Burncoat High School’s Teddy Pearson and Lauren Delgado Honored with Dr. Lee Gurel Award 🏆

Burncoat High School senior Teddy Pearson and AP English teacher Lauren Delgado have been recognized with the Dr. Lee Gurel Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Advanced Placement English by the Worcester Educational Development Foundation (WEDF).

Pearson earned the highest possible score of five on his AP English exam, while Delgado was recognized for excellence in teaching the course.

The award was established by Worcester Public Schools alumnus Dr. Lee Gurel to honor his English teacher at Woodland Street Preparatory School, Miss Wilmot.

👉 Read more on our website: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2804281
1 day ago, Worcester Public Schools
From left, Burncoat High School Assistant Principal Michaela Moylan-Faucher, Worcester Educational Development Foundation President Matt Wally, AP English teacher Lauren Delgado, senior Teddy Pearson, Principal Joe Ewick, and English Department Head Dawn Ashford stand for a photo following a surprise award announcement on April 2, 2026.
WPS Says Thank You to Our Assistant Principals 💙👏

We close out National Assistant Principals Week by recognizing and celebrating the incredible dedication of our Assistant Principals 👏. Day in and day out, they are a steady support for students, staff, and families, helping schools operate smoothly 🏫 and strengthening the sense of community across Worcester Public Schools 💙.

Pictured here are Assistant Principals Daniel Little, Allyson Houlihan, Angela Dyer, and Michael Brennan, along with Dean of Students Patrick Williams (South High Community School), whose commitment strengthens their school communities every day 🌟.

Thank you for all you do to support student success and strengthen our school communities across WPS 🙌💙!
2 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Five adults stand together in a school cafeteria, smiling at the camera.
🙌🏽 Worcester Dual Language Magnet School Expanding to Grade 8!

🎉 In a milestone moment, the school on Chandler Street will expand to serve grades 7 and 8 beginning next school year, 2026-27.

🎒 Most students are admitted to the school in preschool or kindergarten through a lottery admission process. The deadline is May 1 to apply for the 2026-27 year. It is open to any student living anywhere within the City of Worcester. Visit worcesterschools.org/enrollment

“The addition of grades 7 and 8 at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School is an important step toward scaling a model that works,” said Brian E. Allen, WPS Superintendent. “We are not just embracing, but elevating this approach to ensure more students have the opportunity to graduate with multilingual and multicultural skills.”

“The expansion of the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School is a milestone that reaffirms our commitment to cultivating global citizens,” said Principal Suzanna Resendes. “By creating more opportunities for students to learn in a Dual Language program, we ensure they possess the language and cultural skills to thrive in an interconnected world.”

The Dual Language model is widely considered the optimal framework for multilingual education because it treats a student’s primary language as an asset to be developed rather than a barrier to overcome. Extensive research demonstrates that students in Dual Language programs, including both native English and Spanish speakers, consistently meet or exceed the performance of their peers on several academic measures.

In a two-way Dual Language program, students typically begin in preschool or kindergarten with instruction taught approximately 90% of the time in Spanish and 10% of the time in English, with the amount of English increasing each year. By third grade, half of the content is taught in English and half in Spanish. The students include native English and native Spanish speakers.
2 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Smiling children sitting on a classroom rug
An exterior view of the school building
Student looking at a worksheet as the principal looks on
Smiling children holding worksheets
A child on a laptop computer in a classroom
Three students standing in front of a display
✨ WPS Transition Program’s Starry Night Gala ✨

Students in the WPS Transition Program attended the annual Starry Night Gala at the Hogan Campus Center at Holy Cross, a prom-style event designed to celebrate community, connection, and student achievement.

The evening featured a red carpet entrance, music, and a packed dance floor, with students dressed to impress and ready to shine.

With support from Holy Cross students and volunteers, the event created a welcoming space where students could celebrate, connect, and enjoy a memorable night together.

In the lead-up to the gala, Transition staff and WPS community members helped students get ready for the big night, from hair and makeup to final touches, making sure everyone felt confident stepping into the spotlight.

Take a look at some highlights from this special evening ✨
3 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Two students walk down a red carpet alongside a student during a formal event.
A student in a white shirt and red vest smiles broadly while walking.
Two young women in red dresses walk arm-in-arm, smiling.
A student and a paraeducator walk together down the red carpet.
A student dressed in a black button up shirt and teal tie gives a high five to someone out of frame.
Two students walk down the red carpet while holding hands, waving at the crowd of spectators.
Five people stand together and smile for a photo.
A student in a pink dress dances during a formal event.
A class of ten people, students and staff, stand together for a photo while smiling and laughing alongside each other.
Two teachers take a selfie with a student during a formal event.
WPS Student, Bus Driver Recognized for Calling 911

Adryan Ferreira Pugira, a student in the WPS Transitions Program, and a bus driver, Fabian Torres, were recently recognized by the Worcester School Committee for calling 911 when they spotted a porch on fire.

Mr. Torres stopped the school bus van when he noticed flames coming from a home’s front porch on Uxbridge Street in December. Adryan used the driver’s phone to call 911. No one was injured in the incident.

The School Committee formally recognized the pair for their quick thinking and helping others in an emergency.
3 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Public officials pose for a photo with a student and bus driver holding certificates
🧩✨ Puzzle Talk in Action at Lincoln Street School!

Second grade students at Lincoln Street School engaged with ST Math through “Puzzle Talk,” where they observed Jiji’s actions, made predictions, and explained their thinking while solving visual math puzzles.

Students applied a variety of strategies, used visual supports within ST Math, and relied on their math thinking and classroom strategies to persist through challenges.

Students showed strong math thinking and shared their ideas throughout the lesson.

Check out our second grade students in action! 📸
3 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A smiling young person proudly holds a gold medal in a classroom decorated with penguin-themed motivational posters.
A laptop displays a colorful ST Math presentation with a penguin mascot and learning expectations.
Students are engaged in a lesson in a brightly decorated classroom with a large screen displaying educational content.
A young student with braided hair points to a worksheet while using a laptop in a classroom.
A teacher smiles at the camera while two students work on laptops in a classroom.
A young student in a purple sweatshirt uses a laptop in a classroom setting.
A young student uses a laptop and draws on a whiteboard at a classroom desk.
Students work on laptops at desks in a classroom setting.
A young student with glasses and braided hair looks at the camera while sitting at a desk with a laptop and a number words chart.
A young student uses a laptop and notebook for a math lesson in a classroom.
🎉 Happy National Assistant Principals Week! 🎉

This week, Worcester Public Schools recognizes and celebrates the incredible dedication of our Assistant Principals 👏. Their work supports students, staff, and families every day, helping our schools run smoothly 🏫 and fostering positive, welcoming learning environments across WPS 💙.

Pictured here are Assistant Principals Maegan Cook (Elm Park Community School) and Richard Nieves (Grafton Street School), whose dedication supports their school communities every day 🌟.

Thank you for all you do to support student success and strengthen our school communities across WPS 🙌💙!
4 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A smiling woman stands next to a colorful bulletin board that reads 'YOU MAKE ELM PARK Community School' with drawings of stars, a heart, and a frog.
A smiling man in a black polo shirt leans on a wooden banister next to a staircase decorated with international flags.
💡 WPS Club Spotlight: Girls in Trade Council @ Worcester Tech

Looking for a community where girls can explore non-traditional careers, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers outside of their shop? The Girls in Trade Council at Worcester Tech is the place to be.

Open to all grades, the club meets twice a month to work on projects like the Women’s History poster in the school cafeteria and take part in CTE-focused discussions, all while building a supportive community for girls in the trades.

During a recent meeting, members worked together to create a poster presentation for the upcoming Massachusetts Girls in Trade Leadership Conference.

Founded just over a year ago, the club’s mission is simple: create a space to explore interests, build leadership skills, and support one another in careers that break the mold. 💪

Interested in joining? Contact Mr. Jonathan Bram for details and meeting times.
5 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Six students stand together in a workshop, with tools and educational posters visible in the background.
Three students collaborate on a project at a table, with one making a peace sign.
Two students work on a large white project with pink trim, using brushes and markers.
A teacher instructs a group of students in a classroom with drafting tables and supplies.
A purple display board titled 'WOMEN IN TRADE' features portraits of notable women like Ada Lovelace and Bertha Benz.
🌿 Rice Square Elementary First Graders Explore Habitats 🌿

First grade students at Rice Square Elementary School recently brought their learning to life through a hands-on habitat project as part of their CKLA Knowledge unit.

After studying plants, animals, and what they need to survive in the wild, students worked with their families to design and build their own 3D habitats, creating projects they can take home and continue to explore.

This family-centered lesson followed a visit from representatives of Broad Meadow Brook, where students explored habitats through a hands-on workshop and learned more about real-life environments. They then applied what they learned to design their own habitats with families and caregivers.

Across four first grade classrooms, students connected reading, writing, and science while applying their knowledge in a meaningful, real-world way.
5 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A parent and their child smile during an activity at school.
A student smiles during a habitat building activity at their school.
A parent and student smile behind their 3D habitat during a school activity.
A parent and student pause from an activity to smile for a photo.
Two siblings hold up their 3D habitats.
A parent helps their child cut construction paper for their 3D habitat,
A student smiles while showing off their 3D habitat.
🎭 Burncoat High School Theater Presents She Kills Monsters 🎭

Burncoat High School Theater recently brought She Kills Monsters to the stage following a successful run at the statewide Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild competition.

This fully student-led production showcased incredible talent both on and off the stage.

From building props and designing sets to acting and managing technical elements, students were involved in every aspect of the production. Their work earned a spot in the METG semifinals, along with several individual recognitions listed below.

Written by Qui Nguyen, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she explores her late sister’s imaginative Dungeons & Dragons world, discovering more about her sister while navigating themes of family, identity, and loss.

Congratulations to Burncoat High’s METG All-Star Award recipients:

👏 Excellence in Acting: Natalia Okala, Daemien Peters, Jose Hernandez Rodriguez, Noushig Badizbanian

👏 Excellence in Costume Design: Imogene Gay

👏 Excellence in Prop & Puppet Design Execution: Chase Sullivan, Zoe Bondinizzo, Amy Antwi, Sarah Napoleone, Mae Pearson, Lucy Lassell, Liv Curran

👏 Excellence in Set Design: Sarah Napoleone, Lily Ruggiere

👏 Excellence in Projections: Armig Bardizbanian, Noushig Bardizbanian, Natalia Okala
5 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
An actor in a red dress and armor wields a sword on a stage with dragon puppets.
Actors in fantasy costumes perform on a stage with a green backdrop.
An actor in a Spider-Man shirt and cape gestures dramatically on stage, with a young woman in a red floral dress standing beside him.
Two performers in costume engage in a staged sword fight on a theatrical stage.
An actor in a white gown and a flowing green cape stands on a stage.
A student works on a large cardboard sculpture, using a ruler and scissors.
An actor wearing a respirator mask and a grey hoodie works on a large, white, dragon-like prop.
A student wearing a pink respirator mask sprays a can of black paint onto a prop.
This Month’s Staff WooStar: Jocelyn Coughlin, Science Department Head at Worcester Technical High School ⭐️

“During the blizzard that struck Worcester, Jocelyn stepped up to support the emergency shelter serving the city’s unhoused population by covering WTHS Site Administration shifts. While the role of Site Administration does not typically include shelter management, securing food, recruiting volunteers, collecting donations, conducting security checks, collecting weapons, or administering Narcan to assist those experiencing overdoses, withdrawal, or other medical emergencies, Jocelyn took on these responsibilities without hesitation when the need arose. She did not step forward for recognition or attention; she stepped forward because people needed help. Over the course of the emergency response, Jocelyn spent more than 65 hours on site, ensuring the shelter operated safely and that guests were cared for during an incredibly difficult time. Perhaps the most powerful measure of her impact came from one of the shelter’s guests, who told her, “You are the only person who has treated me like a human in a long time.” That single statement reflects the compassion, dignity, and humanity Jocelyn brought to her work. Her willingness to go beyond her role and treat every individual with respect exemplifies the very spirit of the Woo Star Awards. Jocelyn’s extraordinary dedication during this crisis makes her more than deserving of this recognition.”

Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.

👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
6 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A WooStars graphic of Jocelyn Coughlin of Worcester Technical High School.
This Month’s Student WooStar: Angel Amankwah, 8th Grade, Engaged Community Member at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School ⭐️

“As a representative on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and a Project 351 Ambassador, Angel consistently uses her voice to advocate for her peers and those in need. When she noticed students wanted a cheerleading squad, she took initiative, bringing together staff and students to make it a reality for the school. Angel is an organized and driven go-getter who leads with purpose. She is a shining example of student activism and kindness, fully embodying Sullivan Middle School’s core values of being respectful, responsible, and ready to learn.”

This demonstrates that Angel is an Engaged Community Member, a key disposition to the Vision of a Learner framework. Angel can identify a need in their community, articulate, and communicate solutions, and develop an action plan (ECM 2).

Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.

👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
6 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A WooStars graphic of Angel Amankwah of Sullivan Middle School.
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
7 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A blurred bunny sits behind colorful Easter eggs and daffodils, with text "HAPPY EASTER WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS".
🥍 Spring Season is Here - Worcester City-Wide Girls Lacrosse 🥍

The spring athletics season is upon us! We recently stopped by a Worcester city-wide girls lacrosse game against Northbridge in a hard-fought contest at South High Community School.

This year's Worcester city-wide girls lacrosse team is made up of students from Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High, and Worcester Technical High School. It is open to all WPS high school students.

So far through four games, the team is led by junior Chloe Gervais (Doherty) and senior Elisse Boucher (Doherty) with 15 and 13 goals respectively while freshman Kristaya Smart (Worcester Tech) has tallied 11 goals and three assists.

Junior Julianna Fisher (Doherty), freshman Alyssa Merriam (South) and freshman Luciana Jacques (South) have been strong defensively while sophomore goalie Ella Orciuch (Doherty) has started each game in net for Worcester.

The team holds a 2-2 record and will have its next home game on April 13 at 3:30 at South High. On May 7, the team will host its first ever "Stick it to Cancer" game to raise funds to support the American Cancer Society.

Check out some images from a recent home game against Northbridge! 📸
8 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A lacrosse player runs through the defense with the ball on their stick.
A lacrosse player looks to pass with a defender close by.
A lacrosse player raises her stick to deflect a pass with an opposing player close by.
A player runs down the sidelines with the ball on her stick with a defender trailing close by.
A lacrosse player runs with the ball on her stick during a game.
A player smiles to the sidelines after scoring a goal.
A lacrosse player defends an opposing player closely.
A lacrosse player scoops a loose ball up off the turf.
📚 Happy National School Librarian Day! 📚

Today, April 4, we celebrate the incredible school librarians who keep our libraries running and support student learning every day. From organizing resources to helping students discover new books and navigate digital tools, their impact reaches far beyond the library walls.

Our school librarians create welcoming spaces where curiosity grows, literacy thrives, and students are empowered to explore, learn, and succeed.

We also recognize the many dedicated volunteers who support our libraries and help create welcoming spaces for students.

Shoutout to our partners at the Worcester Public Library (WPL) for helping keep our community reading! 📚

Thank you for all that you do to inspire a love of reading and lifelong learning! 💙📖

Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
8 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A man with a name tag reading 'Garvey, Michael' stands with his arms crossed in a library aisle, surrounded by bookshelves.
A person smiles while holding several books in a library aisle with bookshelves.
A woman with glasses smiles in front of a bookshelf filled with books.
A woman wearing glasses and a red t-shirt with 'SOUTH 2029 COLONELS' stands in a library aisle.
A woman with blonde hair stands in front of bookshelves filled with books.

🎶 WPS Scholars Shine at the 2026 MMEA All-State Treble Chorus!

Worcester Public Schools students proudly represented Worcester at the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) All-State Treble Chorus, showcasing their talent on a statewide stage.

We are especially proud of our Midland Street Elementary School singers—Paris Practico (Grade 4), Sophia Hanson (Grade 6), Emma Weiner (Grade 5), and Max Newton (Grade 5)—who performed beautifully as part of this prestigious chorus. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for music were evident throughout the performance. ✨

Thank you to Midland Street Elementary’s chorus and music teacher, Mrs. Ross, for providing a high-quality music education experience and supporting students in their growth. 🎵

The MMEA All-State Treble Chorus celebrates the talent and commitment of student singers from across Massachusetts, and WPS is proud to be part of this experience.

📸 Check out photos from this amazing experience!

9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Five smiling children and an adult pose for a photo, all wearing blue shirts with "All-State Grades 4-6 Treble Chorus MMEA 2026" printed on them.
A group of children sit in chairs, looking at papers and engaging in an activity.
A group of five students and one adult stand in front of a whiteboard with musical staff lines.
A large choir of children and young adults stands on risers, facing forward.
A large choir of students in blue shirts stands on a stage, facing an audience.
A large choir of students in blue t-shirts stands on a stage in front of a purple curtain.

Good Friday ✝️

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a time for reflection and remembrance.

Learn more about Good Friday: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Good-Friday 🔗

9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic with the text 'GOOD FRIDAY' in large blue letters against a sky background.
❄️ WPS Snow Day Spotlight: Burncoat Middle School

We made a stop to Burncoat Middle School to drop off some well-deserved swag bags for the 28 students who participated in this year’s Snow Day Video Contest. 🎁🌨️

Across four different video submissions, these students supplied creativity and plenty of fun to the the snow day video challenge. Thank you to all who participated!

Check out all of the WPS snow day video contest submissions here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/wps-snow-day-video-contest
10 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Five students stand together, each holding a gift bag filled with colorful tissue paper.
Two students stand together, each holding a gift bag filled with colorful tissue paper.
Three students stand together, each holding a gift bag filled with colorful tissue paper.
Two students stand together, each holding a gift bag filled with colorful tissue paper.
Two students stand together, each holding a gift bag filled with colorful tissue paper.

🏛️ Jim McGovern Visits Students at North High School 🏛️

Students in the Legal Aspects classes at North High School welcomed Jim McGovern for a student-led Q&A discussion, organized after students wrote letters to the Congressman as part of a unit on how laws are made.

Written in November, the letters encouraged civic engagement and shared student perspectives on real-world issues. After receiving the letters, Congressman McGovern’s office connected with the class to arrange a visit, giving students the opportunity to speak with him directly.

During the visit, students asked questions on topics such as international relations, the election process, federal agencies, and access to higher education, while also raising concerns about youth mental health and changes to DEI-funded programs.

A Worcester native representing Massachusetts’ 2nd District, Congressman McGovern spoke about his role in government and the importance of civic engagement, helping students connect their classroom learning to real-world issues.

10 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A North High student introduces Congressman Jim McGovern during a recent visit.
A student listens while Congressman Jim McGovern speaks.
A North High students asks a question during a Q/A with Congressman Jim McGovern.
Congressman Jim McGovern speaks to an auditorium of students at North High.

💙 World Autism Awareness Day 💙

Today marks World Autism Awareness Day and the start of Autism Acceptance Month. It is a time to raise awareness, deepen understanding, and celebrate the strengths and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum.

At Worcester Public Schools, we remain committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. 💙

10 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic that says "World Autism Awareness Day"