Students, families, caregivers, and WPS school and district staff came together on April 9 for the Special Education Department’s annual Celebration of Success at Worcester Technical High School.
This fantastic event recognizes students from preschool, elementary, middle, and high school, as well as the WPS Transition Program, from across the city of Worcester for their growth, perseverance, and achievements during the 2025–26 school year.
Staff in the Special Education Department were also recognized for the meaningful impact they have made in supporting students across the district.
Take a look at some of the moments from an incredible night celebrating the WPS community! 💙










🎓✨ WPS Alum Spotlight: Amber Cannalonga ✨🎓
South High Community School (Class of 2016) graduate Amber Cannalonga is making an impact as Individual Supports Director at Thrive Support and Advocacy in Worcester.
Through resilience while managing dyslexia and Crohn’s disease, Amber built a career rooted in service, advocacy, and leadership. From early volunteer work to years in human services, she has consistently focused on supporting others.
“South High gave me a village,” she said. “It helped me build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose.”
A graduate of Worcester State University and Clark University, Amber continues to mentor others and serve the Worcester community.
Her message to students: “Challenges don’t define you. How you respond to them does.”
💙 A true example of Worcester pride and perseverance.
👉 Read the full story here:






Sixth grade students in Mr. Joshua Channell’s class at Vernon Hill School recently engaged in an interactive ST Math Puzzle Talk focused on percents using the Percent Objects – Estimating Percents game.
Students explored the connection between fractions and percents through visual, hands-on proportional models. The lesson followed a powerful problem-solving routine:
🔎 Notice & Wonder – Students examined the puzzle and shared observations and questions
💡 Predict & Justify – Students proposed strategies and explained their thinking
🧪 Test & Observe – The class tested a selected strategy together, adjusting and refining in real time
Using JiJi and scaling tools, students worked through multiple levels of increasingly complex challenges—from percents of a whole to values greater than 100%—building flexibility and confidence in estimation and proportional reasoning.
👏 A great example of collaborative math thinking and student-driven problem solving in action at Vernon Hill School!










Students at Worcester East Middle School have been strengthening their writing skills with the Academic Writing Club!
Through their own eagerness to prepare for MCAS, students presented the idea of the club to their teachers, who organized it and volunteered their time for after-school sessions.
Across weekly meetings, students work alongside english teachers Ms. Boutwell and Ms. Hayes to build skills in three-point thesis statements and essay-style writing.
Throughout these sessions, students practiced open-response essays, responding to questions like “Should the school day start later?” and “Is working alone more effective than working in a group?”
We stopped in for the final meeting before MCAS, and it was great to see our students engaged in writing. Students who participated in every session also got to celebrate together with a pizza party.





More than 200 high school juniors and seniors from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House for the 79th annual Student Government Day—an immersive experience in civic leadership.
The two students were Nathan Setaro and Juhanlexis Chinea Candelario, both seniors at Worcester Technical High School who participated in debating and voting on a fictitious law at the State House focused on the use of AI in schools 🤖📚.
Students spent the day learning from state leaders, engaging in a simulated joint committee hearing, and experiencing the legislative process firsthand.
Exciting times ahead for our future leaders! 💬



Our K–3 students came together for a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) assembly focused on the trait of gratitude. From saying “thank you” to showing appreciation, our youngest learners are building strong, positive connections every day!
Check out some of our award winners from this celebration! 🌟








First graders at Union Hill School explored habitats through a hands-on project as part of their CKLA Knowledge unit.
After learning about plants, animals, and what they need to survive, students worked alongside their families and caregivers to create their own 3D habitats.
It was a fun way for students to show what they learned and make connections across reading, writing, and science, while also involving families in the learning process.





Clark Street Community School recently welcomed guest speakers for its 4th Annual Career Day, providing students with an engaging opportunity to explore a variety of career pathways and hear directly from professionals in their fields. 💼✨
Fifth and sixth grade students created a video invitation for the Superintendent, who joined other guests in sharing their career journeys, areas of work, and advice for students as they think about their future goals.
Students in PreK–3 enjoyed read-alouds and Q&A sessions with guest speakers, while students in grades 4–6 participated in presentations focused on a range of professions and career exploration.
Students were encouraged to dress as their future career or “dress to impress,” adding excitement to the day. The Clark Street Café student team also supported the event by serving coffee to visiting guests. ☕👏
The event is designed to help students gain early exposure to a wide range of careers and begin thinking about future possibilities.
👉 Check out some photos from the event!










South Community High School science department head Erin Morrissey and senior Kristen Doan were recognized with the Esther Goddard Teacher and Student Awards, respectively, at the Goddard Centennial Celebration at The Hanover Theatre.
The award honors excellence in science and the impact an individual has on their school community. Ms. Morrissey was named the inaugural Esther Goddard Teacher’s Award recipient.
For Doan, the recognition reflects her hard work in AP Calculus and AP Physics courses, along with her continued passion for science. She plans to major in mechanical or aerospace engineering and hopes to one day conduct her own scientific research.
The celebration also featured a special performance by South High junior Charles Morrow, who sang “Moonbeam” in tribute to Robert Goddard. 🌙✨



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, April 27
👉 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!

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

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 🙌💙!

🎉 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.






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 ✨










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.

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! 📸










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 🙌💙!


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.





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 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








