🏫🚶♀️ Great Brook Valley and Curtis Apartments Principal Walk 🚶♂️🏘️
💼 Administrators and wraparound coordinators from schools in the Burncoat Quadrant gathered with Worcester Housing Authority officials and families at the Great Brook Valley and Curtis Apartments housing developments on Thursday.
📍 The second-annual Principal Walk was an opportunity to connect with families and students in their neighborhoods while also learning directly from WHA officials about the community, ongoing initiatives, neighborhood developments, and new construction taking place in the area. 🏗️✨
💬 School wraparound coordinators regularly hold informational meetings with families in Great Brook Valley about various school or district initiatives to help foster family and community engagement. ❤️📣
💼 Administrators and wraparound coordinators from schools in the Burncoat Quadrant gathered with Worcester Housing Authority officials and families at the Great Brook Valley and Curtis Apartments housing developments on Thursday.
📍 The second-annual Principal Walk was an opportunity to connect with families and students in their neighborhoods while also learning directly from WHA officials about the community, ongoing initiatives, neighborhood developments, and new construction taking place in the area. 🏗️✨
💬 School wraparound coordinators regularly hold informational meetings with families in Great Brook Valley about various school or district initiatives to help foster family and community engagement. ❤️📣
📢 Early Childhood Screening for Children Ages 3 and 4
Worcester Public Schools is offering early childhood screenings for children ages 3 and 4 to help families better understand their child’s development.
The screening looks at communication, learning, motor skills, and school readiness and can help determine whether a full special education evaluation may be needed.
📅 Date: Monday, November 23, 2026
📍 Location: Worcester Arts Magnet School, 315 St. Nicholas Avenue, Worcester
📞 Appointments are required. Call 508-799-8201 to schedule a screening.
Worcester Public Schools is offering early childhood screenings for children ages 3 and 4 to help families better understand their child’s development.
The screening looks at communication, learning, motor skills, and school readiness and can help determine whether a full special education evaluation may be needed.
📅 Date: Monday, November 23, 2026
📍 Location: Worcester Arts Magnet School, 315 St. Nicholas Avenue, Worcester
📞 Appointments are required. Call 508-799-8201 to schedule a screening.
🚗 National Teen Driver Safety Week ⚠️
Between 2023 and 2025, young drivers in Worcester were involved in 500 crashes resulting in injuries, according to the City’s Department of Transportation and Mobility. 🚨
🗣️ Talk to your teen about safe driving habits:
👀 Keep your eyes on the road. Driving requires your full attention.
⏱️ Drive at responsible speeds.
😴 Don’t drive if you are tired or conditions are unsafe. 🌧️
🚫 Never drive or ride with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
🔑 When you’re in the driver’s seat, own the responsibility.
🔗 For more resources and information, visit the National Safety Council at nsc.org 🌐
Between 2023 and 2025, young drivers in Worcester were involved in 500 crashes resulting in injuries, according to the City’s Department of Transportation and Mobility. 🚨
🗣️ Talk to your teen about safe driving habits:
👀 Keep your eyes on the road. Driving requires your full attention.
⏱️ Drive at responsible speeds.
😴 Don’t drive if you are tired or conditions are unsafe. 🌧️
🚫 Never drive or ride with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
🔑 When you’re in the driver’s seat, own the responsibility.
🔗 For more resources and information, visit the National Safety Council at nsc.org 🌐
💈✂️ Fresh Cuts for Picture Day at Thorndyke Road School!
A big thank you to Thorndyke Road School parent Mike Arriaga for bringing his portable barbershop to school and providing free haircuts for students ahead of picture day! With the help of another barber, Mike made this a special event for our students.
We appreciate Mike’s generosity and the time he took to help our students look and feel their best. Thank you for making this such a wonderful experience! ❤️
A big thank you to Thorndyke Road School parent Mike Arriaga for bringing his portable barbershop to school and providing free haircuts for students ahead of picture day! With the help of another barber, Mike made this a special event for our students.
We appreciate Mike’s generosity and the time he took to help our students look and feel their best. Thank you for making this such a wonderful experience! ❤️
🗓️ Monday, October 26: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove Street, at ⏰ 6:00 PM on Monday, October 26, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ 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 📲
📍 Join us at Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove Street, at ⏰ 6:00 PM on Monday, October 26, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ 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 📲
🗓️ TOMORROW: Monday, October 19: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ 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 📲
🗓️ Monday, October 19: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ 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 📲
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ 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 📲
🗓️ Monday, October 19: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ 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
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ 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
🌎 Hispanic Identity Poem Project at Doherty 🌎
Students at Doherty Memorial High School shared pieces of their Hispanic identity with classmates through a poem project as part of the travel unit in Mrs. Esqueda’s Spanish & Literature classroom.
Spanish & Literature is a course conducted fully in Spanish. The course helps students build literacy skills in their home language while preparing them for Advanced Placement and the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy.
The travel unit explored the difference between being a tourist and a traveler. While a tourist takes in the sights and scenes of a place, a traveler connects with its people and culture. This poem project gave students an opportunity to connect with their classmates and share the unique parts of their Hispanic identity.
Through their poems, students "traveled" to different Hispanic countries, and each stop earned them a stamp in their passports. ✈️📖
Students at Doherty Memorial High School shared pieces of their Hispanic identity with classmates through a poem project as part of the travel unit in Mrs. Esqueda’s Spanish & Literature classroom.
Spanish & Literature is a course conducted fully in Spanish. The course helps students build literacy skills in their home language while preparing them for Advanced Placement and the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy.
The travel unit explored the difference between being a tourist and a traveler. While a tourist takes in the sights and scenes of a place, a traveler connects with its people and culture. This poem project gave students an opportunity to connect with their classmates and share the unique parts of their Hispanic identity.
Through their poems, students "traveled" to different Hispanic countries, and each stop earned them a stamp in their passports. ✈️📖
🌎 Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day
🏛️ Worcester Public Schools officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day.
🪶 Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and their ancestors who lived on the land now known as North America.
⛵ Columbus Day honors Christopher Columbus, the first European to explore the Americas in 1492 since the Vikings established colonies in present-day Canada in the 10th century, according to history.com. 🇺🇸 Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States.
📚 Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: https://www.almanac.com/indigenous-peoples-day
📖 Learn more about Columbus Day: https://www.history.com/articles/columbus-day
🇮🇹 October is National Italian American Heritage and Cultural Month! 🎉
The Worcester School Committee recently voted unanimously to establish a standing annual recognition of October as Italian-American Heritage and Cultural Month in the district, encouraging appropriate recognition and acknowledgement. 🏫📜
To learn more about the month, along with finding family and school educational resources, visit the Alghini Institute for Italian Americans website: 🔗 https://italianamericans.com/heritage-month
Quick Facts: 💡
• The recognition was adopted through a proclamation by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 followed by a law passed by Congress that year. In 2010, another federal proclamation was made by President Barack Obama. 🏛️🇺🇸
• The law recognizes how “Italian-Americans have contributed to the United States in all aspects of life, including art, science, civil service, military service, athletics and education.” 🎨🔬🎖️🏃♂️📚
The Worcester School Committee recently voted unanimously to establish a standing annual recognition of October as Italian-American Heritage and Cultural Month in the district, encouraging appropriate recognition and acknowledgement. 🏫📜
To learn more about the month, along with finding family and school educational resources, visit the Alghini Institute for Italian Americans website: 🔗 https://italianamericans.com/heritage-month
Quick Facts: 💡
• The recognition was adopted through a proclamation by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 followed by a law passed by Congress that year. In 2010, another federal proclamation was made by President Barack Obama. 🏛️🇺🇸
• The law recognizes how “Italian-Americans have contributed to the United States in all aspects of life, including art, science, civil service, military service, athletics and education.” 🎨🔬🎖️🏃♂️📚
💚 World Mental Health Day 💚
At Worcester Public Schools, we recognize the importance of supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our students, staff, and families.
WPS offers a variety of health and wellness resources to support well-being at school, at home, and in the workplace. Resources include information and activities focused on mental health, mindfulness, self-care, healthy living, and more. 🌱🧘♀️
Through our commitment to whole-person wellness, we continue to create a caring and supportive school community where everyone has the opportunity to feel supported, connected, and well.
🔗 Explore WPS Health & Wellness Resources: https://buff.ly/4dGPLJG
💚 Taking care of our mental health is an important part of taking care of ourselves and one another
At Worcester Public Schools, we recognize the importance of supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our students, staff, and families.
WPS offers a variety of health and wellness resources to support well-being at school, at home, and in the workplace. Resources include information and activities focused on mental health, mindfulness, self-care, healthy living, and more. 🌱🧘♀️
Through our commitment to whole-person wellness, we continue to create a caring and supportive school community where everyone has the opportunity to feel supported, connected, and well.
🔗 Explore WPS Health & Wellness Resources: https://buff.ly/4dGPLJG
💚 Taking care of our mental health is an important part of taking care of ourselves and one another
📢 Reminder: NO SCHOOL TODAY! 🏫
There is no school today, Friday, October 9, 2026, for all Worcester Public Schools students due to Staff Professional Development. 👩🏫📚
There is no school today, Friday, October 9, 2026, for all Worcester Public Schools students due to Staff Professional Development. 👩🏫📚
📣 ParentSquare Training Webinar for WPS Caregivers🏫
Want to get the most out of ParentSquare? Register to attend an upcoming virtual training webinar just for Worcester Public Schools parents and guardians.
Whether you’re new to the district or looking for helpful tips, this webinar covers best practices for ParentSquare — keeping you connected via text, phone, email and the app.
🗓️ The webinars will be held on:
Wednesday, October 14, 1:00-2:00 PM
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00-7:00 PM
Monday, November 9, 6:00-7:00 PM
🔗➡️ Register to attend by scanning the QR code or visiting the link.
Want to get the most out of ParentSquare? Register to attend an upcoming virtual training webinar just for Worcester Public Schools parents and guardians.
Whether you’re new to the district or looking for helpful tips, this webinar covers best practices for ParentSquare — keeping you connected via text, phone, email and the app.
🗓️ The webinars will be held on:
Wednesday, October 14, 1:00-2:00 PM
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00-7:00 PM
Monday, November 9, 6:00-7:00 PM
🔗➡️ Register to attend by scanning the QR code or visiting the link.
🌱 Growing, Harvesting & Sharing at WPS Transition!
Worcester Public Schools students in the Transition program recently worked with Ellen Fernate, Master Gardener, and Eliza Lawrence, School Gardens Coordinator for the Regional Environmental Council (REC) to harvest the school's garden beds.
Students rolled up their sleeves to harvest, clean, and prepare fresh vegetables from the garden. After, they worked together to create a delicious salad for all of our students to enjoy!
The remaining harvest was packaged and shared with families at Know Your School Night, extending the experience beyond our classrooms and into our school community.
It was a wonderful hands-on learning experience that connected students to gardening, healthy eating, teamwork, and community.
Worcester Public Schools students in the Transition program recently worked with Ellen Fernate, Master Gardener, and Eliza Lawrence, School Gardens Coordinator for the Regional Environmental Council (REC) to harvest the school's garden beds.
Students rolled up their sleeves to harvest, clean, and prepare fresh vegetables from the garden. After, they worked together to create a delicious salad for all of our students to enjoy!
The remaining harvest was packaged and shared with families at Know Your School Night, extending the experience beyond our classrooms and into our school community.
It was a wonderful hands-on learning experience that connected students to gardening, healthy eating, teamwork, and community.
🌟 Empowering Our Students at Clark Street Community School! 🌟
In recognition of October’s National Bullying Prevention Month, our students participated in an informative bullying prevention presentation led by Hope Rudzinski from the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
Together, students learned about:
🔹 Recognizing different forms of bullying and identifying warning signs
🔹 Practicing online safety and digital citizenship
🔹 How to safely report bullying
🔹 Building empathy and supporting one another
Clark Street is also kicking off the 365Z program, centered around kindness and creating a positive school community.
We’re proud of our students for engaging in these important conversations and helping foster a school community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported! 💙
In recognition of October’s National Bullying Prevention Month, our students participated in an informative bullying prevention presentation led by Hope Rudzinski from the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
Together, students learned about:
🔹 Recognizing different forms of bullying and identifying warning signs
🔹 Practicing online safety and digital citizenship
🔹 How to safely report bullying
🔹 Building empathy and supporting one another
Clark Street is also kicking off the 365Z program, centered around kindness and creating a positive school community.
We’re proud of our students for engaging in these important conversations and helping foster a school community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported! 💙
🎉 Big news for Lincoln Street School! 🎉
Lincoln Street School has earned the Eos Foundation Healthy Start Award for reaching at least 80% student breakfast participation! 🥣🍎
Based on official state data reported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this recognition highlights the incredible work happening at Lincoln Street to help ensure students start their day nourished, focused, and ready to learn.
Amanda Orton, thank you for your stellar leadership, and to the entire nutrition and school teams, thank you for going above and beyond for our students every day. This award is well-deserved, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone with you! 🌟
As part of the award, Lincoln Street will receive an unrestricted $500 award and a Healthy Start School Banner to celebrate this accomplishment.
Lincoln Street School has earned the Eos Foundation Healthy Start Award for reaching at least 80% student breakfast participation! 🥣🍎
Based on official state data reported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this recognition highlights the incredible work happening at Lincoln Street to help ensure students start their day nourished, focused, and ready to learn.
Amanda Orton, thank you for your stellar leadership, and to the entire nutrition and school teams, thank you for going above and beyond for our students every day. This award is well-deserved, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone with you! 🌟
As part of the award, Lincoln Street will receive an unrestricted $500 award and a Healthy Start School Banner to celebrate this accomplishment.
🧹✨ Happy National Custodian Day! ✨🧹
Today, we’re celebrating the incredible custodians who help make our schools welcoming places to learn, work, and grow. 💛🏫
Every day, our custodians do so much more than keep our buildings clean. They take pride in their schools, care for the spaces our students and staff use every day, and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
We’re grateful for the dedication, hard work, and years of service our custodians bring to Worcester Public Schools. 👏🌟
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a few of the amazing custodians who help keep WPS moving:
🌟 John Lemay — Midland Street School — 42 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Matthew Schiavone — West Tatnuck Elementary School — 31 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 James Foley — Burncoat High School — 30 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 James Comforti — Burncoat Middle School — 28 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Randy Neeland — Burncoat Middle School — 2 years with Worcester Public Schools
James is on the right and Randy is on the left.
🌟 Luis Navarro — Lincoln Street School — 13 ½ years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Jeff Lombardi — Burncoat High School — 13 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Epi Ortiz — North High School — 10 years with Worcester Public Schools
👏 Thank you to all of our WPS custodians for everything you do for our schools and our community. We appreciate you today and every day! 💛
State of Education Forum at Worcester Tech! 🎓✨
Educators, civic leaders, and community partners gathered at Worcester Technical High School for the State of Education, hosted by the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC).
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen shared reflections on the current state and future direction of Worcester Public Schools, highlighting district priorities, emerging opportunities, and ongoing challenges.
Superintendent Allen also provided updates on positive student outcomes in the classroom, the Burncoat Building Project, the WPS realignment project, and our commitment to Stay the Course for the 2026-27 school year.
Guest speakers included Viviana Abreu-Hernandez, President of the Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center, Joshua Boucher of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, and Dr. Chad D'Entremont, Executive Director of the Rennie Center. The event wrapped up with a Q/A session for attendees.
Educators, civic leaders, and community partners gathered at Worcester Technical High School for the State of Education, hosted by the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC).
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen shared reflections on the current state and future direction of Worcester Public Schools, highlighting district priorities, emerging opportunities, and ongoing challenges.
Superintendent Allen also provided updates on positive student outcomes in the classroom, the Burncoat Building Project, the WPS realignment project, and our commitment to Stay the Course for the 2026-27 school year.
Guest speakers included Viviana Abreu-Hernandez, President of the Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center, Joshua Boucher of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, and Dr. Chad D'Entremont, Executive Director of the Rennie Center. The event wrapped up with a Q/A session for attendees.
🛡️ Bullying & Cyberbullying Resources for Families
October is Bullying Awareness Month, and Worcester Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported in our classrooms, at school events, and online. 💙
Bullying and cyberbullying can have a significant impact on students. We’ve gathered trusted educational and digital safety resources to support families and students, including information on recognizing bullying, preventing cyberbullying, practicing digital safety, and knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help. 💬
🔗 Learn more: Visit the WPS Bullying & Cyberbullying Resources webpage for district policies, reporting procedures, and support information: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/bullying-and-cyberbullying-resources
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our school community safe, supportive, and welcoming. 🤝
October is Bullying Awareness Month, and Worcester Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported in our classrooms, at school events, and online. 💙
Bullying and cyberbullying can have a significant impact on students. We’ve gathered trusted educational and digital safety resources to support families and students, including information on recognizing bullying, preventing cyberbullying, practicing digital safety, and knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help. 💬
🔗 Learn more: Visit the WPS Bullying & Cyberbullying Resources webpage for district policies, reporting procedures, and support information: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/bullying-and-cyberbullying-resources
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our school community safe, supportive, and welcoming. 🤝
