📐 Worcester Educators Participate in Math Professional Development 📐
Approximately 800 Worcester Public Schools educators across grade levels participated in staff-led professional development on November 3, focused on strengthening math instruction and sharing practical strategies for introducing concepts to students effectively.
At North High School, secondary math teachers worked on developing collaborative tasks aligned to our High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), REVEAL, for an upcoming instructional unit. Teachers developed ideas such as matching, sorting activities and other interactive lessons. They also created supporting materials, which will all be used to update curriculum maps to help guide instruction.
Sixth-grade teachers participated in three workshops around planning for math instruction. One of these explored techniques and strategies to support student success in ST Math. This teacher-led PD included tips on how to utilize features of the tool to help students build their math skills and understanding.
At Worcester East Middle School, second-grade teachers took part in a math mindset survey and discussion, reflecting on their own perspectives and experiences with math. They also explored components of the REVEAL Math curriculum and discussed ways to apply its resources and instructional approaches within the classroom.
Led by WPS staff, the district-wide workshops emphasized practical ideas and strategies educators can bring back to their classrooms to support student learning in math across grade levels.
Approximately 800 Worcester Public Schools educators across grade levels participated in staff-led professional development on November 3, focused on strengthening math instruction and sharing practical strategies for introducing concepts to students effectively.
At North High School, secondary math teachers worked on developing collaborative tasks aligned to our High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), REVEAL, for an upcoming instructional unit. Teachers developed ideas such as matching, sorting activities and other interactive lessons. They also created supporting materials, which will all be used to update curriculum maps to help guide instruction.
Sixth-grade teachers participated in three workshops around planning for math instruction. One of these explored techniques and strategies to support student success in ST Math. This teacher-led PD included tips on how to utilize features of the tool to help students build their math skills and understanding.
At Worcester East Middle School, second-grade teachers took part in a math mindset survey and discussion, reflecting on their own perspectives and experiences with math. They also explored components of the REVEAL Math curriculum and discussed ways to apply its resources and instructional approaches within the classroom.
Led by WPS staff, the district-wide workshops emphasized practical ideas and strategies educators can bring back to their classrooms to support student learning in math across grade levels.
📣 🌎 Connecting With Families of Multilingual Learners!
The English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) and the Bilingual Family Advisory Council (Comité Asesor de Familias de Educatión Bilingüe, or CAFE-B) held their first joint meeting of the year! 🏫✨
🗣️💼 ELPAC caregivers advise the district on all matters pertaining to English Learners. Parents and guardians of current and former English Learners are welcome to join and attend ELPAC meetings.
👥🎒CAFE-B has the same objectives but is designed for caregivers of students in the district’s Dual Language programs, where students are taught in both English and Spanish.
📚🤝🏾 Several community partners joined the district’s Multilingual Education and Human Resources departments to provide information to caregivers about engaging in their children’s education along with resources.
🌟Interested? More details: https://worcesterpsma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/wps/page/english-learner-parent-advisory-council-elpac
The English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) and the Bilingual Family Advisory Council (Comité Asesor de Familias de Educatión Bilingüe, or CAFE-B) held their first joint meeting of the year! 🏫✨
🗣️💼 ELPAC caregivers advise the district on all matters pertaining to English Learners. Parents and guardians of current and former English Learners are welcome to join and attend ELPAC meetings.
👥🎒CAFE-B has the same objectives but is designed for caregivers of students in the district’s Dual Language programs, where students are taught in both English and Spanish.
📚🤝🏾 Several community partners joined the district’s Multilingual Education and Human Resources departments to provide information to caregivers about engaging in their children’s education along with resources.
🌟Interested? More details: https://worcesterpsma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/wps/page/english-learner-parent-advisory-council-elpac
🗓️ Public Forum: Saturday, November 7 🏫
📍 Join us at Goddard Elementary School, 14 Richards Street, at ⏰ at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, for a public forum of the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
🏒 32 Worcester Schools Bring the Energy to the Worcester Railers Schools Game! 🏒
Worcester Public Schools students brought the energy to the DCU Center for the annual Worcester Railers Schools Game! Students and staff from 32 schools filled the stands for a 10:05 AM puck drop as the Railers took on the Adirondack Thunder.
A huge thank-you to the Railers for helping coordinate bus transportation, offering discounted $5 student tickets, and having the Railers HC Foundation cover ticket costs for students who needed assistance. Your support helped make this experience possible for so many of our students!
Worcester Public Schools students brought the energy to the DCU Center for the annual Worcester Railers Schools Game! Students and staff from 32 schools filled the stands for a 10:05 AM puck drop as the Railers took on the Adirondack Thunder.
A huge thank-you to the Railers for helping coordinate bus transportation, offering discounted $5 student tickets, and having the Railers HC Foundation cover ticket costs for students who needed assistance. Your support helped make this experience possible for so many of our students!
We're Hiring School Nurses (RNs)! 🩺✨
Are you a Registered Nurse looking to make a difference in students' health and well-being? Worcester Public Schools is looking for dedicated, compassionate RNs to join our nursing team!
We have opportunities available for both Full-Time and Substitute positions.
📲 How to Apply: Scan the QR codes in the image above to access the application portals for Full-Time or Substitute positions, or visit our careers page to learn more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/careers
Are you a Registered Nurse looking to make a difference in students' health and well-being? Worcester Public Schools is looking for dedicated, compassionate RNs to join our nursing team!
We have opportunities available for both Full-Time and Substitute positions.
📲 How to Apply: Scan the QR codes in the image above to access the application portals for Full-Time or Substitute positions, or visit our careers page to learn more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/careers
🇺🇸 WPS Students Make a Difference on Election Day! 🗳️
Students from Doherty Memorial High School, South High Community School, North High School, Worcester Technical High School and Claremont Academy assisted voters and gained firsthand experience with the electoral process.
A big shoutout to all our students who volunteered as poll workers at locations across Worcester, including Forest Grove Middle School, North High School and Congregation Beth Israel! 👏
Among our student poll workers were Doherty students Evana M., Aung Shing A. and Anthony E., and Worcester Technical High School students Henrietta S. and Lillyanna C.
🙌 Thank you to all our WPS students for giving back to their communities and demonstrating the importance of civic engagement!
📢 Reminder: NO SCHOOL TODAY! 🏫
There is no school today, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for all Worcester Public Schools students due to Staff Professional Development. 👩🏫📚
There is no school today, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for all Worcester Public Schools students due to Staff Professional Development. 👩🏫📚
Francis J. McGrath Elementary School Celebrates DESE School of Recognition Distinction! 🎉🏆
Students and staff at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School are celebrating after being named one of just 56 schools across Massachusetts to earn the School of Recognition distinction from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)! ✨
This honor recognizes schools making outstanding progress toward state accountability targets, with an emphasis on achievement in English Language Arts and math. 📚✏️
McGrath Elementary School met or exceeded 89% of its targets in 2026. Its overall accountability percentile increased by 13 points since last year and 21 points over the past two years.
To mark this milestone, the school hosted a school-wide assembly to celebrate its School of Recognition distinction and encourage students to continue making academic progress. A special banner will also be displayed at the school's main entrance to recognize this achievement.
Following the assembly, students across all grades enjoyed extra recess on a beautiful fall afternoon, playing yard games, drawing with chalk on the blacktop and spending time outside with friends!
Congratulations to the entire McGrath Elementary School community on this incredible recognition! 💙🌟
Visit https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3168549 to read more about the district's four Schools of Recognition!
Burncoat High School Arts Featured Guest at DESE Event!
Burncoat High School's Music and Dance Programs were featured guest artists at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education statewide Arts Convening, Celebrate Arts, held at the Worcester Art Museum on October 27.
Arts educators and administrators from across the state learned about Burncoat’s Arts Magnet program and enjoyed standout performances by the Burncoat Jazz Team and a piece choreographed by Burncoat High Dance seniors. Lunchtime entertainment was provided by the Burncoat Jazz Trio.
Congratulations and thank you to our talented students, as well as Mrs. Lord, Mrs. Shea, and Ms. Pennucci, for preparing students to shine at this statewide event!
Burncoat High School's Music and Dance Programs were featured guest artists at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education statewide Arts Convening, Celebrate Arts, held at the Worcester Art Museum on October 27.
Arts educators and administrators from across the state learned about Burncoat’s Arts Magnet program and enjoyed standout performances by the Burncoat Jazz Team and a piece choreographed by Burncoat High Dance seniors. Lunchtime entertainment was provided by the Burncoat Jazz Trio.
Congratulations and thank you to our talented students, as well as Mrs. Lord, Mrs. Shea, and Ms. Pennucci, for preparing students to shine at this statewide event!
🧠 Mental Health and Wellness Day 💚✨
Middle school students from across Worcester Public Schools attended Mental Health and Wellness Day at Polar Park! ⚾️🏟️
There were lots of fun activities and resource tables to promote the health and well-being of our students, including music, cultural dancing 💃🕺, face painting 🎨, and other activities. 🎈🎉
The event began with a welcome from Dr. Charles Steinberg, the President of the Worcester Red Sox. 🎤⚾️
Middle school students from across Worcester Public Schools attended Mental Health and Wellness Day at Polar Park! ⚾️🏟️
There were lots of fun activities and resource tables to promote the health and well-being of our students, including music, cultural dancing 💃🕺, face painting 🎨, and other activities. 🎈🎉
The event began with a welcome from Dr. Charles Steinberg, the President of the Worcester Red Sox. 🎤⚾️
🔬 STEM Week at Jacob Hiatt: Learning Through Hands-On Discovery! 🚀
Students at Jacob Hiatt joined together for school-wide learning activities to celebrate Massachusetts STEM Week, exploring science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on projects! 🧪✨
Over three days, students collaborated across grade and age groups to investigate scientific concepts, test their ideas and learn from one another.
Activities included first and third graders exploring gravity with marble runs, second and fourth graders learning about hurricanes, kindergarteners and sixth graders building and launching catapults, and fifth graders working alongside preschoolers to explore dissolving solutions. 🌪️🎯
These activities encouraged students to think critically, solve problems and work together while making connections to STEM concepts through engaging, hands-on experiences. 🧠🤝
🥕🥦 Learning About the Human Body at Lincoln Street School! 🍲
First-grade students at Lincoln Street School celebrated completing their Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Human Body unit with a special vegetable soup activity!
With the help of their families, students learned how eating a variety of colorful foods helps keep our bodies healthy while enjoying a hands-on learning experience.
Thank you to our families for joining us and making learning fun, meaningful, and delicious! 💚
First-grade students at Lincoln Street School celebrated completing their Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Human Body unit with a special vegetable soup activity!
With the help of their families, students learned how eating a variety of colorful foods helps keep our bodies healthy while enjoying a hands-on learning experience.
Thank you to our families for joining us and making learning fun, meaningful, and delicious! 💚
🗓️ Public Forum: Saturday, November 7 🏫
📍 Join us at Goddard Elementary School, 14 Richards Street, at ⏰ at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, for a public forum of the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
🧪💥 STEM Week at Forest Grove Middle School: Investigating Bath Bomb Chemistry!
As part of STEM Week across Worcester Public Schools last week, Forest Grove Middle School students explored the chemistry behind bath bombs! They observed how bath bombs reacted in water, examined the properties of individual ingredients, and tested each ingredient with water to identify which produced gas.
Through hands-on experiments, students investigated how gas forms during a chemical reaction, using observations and evidence to test their hypotheses. 🔬
As part of STEM Week across Worcester Public Schools last week, Forest Grove Middle School students explored the chemistry behind bath bombs! They observed how bath bombs reacted in water, examined the properties of individual ingredients, and tested each ingredient with water to identify which produced gas.
Through hands-on experiments, students investigated how gas forms during a chemical reaction, using observations and evidence to test their hypotheses. 🔬
🤖⚙️ STEM Week Spotlight: Doherty Memorial High School Students Put Engineering Skills to Work!
Last week, for STEM Week, students in Doherty Memorial High School’s after-school robotics program put science, technology, engineering, and math into action!
🛠️ Students from all grade levels work together to design and build robots that compete against teams from other high schools. Led by Engineering Instructor Scott Pineo, the team is preparing for an upcoming scrimmage at South High Community School against teams from South, Hopkinton High School, Grafton High School, and Bancroft School.
💡 Through designing, building, testing, and problem-solving, students apply engineering concepts in a hands-on setting while developing technical skills and learning to collaborate as a team.
We’re proud of Doherty’s robotics students for their hard work, creativity, and dedication to STEM learning beyond the classroom!
❤️ Wawecus Students Learn About Heart Health and CPR ❤️
Students in grades 4–6 at Wawecus Road School learned important lessons about heart health and CPR during a visit from the American Heart Association!
Worcester EMS also stopped by the school, giving students a tour of an ambulance and introducing them to the work of emergency medical services professionals.
Students learned how to perform CPR and explored ways to keep their hearts healthy, such as healthy diet and exercise. The lesson led up to the school's Wellness Walk, where members of the community came together for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood.
Thank you to the American Heart Association and Worcester EMS for helping our students build these important life-saving skills!
Students in grades 4–6 at Wawecus Road School learned important lessons about heart health and CPR during a visit from the American Heart Association!
Worcester EMS also stopped by the school, giving students a tour of an ambulance and introducing them to the work of emergency medical services professionals.
Students learned how to perform CPR and explored ways to keep their hearts healthy, such as healthy diet and exercise. The lesson led up to the school's Wellness Walk, where members of the community came together for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood.
Thank you to the American Heart Association and Worcester EMS for helping our students build these important life-saving skills!
🎓 Superintendent Brian Allen held the second Superintendent Student Advisory Council meeting of the year at South High Community School.
🤝 Student leaders from across all district high schools spent a morning conducting workshops on restorative practice and other areas — to build skills and leadership.
🧩 One of the activities was called the “Human Knots Challenge,” where students explored how communication, active listening, and trust helps teams work together.
💬 The Student Advisory Council is a great way for students to communicate with district leaders to help us shape the future of the Worcester Public Schools. 🌟
🤝 Student leaders from across all district high schools spent a morning conducting workshops on restorative practice and other areas — to build skills and leadership.
🧩 One of the activities was called the “Human Knots Challenge,” where students explored how communication, active listening, and trust helps teams work together.
💬 The Student Advisory Council is a great way for students to communicate with district leaders to help us shape the future of the Worcester Public Schools. 🌟
🔬🧬 Worcester Technical High School Students Explore Biotechnology During STEM Week!
Last week, students in Worcester Technical High School’s Biotechnology Department took their learning beyond the classroom with exciting, hands-on experiences at three local universities!
🩺 UMass Chan Medical School: Students participated in a simulated Disaster Day, responding to scenarios involving Ebola, anticholinergic poisoning, and plague. With the help of special effects makeup artists and medical students, they explored clinical responses to emergencies and practiced real-time disaster response.
🧪 Assumption University: Students worked with Dr. Niece to conduct a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) lab, exploring analytical techniques used in scientific research.
🔬 Clark University: Students worked with Dr. Don Spratt to perform protein purification, gaining practical experience with laboratory procedures used in biotechnology.
These experiences gave students the opportunity to apply classroom learning, develop technical skills, and explore real-world applications of biotechnology while connecting with university faculty and medical professionals.
A big thank-you to UMass Chan Medical School, Assumption University, and Clark University for helping make these valuable learning experiences possible!
Last week, students in Worcester Technical High School’s Biotechnology Department took their learning beyond the classroom with exciting, hands-on experiences at three local universities!
🩺 UMass Chan Medical School: Students participated in a simulated Disaster Day, responding to scenarios involving Ebola, anticholinergic poisoning, and plague. With the help of special effects makeup artists and medical students, they explored clinical responses to emergencies and practiced real-time disaster response.
🧪 Assumption University: Students worked with Dr. Niece to conduct a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) lab, exploring analytical techniques used in scientific research.
🔬 Clark University: Students worked with Dr. Don Spratt to perform protein purification, gaining practical experience with laboratory procedures used in biotechnology.
These experiences gave students the opportunity to apply classroom learning, develop technical skills, and explore real-world applications of biotechnology while connecting with university faculty and medical professionals.
A big thank-you to UMass Chan Medical School, Assumption University, and Clark University for helping make these valuable learning experiences possible!
🌱 Greendale Head Start Students Harvest the School Garden! 🌱
Greendale Head Start students teamed up with the Worcester Regional Environmental Council (REC) to prepare their school garden for a new planting season!
Students rolled up their sleeves to clear weeds and debris using garden tools and their hands. They even harvested two paper bags of potatoes!
Later in the day, students planted new bulbs to help grow more in the seasons ahead. It was a hands-on opportunity to get outside, work in the garden and learn about growing food!
Greendale Head Start students teamed up with the Worcester Regional Environmental Council (REC) to prepare their school garden for a new planting season!
Students rolled up their sleeves to clear weeds and debris using garden tools and their hands. They even harvested two paper bags of potatoes!
Later in the day, students planted new bulbs to help grow more in the seasons ahead. It was a hands-on opportunity to get outside, work in the garden and learn about growing food!
🗓️ TONIGHT: Monday, October 26: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove Street, at ⏰ 6:00 PM on Monday, October 26, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
This meeting will be exclusively for the public to share their feedback about the realignment proposals shared so far. There will be no presentation
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
