🏁 Francis J. McGrath Elementary – Quarter 1 Attendance Champions!
A huge congratulations to our Grade 4 class at Francis J. McGrath Elementary for achieving an impressive 98.6% attendance rate in Quarter 1! 🎉 Their hard work earned them a pizza party.🍕
Students had a blast tracking the race all quarter long and watching their class move in real time on the race car bulletin board. 🏎️
Quarter 2 is here! Who will be our next pizza party champions for most improved attendance?
A huge congratulations to our Grade 4 class at Francis J. McGrath Elementary for achieving an impressive 98.6% attendance rate in Quarter 1! 🎉 Their hard work earned them a pizza party.🍕
Students had a blast tracking the race all quarter long and watching their class move in real time on the race car bulletin board. 🏎️
Quarter 2 is here! Who will be our next pizza party champions for most improved attendance?
🧥💙 Sullivan Middle School Students Lead Clothing Drive for Civics Action Project! 💙🧥
Students in Ms. Kristen Sleight’s 6th period class at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School put their civics lessons into action by organizing a school-wide clothing drive!
From October 14–24, students promoted the drive through morning announcements and the weekly caregiver newsletter, encouraging donations from classmates and staff. Their efforts paid off — they collected 10 large bags of clothing!
Donations were sorted and shared with the Hope Garden at Sullivan Middle, providing items for students in need, with the remaining clothes donated to Andy’s Attic.
This project highlights these students as Engaged Community Members, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. They identified a need in their community, articulated and communicated solutions, and developed an action plan (ECM 2).
Students in Ms. Kristen Sleight’s 6th period class at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School put their civics lessons into action by organizing a school-wide clothing drive!
From October 14–24, students promoted the drive through morning announcements and the weekly caregiver newsletter, encouraging donations from classmates and staff. Their efforts paid off — they collected 10 large bags of clothing!
Donations were sorted and shared with the Hope Garden at Sullivan Middle, providing items for students in need, with the remaining clothes donated to Andy’s Attic.
This project highlights these students as Engaged Community Members, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. They identified a need in their community, articulated and communicated solutions, and developed an action plan (ECM 2).
🚶♀️ Walk for Wellness at Flagg Street School!
Students and families at Flagg Street School recently joined the Walk for Wellness event with the American Heart Association and UMASS Memorial Ambulance. Our young learners had a blast exploring the EMT vehicle and even got to try out the equipment that first responders use every day! 💚
It was a fantastic example of community outreach and a meaningful learning experience for Flagg Street students, families, and staff. A big thank you to our local community partners for spending the afternoon with us! 👏
📸 Check out the photos to see the excitement!
Students and families at Flagg Street School recently joined the Walk for Wellness event with the American Heart Association and UMASS Memorial Ambulance. Our young learners had a blast exploring the EMT vehicle and even got to try out the equipment that first responders use every day! 💚
It was a fantastic example of community outreach and a meaningful learning experience for Flagg Street students, families, and staff. A big thank you to our local community partners for spending the afternoon with us! 👏
📸 Check out the photos to see the excitement!
🌎✈️ Worcester Team Visits Washington, D.C. to Explore Multilingual Learning! ✈️🌎
Worcester Public Schools students and educators traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit innovative schools serving multilingual learners.
The trip, hosted by Next Generation Learning Challenges and funded by the Barr Foundation, offered valuable insights into new ways to support students.
The Worcester team included Jessica Mandes, Director of Multilingual Education; Jennie Caplan, Assistant Principal at North High School; Lindsay Pagano, ESL Department Head at South High School; Elizabeth Brown, Family Involvement Coordinator at Woodland and Claremont; Pamela Henriquez, Multilingual Coach for the North Quadrant; Ashley McPartland, Multilingual Coach for the South Quadrant; and WPS students Yazmin Tiguila Calvac of Claremont Academy and Victor Cruz of South High School.
Victor shared one of the trip’s key takeaways: “I used to think teachers knew everything, but now I know that they keep learning with us at the same time.”
The group returned to Worcester inspired to bring new ideas and strategies back to classrooms in WPS!
Worcester Public Schools students and educators traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit innovative schools serving multilingual learners.
The trip, hosted by Next Generation Learning Challenges and funded by the Barr Foundation, offered valuable insights into new ways to support students.
The Worcester team included Jessica Mandes, Director of Multilingual Education; Jennie Caplan, Assistant Principal at North High School; Lindsay Pagano, ESL Department Head at South High School; Elizabeth Brown, Family Involvement Coordinator at Woodland and Claremont; Pamela Henriquez, Multilingual Coach for the North Quadrant; Ashley McPartland, Multilingual Coach for the South Quadrant; and WPS students Yazmin Tiguila Calvac of Claremont Academy and Victor Cruz of South High School.
Victor shared one of the trip’s key takeaways: “I used to think teachers knew everything, but now I know that they keep learning with us at the same time.”
The group returned to Worcester inspired to bring new ideas and strategies back to classrooms in WPS!
🥋 Kickstarting Confidence: Grade 1 Martial Arts at Columbus Park!
Columbus Park Preparatory Academy Grade 1 students wrapped up a five-week martial arts program with Master Parks, learning leadership, teamwork, and always doing their best. 💪
Families joined the celebration as students proudly demonstrated their skills, focus, and confidence (yes, even board breaking!). 👏
This program supports our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) goals, helping students grow through encouragement, respect, and responsibility, and connects beautifully with our Vision of a Learner in Action. 💚
📸 Check out some photos from the event!
Columbus Park Preparatory Academy Grade 1 students wrapped up a five-week martial arts program with Master Parks, learning leadership, teamwork, and always doing their best. 💪
Families joined the celebration as students proudly demonstrated their skills, focus, and confidence (yes, even board breaking!). 👏
This program supports our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) goals, helping students grow through encouragement, respect, and responsibility, and connects beautifully with our Vision of a Learner in Action. 💚
📸 Check out some photos from the event!
Worcester Public Schools Students Making a Difference on Election Day 🗳️
A big shoutout to students Jenny Manxhari and Paola Renxa (Doherty Memorial High School), Uche Mba (South High Community School), Madeline Torto (North High School), and Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Technical High School) for volunteering as poll workers across Worcester, including Congregation Beth Israel and the Worcester Senior Center. They spent Election Day helping voters, learning how elections run behind the scenes, and experiencing civic engagement in action. 🙌
By volunteering at the polls, these students showed that they are Engaged Community Members, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner 📘. They identified a community need, articulated and communicated solutions, developed an action plan, and advocated for change (ECM 2).
What the students had to say:
Jenny Manxhari (Doherty): "I decided to volunteer because I care about my community. I’m proud to serve Worcester and make a difference!" 💛
Uche Mba (South High): "Being newly eighteen, I wanted to experience the process up close and understand the impact voting has." 🌟
Madeline Torto (North High): "I wanted to use my time doing something meaningful." 🤝
Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Tech): "I enjoy helping others and giving back to my community." ❤️
Paola Renxa (Doherty): "It was a great experience to see the process behind the scenes and help my community." ✨
📸 See the highlights of our student poll volunteers!
A big shoutout to students Jenny Manxhari and Paola Renxa (Doherty Memorial High School), Uche Mba (South High Community School), Madeline Torto (North High School), and Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Technical High School) for volunteering as poll workers across Worcester, including Congregation Beth Israel and the Worcester Senior Center. They spent Election Day helping voters, learning how elections run behind the scenes, and experiencing civic engagement in action. 🙌
By volunteering at the polls, these students showed that they are Engaged Community Members, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner 📘. They identified a community need, articulated and communicated solutions, developed an action plan, and advocated for change (ECM 2).
What the students had to say:
Jenny Manxhari (Doherty): "I decided to volunteer because I care about my community. I’m proud to serve Worcester and make a difference!" 💛
Uche Mba (South High): "Being newly eighteen, I wanted to experience the process up close and understand the impact voting has." 🌟
Madeline Torto (North High): "I wanted to use my time doing something meaningful." 🤝
Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Tech): "I enjoy helping others and giving back to my community." ❤️
Paola Renxa (Doherty): "It was a great experience to see the process behind the scenes and help my community." ✨
📸 See the highlights of our student poll volunteers!
🗳️ Sixth Grade Elections at West Tatnuck! 🗳️
Students at West Tatnuck School participated in sixth grade elections that included voters from fourth, fifth, and sixth grades!
Now in its fourth year, this year's sixth grade elections marked the first time fourth and fifth graders were invited to take part in the voting process.
Throughout the project, candidates and their classmates learned about the civic process by creating campaign commercials to share their platforms, designing posters, writing campaign speeches, and casting their votes.
Elected sixth grade student leaders will meet with Principal Elia-Renaud to bring their campaign promises to life, represent their peers at district events as school leaders, and take part in school culture and climate meetings.
This in-depth project demonstrates all five dispositions of the Vision of a Learner, showcasing West Tatnuck students as Engaged Community Members, Curious Learners, Empowered Individuals, Problem Solvers and Effective Communicators.
Take a look at some of the sights from sixth grade election day at West Tatnuck!
Students at West Tatnuck School participated in sixth grade elections that included voters from fourth, fifth, and sixth grades!
Now in its fourth year, this year's sixth grade elections marked the first time fourth and fifth graders were invited to take part in the voting process.
Throughout the project, candidates and their classmates learned about the civic process by creating campaign commercials to share their platforms, designing posters, writing campaign speeches, and casting their votes.
Elected sixth grade student leaders will meet with Principal Elia-Renaud to bring their campaign promises to life, represent their peers at district events as school leaders, and take part in school culture and climate meetings.
This in-depth project demonstrates all five dispositions of the Vision of a Learner, showcasing West Tatnuck students as Engaged Community Members, Curious Learners, Empowered Individuals, Problem Solvers and Effective Communicators.
Take a look at some of the sights from sixth grade election day at West Tatnuck!
🎓💻 Burncoat High School Hosts FAFSA Fiesta! 💻🎓
Burncoat High School’s Guidance Department and Wraparound Coordinators teamed up with community partners MEFA and Dynamy to host a FAFSA Fiesta for seniors and their families!
The event provided hands-on support to help students complete their FAFSA applications and CSS Profiles as they prepare for the college application process.
The FAFSA Fiesta is part of Burncoat High's ongoing FAFSA Fridays series, which offers dedicated time each week to help students and families complete their financial aid applications and take the next step toward their college goals.
Burncoat High School’s Guidance Department and Wraparound Coordinators teamed up with community partners MEFA and Dynamy to host a FAFSA Fiesta for seniors and their families!
The event provided hands-on support to help students complete their FAFSA applications and CSS Profiles as they prepare for the college application process.
The FAFSA Fiesta is part of Burncoat High's ongoing FAFSA Fridays series, which offers dedicated time each week to help students and families complete their financial aid applications and take the next step toward their college goals.
🌟 Call for WooStar Nominations 🌟
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ November Nomination Deadline: Monday, Nov. 24
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ November Nomination Deadline: Monday, Nov. 24
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
📚🌿 Flagg Street Beautifies Schoolyard with Story Walk and Rain Garden! 🌿📚
Students and staff at Flagg Street School recently unveiled two exciting additions to the schoolyard - a Story Walk and Rain Garden!
The Story Walk invites readers to enjoy a good book while exploring nature behind the school. Led by Mrs. Rawdon, Mrs. Thompson, and the school’s PTG, this interactive experience brings reading to life in the outdoors.
The first featured story, The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade and illustrated by Jennifer Davison, is just the beginning, with new stories to be added regularly.
The Rain Garden, led by Mrs. Lavallee of the school’s PTG, helps beautify the schoolyard by supporting the growth of plants nourished by rainwater. It’s expected to flourish this spring, adding even more color and life to the space.
Both projects create new opportunities for students to learn and play outdoors, making the back of the school more welcoming and inviting for the entire community.
A big thank-you to all the parents and community volunteers who helped make these projects possible!
Students and staff at Flagg Street School recently unveiled two exciting additions to the schoolyard - a Story Walk and Rain Garden!
The Story Walk invites readers to enjoy a good book while exploring nature behind the school. Led by Mrs. Rawdon, Mrs. Thompson, and the school’s PTG, this interactive experience brings reading to life in the outdoors.
The first featured story, The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade and illustrated by Jennifer Davison, is just the beginning, with new stories to be added regularly.
The Rain Garden, led by Mrs. Lavallee of the school’s PTG, helps beautify the schoolyard by supporting the growth of plants nourished by rainwater. It’s expected to flourish this spring, adding even more color and life to the space.
Both projects create new opportunities for students to learn and play outdoors, making the back of the school more welcoming and inviting for the entire community.
A big thank-you to all the parents and community volunteers who helped make these projects possible!
🎃 Elm Park Community School Hosts Trunk or Treat! 🎃
Students, staff, and caregivers at Elm Park Community School celebrated the Halloween season during this week’s after-school Trunk or Treat event!
Students showed off their creative costumes while staff and families decorated their trunks with festive themed displays. It was a fun-filled afternoon of laughter, candy, and community spirit!
Students, staff, and caregivers at Elm Park Community School celebrated the Halloween season during this week’s after-school Trunk or Treat event!
Students showed off their creative costumes while staff and families decorated their trunks with festive themed displays. It was a fun-filled afternoon of laughter, candy, and community spirit!
🎃👻 Hill-O-Ween Parade Fun at Union Hill! 👻🎃
What a spook-tacular day! Union Hill students rocked their creative costumes and paraded across the street at Worcester Academy, bringing smiles, laughs, and lots of Halloween spirit! 🧙♂️🦇🧡
A huge thank-you to Worcester Academy for sponsoring this fun tradition and to all the families who came out to cheer on our little ghouls and goblins. The weather may have changed their plans, but the fun was absolutely magical! ✨
Take a look at some highlights from the parade! 📸
What a spook-tacular day! Union Hill students rocked their creative costumes and paraded across the street at Worcester Academy, bringing smiles, laughs, and lots of Halloween spirit! 🧙♂️🦇🧡
A huge thank-you to Worcester Academy for sponsoring this fun tradition and to all the families who came out to cheer on our little ghouls and goblins. The weather may have changed their plans, but the fun was absolutely magical! ✨
Take a look at some highlights from the parade! 📸
This Month's Staff WooStar: Yelitza Agosto, Culture & Climate Specialist at Burncoat Middle School ⭐️
“Yelitza deserves this award because she consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Not only does she excel in her role, but she also contributes far beyond her job description, helping to build a more positive and connected school culture each day. On Fridays, she brings joy to staff by hosting song lyric trivia, creating moments of fun and camaraderie. She frequently takes on side projects—whether through her video editing, photography, or other creative talents—and shares them generously with our school community. Her efforts and dedication make our school a brighter, happier place to work, and her impact reaches far beyond her assigned responsibilities. She embodies the spirit of teamwork, positivity, and commitment that makes our school thrive.”
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
“Yelitza deserves this award because she consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Not only does she excel in her role, but she also contributes far beyond her job description, helping to build a more positive and connected school culture each day. On Fridays, she brings joy to staff by hosting song lyric trivia, creating moments of fun and camaraderie. She frequently takes on side projects—whether through her video editing, photography, or other creative talents—and shares them generously with our school community. Her efforts and dedication make our school a brighter, happier place to work, and her impact reaches far beyond her assigned responsibilities. She embodies the spirit of teamwork, positivity, and commitment that makes our school thrive.”
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
This Month’s Student WooStar: Julianna Cohen, 10th Grade, Engaged Community Member at Burncoat High School ⭐️
“Julianna has been canvassing for candidates for school committee and city council for the past two elections. She researched candidates and reached out to volunteer, and has spent the past several Saturdays canvassing around Worcester for the candidates that she supports. She volunteered all summer at the Massachusetts State House in Boston as a tour guide, as well as an online internship with State Senator Robyn Kennedy's office. Julianna is an assistant teacher at our religious school, participates in several clubs, and is part of the Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts at Burncoat.”
This demonstrates that Julianna is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Julianna can identify a need in their community, articulate and communicate solutions, develop an action plan, and advocate for change (ECM 2).
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
“Julianna has been canvassing for candidates for school committee and city council for the past two elections. She researched candidates and reached out to volunteer, and has spent the past several Saturdays canvassing around Worcester for the candidates that she supports. She volunteered all summer at the Massachusetts State House in Boston as a tour guide, as well as an online internship with State Senator Robyn Kennedy's office. Julianna is an assistant teacher at our religious school, participates in several clubs, and is part of the Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts at Burncoat.”
This demonstrates that Julianna is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Julianna can identify a need in their community, articulate and communicate solutions, develop an action plan, and advocate for change (ECM 2).
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for examples of students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
🌟 Superintendent Allen Visits September WooStars! 🌟
Superintendent Brian E. Allen stopped by Thorndyke Road School and Clark Street Community School to congratulate our September WooStars!
Pictured here with Thorndyke second grader Sullivan Raposa and Clark Street New Citizen's Program ESL teacher Natasha Mateo, Superintendent Allen celebrated their efforts in their school communities.
Our October WooStars will be announced tomorrow — stay tuned! 👀
Superintendent Brian E. Allen stopped by Thorndyke Road School and Clark Street Community School to congratulate our September WooStars!
Pictured here with Thorndyke second grader Sullivan Raposa and Clark Street New Citizen's Program ESL teacher Natasha Mateo, Superintendent Allen celebrated their efforts in their school communities.
Our October WooStars will be announced tomorrow — stay tuned! 👀
🎃👻 Norrback Avenue School’s First Trunk or Treat! 👻🎃
Families, students, and staff came together recently to celebrate the Halloween season at Norrback Avenue School’s first-ever Trunk or Treat.
Students and families showcased their creativity with costumes and decorations, and fun was had by all.
A special thanks to everyone who helped make the evening a memorable one for the school community!
Families, students, and staff came together recently to celebrate the Halloween season at Norrback Avenue School’s first-ever Trunk or Treat.
Students and families showcased their creativity with costumes and decorations, and fun was had by all.
A special thanks to everyone who helped make the evening a memorable one for the school community!
🐾 Name of WPD’s New Comfort Dog Announced! 🐾
The Worcester Police Department visited Tatnuck Magnet School to reveal the winning name in their Comfort Dog Naming Contest — and the winner is... Sheruff Barkley!
During the contest, third grade classrooms from across Worcester Public Schools submitted name ideas for the new Bernedoodle pup. The public then voted for their favorite on WPD’s social media channels.
The winning name, Sheruff Barkley, was chosen by the third grade classes of Ms. Amanda Dibara and Mr. William Bowes.
While Sheruff Barkley completes his training, WPD officers stopped by Tatnuck Magnet to celebrate with the winning classes, handing out prizes such as fidget spinners, coloring books, and stickers.
Sheruff Barkley will return to Tatnuck Magnet School for his first official visit once he’s ready for duty!
The Worcester Police Department visited Tatnuck Magnet School to reveal the winning name in their Comfort Dog Naming Contest — and the winner is... Sheruff Barkley!
During the contest, third grade classrooms from across Worcester Public Schools submitted name ideas for the new Bernedoodle pup. The public then voted for their favorite on WPD’s social media channels.
The winning name, Sheruff Barkley, was chosen by the third grade classes of Ms. Amanda Dibara and Mr. William Bowes.
While Sheruff Barkley completes his training, WPD officers stopped by Tatnuck Magnet to celebrate with the winning classes, handing out prizes such as fidget spinners, coloring books, and stickers.
Sheruff Barkley will return to Tatnuck Magnet School for his first official visit once he’s ready for duty!
💸 South High Community School Seniors Learn Real-World Financial Skills! 💸
South High Community School recently hosted Country Bank’s Credit for Life program, a hands-on financial literacy experience that helps students prepare for life after graduation. 🏦💡
For the past three years, Country Bank has partnered with South High Community School to bring this engaging program to our seniors. More than 400 students participated this year, role-playing as 25-year-old adults with careers, salaries, and credit scores — making real-life decisions about saving, spending, and budgeting.
Kudos to our students for engaging in this valuable program, and a big thank you to Country Bank and their volunteers for their continued partnership! 💚
South High Community School recently hosted Country Bank’s Credit for Life program, a hands-on financial literacy experience that helps students prepare for life after graduation. 🏦💡
For the past three years, Country Bank has partnered with South High Community School to bring this engaging program to our seniors. More than 400 students participated this year, role-playing as 25-year-old adults with careers, salaries, and credit scores — making real-life decisions about saving, spending, and budgeting.
Kudos to our students for engaging in this valuable program, and a big thank you to Country Bank and their volunteers for their continued partnership! 💚
💥 Burncoat Brings the Energy for Homecoming 2025! 💚🎉
What an incredible day celebrating school spirit, teamwork, and Green Pride at Burncoat High’s 2025 Homecoming Pep Rally! 🏫✨
From the pep band kicking things off with Swag Surfin’ to the Spirit Team’s high-energy performances and cheers, the excitement in the gym was unmatched! 🎺💃
👏 A big shoutout to all of Burncoat’s Fall Sports Teams and especially the Seniors — we’re so proud of your hard work and dedication!
What an incredible day celebrating school spirit, teamwork, and Green Pride at Burncoat High’s 2025 Homecoming Pep Rally! 🏫✨
From the pep band kicking things off with Swag Surfin’ to the Spirit Team’s high-energy performances and cheers, the excitement in the gym was unmatched! 🎺💃
👏 A big shoutout to all of Burncoat’s Fall Sports Teams and especially the Seniors — we’re so proud of your hard work and dedication!
🌟 Principal Month Spotlight: Rachel Savage 🌟
This month, we’re introducing principals across WPS as part of National Principal Month! Principals work every day to support students, guide their staff, and build strong school communities.
Meet Rachel Savage, principal at Wawecus Road School.
Principal Savage has been part of Worcester Public Schools for 15 years. With experience as a special education teacher, instructional coach, and now administrator, she is passionate about helping students believe in themselves and unlock their full potential. Her favorite subject to learn about is science. Outside of school, Principal Savage enjoys musical theater and cooking!
Join us in celebrating Principal Savage!
This month, we’re introducing principals across WPS as part of National Principal Month! Principals work every day to support students, guide their staff, and build strong school communities.
Meet Rachel Savage, principal at Wawecus Road School.
Principal Savage has been part of Worcester Public Schools for 15 years. With experience as a special education teacher, instructional coach, and now administrator, she is passionate about helping students believe in themselves and unlock their full potential. Her favorite subject to learn about is science. Outside of school, Principal Savage enjoys musical theater and cooking!
Join us in celebrating Principal Savage!
