First Day of School in Worcester Public Schools! 📚
Students at Heard Street Discovery Academy arrived for the first day of the 2025–26 school year by walking a red carpet into the building, posing for photos and bringing great energy as they begin the year.
Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Petty, district leadership, members of the school committee, and student-athletes from the College of the Holy Cross were also on hand to welcome families and students back to school.
We’re looking forward to a great year ahead, and we’ll be welcoming our pre-k and kindergarten students on Thursday, August 28. 🎒📸
Students at Heard Street Discovery Academy arrived for the first day of the 2025–26 school year by walking a red carpet into the building, posing for photos and bringing great energy as they begin the year.
Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Petty, district leadership, members of the school committee, and student-athletes from the College of the Holy Cross were also on hand to welcome families and students back to school.
We’re looking forward to a great year ahead, and we’ll be welcoming our pre-k and kindergarten students on Thursday, August 28. 🎒📸
🎉 Burncoat High School Opens 25-Year Time Capsule! 🎉
Former teachers and students reunited today at Burncoat High School to uncover a time capsule from 2000! 📦✨
Some highlights from the capsule:
- Class photos and letters from students of 2000
- Memorabilia from school clubs, sports teams, and activities
- Local newspaper clippings from the Telegram & Gazette
- Art projects and personal mementos that capture the creativity and spirit of the students
- Student artwork envisioning the future, featuring online learning and innovative sneaker designs
- Yearbooks and other items documenting school events and achievements
💚🤍 Students also contributed notes to a new time capsule, keeping Burncoat’s legacy alive for future generations!
The event was a joyful celebration of Burncoat’s history, connecting past and present while giving everyone a glimpse into the school’s vibrant culture 25 years ago.
📖✨ Read more: https://buff.ly/Y1xktJA
🍎 What’s on the Menu at Worcester Public Schools? 🥪
Families and students, Worcester Public Schools offers daily breakfast and lunch menus for every school—healthy, tasty, and always available! From fresh fruits 🍓 and veggies 🥕 to your favorite hot meals 🍝, there’s something for everyone.
➡️ Check out today’s menu and all your meal options.
👉 https://buff.ly/kQTdEup
Keep your student fueled and ready to learn!
Families and students, Worcester Public Schools offers daily breakfast and lunch menus for every school—healthy, tasty, and always available! From fresh fruits 🍓 and veggies 🥕 to your favorite hot meals 🍝, there’s something for everyone.
➡️ Check out today’s menu and all your meal options.
👉 https://buff.ly/kQTdEup
Keep your student fueled and ready to learn!
🌟 Countdown to Kindergarten at Polar Park! 🌟
Hundreds of incoming kindergarteners and their families joined us for a fun-filled day to celebrate the start of school!
Our youngest students played games with future classmates, rode a school bus, made music, received free books, and explored what to expect in Kindergarten.
Countdown to Kindergarten gives students and caregivers a preview of the first days of school, while offering families the chance to ask questions and connect with district staff and community resources.
Pre-K and Kindergarten begin Thursday, August 28 — we can't wait to welcome you on your first day! 🎒✨
Hundreds of incoming kindergarteners and their families joined us for a fun-filled day to celebrate the start of school!
Our youngest students played games with future classmates, rode a school bus, made music, received free books, and explored what to expect in Kindergarten.
Countdown to Kindergarten gives students and caregivers a preview of the first days of school, while offering families the chance to ask questions and connect with district staff and community resources.
Pre-K and Kindergarten begin Thursday, August 28 — we can't wait to welcome you on your first day! 🎒✨
🎒 Back to School in Worcester Public Schools! 🎒
We’re counting down the days until the start of the 2025–26 school year, and we’re excited to welcome students, families & caregivers, and WPS staff back to school.
➡️ Grades 1-12 start Monday, August 25.
➡️ PreK & Kindergarten begin Thursday, August 28.
Visit the Worcester Public Schools Back to School webpage for resources to help you start the year strong, including bus information, meals & nutrition, FAQs and more.
👉 https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/information-for-new-families
Let’s make this school year a great one!
We’re counting down the days until the start of the 2025–26 school year, and we’re excited to welcome students, families & caregivers, and WPS staff back to school.
➡️ Grades 1-12 start Monday, August 25.
➡️ PreK & Kindergarten begin Thursday, August 28.
Visit the Worcester Public Schools Back to School webpage for resources to help you start the year strong, including bus information, meals & nutrition, FAQs and more.
👉 https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/information-for-new-families
Let’s make this school year a great one!
🎓 Vision to Action: 2025–2026 Worcester Public Schools Leadership Convening Highlights
This morning, Superintendent Brian E. Allen kicked off the convening with the Strategic Plan: Our Promise to the Future, spotlighting:
📚 Equitable Resources & Educational Programs
🤝 Family & Community Engagement
🌟 Culture & Climate
🧑🏫 Acquire & Retain Talent
💖 Health & Wellness
🏫 Modernized & Safe Facilities
He also emphasized WPS core values: ⚖️ Equity, 🌈 Inclusivity, 🤗 Belonging, 🙏 Respect, and 🤝 Collaboration.
The day featured a keynote by Adam Braun 🎤, a student performance by the Burncoat Spirit Team 💃, a high school photo activity 📸 that sparked smiles, a performance by Jimmy Cash 🎶, followed by the awards 🏆 from the photo activity.
👀📷 Check out some photos from the day!
This morning, Superintendent Brian E. Allen kicked off the convening with the Strategic Plan: Our Promise to the Future, spotlighting:
📚 Equitable Resources & Educational Programs
🤝 Family & Community Engagement
🌟 Culture & Climate
🧑🏫 Acquire & Retain Talent
💖 Health & Wellness
🏫 Modernized & Safe Facilities
He also emphasized WPS core values: ⚖️ Equity, 🌈 Inclusivity, 🤗 Belonging, 🙏 Respect, and 🤝 Collaboration.
The day featured a keynote by Adam Braun 🎤, a student performance by the Burncoat Spirit Team 💃, a high school photo activity 📸 that sparked smiles, a performance by Jimmy Cash 🎶, followed by the awards 🏆 from the photo activity.
👀📷 Check out some photos from the day!
🚌 🏫LEI Back to School Community Fair
🫶🏽Superintendent Brian Allen joined community leaders and families for Latino Education Institute’s Back-to-School Community Fair on Saturday, August 16.
🎊 The annual event comes as LEI celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing education and resources to Latino families in close partnership with Worcester Public Schools. 46% of WPS students are Latino.
🎒Mr. Allen and other leaders spoke at the beginning of the event, which includes classroom workshops for caregivers along with a backpack school supply giveaway and a cultural dance performance. The event took place at Worcester State University.
🫶🏽Superintendent Brian Allen joined community leaders and families for Latino Education Institute’s Back-to-School Community Fair on Saturday, August 16.
🎊 The annual event comes as LEI celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing education and resources to Latino families in close partnership with Worcester Public Schools. 46% of WPS students are Latino.
🎒Mr. Allen and other leaders spoke at the beginning of the event, which includes classroom workshops for caregivers along with a backpack school supply giveaway and a cultural dance performance. The event took place at Worcester State University.
Mural in Remembrance of Zella and Chasity Nuñez Unveiled at Columbus Park
A mural was recently unveiled at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy in memory of Zella Nuñez and her mother, Chasity.
The mural overlooks the school's playground and blacktop area, which has also been named The Zella Way.
"The Zella Way – kindness, peace, fun, and a bright smile – will continue to brighten our school and community every day," said Columbus Park Principal Lisa Carignan.
The unveiling brought together members of the Columbus Park community, including family, classmates & teachers, members of the school committee and district leaders, to honor Zella and Chasity. The mural was created by muralist Chad Fandel.
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Worcester Public Schools Conduct Facility Upgrades Over Summer 🏫🔧
The Worcester Public Schools Facilities Department recently conducted several improvement projects over the summer, investing in building upgrades that enhance safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and learning environments for students.
The improvement projects spanned multiple schools including Worcester East Middle School, Worcester Technical High School, Roosevelt Elementary School, Thorndyke Road School, Lincoln Street School, Gerald Creamer Center and Challenge & Reach Academy.
“These projects aim to improve the day-to-day operations of our buildings by enhancing accessibility, safety, insulation, and overall learning conditions for students and staff,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “Investing in these upgrades ensures our schools remain safe and functional places where students can focus on learning. A big thank you to our Facilities Department staff and contractors for all their hard work.”
Read more, including a complete list of upgrades: https://buff.ly/Bt5Gvz4
The Worcester Public Schools Facilities Department recently conducted several improvement projects over the summer, investing in building upgrades that enhance safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and learning environments for students.
The improvement projects spanned multiple schools including Worcester East Middle School, Worcester Technical High School, Roosevelt Elementary School, Thorndyke Road School, Lincoln Street School, Gerald Creamer Center and Challenge & Reach Academy.
“These projects aim to improve the day-to-day operations of our buildings by enhancing accessibility, safety, insulation, and overall learning conditions for students and staff,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “Investing in these upgrades ensures our schools remain safe and functional places where students can focus on learning. A big thank you to our Facilities Department staff and contractors for all their hard work.”
Read more, including a complete list of upgrades: https://buff.ly/Bt5Gvz4
🌟 Early College Summer Camps at Worcester State University 🌟
Over two weeks, 200 rising 9th & 10th graders got a taste of college life at Worcester State University! From forensics and physics to art, yoga, and TV production, students explored hands-on workshops, enjoyed campus dining, and used university athletic facilities.
Next up: these students will earn college credits while still in high school — a free head start on their future! 🎓
📸 Take a look at this year’s camp highlights!
Over two weeks, 200 rising 9th & 10th graders got a taste of college life at Worcester State University! From forensics and physics to art, yoga, and TV production, students explored hands-on workshops, enjoyed campus dining, and used university athletic facilities.
Next up: these students will earn college credits while still in high school — a free head start on their future! 🎓
📸 Take a look at this year’s camp highlights!
🚍 Worcester Public Schools Releases Bus Routes Early for Second Year in a Row
Bus routes for the 2025–26 school year were released early on August 1 to help families get ready.
What’s new this year?
✅ Fully staffed with drivers
✅ 104 routes serving nearly 12,000 students daily
✅ 20 brand-new electric buses rolling out this fall 🌱
Find your student’s bus stop:
Students can log in to the WooEdu Student Portal with their WPS Google account.
Parents and caregivers can find stops on the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver Portal — just click “More” on the left sidebar.
📖 Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2349277
Bus routes for the 2025–26 school year were released early on August 1 to help families get ready.
What’s new this year?
✅ Fully staffed with drivers
✅ 104 routes serving nearly 12,000 students daily
✅ 20 brand-new electric buses rolling out this fall 🌱
Find your student’s bus stop:
Students can log in to the WooEdu Student Portal with their WPS Google account.
Parents and caregivers can find stops on the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver Portal — just click “More” on the left sidebar.
📖 Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2349277
🔧 $400,000 Grant for Adult Diesel Technology Program Awarded to Worcester Public Schools 🔧
Worcester Public Schools recently received $399,996 in state grant funding to offer a free 15-week evening Diesel Technology program starting on Tuesday, September 2 at South High Community School!
The funding for this opportunity, which comes from the state's Career Technical Initiative Grant, will help WPS Night Life and MassHire North Central train local adults for in-demand careers in Diesel Technology at no cost to those who qualify.
Eligibility:
✔️ MA resident
✔️ 18+ by end of training
✔️ Authorized to work in the U.S.
✔️ Unemployed or earning under $56,100/year
School Supply Drop-Off from St. Mary’s Church 🎒
Representatives from St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson recently dropped off hundreds of school supplies for WPS students, following their summer-long donation drive to support our schools.
Among the group was a former WPS kindergarten teacher — making the gesture even more special.
These school supplies will be distributed to students this fall, and we are so grateful for the generosity and partnership of the St. Mary’s community.
Representatives from St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson recently dropped off hundreds of school supplies for WPS students, following their summer-long donation drive to support our schools.
Among the group was a former WPS kindergarten teacher — making the gesture even more special.
These school supplies will be distributed to students this fall, and we are so grateful for the generosity and partnership of the St. Mary’s community.
🍦 A Sweet Summer Tradition 🍦
Superintendent Brian Allen continued a summer tradition, hosting an ice cream social at the Durkin Administration Building for WPS employees!
The event is both a thank-you to our hardworking 12-month staff and a cheerful welcome back to returning school-year staff.
Special thanks to Jerry's Ice Cream for providing the ice cream for this back to school celebration!
Superintendent Brian Allen continued a summer tradition, hosting an ice cream social at the Durkin Administration Building for WPS employees!
The event is both a thank-you to our hardworking 12-month staff and a cheerful welcome back to returning school-year staff.
Special thanks to Jerry's Ice Cream for providing the ice cream for this back to school celebration!
🎓 Congratulations to the Worcester Public Schools Class of 2025! 🎉
From classrooms to commencement, you've worked hard and it shows.
Now you're headed to:
🏛️ Prestigious colleges and universities
🪖 Military service with honor
🛠️ High-skill, high-demand career fields
Whether it’s Yale or QCC, the Marines or a union apprenticeship, you're chasing goals and breaking barriers. The world better make room—WPS grads are coming! 💚🤍💚
👇 Check out where the Class of 2025 is headed next: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2285489
🫂Dr. Monárrez Bids Farewell
👋🏽Superintendent Rachel Monárrez says good bye to the Worcester Public Schools in this heartfelt video message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3PFpU7m_34
❤️In her video, she says, “My time here in Worcester has been one of the most rewarding of my professional life.
“In fact, if I were to name my two favorite jobs in the education field I’ve ever held, they would be being a classroom teacher and being a superintendent. Why? Because in both roles, you have the most direct impact on the lives of our scholars. …
“Worcester holds a very special place in my heart, and I will miss the community dearly. Yet, I know the district is on a clear trajectory toward excellence. …
“I have every confidence that this positive momentum will continue under the leadership of Brian Allen, whose dedication and vision will serve our scholars and staff incredibly well.
“Thank you, Worcester. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your unwavering commitment to our scholars.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you.”
Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the end of slavery in the United States.
This day reminds us of the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all. Let's honor the resilience and contributions of the Black community and continue to educate ourselves and our students about the importance of this historic day.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Juneteenth! ✊🏽🖤❤️💚
Learn more https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth
“Gratitude, Joy and Love.”
As she was being honored by the Worcester School Committee for her three years of service on Wednesday night, Dr. Rachel Monárrez used those three words to describe how she feels about the Worcester Public Schools.
The superintendent was formally recognized with a ceremonial chair for her visionary work leading the district. Her husband, Jesus, joined her for photos with current and former members of the School Committee, the WPS leadership team, community leaders.
One person gifted Dr. Monárrez a t-shirt that read, “I’m that legendary Superintendent that everyone is talking about!”
In her remarks, Dr. Monárrez said that “we can hold traditions and progress in the same space.”
“As I leave with a heart full of gratitude, joy, and live, I ask each one of you to allow for traditions and progress to coexist. We can have curriculum that is relevant to diverse youth and also teach the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. We can have safe and orderly schools and practice restorative justice. We can provide an administrative support system and be fiscally responsible. We do not have to live in the space of ‘or.’ Practice the ‘and.’ You will feet gratitude, joy and love for what we can do, why we exist, and allow our children to thrive.”
📸 Smiles, Success & Summer Vibes! ☀️
As we close the chapter on this school year, we reflect with gratitude on the growth, resilience, and joy that filled every corner of Worcester Public Schools. 💚📚
This summer, we say thank you and farewell to Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD 👋🎓—whose leadership guided us with care and purpose.
At the same time, we look ahead with excitement as we welcome Brian Allen 🎉📝 as the next Superintendent of WPS—bringing fresh energy and vision for the road ahead.
Here are just a few moments that capture the spirit of 2024–2025—from classrooms buzzing with curiosity 🔍✏️ to championship wins 🏆, student celebrations 🎭🎨, and the friendships that made it all worthwhile. 🤝💫
To our students, staff, and families: thank you for your dedication, support, and heart throughout this journey. 🙏❤️
Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and restorative summer ☀️—we look forward to welcoming you back in late August for new adventures together! 🚌🎒📅
🍎 Summer Eats Starts Monday, June 23! ☀️
Worcester Public Schools is excited to kick off free summer meals for all kids and teens 18 and under—no registration or ID needed!
🍽️ Meals will be served Monday through Friday at schools, parks, pools, libraries, and neighborhoods across Worcester — plus Saturdays at local markets!
📅 Program runs June 23 – August 15 (No service on July 4)
🔗 For daily site updates, visit: https://buff.ly/Dn8M15x
Let’s keep our kids fueled, healthy, and ready for summer fun! 💚
Times and meals are subject to change.
