📍School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project
💬Worcester Public Schools held its first of several community forums about the recently-launched School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
The first meeting was held March 23 at South High Community School, which brought about 150 attendees: parents, caregivers, staff, and community members.
Facilitated by Dillinger Research and Applied Data, a non-profit research and data analysis organization, the project is District Goal #3 for this school year, and will continue through 2027-28.
Through the project, the district will consider adjusting school boundaries and related systems to more efficiently assign students to schools and improve the experiences of students and families. This could include a student’s walk to school, the school they are assigned to, and various feeder patterns.
The project seeks to:
✅ Reduce the student population in schools that are over capacity
✅ Increase the student population in schools that are under-enrolled
✅ Ensure school programming aligns with each school’s building capacity, along with student and community needs
✅ Improve school feeder patterns (meaning the series of schools students matriculate to based on their residential addresses)
✅ And improve citywide/magnet school designations to best reflect the needs of the community
Visit the project website, worcesterschools.org/alignment, which will be continuously updated with more information throughout the life of the project.
💬Worcester Public Schools held its first of several community forums about the recently-launched School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
The first meeting was held March 23 at South High Community School, which brought about 150 attendees: parents, caregivers, staff, and community members.
Facilitated by Dillinger Research and Applied Data, a non-profit research and data analysis organization, the project is District Goal #3 for this school year, and will continue through 2027-28.
Through the project, the district will consider adjusting school boundaries and related systems to more efficiently assign students to schools and improve the experiences of students and families. This could include a student’s walk to school, the school they are assigned to, and various feeder patterns.
The project seeks to:
✅ Reduce the student population in schools that are over capacity
✅ Increase the student population in schools that are under-enrolled
✅ Ensure school programming aligns with each school’s building capacity, along with student and community needs
✅ Improve school feeder patterns (meaning the series of schools students matriculate to based on their residential addresses)
✅ And improve citywide/magnet school designations to best reflect the needs of the community
Visit the project website, worcesterschools.org/alignment, which will be continuously updated with more information throughout the life of the project.
👑 CKLA Kings & Queens Lesson at Columbus Park 👑
Kindergarten students at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy took to the throne after completing their Kings & Queens lesson block as part of the CKLA curriculum.
Throughout the unit, students listened to engaging read-aloud stories, both fiction and nonfiction, while learning about kings, queens, and royal families. The lessons helped students explore the roles, responsibilities, and traditions associated with royalty.
To celebrate the end of the unit, students arrived dressed in their finest royal attire. They created crowns, practiced their royal manners, and sipped “tea”. The celebration also included a royal parade and a special photo opportunity where students could sit on the royal throne.
It was a joyful way to celebrate both their learning and the many literacy skills they developed throughout the unit. A truly royal time was had by all!
Kindergarten students at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy took to the throne after completing their Kings & Queens lesson block as part of the CKLA curriculum.
Throughout the unit, students listened to engaging read-aloud stories, both fiction and nonfiction, while learning about kings, queens, and royal families. The lessons helped students explore the roles, responsibilities, and traditions associated with royalty.
To celebrate the end of the unit, students arrived dressed in their finest royal attire. They created crowns, practiced their royal manners, and sipped “tea”. The celebration also included a royal parade and a special photo opportunity where students could sit on the royal throne.
It was a joyful way to celebrate both their learning and the many literacy skills they developed throughout the unit. A truly royal time was had by all!
WEMS Teachers Bring Mount Washington Summit to Students 🏔️
Science teachers Megan Rogozenski and Colleen Cutting from Worcester East Middle School recently traded the classroom for the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” ❄️
As part of the Arctic Wednesday program at the Mount Washington Observatory, they traveled by snowcat to the 6,288-foot summit to explore advanced meteorology, extreme air pressure, and how elevation shapes climate conditions.
Back at WEMS, students joined virtually to follow along, ask questions, and analyze real-time data from the summit. Seeing their teachers in action gave students a firsthand look at how science happens in the real world.
It’s a reminder that learning can happen anywhere, even in the clouds! ☁️✨
Science teachers Megan Rogozenski and Colleen Cutting from Worcester East Middle School recently traded the classroom for the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” ❄️
As part of the Arctic Wednesday program at the Mount Washington Observatory, they traveled by snowcat to the 6,288-foot summit to explore advanced meteorology, extreme air pressure, and how elevation shapes climate conditions.
Back at WEMS, students joined virtually to follow along, ask questions, and analyze real-time data from the summit. Seeing their teachers in action gave students a firsthand look at how science happens in the real world.
It’s a reminder that learning can happen anywhere, even in the clouds! ☁️✨
🎉 Caught Ya Assembly at Wawecus Road School 🎉
Wawecus Road School recently hosted its monthly Caught Ya Assembly, recognizing students who demonstrate actions tied to the five Vision of a Learner (VOL) dispositions: Empowered Individuals, Curious Learners, Effective Communicators, Problem Solvers, and Engaged Community Members.
Throughout the month, students earn Caught Ya Cards for actions related to each disposition. At the full-school assembly, students with the most cards in each category were recognized, and teachers shared a few words about each student’s efforts.
The assembly ended on a fun note, as students got the chance to pie their teachers for Pi Day on March 14!
Wawecus Road School recently hosted its monthly Caught Ya Assembly, recognizing students who demonstrate actions tied to the five Vision of a Learner (VOL) dispositions: Empowered Individuals, Curious Learners, Effective Communicators, Problem Solvers, and Engaged Community Members.
Throughout the month, students earn Caught Ya Cards for actions related to each disposition. At the full-school assembly, students with the most cards in each category were recognized, and teachers shared a few words about each student’s efforts.
The assembly ended on a fun note, as students got the chance to pie their teachers for Pi Day on March 14!
📢 TODAY: Help Shape the Future of Worcester Public Schools! 🏫✨
WPS is hosting the Community Forum for the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Please bring your smartphone or laptop to participate in this interactive event. Flyers with QR codes and a limited number of district-issued devices will also be available.
Don’t miss this chance to share your thoughts and help improve student opportunities across the district!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School, 170 Apricot St
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed - check the link in our bio!
WPS is hosting the Community Forum for the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Please bring your smartphone or laptop to participate in this interactive event. Flyers with QR codes and a limited number of district-issued devices will also be available.
Don’t miss this chance to share your thoughts and help improve student opportunities across the district!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School, 170 Apricot St
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed - check the link in our bio!
📚 Voices of Empowerment Project for Women’s History Month at Jacob Hiatt 📚
In recognition of Women’s History Month, fifth grade students at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School are exploring the lives and legacies of influential women in history.
Throughout the project, students selected a woman to research, writing an essay that examines her early life, impact, and legacy while building skills in identifying reliable sources.
In part two of the project, students will choose a single adjective to define their figure, such as brave, determined, or resilient, and will record their reasoning. These pieces will come together in a technology-based project that incorporates art and music and will be displayed for families at the school’s STEM Night in May.
Students are researching figures such as Ada Lovelace, Frida Kahlo, Sacagawea, Shirley Chisholm, Simone Biles, and more.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, fifth grade students at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School are exploring the lives and legacies of influential women in history.
Throughout the project, students selected a woman to research, writing an essay that examines her early life, impact, and legacy while building skills in identifying reliable sources.
In part two of the project, students will choose a single adjective to define their figure, such as brave, determined, or resilient, and will record their reasoning. These pieces will come together in a technology-based project that incorporates art and music and will be displayed for families at the school’s STEM Night in May.
Students are researching figures such as Ada Lovelace, Frida Kahlo, Sacagawea, Shirley Chisholm, Simone Biles, and more.
❄️ WPS Snow Day Spotlight: Columbus Park Preparatory Academy
We made a stop at Columbus Park to drop off some well-deserved swag bags for the talented sixth grade students who created a news-inspired snow day broadcast, with help from Mrs. Henry. 🎤🌨️
Their video put a fun, humorous twist on the classic breaking news announcement, delivering the message of a districtwide snow day in a creative way. Thanks for showing off your creativity and representing Columbus Park with so much talent. Keep up the great work! 💙
We made a stop at Columbus Park to drop off some well-deserved swag bags for the talented sixth grade students who created a news-inspired snow day broadcast, with help from Mrs. Henry. 🎤🌨️
Their video put a fun, humorous twist on the classic breaking news announcement, delivering the message of a districtwide snow day in a creative way. Thanks for showing off your creativity and representing Columbus Park with so much talent. Keep up the great work! 💙
WPS at the Annual Wellness and Resilience Summit 🌟
🌟 Last week, Worcester Public Schools joined the Worcester Department of Public Health and local partners for the Annual Wellness & Resilience Summit.
💬 Information on the HOPE Framework was shared, highlighting how positive experiences and strong communication help youth grow and thrive.
🎭 Highlights included interactive youth participation and an inspiring performance by the Drug Store Theater Group.
🤝 We’re proud to strengthen these community connections to make sure our students have the support they need to succeed.
🌟 Last week, Worcester Public Schools joined the Worcester Department of Public Health and local partners for the Annual Wellness & Resilience Summit.
💬 Information on the HOPE Framework was shared, highlighting how positive experiences and strong communication help youth grow and thrive.
🎭 Highlights included interactive youth participation and an inspiring performance by the Drug Store Theater Group.
🤝 We’re proud to strengthen these community connections to make sure our students have the support they need to succeed.
📢 Help Shape the Future of Worcester Public Schools! 🏫✨
WPS is launching the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project, and we want to hear from you. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Join us at our Community Forum to learn more and share your feedback!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School (170 Apricot Street)
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed: worcesterschools.org/alignment
WPS is launching the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project, and we want to hear from you. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Join us at our Community Forum to learn more and share your feedback!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School (170 Apricot Street)
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed: worcesterschools.org/alignment
📚 Springboard Literacy Workshop at Burncoat Prep 📚
Students and caregivers at Burncoat Street Preparatory School are building stronger reading habits together through the school’s Literacy Workshops, an after-school tutoring program offered in partnership with Springboard Collaborative.
The program provides small-group literacy support across different age groups, with a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students work in two groups of five, and teachers spend 30 minutes with each group, giving every student focused time to strengthen their reading skills.
During the workshops, caregivers learn tips and strategies to support reading at home and spend time practicing those skills alongside their students with support from tutors. Each workshop also includes a family book raffle, and students can select two books to continue building their home libraries.
These literacy workshops take place in elementary schools across Worcester Public Schools, giving more students and families the opportunity to learn and read together.
Students and caregivers at Burncoat Street Preparatory School are building stronger reading habits together through the school’s Literacy Workshops, an after-school tutoring program offered in partnership with Springboard Collaborative.
The program provides small-group literacy support across different age groups, with a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students work in two groups of five, and teachers spend 30 minutes with each group, giving every student focused time to strengthen their reading skills.
During the workshops, caregivers learn tips and strategies to support reading at home and spend time practicing those skills alongside their students with support from tutors. Each workshop also includes a family book raffle, and students can select two books to continue building their home libraries.
These literacy workshops take place in elementary schools across Worcester Public Schools, giving more students and families the opportunity to learn and read together.
❄️ WPS Snow Day Spotlight: Belmont Street Community School
We continued our celebration tour with the creative 6th graders at Belmont Street Community School. A huge shoutout to Miss Dilling’s and Mrs. Schmitt’s classes. It was such a joy to deliver some well-earned swag to celebrate their creative snow day projects! 🐾💙
Their videos turned a simple snow day into a full-blown creative adventure, and it was awesome to see them get so inventive. Thanks for representing Belmont Street with so much talent. Keep up that school spirit! 🌟
We continued our celebration tour with the creative 6th graders at Belmont Street Community School. A huge shoutout to Miss Dilling’s and Mrs. Schmitt’s classes. It was such a joy to deliver some well-earned swag to celebrate their creative snow day projects! 🐾💙
Their videos turned a simple snow day into a full-blown creative adventure, and it was awesome to see them get so inventive. Thanks for representing Belmont Street with so much talent. Keep up that school spirit! 🌟
❄️ WPS Snow Day Spotlight: Burncoat High School
We kicked off our celebration tour with the creative crew at Burncoat High School. A huge shoutout to our Student Government Ninth Graders. We loved dropping off some well-deserved swag to celebrate their “Breaking News! Snow Day!” broadcast. 🎤🌨️
Their video put a fun, imaginative twist on the usual snow report. Thanks for showing off your creativity and representing BHS with so much talent. Keep up that Patriot Pride! 💙💛
We kicked off our celebration tour with the creative crew at Burncoat High School. A huge shoutout to our Student Government Ninth Graders. We loved dropping off some well-deserved swag to celebrate their “Breaking News! Snow Day!” broadcast. 🎤🌨️
Their video put a fun, imaginative twist on the usual snow report. Thanks for showing off your creativity and representing BHS with so much talent. Keep up that Patriot Pride! 💙💛
📰 South High’s The Apricot Journal Earns REALM First-Class Award 📰
South High Community School’s student-led literary magazine, The Apricot Journal, has been named a REALM First Class magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English — a national honor recognizing excellence in student-produced literary publications.
Read more about The Apricot Journal: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2758880
South High Community School’s student-led literary magazine, The Apricot Journal, has been named a REALM First Class magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English — a national honor recognizing excellence in student-produced literary publications.
Read more about The Apricot Journal: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2758880
🎲 Family Math Night at Columbus Park 🎲
Students, families, caregivers and staff came together for a fun evening of learning at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy’s Family Math Night.
This event brought together the school community while engaging students, families and caregivers in math through hands-on activities, games and problem-solving.
For Grade 3 and Grade 4 students, the evening also highlighted the school’s Promise Cards program, which encourages students to keep working toward mastering their math facts, an important foundation for future math success.
Students, families, caregivers and staff came together for a fun evening of learning at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy’s Family Math Night.
This event brought together the school community while engaging students, families and caregivers in math through hands-on activities, games and problem-solving.
For Grade 3 and Grade 4 students, the evening also highlighted the school’s Promise Cards program, which encourages students to keep working toward mastering their math facts, an important foundation for future math success.
🌟 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, March 30
👉 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!
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, March 30
👉 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!
Midori Inspires Burncoat High Students! 🎻✨
Last week, world-renowned violinist Midori visited Burncoat High, working with students in the Performing, Visual & Media Arts Magnet Program! From hands-on workshops to a powerful final performance, it was incredible to see our young musicians grow, gain confidence, and connect through music.
The session was supported by Caroline Reiner, Artistic Director of Worcester’s Joy of Music Program, and Clara Kim, Coordinator and Performing Assistant for Midori’s Orchestra Residencies Program, who provided invaluable guidance to students during the residency.
A huge thank you to the Joy of Music Program for making this unforgettable experience possible. Moments like these remind us why the arts are the heartbeat of our district. 💚🤍
Alumni Spotlight: Joe Okla ’24
After being away from competitive basketball for a year, North High alum Joe Okla returned to the court in a big way.
Now a sophomore at Worcester State, Okla reunited with Coach Al Pettway, helping lead the Lancers to a MASCAC Championship while earning both MASCAC Rookie of the Year and MASCAC Tournament MVP honors.
👉 Read the full story: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2748778
After being away from competitive basketball for a year, North High alum Joe Okla returned to the court in a big way.
Now a sophomore at Worcester State, Okla reunited with Coach Al Pettway, helping lead the Lancers to a MASCAC Championship while earning both MASCAC Rookie of the Year and MASCAC Tournament MVP honors.
👉 Read the full story: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2748778
North High School Theater Presents Clue 🔎🎭
Students at North High School took the stage for opening night of their production of Clue, bringing mystery, laughs, and classic characters to the audience.
You can catch the show later today, March 7, at 2:00 PM at North High. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Check out a few photos from opening night!
Students at North High School took the stage for opening night of their production of Clue, bringing mystery, laughs, and classic characters to the audience.
You can catch the show later today, March 7, at 2:00 PM at North High. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Check out a few photos from opening night!
This Month’s Staff WooStar: Anita DiPilato, Secretary at North High School ⭐️
“Anita is more than a secretary, she is the heartbeat of North. Every day, she goes far beyond her job description to serve students, families, and staff with care and consistency. Students don’t just visit her office for paperwork; they go because they feel safe there. Anita creates a space where young people can be themselves, even on their hardest days. I’ve seen students walk in overwhelmed and leave encouraged, grounded, and ready to return to class. She listens without judgment and always makes sure they leave with a smile.”
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
“Anita is more than a secretary, she is the heartbeat of North. Every day, she goes far beyond her job description to serve students, families, and staff with care and consistency. Students don’t just visit her office for paperwork; they go because they feel safe there. Anita creates a space where young people can be themselves, even on their hardest days. I’ve seen students walk in overwhelmed and leave encouraged, grounded, and ready to return to class. She listens without judgment and always makes sure they leave with a smile.”
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: Aidan Gorczynski, 6th Grade, Empowered Individual at Lake View School ⭐️
“Aidan is a truly Empowered Individual who takes ownership of his education and future. As a sixth grader, he has grown into an amazing student who radiates confidence and kindness. He works incredibly hard to achieve his goals, often going the extra mile to help peers or improve his own work. His positive attitude and work ethic truly define him. He navigates his world with humor and grace, proving that he is not just capable of handling challenges, but capable of thriving in spite of them. He is a polite, funny, and driven role model for Lake View.”
This demonstrates that Aidan is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Aidan can confidently identify resources that can help them face a given challenge or to accelerate/enhance an opportunity, and explain the possible impact those resources could have (EI 3).
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
“Aidan is a truly Empowered Individual who takes ownership of his education and future. As a sixth grader, he has grown into an amazing student who radiates confidence and kindness. He works incredibly hard to achieve his goals, often going the extra mile to help peers or improve his own work. His positive attitude and work ethic truly define him. He navigates his world with humor and grace, proving that he is not just capable of handling challenges, but capable of thriving in spite of them. He is a polite, funny, and driven role model for Lake View.”
This demonstrates that Aidan is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Aidan can confidently identify resources that can help them face a given challenge or to accelerate/enhance an opportunity, and explain the possible impact those resources could have (EI 3).
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
