🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Alexi Rosa, South High Community School 🎓
After graduating this spring, Alexi plans to attend college and pursue a future career in forensic nursing.
She would like to be a nurse who can help people at times of need, specializing in forensics to provide a unique and specialized level of support to future patients.
Before starting college next fall, Alexi will be savoring summer by spending as much time as possible with her loved ones.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Your whole life is focused on making money or your career; be a kid as long as you can because when things get serious you would wish to go back.”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
🃏✨ Math Games at City View Discovery School! 📐
City View Discovery School was full of energy as students and families came together for a fun and interactive Math Games event! From card games to friendly competition, students strengthened their math skills while having a great time.
🎲 Families learned simple games they can continue playing at home—showing that math practice can be fun, engaging, and meaningful.
🧠 Events like this help build math fluency, boost confidence, and create positive connections to learning.
Thank you to all the families and staff who made the event such a success!
📸 Take a look at some highlights from the event and see the fun in action!
City View Discovery School was full of energy as students and families came together for a fun and interactive Math Games event! From card games to friendly competition, students strengthened their math skills while having a great time.
🎲 Families learned simple games they can continue playing at home—showing that math practice can be fun, engaging, and meaningful.
🧠 Events like this help build math fluency, boost confidence, and create positive connections to learning.
Thank you to all the families and staff who made the event such a success!
📸 Take a look at some highlights from the event and see the fun in action!
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: William Roman Polanco, Burncoat High School 🎓
William plans to attend a four-year college and one day graduate school to major in Business Marketing with a focus on fashion and graphic design.
His goal is to one day create a clothing brand that represents his community in Worcester, and inspire pride in those who wear it.
During his time in WPS, William has been deeply involved in his school community. He co-founded the first Latino Unity Group at Burncoat High and participated in programs such as the Torch Foundation and Dynamic Futures.
A recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, William says that art-based workshops, clubs, and community-building experiences helped him build the skills and confidence needed for life after high school.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Take every opportunity that is being offered to you and use the people and resources that are around you to help you be successful.”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
William plans to attend a four-year college and one day graduate school to major in Business Marketing with a focus on fashion and graphic design.
His goal is to one day create a clothing brand that represents his community in Worcester, and inspire pride in those who wear it.
During his time in WPS, William has been deeply involved in his school community. He co-founded the first Latino Unity Group at Burncoat High and participated in programs such as the Torch Foundation and Dynamic Futures.
A recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, William says that art-based workshops, clubs, and community-building experiences helped him build the skills and confidence needed for life after high school.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Take every opportunity that is being offered to you and use the people and resources that are around you to help you be successful.”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
Culture on Display at Claremont Academy 🌎🎉
Claremont Academy went global for Multicultural Spirit Week 2026. 🌍✨
From vibrant outfits to cultural pride on full display, the energy all week was incredible. Swipe through some of our favorite moments from the celebration.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their culture with our school community. We’re already counting down to next year! 🤘🔥
Claremont Academy went global for Multicultural Spirit Week 2026. 🌍✨
From vibrant outfits to cultural pride on full display, the energy all week was incredible. Swipe through some of our favorite moments from the celebration.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their culture with our school community. We’re already counting down to next year! 🤘🔥
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Suheydee Neron-Burgos, Doherty Memorial High School 🎓
Suheydee plans to attend UMass Lowell’s Manning School of Business Administration with the goal of one day managing a company or building her own business.
During her time at Doherty, Suheydee has balanced academics with leadership opportunities and real-world experiences. She has served as Cheer Captain for four years and was also part of the National Honor Society. She has completed three years of dual enrollment classes and has interned at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School.
Suheydee has also volunteered extensively in her community. She says that becoming involved, taking ownership of her achievements, and volunteering have helped her grow both academically and personally.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Be patient with yourself, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone of who you want to be.”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
Suheydee plans to attend UMass Lowell’s Manning School of Business Administration with the goal of one day managing a company or building her own business.
During her time at Doherty, Suheydee has balanced academics with leadership opportunities and real-world experiences. She has served as Cheer Captain for four years and was also part of the National Honor Society. She has completed three years of dual enrollment classes and has interned at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School.
Suheydee has also volunteered extensively in her community. She says that becoming involved, taking ownership of her achievements, and volunteering have helped her grow both academically and personally.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Be patient with yourself, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone of who you want to be.”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟
Today, we recognize the administrative professionals who help our school and district offices thrive during the school year.
From welcoming families, caregivers and students as the first friendly face they see, keeping schedules and records organized, and everything in between, we thank you for your continued support and impact in our school communities.
Pictured here are some of the incredible administrative professionals from City View Discovery School, Doherty Memorial High School, Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, Forest Grove Middle School, Lake View School, Midland Street School, Rice Square School, South High Community School, Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, and Worcester Technical High School!
Thank you for all that you do for our schools and WPS! 💙
Today, we recognize the administrative professionals who help our school and district offices thrive during the school year.
From welcoming families, caregivers and students as the first friendly face they see, keeping schedules and records organized, and everything in between, we thank you for your continued support and impact in our school communities.
Pictured here are some of the incredible administrative professionals from City View Discovery School, Doherty Memorial High School, Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, Forest Grove Middle School, Lake View School, Midland Street School, Rice Square School, South High Community School, Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, and Worcester Technical High School!
Thank you for all that you do for our schools and WPS! 💙
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Opanin Ofosu, North High School 🎓
After graduation this spring, Opanin plans to attend Worcester State University or UMass Lowell to major in Biology or Pharmacy. His long-term goal is to become a medical doctor or a pharmacist.
During his time in WPS, Opanin has challenged himself through AP courses, honors classes, and Early College. Beyond the classroom, he has been active in indoor track, outdoor track, and cross country, which taught him discipline and teamwork. He is also a leader in the Black Student Union, focusing on advocacy and community-building.
Opanin has already gained professional experience through a UMass internship in clinical and anatomic pathology. This hands-on work in hematology, phlebotomy, and microbiology has provided him with a strong foundation for a future career in healthcare.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Always take your GPA into account. Get involved in sports and clubs as much as you can handle, and give Early College a try. It gives a real sense of what college is like while still in high school.”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
After graduation this spring, Opanin plans to attend Worcester State University or UMass Lowell to major in Biology or Pharmacy. His long-term goal is to become a medical doctor or a pharmacist.
During his time in WPS, Opanin has challenged himself through AP courses, honors classes, and Early College. Beyond the classroom, he has been active in indoor track, outdoor track, and cross country, which taught him discipline and teamwork. He is also a leader in the Black Student Union, focusing on advocacy and community-building.
Opanin has already gained professional experience through a UMass internship in clinical and anatomic pathology. This hands-on work in hematology, phlebotomy, and microbiology has provided him with a strong foundation for a future career in healthcare.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Always take your GPA into account. Get involved in sports and clubs as much as you can handle, and give Early College a try. It gives a real sense of what college is like while still in high school.”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Jugeiry Perez, South High Community School 🎓
This fall, Jugeiry plans to attend a four-year college to study journalism. Her long-term goal is to become a journalist and one day publish her own novel.
Jugeiry has already explored her career interest while at South, serving as a reporter for the school’s newspaper, The Colonel Chronicle, gaining early experience as a reporter while also working on her writing skills.
She credits the school's journalism class, taught by Ms. Ledoux, as well as the mentorship of her other teachers as the driving force behind her chosen career path.
Before heading to college, Jugeiry plans to spend the summer making memories with friends and family. She looks forward to taking the lessons she learned at South with her as she continues to grow in college.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Do not be afraid to do things! High school has taught me to be more assertive and take the opportunities that present themselves: sign up for clubs, take challenging classes, and make new friends!”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
Worcester Public Schools will be closed in observance of Patriots' Day.
Learn more about the history and meaning of this day by exploring Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day resources: https://buff.ly/dr1Tref
Learn more about the history and meaning of this day by exploring Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day resources: https://buff.ly/dr1Tref
Build Day Volunteers Beautify 11 Worcester Public Schools! 🛠️✨
On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers — including many College of the Holy Cross students 💜 — beautified, cleaned up, or constructed playgrounds and learning spaces at 11 WPS elementary schools! 🏫🙌
Pictured here at Quinsigamond Elementary School, these Holy Cross students installed flower beds 🌻, a handicapped-accessible swing ♿️, and organized the school’s library. 📚
Check out the incredible work that happened across the city: 👇
Canterbury Street School: Construction of a privacy mesh for the outer fence; clean up of vegetation; and planting of a flower garden. 🌸🌿
Columbus Park School: Installation of playground equipment, soccer nets, and basketball hoops; plus general landscaping. ⚽️🏀
Gates Lane School: Installation of a privacy mesh; construction of a sensory garden; and planting a flower garden. 🪴🧠
Lake View School: Mural painting of the retaining wall and general outdoor clean-up. 🎨🧹
McGrath School: Building of a brand-new STEAM classroom! 🚀🔬
Norrback Avenue School: Construction of a sensory musical garden and a four-person swing. 🎵🛝
Rice Square School: Painting the main-floor hallway; construction of an outdoor shed for recess materials; and general beautification. 🖌️🏘️
Roosevelt School: Construction and painting of a dedicated sensory room. ✨🏫
Thorndyke Road School: Construction of a community resource room; installation of a handicap-accessible swingset; and a new gaga pit! 🤝🏟️
Wawecus Road School: Construction of a playground with Consigli Construction and cleaning of the gaga pit. 🏗️🔨
A massive THANK YOU to all the volunteers who showed up to make our schools brighter, safer, and more fun for our students! ❤️🍎
#WorcesterPublicSchools #WPS #BuildDay #CommunityService #WorcesterMA #HolyCross #Volunteerism #SchoolImprovement #StrongerTogether
On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers — including many College of the Holy Cross students 💜 — beautified, cleaned up, or constructed playgrounds and learning spaces at 11 WPS elementary schools! 🏫🙌
Pictured here at Quinsigamond Elementary School, these Holy Cross students installed flower beds 🌻, a handicapped-accessible swing ♿️, and organized the school’s library. 📚
Check out the incredible work that happened across the city: 👇
Canterbury Street School: Construction of a privacy mesh for the outer fence; clean up of vegetation; and planting of a flower garden. 🌸🌿
Columbus Park School: Installation of playground equipment, soccer nets, and basketball hoops; plus general landscaping. ⚽️🏀
Gates Lane School: Installation of a privacy mesh; construction of a sensory garden; and planting a flower garden. 🪴🧠
Lake View School: Mural painting of the retaining wall and general outdoor clean-up. 🎨🧹
McGrath School: Building of a brand-new STEAM classroom! 🚀🔬
Norrback Avenue School: Construction of a sensory musical garden and a four-person swing. 🎵🛝
Rice Square School: Painting the main-floor hallway; construction of an outdoor shed for recess materials; and general beautification. 🖌️🏘️
Roosevelt School: Construction and painting of a dedicated sensory room. ✨🏫
Thorndyke Road School: Construction of a community resource room; installation of a handicap-accessible swingset; and a new gaga pit! 🤝🏟️
Wawecus Road School: Construction of a playground with Consigli Construction and cleaning of the gaga pit. 🏗️🔨
A massive THANK YOU to all the volunteers who showed up to make our schools brighter, safer, and more fun for our students! ❤️🍎
#WorcesterPublicSchools #WPS #BuildDay #CommunityService #WorcesterMA #HolyCross #Volunteerism #SchoolImprovement #StrongerTogether
✨ WPS Special Education’s Celebration of Success ✨
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! 💙
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:
🎯📊 ST Math Puzzle Talk: Grade 6 at Vernon Hill School 📊🎯
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!
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!
✍️ Academic Writing Club at Worcester East ✍️
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.
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.
🎓 Worcester Technical High School Seniors Participate in Student Government Day 2026!
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! 💬
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! 💬
Gratitude in action at Elm Park Community School 💙
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! 🌟
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! 🌟
🌿 CKLA 3D Habitats at Union Hill School 🌿
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.
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 School Hosts 4th Annual Career Day 🎉
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!
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 High Teacher and Student Honored with Esther Goddard Awards 🚀
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. 🌙✨
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. 🌙✨
🌟 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, 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!
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!
