WPS Transition Celebrates Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month 💙🤟
Throughout Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month, students and staff in the WPS Transition Program explored deaf history and culture through daily presentations and activities.
Most recently, students learned about the history of hereditary deafness on Martha’s Vineyard and how it contributed to the development of an inclusive community where both deaf and hearing residents used sign language to communicate.
Students are also building their American Sign Language (ASL) skills throughout the school year, with staff learning alongside them. During daily check-ins, students use an emotion chart to practice signing and share how they’re feeling.
Student helpers from the College of the Holy Cross also visit the program to support students and encourage conversations about communication and inclusion.
Pictured in slide one are students from the WPS Transition Program alongside Holy Cross student helpers and Transition Department staff. 💙
🌎 Hispanic Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt at South High Community School! 🌎
Students in Ms. DiOrio’s Spanish III class recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun scavenger hunt throughout the World Languages Wing!
As they made their way through the activity, students discovered facts about Spanish-speaking countries, including national independence days, capital cities, flag colors and their meanings, and other interesting cultural traditions.
Students in Ms. DiOrio’s Spanish III class recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun scavenger hunt throughout the World Languages Wing!
As they made their way through the activity, students discovered facts about Spanish-speaking countries, including national independence days, capital cities, flag colors and their meanings, and other interesting cultural traditions.
The Worcester Early College High (WECH) program has kicked off its Fall 2026 semester! We are excited to welcome our students back to another year of college-level learning and transformative opportunities.
Through WECH, Worcester Public Schools (WPS) students take actual college courses while in high school, earning college credits, experiencing college-level expectations, and building early momentum toward their postsecondary goals.
Program Goals & Expectations:
Our primary goal is for all WECH students to graduate high school with 12 or more college credits (equivalent to 4 completed courses). Participating in WECH helps students build essential life skills, including time management, self-advocacy, organization, and independent learning, all while backed by high school and college support networks.
What Students Need to Do:
Attend all high school and college classes regularly and arrive prepared.
Monitor assignments, grades, deadlines, and course announcements closely.
Keep lines of communication open with college instructors, high school counselors, and families.
Take full advantage of available academic support and campus resources on both high school and college campuses.
Fall 2026 Important Dates & Deadlines
Classes Begin:
Sept 3: First day of class for WSU & QCC (Tuesday/Thursday schedule)
Sept 9: First day of class for QCC (Monday/Wednesday schedule)
Add/Drop Deadlines:
Sept 8: Last day to ADD a class (WSU)
Sept 15: Last day to DROP a class (WSU)
Sept 16: Add/Drop window ends (QCC)
Midterms & Holidays (No Class):
Oct 30: Midterm / Progress grades posted (QCC)
Nov 3: WPS Professional Development Day (No WSU classes on WSU campus)
Nov 25: Thanksgiving Break (No QCC classes on QCC campus
Withdrawal Deadlines:
Nov 2: Final date to WITHDRAW (WSU)
Nov 20: Final date to WITHDRAW (QCC)
Semester End:
Dec 17: Last day of classes (QCC)
Dec 18: Last day of classes (WSU)
Belmont Street Community School Partners with Good Sports & TJX for Sports Equipment Donation 🏀⚽
Belmont Street Community School celebrated a new partnership with national nonprofit Good Sports on September 18 with a Mini Field Day featuring a major donation of sports equipment and athletic apparel.
Through the two-year partnership, the school will be able to request equipment as needed to expand after-school programming and strengthen its physical education curriculum.
The donation includes equipment for pickleball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, badminton, gymnastics and flag football, along with more than 200 t-shirts, athletic socks, training and recovery gear, and equipment maintenance supplies.
Students and staff put the new equipment to use during the Mini Field Day, taking part in pickleball, soccer drills, flag football and team games alongside volunteers from TJX Companies.
The partnership will help create more opportunities for students to stay active, try new sports and enjoy outdoor play.
South High Community School Alumna and Worcester Educator Nancy Mayer Bates Honored with Court Dedication 🏀
The City of Worcester recently dedicated the basketball court at Greenwood Park to Nancy Mayer Bates '82, honoring the South High alumna whose legacy spans both athletics and education in Worcester.
Bates was a standout student-athlete at South High before going on to play women’s basketball at the University of Virginia, where she served as a two-time team captain. After her playing career, she returned to Worcester Public Schools and spent three decades as an educator at North High School.
The court dedication celebrates Bates’ accomplishments as a student-athlete and her lasting impact on generations of Worcester students and the WPS community.
The City of Worcester recently dedicated the basketball court at Greenwood Park to Nancy Mayer Bates '82, honoring the South High alumna whose legacy spans both athletics and education in Worcester.
Bates was a standout student-athlete at South High before going on to play women’s basketball at the University of Virginia, where she served as a two-time team captain. After her playing career, she returned to Worcester Public Schools and spent three decades as an educator at North High School.
The court dedication celebrates Bates’ accomplishments as a student-athlete and her lasting impact on generations of Worcester students and the WPS community.
🕊️ Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a time for reflection, prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and renewal for those who observe it. 🙏🕯️
Worcester Public Schools honors and recognizes the members of our community who celebrate Yom Kippur. 🕊️
Learn more about Yom Kippur from history.com: https://www.history.com/articles/yom-kippur-history
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a time for reflection, prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and renewal for those who observe it. 🙏🕯️
Worcester Public Schools honors and recognizes the members of our community who celebrate Yom Kippur. 🕊️
Learn more about Yom Kippur from history.com: https://www.history.com/articles/yom-kippur-history
✊🏽 Stand Against Racism with Main South ✊🏽
Fall student-athletes from the Main South co-op, made up of Claremont Academy and University Park Campus School, met earlier this week for their Stand Against Racism assembly.
Student-athletes came together to read the student pledge against racism, affirming a commitment to standing against racism in the Worcester community.
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen and members of the WPS administration have now brought this important conversation to student-athletes at each of our high schools.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes.
Fall student-athletes from the Main South co-op, made up of Claremont Academy and University Park Campus School, met earlier this week for their Stand Against Racism assembly.
Student-athletes came together to read the student pledge against racism, affirming a commitment to standing against racism in the Worcester community.
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen and members of the WPS administration have now brought this important conversation to student-athletes at each of our high schools.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes.
🤝 Clark University and Worcester Public Schools Formalize Partnership Through New Memorandum of Understanding
Worcester Public Schools and Clark University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing and strengthening their decades-long partnership to expand educational opportunities for Worcester students and support educators and staff.
The agreement creates a framework for continued collaboration in:
🎓 College Access: Expanding scholarships, dual enrollment, and early college opportunities for Worcester students.
🍎 Grow Our Own: Supporting WPS students, paraprofessionals, and community members interested in pursuing careers in education.
📚 Teaching & Learning: Creating opportunities for curriculum development, classroom partnerships, internships, field placements, and enrichment programs.
🔬 Research & Professional Development: Expanding joint research, faculty collaboration, and professional development for WPS teachers, administrators, and staff.
Clark’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program has also served as an important pathway into WPS. Approximately 120 WPS teachers are graduates of Clark’s MAT program, with 217 Clark alumni employed by WPS as of September 2025.
Together, Clark University and Worcester Public Schools are building on a longstanding partnership to create more opportunities for students, educators, and the Worcester community.
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3136180
Worcester Public Schools and Clark University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing and strengthening their decades-long partnership to expand educational opportunities for Worcester students and support educators and staff.
The agreement creates a framework for continued collaboration in:
🎓 College Access: Expanding scholarships, dual enrollment, and early college opportunities for Worcester students.
🍎 Grow Our Own: Supporting WPS students, paraprofessionals, and community members interested in pursuing careers in education.
📚 Teaching & Learning: Creating opportunities for curriculum development, classroom partnerships, internships, field placements, and enrichment programs.
🔬 Research & Professional Development: Expanding joint research, faculty collaboration, and professional development for WPS teachers, administrators, and staff.
Clark’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program has also served as an important pathway into WPS. Approximately 120 WPS teachers are graduates of Clark’s MAT program, with 217 Clark alumni employed by WPS as of September 2025.
Together, Clark University and Worcester Public Schools are building on a longstanding partnership to create more opportunities for students, educators, and the Worcester community.
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3136180
🏫 Know Your School Night at Canterbury Street Magnet Computer-Based School!
Last night, families and caregivers came together at Canterbury Street Magnet Computer-Based School for an evening of connection, conversation, and learning.
Know Your School Night gives families the opportunity to meet school staff, learn more about their school, ask questions, and connect with others in the school community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening a great one! 📚
Visit worcesterschools.org/KYSN to see upcoming Know Your School Nights across the district.
Last night, families and caregivers came together at Canterbury Street Magnet Computer-Based School for an evening of connection, conversation, and learning.
Know Your School Night gives families the opportunity to meet school staff, learn more about their school, ask questions, and connect with others in the school community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening a great one! 📚
Visit worcesterschools.org/KYSN to see upcoming Know Your School Nights across the district.
Remembering 9/11 🇺🇸
On the 25th anniversary of September 11, Worcester Public Schools paused at 8:46 AM for a district-wide moment of silence to honor the lives lost.
Across the district, schools reflected on 9/11 through hands-on projects, historical lessons, and ceremonies.
South High Community School held its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, where students observed a presentation by the JROTC supported by performances from the school band and chorus.
Students at Midland Street School created thank-you cards for local community helpers, read 14 Cows for America, and linked together written acts of kindness to form a community chain.
Classrooms at Tatnuck Magnet School focused their lessons on the character traits of the brave first responders and volunteers who selflessly put themselves in danger to help others.
Students and staff at Francis J. McGrath School gathered around the flagpole as a school community to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and share a moment of silence together.
At Burncoat High School, Ms. Kucera’s World History students analyzed primary source photographs in small groups to examine historical evidence and discuss the events of September 11, 2001.
English students at North High School watched a mini-documentary about 9/11 rescue dogs and practiced citing evidence from the video to support claims about their service.
At West Tatnuck School, sixth graders reflected on how studying history helps protect communities, while fifth graders compared stories of global compassion and local heroics to create artwork and essays defining what it means to be a helper.
On the 25th anniversary of September 11, Worcester Public Schools paused at 8:46 AM for a district-wide moment of silence to honor the lives lost.
Across the district, schools reflected on 9/11 through hands-on projects, historical lessons, and ceremonies.
South High Community School held its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, where students observed a presentation by the JROTC supported by performances from the school band and chorus.
Students at Midland Street School created thank-you cards for local community helpers, read 14 Cows for America, and linked together written acts of kindness to form a community chain.
Classrooms at Tatnuck Magnet School focused their lessons on the character traits of the brave first responders and volunteers who selflessly put themselves in danger to help others.
Students and staff at Francis J. McGrath School gathered around the flagpole as a school community to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and share a moment of silence together.
At Burncoat High School, Ms. Kucera’s World History students analyzed primary source photographs in small groups to examine historical evidence and discuss the events of September 11, 2001.
English students at North High School watched a mini-documentary about 9/11 rescue dogs and practiced citing evidence from the video to support claims about their service.
At West Tatnuck School, sixth graders reflected on how studying history helps protect communities, while fifth graders compared stories of global compassion and local heroics to create artwork and essays defining what it means to be a helper.
🎉 Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! 🇺🇸🌎
Celebrating Worcester's vibrant Hispanic and Latino community all month long! 🎉
💡 Did you know? In 1973, the Concilio de Padres was founded to advocate for equal education for Spanish-speaking students in Worcester. 📚
🔗 Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month at https://buff.ly/2Z8hbrt
🇪🇸 Español:
🎉 ¡Celebramos a la vibrante comunidad hispana y latina de Worcester durante todo el mes!
💡 ¿Sabías que? En 1973, se fundó el Concilio de Padres para abogar por una educación igualitaria para los estudiantes hispanohablantes en Worcester.
🔗 Descubre más sobre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en https://buff.ly/2Z8hbrt
Celebrating Worcester's vibrant Hispanic and Latino community all month long! 🎉
💡 Did you know? In 1973, the Concilio de Padres was founded to advocate for equal education for Spanish-speaking students in Worcester. 📚
🔗 Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month at https://buff.ly/2Z8hbrt
🇪🇸 Español:
🎉 ¡Celebramos a la vibrante comunidad hispana y latina de Worcester durante todo el mes!
💡 ¿Sabías que? En 1973, se fundó el Concilio de Padres para abogar por una educación igualitaria para los estudiantes hispanohablantes en Worcester.
🔗 Descubre más sobre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en https://buff.ly/2Z8hbrt
✊🏽 Stand Against Racism Assembly at Doherty and North ✊🏽
Doherty Memorial High School and North High School each held assemblies for fall student-athletes to Stand Against Racism this week.
Student-athletes came together to read the student pledge against racism, affirming a commitment to standing against racism in the Worcester community.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes.
Doherty Memorial High School and North High School each held assemblies for fall student-athletes to Stand Against Racism this week.
Student-athletes came together to read the student pledge against racism, affirming a commitment to standing against racism in the Worcester community.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes.
🍎🍯 Shana Tova! Happy Rosh Hashanah!
Wishing all our Jewish families a happy Rosh Hashanah! 🍎🍯 Beginning today at sundown, Rosh Hashanah marks the celebration of the world's creation and a fresh start for all. 🌅
📚 To learn more, check out this article on the significance of this holiday: https://buff.ly/4yEcdA2
🕊️Remembering September 11 🕊️
Today, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, a moment that forever changed America and the world. We reflect on the courage of civilian heroes, first responders, and the resilience of our nation.
May we continue to foster a spirit of unity and hope.
🚲 E-Bikes: Know the Rules. Ride Safe.
E-bikes can be a convenient way for students to get to and from school, but they’re heavier, faster, and handle differently than traditional bicycles.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. Riders and drivers can each help keep our roads and school communities safe.
Visit worcesterschools.org/e-bikes for information and safety tips.
Before you ride, remember to:
→ Practice in a safe area and start slow
→ Follow the rules of the road
→ Ride predictably and yield to pedestrians
→ Wear a helmet
→ Use a white front light and red rear light when riding at night
→ Know where e-bikes are allowed to ride
Riders, stay safe! 🚲
🏫 Know Your School Night Dates Announced! 💙💛
Worcester Public Schools will host its annual Know Your School Nights at schools across the district!
These events are a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to:
👋 Meet teachers and school staff
📚 Learn about curriculum and programs
🏫 Visit classrooms
🤝 Connect with your school community
💡 Learn about PTO and volunteer opportunities
📅 Dates and times vary by school. Find your school’s Know Your School Night date and time: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3104835
Questions? Please contact your school’s main office.
Worcester Public Schools will host its annual Know Your School Nights at schools across the district!
These events are a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to:
👋 Meet teachers and school staff
📚 Learn about curriculum and programs
🏫 Visit classrooms
🤝 Connect with your school community
💡 Learn about PTO and volunteer opportunities
📅 Dates and times vary by school. Find your school’s Know Your School Night date and time: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3104835
Questions? Please contact your school’s main office.
Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸 🎉
Did you know Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of American workers? 👷♀️👷♂️ Signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894, Labor Day is a time to reflect on the impact of the labor movement. 📜
We wish all of our WPS community a relaxing and restful Labor Day! ☀️😌
📚 Visit the link below to learn more about the history of Labor Day.
👉https://buff.ly/2M10oPj
Did you know Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of American workers? 👷♀️👷♂️ Signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894, Labor Day is a time to reflect on the impact of the labor movement. 📜
We wish all of our WPS community a relaxing and restful Labor Day! ☀️😌
📚 Visit the link below to learn more about the history of Labor Day.
👉https://buff.ly/2M10oPj
✊🏽 Stand Against Racism Assembly at South High ✊🏽
Fall student-athletes at South High Community School came together this week to take the Stand Against Racism pledge ahead of the fall athletic season.
South High student-athletes read the pledge together, affirming their commitment to standing against racism directed toward Worcester Public Schools student-athletes.
Fall student-athletes at Burncoat High School also took the pledge this week during a similar assembly, standing united against racism. 🤝
During the assembly, Superintendent Brian E. Allen and WPS Athletic Director Dave Shea spoke with students about the campaign, encouraging them to have each other’s backs and lead by example in their school communities.
The campaign stems from racist comments shared online about members of the South High girls basketball team during the 2025–26 basketball season.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes. ❤️✊🏽
Fall student-athletes at South High Community School came together this week to take the Stand Against Racism pledge ahead of the fall athletic season.
South High student-athletes read the pledge together, affirming their commitment to standing against racism directed toward Worcester Public Schools student-athletes.
Fall student-athletes at Burncoat High School also took the pledge this week during a similar assembly, standing united against racism. 🤝
During the assembly, Superintendent Brian E. Allen and WPS Athletic Director Dave Shea spoke with students about the campaign, encouraging them to have each other’s backs and lead by example in their school communities.
The campaign stems from racist comments shared online about members of the South High girls basketball team during the 2025–26 basketball season.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes. ❤️✊🏽
🎉 First Day of Pre-K and Kindergarten in WPS! 🎉
It was big day for our littlest learners as they headed into their first day of Pre-K and Kindergarten!
We stopped by Francis J. McGrath Elementary School and City View Discovery School to say hello as families and caregivers dropped off their little ones.
To all our Pre-K and Kindergarten students and their families, good luck on this exciting new journey! We wish you great success! 📚✨
📚🎉 Happy First Day of School, Worcester Public Schools! 🎉📚
We stopped by Flagg Street School and Worcester Dual Language School earlier today to celebrate the start of a new school year!
At Flagg Street, students kicked off the year in style on the red carpet alongside Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, district leadership, and members of the School Committee.
Over at WORDL, the school was buzzing with excitement as they welcomed seventh and eighth graders for the very first time! Here’s to an amazing school year ahead.
We can’t wait to welcome our Pre-K and Kindergarten students for their very first day on Thursday, September 3! 💙
We stopped by Flagg Street School and Worcester Dual Language School earlier today to celebrate the start of a new school year!
At Flagg Street, students kicked off the year in style on the red carpet alongside Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, district leadership, and members of the School Committee.
Over at WORDL, the school was buzzing with excitement as they welcomed seventh and eighth graders for the very first time! Here’s to an amazing school year ahead.
We can’t wait to welcome our Pre-K and Kindergarten students for their very first day on Thursday, September 3! 💙
