🎉 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. 🤝
Save the Bay Field Trip for Columbus Park Fifth Graders 🌊🐚
Fifth graders at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy recently enjoyed an exciting field trip to Save The Bay in Rhode Island, where they explored the ecological diversity of the Bay through hands-on science activities.
Students investigated the shoreline and discovered how concepts like life cycles, adaptations, biodiversity, and geology connect to the world around them.
Through observation, exploration, and teamwork, they asked questions, solved problems, and deepened their understanding of our coastal environment.
Check out a few scenes from an engaging day of learning beyond the classroom! 📸✨
Fifth graders at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy recently enjoyed an exciting field trip to Save The Bay in Rhode Island, where they explored the ecological diversity of the Bay through hands-on science activities.
Students investigated the shoreline and discovered how concepts like life cycles, adaptations, biodiversity, and geology connect to the world around them.
Through observation, exploration, and teamwork, they asked questions, solved problems, and deepened their understanding of our coastal environment.
Check out a few scenes from an engaging day of learning beyond the classroom! 📸✨
🎨🌎 Worcester Dual Language Sixth Grader Has Artwork Featured at DESE Offices for Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌎🎨
Worcester Dual Language sixth grader Roisin B. is having their artwork featured in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offices during Hispanic Heritage Month, following a statewide call for student artwork.
This year’s DESE artwork competition theme, “Our Diversity Is Our Strength,” invited students to submit original drawings, collages, paintings, murals, sculptures, digital illustrations, photography, and more.
Roisin’s piece celebrates the many cultures represented in her classroom, bringing them together as a “beautiful song” that reflects the richness of Hispanic cultures.
Congratulations to Roisin on this well-deserved recognition and for sharing their creativity!
Worcester Dual Language sixth grader Roisin B. is having their artwork featured in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offices during Hispanic Heritage Month, following a statewide call for student artwork.
This year’s DESE artwork competition theme, “Our Diversity Is Our Strength,” invited students to submit original drawings, collages, paintings, murals, sculptures, digital illustrations, photography, and more.
Roisin’s piece celebrates the many cultures represented in her classroom, bringing them together as a “beautiful song” that reflects the richness of Hispanic cultures.
Congratulations to Roisin on this well-deserved recognition and for sharing their creativity!
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.
