of Heard Street Discovery Academy 😊📚 We recently visited Heard Street Discovery Academy, part of the South Quadrant, to see students engaged in learning. ✏️🎒 Heard Street Discovery Academy serves 245 students in grades K-6. The school focuses on reading comprehension strategies 📖, writing across all subjects 📝, and classroom discussions 🗣️. Students participate in hands-on learning and collaborative activities to develop critical thinking skills. As part of their commitment to student success, Heard Street Discovery Academy is actively involved in the Attendance Matters campaign to promote regular attendance and student achievement. 🌟 The school provides a structured learning environment where students and educators focus on academic growth. 💡👩‍🏫

⭐ Levis Kotherja, Fourth Grade Scholar at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School ⭐ “Levis is a hard working, engaged student. He is a quiet leader in the classroom who always sets a strong example for his peers to follow. He participates actively across subject areas and contributes to classroom discussions. Levis gets along well with his peers and is a leader socially as well as academically. We are lucky to have Levis at Jacob Hiatt!” “Levis is a hard-working student. He scored high on his STAR math test placing him in sixth grade level. In reading, he also scored high placing him in fifth grade level. Levis is fluent in Albanian and enjoys his world cultures class. Levis goes to school and is always ready to learn and help his classmates.” This work demonstrates that Levis is a Curious Learner, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Levis sets academic goals and makes a connection between his goals and his actions in the classroom (CL 1). ⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels. 👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW 👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N