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. 💚🤍
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
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!
“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
“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
Sixth graders at Roosevelt School connected their force and motion science unit to the 2026 Winter Olympics through hands-on competition and real-world learning experiments.
By examining Winter Olympic sports such as skiing, curling, hockey, and bobsledding, students learned how gravity, friction, and speed influence motion and athletic performance.
60 students across three homerooms participated, with classes going head-to-head to advance through semifinal and final rounds and compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
The project opened with a sledding ceremony in the schoolyard and concluded with medal presentations on the podium for each winner.
This lesson highlights Roosevelt students as Curious Learners, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Students received and integrated constructive feedback into their learning to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their work (CL 2).
This week, we recognize School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor Week and want to take a moment to thank our school adjustment counselors across the district for all they do 🙏✨.
Our school adjustment counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being 🧠💛. They partner closely with families 👨👩👧👦 and work alongside school teams 🤝 to make sure students and families are supported through both everyday challenges and critical moments ⚡.
On behalf of Worcester Public Schools, thank you for your dedication and heart 👏. Every day, your work makes a meaningful difference for our students and families 🌟.
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the second quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2739056
Nothing kicks off a school day like a yummy breakfast 🍌🥪! This week we’re celebrating all the ways breakfast helps our students fuel up, focus, and tackle the day like champions. 💪
From fresh fruit and whole grains to warm favorites, the Worcester Public Schools Nutrition team is serving up delicious meals that make mornings brighter for our students. 💛
Families, breakfast is available for all students, so remind your kids to grab a bite and start the day strong! 🌟
March is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the nation. This Women’s History Month, we honor the trailblazers who paved the way and uplift the leaders shaping tomorrow.
Learn more about Women’s History Month ➡️ https://buff.ly/2FuPVEI
Social media graphic created by Worcester Technical High School 11th grade Finance, Marketing and Business Management student Julio Cesar Barros.
🌟 From Student to Superintendent: Brian E. Allen
An exclusive story by Mackenzie O’Brien, Doherty High
Ever wonder what it’s like to grow up in Worcester and one day lead its schools? Superintendent Brian E. Allen knows exactly what that’s like.
He started out just like many of our students: ⚾ playing baseball at South High, 💬 attending school committee meetings as a teen, and 🍕 sneaking cafeteria snacks (long before walking nachos and empanadas were a thing!).
His advice to students? “Don’t give up the opportunities that are going to be presented to you.” Wise words from someone who’s been there.
Check out Mackenzie’s full interview here 👉 https://dmhsherald.org/9049/entertainment/from-student-to-superintendent-brian-allen/
🎓High School Graduation Dates for the Class of 2026!
The time is almost here! Check out the graduation dates for Worcester Public Schools’ Class of 2026:
• Wednesday, May 27: North High School
• Friday, May 29: University Park Campus School
• Monday, June 1: Doherty Memorial High School
• Tuesday, June 2: Gerald Creamer Center & Evening High School
• Tuesday, June 2: Worcester Technical High School
• Wednesday, June 3: South High Community School
• Thursday, June 4: Worcester Alternative School
• Friday, June 5: Burncoat High School
• Monday, June 8: Claremont Academy
• Tuesday, June 9: Adult Learning Center
Celebrate the hard work and dedication of our graduates as they move on to their next chapter! 🎓🌟
For full details on graduation dates, visit: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2734401
🎷The team was recognized by the Worcester School Committee at the recent meeting.
Today, students at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School came together to celebrate Black History Month and the incredible history, achievements, and cultures that make our community so vibrant. ✨
From lively Pre-K impersonations of Mae Jemison and Mary Jackson 👩🏾🚀👩🏽🔧, to kindergarten dance performances 💃🕺, and Grade 5 Underground Railroad project presentations 🚂📖, students across all grades explored important stories, contributions, and resilience, sharing their learning with pride and excitement.
Through music 🎶, projects 📚, and cultural celebrations 🌎, our school family united to honor history, heritage, and the joy of learning in both English and Spanish.
📸 Take a look at the photos to see the amazing ways our students celebrated Black History Month! 🎨✨
Reminder: Police Training at South High on Thursday, February 19
This message is a public service announcement that the Worcester Police Department will host a large-scale training exercise at South High Community School on Apricot Street on Thursday, February 19.
South High will be closed to the public from 7:00 AM-3:00 PM on Thursday. Please note that classes are not in session because it's a school vacation week.
During that time, there will be a large police presence in the vicinity of the school. Please know police are conducting training and there is no threat to the public.
Police Training at South High on Thursday, February 19
This message is a public service announcement that the Worcester Police Department will host a training exercise at South High Community School on Apricot Street on Thursday, February 19.
South High will be closed to the public from 7:00 AM-3:00 PM on Thursday. Please note that classes are not in session because it's a school vacation week.
During that time, there will be a large police presence in the vicinity of the school. Please know police are conducting training and there is no threat to the public.
Our 7th and 8th graders at Forest Grove Middle School are celebrating Black History Month by exploring the lives and contributions of influential African Americans who helped shape our world. ✨📚
Students 🔍 researched their chosen individuals, 🛠️ highlighted achievements and inventions, and 🌍 reflected on how these trailblazers continue to impact our lives today. ✏️🎨
Through creativity, writing, and thoughtful reflection, students connected the past to the present, showing how history continues to shape our world. 🌟💡
We are proud of their hard work, creativity, and discoveries! 🎉👏
📸 Check out the photos to see our students in action! 📷✨
🏫 Worcester to Expand Full-Day Preschool, Launch Targeted Special Education Program
🎒The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) will create 75 additional full-time preschool (Pre-K) seats at five schools and launch a targeted preschool special education support program for 108 preschool-age students in a cost-neutral move that will better serve the needs of the city’s youngest learners.
Students are selected for Pre-K through an annual randomized lottery process; the application form opened on February 9 on worcesterschools.org/enrollment for the 2026-27 year, which begins in September. Families may also call the Parent Information Center at 508-799-3194.
For preschool-age children who have a disability or suspected disability, parents are asked to contact the WPS Special Education Department for an assessment prior to applying for Pre-K or enrolling in school.
Additionally, preschool-age children may attend Worcester Head Start, which is operated by WPS, if they meet federal income guidelines following an application process.
“Full-day preschool and targeted special education support ensure children enter kindergarten prepared and ready to learn,” Superintendent Brian E. Allen said. “We believe this expansion will make a significant difference in creating positive educational outcomes in elementary school.”
“It’s clear families want expanded full-day preschool and we are working to continuously grow this option,” Allen added.
Visit worcesterschools.org/enrollment for more information.
South High Community School welcomed students, families, caregivers, and school staff for its annual Lunar New Year Festival, hosted by the school’s Asian Student Association (ASA).
The event brought the school community together for an evening of cultural celebration ahead of Lunar New Year on February 17. Students showcased their talents through live performances, while attendees enjoyed catered food, fun games, a photo booth, and food tables hosted by local businesses.
Check out some of the sights from a fun evening at South High!
