🎉 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 🙌💙!
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 🙌💙!
💡 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.
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.
🌿 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.
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.
🎭 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
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
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
“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
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
“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
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
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
🥍 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! 📸
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! 📸
📚 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! 📸
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! 📸
🎶 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!
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 🔗
❄️ 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
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
🏛️ 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.
💙 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. 💙
Midland Street Student Council Leads Toiletries Donation 🧴📦
Students at Midland Street School are finding ways to help local community organizations through the school's Student Council, led this year by Ms. Katelyn Friend.
Open to all students at the school, the Student Council engages the student body in service projects. Through their participation in 365z, a Worcester-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting daily acts of kindness, students plan initiatives each month ranging from a recent toiletries donation drive in support of Central Mass. Housing Alliance, donations to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, and winter item donations for Andy's Attic.
Students have also organized letter-writing campaigns for local veterans, and created Valentine's cards for residents of local nursing homes. Each project is selected by Student Council members, who work together to plan and carry out these efforts.
The Midland Street Student Council highlights students as Engaged Community Members, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Students can identify a need in their community, articulate and communicate solutions, and develop an action plan (ECM 1).
Students at Midland Street School are finding ways to help local community organizations through the school's Student Council, led this year by Ms. Katelyn Friend.
Open to all students at the school, the Student Council engages the student body in service projects. Through their participation in 365z, a Worcester-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting daily acts of kindness, students plan initiatives each month ranging from a recent toiletries donation drive in support of Central Mass. Housing Alliance, donations to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, and winter item donations for Andy's Attic.
Students have also organized letter-writing campaigns for local veterans, and created Valentine's cards for residents of local nursing homes. Each project is selected by Student Council members, who work together to plan and carry out these efforts.
The Midland Street Student Council highlights students as Engaged Community Members, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Students can identify a need in their community, articulate and communicate solutions, and develop an action plan (ECM 1).
Celebrating Our WPS Paraeducators! 🎉
Today, on Paraeducator Appreciation Day, we recognize the many paraeducators across Worcester Public Schools whose dedication and care help students thrive. We are so grateful for all you do to support students, staff, and school communities each day.
Thank you for making a difference in our schools every single day! 💛
Today, on Paraeducator Appreciation Day, we recognize the many paraeducators across Worcester Public Schools whose dedication and care help students thrive. We are so grateful for all you do to support students, staff, and school communities each day.
Thank you for making a difference in our schools every single day! 💛
Happy Passover! 🌿
Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their journey from slavery to freedom.
Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and joyful holiday.
Learn more about Passover: https://www.history.com/articles/passover
Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their journey from slavery to freedom.
Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and joyful holiday.
Learn more about Passover: https://www.history.com/articles/passover
🎉 Union Hill School geared up for success at the 2026 MCAS Rally! 📚✨
Students and staff came together for an exciting, high-energy event featuring special guest Smiley, the WooSox mascot! 🐾🎶💃 With music, singing, and dancing, the rally helped build excitement and confidence as students prepare for the MCAS.
This celebration brought the school community together to boost school spirit, reinforce test-taking strategies, and remind students that they are ready to shine ⭐
Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success! 💪🔥
Students and staff came together for an exciting, high-energy event featuring special guest Smiley, the WooSox mascot! 🐾🎶💃 With music, singing, and dancing, the rally helped build excitement and confidence as students prepare for the MCAS.
This celebration brought the school community together to boost school spirit, reinforce test-taking strategies, and remind students that they are ready to shine ⭐
Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success! 💪🔥
Students at University Park Campus School had the opportunity to explore a wide range of careers during Career Day, connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences. 🎓➡️🌍
Through engaging with guest speakers, students learned about different professions, asked questions, and discovered new possibilities for their futures. This valuable experience helps build motivation, expand awareness of career options, and inspire students to think about their goals and interests. 💡
This year’s presenters included professionals from the Worcester Police Department, nonprofit organizations, barbers, electricians, attorneys, and more. 👮♂️⚖️🔧✂️
Thank you to all the presenters who shared their time and expertise to inspire our students and help them envision their future paths! 🙌
📸 Check out some photos from Career Day!
Through engaging with guest speakers, students learned about different professions, asked questions, and discovered new possibilities for their futures. This valuable experience helps build motivation, expand awareness of career options, and inspire students to think about their goals and interests. 💡
This year’s presenters included professionals from the Worcester Police Department, nonprofit organizations, barbers, electricians, attorneys, and more. 👮♂️⚖️🔧✂️
Thank you to all the presenters who shared their time and expertise to inspire our students and help them envision their future paths! 🙌
📸 Check out some photos from Career Day!
⛳ Mini Golf Night at Worcester Arts Magnet School ⛳
Students, families, and caregivers recently came together for a fun after-school Mini Golf Night, organized by the PTG at Worcester Arts Magnet School.
The hand-built course featured a mix of traditional putting and stand-up “hand golf” holes, complete with scorecards and handmade putters. The collapsible frames were designed to travel, with the goal of loaning the equipment so other WPS schools can host their own mini golf nights!
The gym was buzzing as students enjoyed mini-golfing, arts and crafts, and snacks. Check out some highlights from a night full of fun, creativity, and community at WAMS!
Students, families, and caregivers recently came together for a fun after-school Mini Golf Night, organized by the PTG at Worcester Arts Magnet School.
The hand-built course featured a mix of traditional putting and stand-up “hand golf” holes, complete with scorecards and handmade putters. The collapsible frames were designed to travel, with the goal of loaning the equipment so other WPS schools can host their own mini golf nights!
The gym was buzzing as students enjoyed mini-golfing, arts and crafts, and snacks. Check out some highlights from a night full of fun, creativity, and community at WAMS!
