✊🏽 Stand Against Racism Assembly at South High ✊🏽
Fall student-athletes at South High Community School came together this week to take the Stand Against Racism pledge ahead of the fall athletic season.
South High student-athletes read the pledge together, affirming their commitment to standing against racism directed toward Worcester Public Schools student-athletes.
Fall student-athletes at Burncoat High School also took the pledge this week during a similar assembly, standing united against racism. 🤝
During the assembly, Superintendent Brian E. Allen and WPS Athletic Director Dave Shea spoke with students about the campaign, encouraging them to have each other’s backs and lead by example in their school communities.
The campaign stems from racist comments shared online about members of the South High girls basketball team during the 2025–26 basketball season.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes. ❤️✊🏽
Fall student-athletes at South High Community School came together this week to take the Stand Against Racism pledge ahead of the fall athletic season.
South High student-athletes read the pledge together, affirming their commitment to standing against racism directed toward Worcester Public Schools student-athletes.
Fall student-athletes at Burncoat High School also took the pledge this week during a similar assembly, standing united against racism. 🤝
During the assembly, Superintendent Brian E. Allen and WPS Athletic Director Dave Shea spoke with students about the campaign, encouraging them to have each other’s backs and lead by example in their school communities.
The campaign stems from racist comments shared online about members of the South High girls basketball team during the 2025–26 basketball season.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes. ❤️✊🏽
🎉 First Day of Pre-K and Kindergarten in WPS! 🎉
It was big day for our littlest learners as they headed into their first day of Pre-K and Kindergarten!
We stopped by Francis J. McGrath Elementary School and City View Discovery School to say hello as families and caregivers dropped off their little ones.
To all our Pre-K and Kindergarten students and their families, good luck on this exciting new journey! We wish you great success! 📚✨
📚🎉 Happy First Day of School, Worcester Public Schools! 🎉📚
We stopped by Flagg Street School and Worcester Dual Language School earlier today to celebrate the start of a new school year!
At Flagg Street, students kicked off the year in style on the red carpet alongside Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, district leadership, and members of the School Committee.
Over at WORDL, the school was buzzing with excitement as they welcomed seventh and eighth graders for the very first time! Here’s to an amazing school year ahead.
We can’t wait to welcome our Pre-K and Kindergarten students for their very first day on Thursday, September 3! 💙
We stopped by Flagg Street School and Worcester Dual Language School earlier today to celebrate the start of a new school year!
At Flagg Street, students kicked off the year in style on the red carpet alongside Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, district leadership, and members of the School Committee.
Over at WORDL, the school was buzzing with excitement as they welcomed seventh and eighth graders for the very first time! Here’s to an amazing school year ahead.
We can’t wait to welcome our Pre-K and Kindergarten students for their very first day on Thursday, September 3! 💙
Happy First Day of School, Worcester! 🎒✨
We want to see those big smiles and memorable moments as we kick off the 2026–27 school year together!
📸 Share your photos here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/2026-27-first-week-of-school-photos
We want to see those big smiles and memorable moments as we kick off the 2026–27 school year together!
📸 Share your photos here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/2026-27-first-week-of-school-photos
🎉📚 WPS Schools Are Ready to Welcome You!
The back-to-school excitement is growing across Worcester Public Schools! Here’s a look at just a few of the schools that recently welcomed students and families for fun-filled events: Goddard School of Science & Technology, Gates Lane School of International Studies, Clark Street Community School, and Woodland Academy.
From connecting with school communities to enjoying activities and treats, these events were a great way to kick off the new school year together! 🍎📚✨
The back-to-school excitement is growing across Worcester Public Schools! Here’s a look at just a few of the schools that recently welcomed students and families for fun-filled events: Goddard School of Science & Technology, Gates Lane School of International Studies, Clark Street Community School, and Woodland Academy.
From connecting with school communities to enjoying activities and treats, these events were a great way to kick off the new school year together! 🍎📚✨
New Teacher Orientation 🎓
A new school year means welcoming a new group of educators to Worcester Public Schools!
Over three days at North High School, more than 170 of Worcester’s newest Unit A and B educators and staff took part in New Teacher Orientation, kicking off a year-long onboarding experience designed to help them feel prepared, supported, and connected to the district.
The orientation provided new staff with information and resources from departments across the district, giving them the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to start the new school year and their careers in WPS with confidence.
Following lunch, experienced WPS educators answered questions during a panel session, sharing their insights and tips for getting started on the right foot. Superintendent Brian E. Allen also stopped by to welcome the district’s newest educators and staff and wish them well as they begin the school year.
Welcome to WPS! We’re excited to have you here. 🍎
A new school year means welcoming a new group of educators to Worcester Public Schools!
Over three days at North High School, more than 170 of Worcester’s newest Unit A and B educators and staff took part in New Teacher Orientation, kicking off a year-long onboarding experience designed to help them feel prepared, supported, and connected to the district.
The orientation provided new staff with information and resources from departments across the district, giving them the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to start the new school year and their careers in WPS with confidence.
Following lunch, experienced WPS educators answered questions during a panel session, sharing their insights and tips for getting started on the right foot. Superintendent Brian E. Allen also stopped by to welcome the district’s newest educators and staff and wish them well as they begin the school year.
Welcome to WPS! We’re excited to have you here. 🍎
Countdown to Kindergarten! 🌟
We had a blast getting ready for the start of school with hundreds of incoming kindergarteners and their families at Polar Park!
Our newest students explored school buses, played games, made art, picked out free books, and learned what to expect during their first year.
Preschool and Kindergarten begin on Thursday, September 3—we can't wait to welcome you on your very first day! 🎒✨
We had a blast getting ready for the start of school with hundreds of incoming kindergarteners and their families at Polar Park!
Our newest students explored school buses, played games, made art, picked out free books, and learned what to expect during their first year.
Preschool and Kindergarten begin on Thursday, September 3—we can't wait to welcome you on your very first day! 🎒✨
WPS Kicks Off Year-Long Teacher Mentorship Program with Mentor Training Day 🍎📚
On August 19, Human Resources hosted a Teacher Mentor-Training to launch the district's year-long mentorship program for early-career educators. 🏫 Volunteer mentors from across WPS reviewed the program's new roadmap, curriculum, and materials to ensure they are prepared to guide new teachers throughout the school year. 📝
To maximize the impact of the program, mentors and mentees are paired based on school location, grade level, subject area, and individual preference. 🤝 This matching process creates strong alignment, such as pairing a veteran teacher with an early-career colleague in the same building teaching the same content, fostering seamless daily collaboration and long-term professional growth. 🌱
We are excited to see how these mentor-mentee relationships grow and develop this school year! ✨
Join us for Countdown to Kindergarten from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Polar Park!
Polar Park is located at 100 Madison Street. Parking for a fee is available at nearby lots. Complimentary parking is available in the lot across from the Madison Tower Condominiums at 70 Southbridge Street. (The lot will have a sign for the event.)
Countdown to Kindergarten is a day to help your child (and you!) prepare for their first year of school. Enjoy hands-on, family-friendly activities, receive free books and other learning materials, and get your questions answered directly by WPS early childhood staff.
Children and their families will:
🚌 Climb aboard a school bus
🚸 Meet a crossing guard
🎶 Make music
📚 Get a free book
🥦 Learn about healthy eating
🏃♂️ Play the "Lunch Tray Relay"
🧱 Build with blocks – and more!
John Donahue Named Acting Principal at City View Discovery Academy! 🍎✨
John Donahue will be returning to City View Discovery Academy to serve as Acting Principal for the upcoming school year!
Bringing extensive experience in Worcester Public Schools, including his recent work supporting students, staff, and families as Assistant Principal at Quinisigamond School, Mr. Donahue is excited to return to City View where he previously spent nine years as a special education teacher.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Principal Donahue! 🥳🎉
Christine Lloyd Named Acting Principal at Burncoat Street Preparatory School! 🍎✨
Christine Lloyd will serve as the Acting Principal of Burncoat Street Preparatory School for the upcoming school year.
A familiar face to families and staff as the school’s former Assistant Principal, Ms. Lloyd brings 21 years of educational experience to the role. Since joining WPS in 2005, she has served as a science teacher, focused instructional coach, district science liaison, and has managed the district's VEX robotics program.
Join us in wishing Principal Lloyd all the best as she steps into this new leadership role! 🥳🎉
🍦 A Sweet Summer Tradition Continues! ☀️
Superintendent Brian Allen hosted an ice cream social at the Durkin Administration Building to thank our year-round staff and welcome back returning educators for the new school year! 🎉
Special thanks to Jerry’s Ice Cream for the delicious treats! 🍨💙
Superintendent Brian Allen hosted an ice cream social at the Durkin Administration Building to thank our year-round staff and welcome back returning educators for the new school year! 🎉
Special thanks to Jerry’s Ice Cream for the delicious treats! 🍨💙
Countdown to Kindergarten at Polar Park!
Join us for Countdown to Kindergarten on Monday, August 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at Polar Park.
Countdown to Kindergarten is a day to help your child (and you!) prepare for their first year of school. Enjoy hands-on, family-friendly activities, receive free books and other learning materials, and get your questions answered directly by WPS early childhood staff.
Details and event tickets have been mailed to families & caregivers with a registered kindergarten student for the 2026–27 school year.
Polar Park is located at 100 Madison Street. Parking for a fee is available at nearby lots. Complimentary parking is available in the lot across from the Madison Tower Condominiums at 70 Southbridge Street. (The lot will have a sign for the event.)
Children and their families will:
🚌 Climb aboard a school bus
🚸 Meet a crossing guard
🎶 Make music
📚 Get a free book
🥦 Learn about healthy eating
🏃♂️ Play the "Lunch Tray Relay"
🧱 Build with blocks – and more!
Edward Walker Named Principal at North High School! 🍎✨
A dynamic leader is taking the helm at North High School! Edward Walker has been named Principal for the 2026-27 school year.
Bringing over two decades of dedicated experience in driving student success, Mr. Walker will lead North High after serving as Dean of Students at Worcester Technical High School. His background spans K-12 administration, school counseling, and higher education admissions.
Welcome to North High School, Principal Walker! 🎉
Erin Derr Named Principal at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School! 🍎✨
Erin Derr will serve as the new Principal of Francis J. McGrath Elementary School for the upcoming school year.
Ms. Derr has dedicated her entire educational career to Worcester Public Schools. She began as a teacher at Jacob Hiatt Magnet and Heard Street Discovery Academy before spending the last seven years in leadership at City View Discovery School as Assistant Principal and Principal.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Principal Derr as she joins the McGrath community! 🥳🎉
🎓🚀 Early College Summer Career Explorer Program 🚀🎓
Over the final week of July, current and future Early College students from every WPS high school gathered to explore exciting careers across a variety of industries!
Students enjoyed hands-on experiences with local entrepreneurs, banks, colleges, healthcare facilities, the Worcester Airport, Worcester City Hall, the Worcester District & Superior Courthouse, and more.
Along the way, students crafted their own business cards, practiced networking, and even earned their CPR certifications! On the final day, they came together to reflect on what they learned and how these experiences shaped their vision for future education and career pathways.
A shoutout to all of our incredible local partners for hosting and inspiring our students including Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State University, Assumption University, Clark University, Bay State Savings Bank, Worcester Regional Airport, City Hall, the American Red Cross, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Tasty Experience Bistro, Trim City Barbershop, Worcester Public Market, Worcester District & Superior Court, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce!
Over the final week of July, current and future Early College students from every WPS high school gathered to explore exciting careers across a variety of industries!
Students enjoyed hands-on experiences with local entrepreneurs, banks, colleges, healthcare facilities, the Worcester Airport, Worcester City Hall, the Worcester District & Superior Courthouse, and more.
Along the way, students crafted their own business cards, practiced networking, and even earned their CPR certifications! On the final day, they came together to reflect on what they learned and how these experiences shaped their vision for future education and career pathways.
A shoutout to all of our incredible local partners for hosting and inspiring our students including Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State University, Assumption University, Clark University, Bay State Savings Bank, Worcester Regional Airport, City Hall, the American Red Cross, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Tasty Experience Bistro, Trim City Barbershop, Worcester Public Market, Worcester District & Superior Court, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce!
Angie LaRose Named Principal at Lake View School! 🍎✨
Angie LaRose has been named Principal of Lake View School after serving the school community in an acting role last year.
Ms. LaRose brings extensive WPS experience to the position, having served as a SAIL and inclusion teacher, an instructional coach at Quinsigamond School and Chandler Elementary School, a district math and special education coach, and Assistant Principal at Lake View.
Join us in celebrating Principal LaRose as she continues leading the Lake View community! 🥳🎉
📚🍧 Back-to-School Fun at Flagg Street!
Flagg Street Elementary hosted a fun back-to-school event last night! Students received free books and popsicles and had a chance to meet new Principal Colleen Dyer and school administrators.
We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back soon! 🎉📚
Flagg Street Elementary hosted a fun back-to-school event last night! Students received free books and popsicles and had a chance to meet new Principal Colleen Dyer and school administrators.
We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back soon! 🎉📚
Latino Education Institute’s Back to School Event 🏫
Worcester Public Schools Wraparound Coordinators and Family & Community Engagement Office staff attended the Latino Education Institute's Back to School event at Worcester State University.
WPS staff presented key back-to-school information in both English and Spanish and answered questions for attending families and caregivers.
In addition to connecting with LEI staff and exploring community resources, families were provided with on-site childcare by WPS.
Worcester Public Schools Wraparound Coordinators and Family & Community Engagement Office staff attended the Latino Education Institute's Back to School event at Worcester State University.
WPS staff presented key back-to-school information in both English and Spanish and answered questions for attending families and caregivers.
In addition to connecting with LEI staff and exploring community resources, families were provided with on-site childcare by WPS.
Kara Schichilone Named Acting Principal at Goddard School of Science and Technology! 🍎✨
A familiar face and long-time leader is taking on a new role! Kara Schichilone will serve as Acting Principal at the Goddard School of Science and Technology for 2026-27.
Goddard has been Principal Schichilone’s professional home for her entire 26-year WPS career, where she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and most recently as assistant principal for the past nine years.
Join us in sending a big congratulations to Principal Schichilone! 🥳🎉
