Four Middle School Students Receive $10,000 WooSox Scholarships! ⚾️🎓

Out of more than 1,700 applicants, four incredible 8th graders received $10,000 college scholarships and another four received $1,000 scholarships as part of the WooSox Scholars Program!

WooSox Scholars ($10,000 Scholarship): 🌟 Jainiemar Torres-Morales (Burncoat Middle) 🌟 Prince Martinez-Carlos (Worcester East Middle) 🌟 Dieunayson Georges (Worcester East Middle) 🌟 Brielle Nyame-Addo (Worcester East Middle)

WooSox Fellows ($1,000 Scholarship): ✨ Gloria Zuzi & Maria Perez-Hernandez (Burncoat Middle) ✨ Chrissy Grant & King Asante (Worcester East Middle)

We are so proud of these students for standing out among the entire city! Catch their induction ceremony at Polar Park on June 6. 🏟️💙
about 3 hours ago, Worcester Public Schools
Group photo
Group photo
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Kamrie Ababio, Burncoat High School 🎓

This fall, Kamrie plans to attend college to study music education. Her goal is to one day become a music teacher and band director, sharing her passion for performance with future students.

Kamrie has been deeply involved in the musical community at Burncoat, performing as a member of the concert band, symphony orchestra, and jazz band. She has also taken on significant leadership roles, serving as the artistic director of Worcester UNITES and the treasurer of the Burncoat High School band.

Reflecting on her time in high school, Kamrie credits her success to taking advantage of the many opportunities available to her within the WPS music programs.

✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
about 21 hours ago, Worcester Public Schools
A senior spotlight graphic featuring Kamrie Ababio of Burncoat High School.
🎨 Worcester Public Schools 69th Annual Arts Festival 🎨

We had an amazing time celebrating the opening of the 69th Annual WPS Arts Festival at the Worcester Arts Museum!

With over 500 pieces on display, the museum is bursting with the creativity and artistic vision of our talented WPS students. 🌟

If you couldn't make it to opening night, you still have time to see these incredible student artworks! The exhibition is open until May 28.

Check out some of the highlights from opening night! 📸
1 day ago, Worcester Public Schools
A parent holds up their child while they point at a piece of artwork on display.
A student stands in front of their artwork while holding flowers.
A student points at their artwork on display.
Patrons stand in a hallway observing artwork while text is visible on the wall that says "Worcester Public Schools 69th Annual Festival of the Arts"
A wall of colorful artwork on display from various schools.
A student smiles while standing in front of their artwork.
A student points up toward their artwork hanging on a wall in a gallery.
A family of five stands together proudly in front of the artwork of their young student.
A student crosses their arms while standing near their artwork.
A student holds out their hand under their artwork, which is displayed on a wall alongside other paintings.
🌤️ Jacob Hiatt Magnet School Kindergarten Weather Wonders Featured on WBZ-TV! 📺

⛅🌈 Jacob Hiatt Magnet School kindergarten students became junior meteorologists during an exciting Weather Unit that brought together general education and Specialized Approaches to Individual Learning (SAIL) classrooms for hands-on science, creative projects, and teamwork!
Students explored weather through experiments, art, music, technology, and even produced their own weather forecasts. 🌦️🎨🎵💻

The highlight? A special visit from Jacob Wycoff of WBZ-TV Channel 4, who shared what it’s like to be a professional meteorologist and answered students’ thoughtful questions.

📺 Tune in on Sunday, May 17, at 7:30 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. to see our budding weather experts featured on WBZ-TV!

📸 Check out some photos from the event!
1 day ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of children and adults pose for a photo in a classroom decorated with a "Jacob Hiatt News Station" banner.
A smiling woman in a patterned shirt and black cardigan sits with two young boys wearing paper hats in a classroom.
A diverse group of young students wearing handmade paper hats sit on the floor in a classroom.
Children in a classroom wear festive paper hats decorated with weather symbols and drawings.
A teacher kneels to talk with a young student in a classroom filled with children wearing festive paper hats.
A teacher kneels to show a child a craft project in a classroom with other children sitting on the floor.
Children and adults gather in a classroom, some wearing paper hats, with artwork displayed on the wall.
A teacher smiles while observing children wearing handmade paper crowns decorated with weather symbols.
A teacher and three young students wearing paper hats sit at desks in a classroom
Children wearing handmade paper crowns with drawings of rainbows and faces sit together.
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Bernardo Pena dos Santos, Doherty Memorial High School 🎓

This fall, Bernardo will attend Centre College in Kentucky where he plans to study economics or political science with a minor in math.

Bernardo hopes to one day be a teacher or work with organizations that support students from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential.

Bernardo is a recipient of the Posse Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship which provides full-tuition to high school seniors that demonstrate leadership, academic potential and teamwork.

Bernardo says that navigating a new language and testing out of ESL helped him develop the strong communication skills and confidence he carries with him today.

Advice to incoming freshmen: “Get involved in as many clubs, activities, and sports as you can, because they help you meet new people and develop lifelong friendships, connections, and find new passions.”

✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
2 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A senior spotlight graphic of Bernardo Pena Dos Santos of Doherty Memorial High School
Registrations for the 2026 Worcester UNITES Performing Arts Summer Program are Now Open 🎶

Worcester UNITES is a free music program for Worcester Public Schools students in grades 4-12 who have studied an instrument for at least one year. 🎻

Students will participate in sectionals, lessons, and ensemble work with other students from throughout the district. In addition to musical instruction, there will also be plenty of summer fun!

The program will be held at South High Community School, 170 Apricot Street on June 23, 24, 25 and 26. A public concert will be held on June 26.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHWzABnhKQU1KnkDmG53EmbnflGbXM1R5vG0868EYznF_z5Q/viewform
2 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Students stand together wearing floral attire and sunglasses following the 2025 Summer UNITES concert.
Students perform on stage during the 2025 Summer UNITES concert.
A student wearing a floral shirt focuses while playing the violin during the 2025 Summer UNITES concert.
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Nathalia Mervilus, North High School 🎓

After graduation this spring, Nathalia plans to attend a four-year college with the goal of becoming a nurse and pursuing a career in radiology.

During her time in WPS, she has exemplified leadership by serving as Cheer Captain and President of the Black Student Union. She also earned her CNA certification while balancing college-level and AP courses, managing an impressive mix of academics and career prep.

Nathalia credits her dual enrollment and leadership roles with building the confidence she needs for the next level.

Advice to incoming freshmen: “Practice the art of not procrastinating and stay on top of your classes. Keep a calendar and use reminders or a notebook to stay organized.”

✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
3 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A senior spotlight graphic of Nathalia Mervilus of North High School.
🏫 School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project Presentation at LEI 🏫

Staff from the Worcester Public Schools Family and Community Engagement Department recently gave a presentation at the Latino Education Institute (LEI) to ensure community stakeholders are informed about this important project! 🤝🗣️

📍 Several in-person and 💻 virtual community forums were held at multiple locations this spring, with more being planned for the late summer and fall. 🍂🗓️

The goals of the project include:

📉 Reducing the student population in schools that are over capacity.

📈 Increasing the student population in schools that are under-enrolled.

🧩 Ensuring school programming aligns with building capacity and the needs of our students and community.

🗺️ Improving school feeder patterns (the series of schools a student is assigned to).

✨ Improving citywide/magnet school designations.

3 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Group photo
Join us on Wednesday, May 13, from 6:00-8:00 PM in the cafeteria of Burncoat High School, 179 Burncoat Street, Worcester, for a Community Educational Visioning Forum for the Burncoat Building Project Feasibility Study.

This interactive workshop will introduce the Worcester community to the feasibility study awarded to Worcester Public Schools by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Participants will learn about the project timeline and design process and will have the opportunity to share their ideas, priorities, and hopes for the future of Burncoat.

Your feedback will play a direct role in shaping the design and features of the renovated and/or new school facility.

Language translations and interpretations are available upon request via email.

More information: https://www.worcesterschools.org/events?id=55576388
4 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Burncoat High School building exterior with text overlay: 'BURNCOAT SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT' and 'WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS'.
🎓 Career Day at North High School 🎓

North High School hosted its Career Day on May 1, welcoming more than 30 vendors representing a wide range of industries, organizations, and postsecondary pathways to the school's gymnasium.

Graduating seniors made direct connections with employers and organizations as they prepare to enter the workforce. Juniors and sophomores had the opportunity to build their resumes, complete on-the-spot job applications, and explore summer opportunities.

Underclassmen also explored potential career interests, engaging with professionals and learning about internships, volunteer opportunities, and experiences that will support their future college applications.

Thank you to our partners, including Worcester Regional Transit Authority, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, Worcester Police Department, City of Worcester Department of Public Works, Greenwood Industries, Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline, and many more for helping inspire the next generation.

Events like this provide students with valuable exposure to career pathways, workforce opportunities, and the resources they need to plan for their future.
4 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of students learn more about a business during a career day.
A group of students pose togetherafter winning a raffle.
Principal Sam FanFan stands for a photo with a group of students, all wearing sunglasses.
A representative of Greenwood Industries stands besides a poster board presentation during a career fair.
A group of students stand with a teacher during a career day, holding beach themed props.
A business representative shakes the hands of a student during a career fair.
A student writes "Class of 2027" in white marker on black sunglasses.
A wide image of the gymnasium during a career fair with students and businesses scattered around the area.
Representatives from Worcester Public Schools stand behind a table draped with the Worcester Public Schools logo.
Three business representatives smile for a photo during a career day event.
🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Jupiter Montalvo ’22 🎶

Jupiter Montalvo’s path to graduation from Berklee College of Music started right here in Worcester Public Schools, through accessible arts programs like the Burncoat Music Magnet and Worcester UNITES.

Now, as they prepare for their next step as a music educator, Montalvo has experienced firsthand how impactful access to the arts can be.

“(WPS) gave me ensemble skills, it gave me the opportunity to grow my own personal style of singing and playing, and it gave me theory skills,” Montalvo said. “It set me up in a good spot once I started college.”

🔗 Read more at worcesterschools.org
5 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Jupiter Montalvo performs on stage during a concert at Berklee.
Jupiter Montalvo stands with two adults following a performance.
Jupiter Montalvo holds a violin alongside a classmate.
Jupiter Montalvo stands between two red rock boulders during a backpacking trip.
Jupiter Montalvo stands alongside Mrs. Manuel, their former elementary arts teacher.
Jupiter Montalvo performs during a show at Berklee.
Jupiter Montalvo stands alongside colleagues during their first  Massachusetts Music Educators Association conference.
Jupiter Montalvo stands alongside colleagues during their first  Massachusetts Music Educators Association conference.
🌟 Call for WooStar Nominations 🌟

It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!

🗓️ This Month's Nomination Deadline: Monday, May 25

👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA

Your nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across WPS!
5 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic that says "WooStars Nominations" with a deadline date of Monday, May 25.
🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎

Today, we’re proud to recognize Cameron Christie, 7th Grade Science Teacher at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School.

“Since joining the team at Sullivan this year, Cameron Christie has hit the ground running, making a remarkable impact in a very short time,” said Principal Kendra Cox. “Cameron brings a refreshingly student-centered approach to his classroom, blending high expectations with a genuine, strong rapport that makes his students feel both challenged and supported.

“Beyond his instructional prowess, Cameron is a true collaborator who is constantly seeking out ways to contribute to the wider school community. His energy and dedication to fostering a positive environment have already made him an invaluable asset to Sullivan.”

Thank you, Mr. Christie for the care, dedication, and passion you bring to your students and school community each and every day!
8 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A teacher appreciation week graphic featuring an image of Cameron Christie of Sullivan Middle School.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the incredible educators who make a difference every single day! 🍎✨

A big thank-you to Kelly’s Roast Beef for generously donating delicious roast beef sandwiches to the amazing teachers at Worcester Technical High School. Your support helped make this week even more special.

To all our teachers: your dedication, passion, and impact do not go unnoticed. We appreciate everything you do for our students and community—this week and every week!💙
8 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Two smiling women hold plates with sandwiches and pickles, standing indoors.
A man in a brown jacket prepares a sandwich with pickles and meat at a buffet.
A person holds a plate with a roast beef sandwich and pickles, preparing to serve.
Two women prepare sandwiches at a buffet table with various toppings.
Two women smile and chat while one holds a plate with a sandwich and pickles.
A smiling woman holds a plate of food, including a sandwich and pickles, in a breakroom.
🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎

Today, we’re proud to recognize Thomas O’Neil, History Teacher at Doherty Memorial High School.

"Doherty High wants to recognize Mr. O'Neil for his commitment to maintaining a high bar for excellence in the classroom,” said Doherty High Principal John Staley. “We consistently observe him challenging his students with rigorous lessons while providing the necessary support to ensure everyone has a genuine opportunity to succeed. It is clear that his high expectations are driving meaningful growth and helping his students reach their full potential."

Thank you, Mr. O’Neil, for the care, dedication, and passion you bring to your students and school community each and every day!
9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic with an image of Thomas O'Neil of Doherty Memorial High School.
🍎 During Teacher Appreciation Week, Worcester Public Schools proudly celebrates Claremont Academy history teacher Joseph Moriarty!

Mr. Moriarty, a Worcester State University alumnus, was recently recognized with the 2026 Massachusetts State Universities Educator Alumni Award for his outstanding work in education and commitment to student success.

Read more about his recognition and impact here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2859383

💙 Thank you for all you do!
9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A man in a navy suit holds a glass award in front of a marble railing and city buildings.
Five individuals, including three young adults and two adults, pose for a photo with a plaque.
A smiling man in a striped polo shirt stands in a classroom decorated with international flags.

Quarter 3 Honor Roll!

Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the third quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!

Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2863347

9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic that says Third Quarter Honor Roll with the Worcester Public Schools logo.

🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎

Today, we’re proud to recognize Eileen Doyle, First Grade Teacher at Burncoat Street Preparatory School.

“Eileen is a long-time member of the Burncoat Prep family. Her warm first grade heart extends beyond her students to Burncoat Prep families and staff,” said Principal Emily Plante. “Eileen steps up to welcome new students and adults, and help her colleagues. She is always willing to try something new to meet her student's needs. The Burncoat Prep community appreciates Mrs. Doyle!”

Thank you, Mrs. Doyle for the care, dedication, and passion you bring to your students and school community each and every day!

10 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic with an image of Eileen Doyle hugging a student.
💙🩺 Celebrating National Nurses Day at Worcester Public Schools

Today, Worcester Public Schools recognizes and celebrates our school nurses for the essential role they play in supporting student health, safety, and well-being across the district.

School nurses provide care, comfort, and guidance to students each day, while also supporting wellness, managing health needs, and helping ensure safe and healthy learning environments in every school.

We are grateful for their dedication, compassion, and the positive impact they make in the lives of students and staff every day. 💙

📸🩺💙 Take a look at photos of our dedicated school nurses. 👏💛✨
10 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Three smiling women in scrubs and casual wear stand in front of a bulletin board with text about health and education.
A woman in a red "Nursing" sweatshirt smiles, with a calendar showing "April 2026" and "No School" behind her.
A smiling nurse stands in a room decorated with educational posters about health and emotions.
Three women stand in front of a mural that reads 'Students must be Healthy, Educated and Educated to be Healthy'.
Two women stand in front of a poster titled 'How to Talk About Fruits and Veggies'.
A healthcare professional smiles, standing in front of children's artwork thanking them.
A smiling school nurse stands in front of a door decorated with an apple sign and a 'Nurse's Clinic' notice.
A nurse stands in a school health office, with a "Medication Time" sign and a "Nurses Make It Better" poster visible.
Two women, identified as RNs, smile together in a room with plants and medical charts.
Two women smile in front of a bulletin board promoting "Spring Into Healthy Habits."
🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎

Today, we’re proud to recognize Alda Torra, ESL Teacher and Department Head at North High School.

“Alda creates an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where all students feel valued and empowered to take risks with language,” said North High Principal Sam FanFan. “She is highly attuned to the diverse needs of her students and consistently adapts her approach to support both academic and social-emotional growth. Beyond her classroom, she is a trusted resource for colleagues, offering strategies, insights, and collaboration to better support multilingual learners across the building.”

Thank you, Ms. Torra for the care, dedication, and passion you bring to your students and school community each and every day!
11 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic with an image of Alda Torra, teacher at North High School.