🎶The Burncoat Quadrivium Honors Choir performed the Star-Spangled Banner 🇺🇸 before receiving an official recognition 🏆 from the Worcester School Committee during the meeting Thursday.
The choir recently placed third in a division competition and will perform at Carnegie Hall in 2027 and 2028! 🎤✨
The choir recently placed third in a division competition and will perform at Carnegie Hall in 2027 and 2028! 🎤✨
📢 Realignment Project Meeting Reminder! 🗓️
On Monday, November 16, at 6:00 PM 🕕, at South High Community School (170 Apricot Street 📍), the Standing Committee on Operations and Governance will review a revised set of scenarios for the School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project 🗺️.
There will be a presentation and deliberation by the Committee members along with public comment.
🔗Visit worcesterschools.org/alignment to view project information, including the timeline ⏳.
On Monday, November 16, at 6:00 PM 🕕, at South High Community School (170 Apricot Street 📍), the Standing Committee on Operations and Governance will review a revised set of scenarios for the School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project 🗺️.
There will be a presentation and deliberation by the Committee members along with public comment.
🔗Visit worcesterschools.org/alignment to view project information, including the timeline ⏳.
🎻💙 Student Leadership Through Music at Burncoat High School
At Burncoat High School, music is about more than playing an instrument. Through the Music Magnet program, students are building leadership skills, mentoring younger musicians, and working together as members of the string orchestra.
Under the guidance of String Director Rebecca Kelly, three seniors are serving as Performing Arts Teaching Assistants:
🎼 Cecelia D., Concertmistress: Leads the first violin section, helps tune the orchestra, leads warmups, and works with other section leaders to coordinate bowings and articulations.
🎻 Faith L., Principal Second Violinist and Orchestra Librarian: Organizes and maintains the orchestra's sheet music, keeping materials accessible for rehearsals.
🎶 Jameson F., Student Teaching Assistant: Assists with seventh- and eighth-grade string orchestra rehearsals, leads cello sectionals, and is preparing to rehearse and conduct a piece with the full middle school string orchestra at an upcoming concert.
Through these experiences, students develop confidence, collaboration, and mentoring skills while gaining hands-on experience supporting instruction. The program also supports WPS's goal of recruiting and retaining talented educators by giving students opportunities to explore teaching and leadership.
Through their leadership, mentorship, and dedication, these students are helping build a strong orchestra community where musicians support and inspire one another! 💙
At Burncoat High School, music is about more than playing an instrument. Through the Music Magnet program, students are building leadership skills, mentoring younger musicians, and working together as members of the string orchestra.
Under the guidance of String Director Rebecca Kelly, three seniors are serving as Performing Arts Teaching Assistants:
🎼 Cecelia D., Concertmistress: Leads the first violin section, helps tune the orchestra, leads warmups, and works with other section leaders to coordinate bowings and articulations.
🎻 Faith L., Principal Second Violinist and Orchestra Librarian: Organizes and maintains the orchestra's sheet music, keeping materials accessible for rehearsals.
🎶 Jameson F., Student Teaching Assistant: Assists with seventh- and eighth-grade string orchestra rehearsals, leads cello sectionals, and is preparing to rehearse and conduct a piece with the full middle school string orchestra at an upcoming concert.
Through these experiences, students develop confidence, collaboration, and mentoring skills while gaining hands-on experience supporting instruction. The program also supports WPS's goal of recruiting and retaining talented educators by giving students opportunities to explore teaching and leadership.
Through their leadership, mentorship, and dedication, these students are helping build a strong orchestra community where musicians support and inspire one another! 💙
Worcester Arts Magnet School Celebrates DESE School of Recognition Distinction! 🎉🏆
Students and staff at Worcester Arts Magnet School are celebrating after being named one of just 56 schools across Massachusetts to earn the School of Recognition distinction from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)! ✨
This honor recognizes schools making outstanding progress toward state accountability targets, with an emphasis on achievement in English Language Arts and math. 📚✏️
Worcester Arts Magnet School met or exceeded 90% of its targets this year. Its overall accountability percentile increased 11 points since last year.
To mark this milestone, staff organized an ice cream sundae celebration for students, who had the opportunity to create their own sweet treats by choosing from a variety of toppings during lunch. The celebration was a fun way to recognize the hard work, growth and achievements of WAMS students.
Congratulations to the entire Worcester Arts Magnet School community on this incredible recognition! 💙🌟
Visit https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3168549 to read more about the district's four Schools of Recognition!
Students and staff at Worcester Arts Magnet School are celebrating after being named one of just 56 schools across Massachusetts to earn the School of Recognition distinction from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)! ✨
This honor recognizes schools making outstanding progress toward state accountability targets, with an emphasis on achievement in English Language Arts and math. 📚✏️
Worcester Arts Magnet School met or exceeded 90% of its targets this year. Its overall accountability percentile increased 11 points since last year.
To mark this milestone, staff organized an ice cream sundae celebration for students, who had the opportunity to create their own sweet treats by choosing from a variety of toppings during lunch. The celebration was a fun way to recognize the hard work, growth and achievements of WAMS students.
Congratulations to the entire Worcester Arts Magnet School community on this incredible recognition! 💙🌟
Visit https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3168549 to read more about the district's four Schools of Recognition!
🇺🇸 Columbus Park Preparatory School Honors U.S. Marine Master Sgt. William B. Soutra Jr. Ahead of Veterans Day 🇺🇸
This Veterans Day, the Columbus Park Preparatory School community is honoring the service and legacy of U.S. Marine Master Sgt. William B. Soutra Jr., a former Columbus Park student who recently retired after more than 20 years of military service.
On November 10, the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps, Columbus Park held a special ceremony honoring Master Sgt. Soutra. The school's gymnasium, named in his honor in 2013, serves as a tribute to his legacy.
During the ceremony, Master Sgt. Soutra spoke to students about his time at Columbus Park and his career in the Marines, sharing photos and videos from his years of service. He also donated his Marine Corps Dress Blue Alpha coat to be displayed at the school.
Students helped make the ceremony special by creating handmade artwork and thank-you cards to decorate the gym and waving American flags throughout the event. The Grade 6 band performed "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," while the Grade 5 and 6 chorus sang "American Tears." South High Community School's JROTC presented the nation's colors.
As we honor the men and women who have served our country, Worcester Public Schools is proud to recognize Master Sgt. Soutra's service and the lasting legacy he has left in the Worcester community.
Today and every day, we thank all veterans for their service and sacrifice.
This Veterans Day, the Columbus Park Preparatory School community is honoring the service and legacy of U.S. Marine Master Sgt. William B. Soutra Jr., a former Columbus Park student who recently retired after more than 20 years of military service.
On November 10, the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps, Columbus Park held a special ceremony honoring Master Sgt. Soutra. The school's gymnasium, named in his honor in 2013, serves as a tribute to his legacy.
During the ceremony, Master Sgt. Soutra spoke to students about his time at Columbus Park and his career in the Marines, sharing photos and videos from his years of service. He also donated his Marine Corps Dress Blue Alpha coat to be displayed at the school.
Students helped make the ceremony special by creating handmade artwork and thank-you cards to decorate the gym and waving American flags throughout the event. The Grade 6 band performed "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," while the Grade 5 and 6 chorus sang "American Tears." South High Community School's JROTC presented the nation's colors.
As we honor the men and women who have served our country, Worcester Public Schools is proud to recognize Master Sgt. Soutra's service and the lasting legacy he has left in the Worcester community.
Today and every day, we thank all veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Reminder: No school, offices closed on Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day
🇺🇸 Honoring those who served
🇺🇸 Honoring those who served
🍓🥤 Something Berry Good Is Happening at WPS!
Students at Burncoat High School and South High Community School recently had the chance to try our new Very Berry Smoothies during breakfast!
Made possible through a grant from New England Dairy, the smoothie launch featured student taste-testing stations where students sampled the smoothies and shared their opinions by voting Love It, Like It, or Tried It! ❤️
This effort is all about making sure students are getting a nutritious breakfast and including their voice in the process of developing menu items. These smoothies provide 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and protein — all part of a nutritious breakfast to help students start their day.
Thank-you to New England Dairy for supporting this initiative and helping bring new breakfast options to our students!
Worcester Public Schools Athletics Launches New Social Media Initiative 🤳
Worcester Public Schools is expanding its coverage of athletics across the district with the launch of @WorcesterSchoolsAthletics!
A collaboration between the Athletics and Communications Departments, the new account will spotlight student-athletes, teams and athletic programs across Worcester Public Schools, bringing greater visibility to athletics across the district.
Have a student-run team account? Tag @WorcesterSchoolsAthletics or invite us to collaborate so we can help share your team's updates and accomplishments!
Give us a follow and help us celebrate Worcester Public Schools student-athletes and teams! 🏆
Worcester Public Schools is expanding its coverage of athletics across the district with the launch of @WorcesterSchoolsAthletics!
A collaboration between the Athletics and Communications Departments, the new account will spotlight student-athletes, teams and athletic programs across Worcester Public Schools, bringing greater visibility to athletics across the district.
Have a student-run team account? Tag @WorcesterSchoolsAthletics or invite us to collaborate so we can help share your team's updates and accomplishments!
Give us a follow and help us celebrate Worcester Public Schools student-athletes and teams! 🏆
📢 Realignment Project Meeting Reminder! 🗓️
On Monday, November 16, at 6:00 PM 🕕, at South High Community School (170 Apricot Street 📍), the
Standing Committee on Operations and Governance will review a revised set of scenarios for the School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project 🗺️.
There will be a presentation and deliberation by the Committee members along with public comment.
🔗Visit worcesterschools.org/alignment to view project information, including the timeline ⏳.
On Monday, November 16, at 6:00 PM 🕕, at South High Community School (170 Apricot Street 📍), the
Standing Committee on Operations and Governance will review a revised set of scenarios for the School Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project 🗺️.
There will be a presentation and deliberation by the Committee members along with public comment.
🔗Visit worcesterschools.org/alignment to view project information, including the timeline ⏳.
🏫💙 Join the Worcester Public Schools Nursing Team!
Worcester Public Schools is hiring Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) for full-time and substitute positions.
Help support the health and well-being of our students every school day!
Pay Rates:
🔹 LPNs: $41/hour
🔹 CNAs: $29/hour
📲 How to Apply: Scan the QR codes in the image above to access the application portals for full-time and substitute LPN and CNA positions. You can also visit our careers page to learn more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/careers
💙 Thank You to School Psychologists 💙
Today is the start of National School Psychology Week (Nov. 9 - Nov. 13), and we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible School Psychologists across Worcester Public Schools and the extraordinary work you do each and every day.
Thank you for being champions for our students, not only supporting their academic success, but also caring deeply about their social, emotional, and mental well-being.
You meet students where they are, listen when they need to be heard, advocate when they need a voice, and help create pathways for them to grow, thrive, and believe in themselves.
We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge, spirit, and dedication you bring to our schools. Thank you for the countless ways you make a difference in the lives of students, families, and staff. Your commitment to helping every student reach their full potential does not go unnoticed.
We see you. We appreciate you. We celebrate you. Thank you for all that you do, and for the lasting difference you make every single day.
Today is the start of National School Psychology Week (Nov. 9 - Nov. 13), and we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible School Psychologists across Worcester Public Schools and the extraordinary work you do each and every day.
Thank you for being champions for our students, not only supporting their academic success, but also caring deeply about their social, emotional, and mental well-being.
You meet students where they are, listen when they need to be heard, advocate when they need a voice, and help create pathways for them to grow, thrive, and believe in themselves.
We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge, spirit, and dedication you bring to our schools. Thank you for the countless ways you make a difference in the lives of students, families, and staff. Your commitment to helping every student reach their full potential does not go unnoticed.
We see you. We appreciate you. We celebrate you. Thank you for all that you do, and for the lasting difference you make every single day.
🗓️ TOMORROW: Public Forum: Saturday, November 7 🏫
📍 Join us at Goddard Elementary School, 14 Richards Street, at ⏰ at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, for a public forum of the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
📐 Worcester Educators Participate in Math Professional Development 📐
Approximately 800 Worcester Public Schools educators across grade levels participated in staff-led professional development on November 3, focused on strengthening math instruction and sharing practical strategies for introducing concepts to students effectively.
At North High School, secondary math teachers worked on developing collaborative tasks aligned to our High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), REVEAL, for an upcoming instructional unit. Teachers developed ideas such as matching, sorting activities and other interactive lessons. They also created supporting materials, which will all be used to update curriculum maps to help guide instruction.
Sixth-grade teachers participated in three workshops around planning for math instruction. One of these explored techniques and strategies to support student success in ST Math. This teacher-led PD included tips on how to utilize features of the tool to help students build their math skills and understanding.
At Worcester East Middle School, second-grade teachers took part in a math mindset survey and discussion, reflecting on their own perspectives and experiences with math. They also explored components of the REVEAL Math curriculum and discussed ways to apply its resources and instructional approaches within the classroom.
Led by WPS staff, the district-wide workshops emphasized practical ideas and strategies educators can bring back to their classrooms to support student learning in math across grade levels.
Approximately 800 Worcester Public Schools educators across grade levels participated in staff-led professional development on November 3, focused on strengthening math instruction and sharing practical strategies for introducing concepts to students effectively.
At North High School, secondary math teachers worked on developing collaborative tasks aligned to our High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), REVEAL, for an upcoming instructional unit. Teachers developed ideas such as matching, sorting activities and other interactive lessons. They also created supporting materials, which will all be used to update curriculum maps to help guide instruction.
Sixth-grade teachers participated in three workshops around planning for math instruction. One of these explored techniques and strategies to support student success in ST Math. This teacher-led PD included tips on how to utilize features of the tool to help students build their math skills and understanding.
At Worcester East Middle School, second-grade teachers took part in a math mindset survey and discussion, reflecting on their own perspectives and experiences with math. They also explored components of the REVEAL Math curriculum and discussed ways to apply its resources and instructional approaches within the classroom.
Led by WPS staff, the district-wide workshops emphasized practical ideas and strategies educators can bring back to their classrooms to support student learning in math across grade levels.
📣 🌎 Connecting With Families of Multilingual Learners!
The English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) and the Bilingual Family Advisory Council (Comité Asesor de Familias de Educatión Bilingüe, or CAFE-B) held their first joint meeting of the year! 🏫✨
🗣️💼 ELPAC caregivers advise the district on all matters pertaining to English Learners. Parents and guardians of current and former English Learners are welcome to join and attend ELPAC meetings.
👥🎒CAFE-B has the same objectives but is designed for caregivers of students in the district’s Dual Language programs, where students are taught in both English and Spanish.
📚🤝🏾 Several community partners joined the district’s Multilingual Education and Human Resources departments to provide information to caregivers about engaging in their children’s education along with resources.
🌟Interested? More details: https://worcesterpsma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/wps/page/english-learner-parent-advisory-council-elpac
The English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) and the Bilingual Family Advisory Council (Comité Asesor de Familias de Educatión Bilingüe, or CAFE-B) held their first joint meeting of the year! 🏫✨
🗣️💼 ELPAC caregivers advise the district on all matters pertaining to English Learners. Parents and guardians of current and former English Learners are welcome to join and attend ELPAC meetings.
👥🎒CAFE-B has the same objectives but is designed for caregivers of students in the district’s Dual Language programs, where students are taught in both English and Spanish.
📚🤝🏾 Several community partners joined the district’s Multilingual Education and Human Resources departments to provide information to caregivers about engaging in their children’s education along with resources.
🌟Interested? More details: https://worcesterpsma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/wps/page/english-learner-parent-advisory-council-elpac
🗓️ Public Forum: Saturday, November 7 🏫
📍 Join us at Goddard Elementary School, 14 Richards Street, at ⏰ at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, for a public forum of the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
🏒 32 Worcester Schools Bring the Energy to the Worcester Railers Schools Game! 🏒
Worcester Public Schools students brought the energy to the DCU Center for the annual Worcester Railers Schools Game! Students and staff from 32 schools filled the stands for a 10:05 AM puck drop as the Railers took on the Adirondack Thunder.
A huge thank-you to the Railers for helping coordinate bus transportation, offering discounted $5 student tickets, and having the Railers HC Foundation cover ticket costs for students who needed assistance. Your support helped make this experience possible for so many of our students!
Worcester Public Schools students brought the energy to the DCU Center for the annual Worcester Railers Schools Game! Students and staff from 32 schools filled the stands for a 10:05 AM puck drop as the Railers took on the Adirondack Thunder.
A huge thank-you to the Railers for helping coordinate bus transportation, offering discounted $5 student tickets, and having the Railers HC Foundation cover ticket costs for students who needed assistance. Your support helped make this experience possible for so many of our students!
We're Hiring School Nurses (RNs)! 🩺✨
Are you a Registered Nurse looking to make a difference in students' health and well-being? Worcester Public Schools is looking for dedicated, compassionate RNs to join our nursing team!
We have opportunities available for both Full-Time and Substitute positions.
📲 How to Apply: Scan the QR codes in the image above to access the application portals for Full-Time or Substitute positions, or visit our careers page to learn more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/careers
Are you a Registered Nurse looking to make a difference in students' health and well-being? Worcester Public Schools is looking for dedicated, compassionate RNs to join our nursing team!
We have opportunities available for both Full-Time and Substitute positions.
📲 How to Apply: Scan the QR codes in the image above to access the application portals for Full-Time or Substitute positions, or visit our careers page to learn more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/careers
🇺🇸 WPS Students Make a Difference on Election Day! 🗳️
Students from Doherty Memorial High School, South High Community School, North High School, Worcester Technical High School and Claremont Academy assisted voters and gained firsthand experience with the electoral process.
A big shoutout to all our students who volunteered as poll workers at locations across Worcester, including Forest Grove Middle School, North High School and Congregation Beth Israel! 👏
Among our student poll workers were Doherty students Evana M., Aung Shing A. and Anthony E., and Worcester Technical High School students Henrietta S. and Lillyanna C.
🙌 Thank you to all our WPS students for giving back to their communities and demonstrating the importance of civic engagement!
📢 Reminder: NO SCHOOL TODAY! 🏫
There is no school today, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for all Worcester Public Schools students due to Staff Professional Development. 👩🏫📚
There is no school today, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for all Worcester Public Schools students due to Staff Professional Development. 👩🏫📚
Francis J. McGrath Elementary School Celebrates DESE School of Recognition Distinction! 🎉🏆
Students and staff at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School are celebrating after being named one of just 56 schools across Massachusetts to earn the School of Recognition distinction from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)! ✨
This honor recognizes schools making outstanding progress toward state accountability targets, with an emphasis on achievement in English Language Arts and math. 📚✏️
McGrath Elementary School met or exceeded 89% of its targets in 2026. Its overall accountability percentile increased by 13 points since last year and 21 points over the past two years.
To mark this milestone, the school hosted a school-wide assembly to celebrate its School of Recognition distinction and encourage students to continue making academic progress. A special banner will also be displayed at the school's main entrance to recognize this achievement.
Following the assembly, students across all grades enjoyed extra recess on a beautiful fall afternoon, playing yard games, drawing with chalk on the blacktop and spending time outside with friends!
Congratulations to the entire McGrath Elementary School community on this incredible recognition! 💙🌟
Visit https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3168549 to read more about the district's four Schools of Recognition!