⚕️WPS Awarded $87K Grant for Adult Certified Nursing Assistant Program
🏥The funding will be used for the program hosted through the Worcester Adult Learning Center.
An integrated English literacy and civics education program, the CNA course is a MassSTEP program.
Last year, 91% of our adult CNA students passed their state certification requirements.
Healthcare and social assistance are top occupational needs in our region, as identified by the Central Massachusetts Regional Workforce Blueprint.
🏥The funding will be used for the program hosted through the Worcester Adult Learning Center.
An integrated English literacy and civics education program, the CNA course is a MassSTEP program.
Last year, 91% of our adult CNA students passed their state certification requirements.
Healthcare and social assistance are top occupational needs in our region, as identified by the Central Massachusetts Regional Workforce Blueprint.
Education Partnership with Texas Roadhouse 🤝
Wraparound Coordinators in the Burncoat Quadrant recently met with the local Texas Roadhouse to explore new ways to partner with Worcester Public Schools for the 2025–26 school year.
Special thanks to Xolchit Roman-Polanco, Wraparound Coordinator at Burncoat High School, whose past collaborations with Texas Roadhouse helped make this connection possible.
So far, Texas Roadhouse has:
🍴 Donated meals for Teacher Appreciation Week
🎉 Brought their mascot to Burncoat High School events
💎 Supported fundraisers and donated raffle items
We’re excited to see partnerships like this grow in WPS!
Wraparound Coordinators in the Burncoat Quadrant recently met with the local Texas Roadhouse to explore new ways to partner with Worcester Public Schools for the 2025–26 school year.
Special thanks to Xolchit Roman-Polanco, Wraparound Coordinator at Burncoat High School, whose past collaborations with Texas Roadhouse helped make this connection possible.
So far, Texas Roadhouse has:
🍴 Donated meals for Teacher Appreciation Week
🎉 Brought their mascot to Burncoat High School events
💎 Supported fundraisers and donated raffle items
We’re excited to see partnerships like this grow in WPS!
Happy Labor Day!
Did you know Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of American workers? Signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894, Labor Day is a time to reflect on the impact of the labor movement.
We wish all of our WPS community a relaxing and restful Labor Day!
Visit the link below to learn more about the history of Labor Day.
🔗: https://buff.ly/2M10oPj
Did you know Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of American workers? Signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894, Labor Day is a time to reflect on the impact of the labor movement.
We wish all of our WPS community a relaxing and restful Labor Day!
Visit the link below to learn more about the history of Labor Day.
🔗: https://buff.ly/2M10oPj
First Day of Pre-K and Kindergarten in Worcester Public Schools 📚
Thursday was full of bright smiles as our littlest learners began Pre-K and Kindergarten in WPS!
Check out some of the heartwarming sights from Worcester Arts Magnet School and Norrback Avenue School as we welcomed in Pre-K and Kindergarten students.
Thursday was full of bright smiles as our littlest learners began Pre-K and Kindergarten in WPS!
Check out some of the heartwarming sights from Worcester Arts Magnet School and Norrback Avenue School as we welcomed in Pre-K and Kindergarten students.
Parent Information Center Staff Appreciation 🙌
Shout out to the team at the James Garvey Parent Information Center, the heart of enrollment for the Worcester Public Schools.
From summer prep to the first week of school and beyond, the PIC team works tirelessly to support WPS families with student registration, transfers, immunization requirements, and more to get students ready for school.
On the first day of school, Superintendent Brian E. Allen stopped by to thank the staff for their dedication to helping students and families start the year off right!
Shout out to the team at the James Garvey Parent Information Center, the heart of enrollment for the Worcester Public Schools.
From summer prep to the first week of school and beyond, the PIC team works tirelessly to support WPS families with student registration, transfers, immunization requirements, and more to get students ready for school.
On the first day of school, Superintendent Brian E. Allen stopped by to thank the staff for their dedication to helping students and families start the year off right!
🎒 Joyner Lucas Donates Backpacks to WPS Students 🎒
South High Community School alum and Grammy-nominated rapper Joyner Lucas donated backpacks to Worcester Public Schools during a recent Wraparound Coordinator meeting.
The backpacks will be distributed to students across the district to help them start the school year ready to learn.
Thank you to Joyner Lucas and his team for supporting Worcester students and families!
South High Community School alum and Grammy-nominated rapper Joyner Lucas donated backpacks to Worcester Public Schools during a recent Wraparound Coordinator meeting.
The backpacks will be distributed to students across the district to help them start the school year ready to learn.
Thank you to Joyner Lucas and his team for supporting Worcester students and families!
First Day of School in Worcester Public Schools! 📚
Students at Heard Street Discovery Academy arrived for the first day of the 2025–26 school year by walking a red carpet into the building, posing for photos and bringing great energy as they begin the year.
Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Petty, district leadership, members of the school committee, and student-athletes from the College of the Holy Cross were also on hand to welcome families and students back to school.
We’re looking forward to a great year ahead, and we’ll be welcoming our pre-k and kindergarten students on Thursday, August 28. 🎒📸
Students at Heard Street Discovery Academy arrived for the first day of the 2025–26 school year by walking a red carpet into the building, posing for photos and bringing great energy as they begin the year.
Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Petty, district leadership, members of the school committee, and student-athletes from the College of the Holy Cross were also on hand to welcome families and students back to school.
We’re looking forward to a great year ahead, and we’ll be welcoming our pre-k and kindergarten students on Thursday, August 28. 🎒📸
🎉 Burncoat High School Opens 25-Year Time Capsule! 🎉
Former teachers and students reunited today at Burncoat High School to uncover a time capsule from 2000! 📦✨
Some highlights from the capsule:
- Class photos and letters from students of 2000
- Memorabilia from school clubs, sports teams, and activities
- Local newspaper clippings from the Telegram & Gazette
- Art projects and personal mementos that capture the creativity and spirit of the students
- Student artwork envisioning the future, featuring online learning and innovative sneaker designs
- Yearbooks and other items documenting school events and achievements
💚🤍 Students also contributed notes to a new time capsule, keeping Burncoat’s legacy alive for future generations!
The event was a joyful celebration of Burncoat’s history, connecting past and present while giving everyone a glimpse into the school’s vibrant culture 25 years ago.
📖✨ Read more: https://buff.ly/Y1xktJA
🍎 What’s on the Menu at Worcester Public Schools? 🥪
Families and students, Worcester Public Schools offers daily breakfast and lunch menus for every school—healthy, tasty, and always available! From fresh fruits 🍓 and veggies 🥕 to your favorite hot meals 🍝, there’s something for everyone.
➡️ Check out today’s menu and all your meal options.
👉 https://buff.ly/kQTdEup
Keep your student fueled and ready to learn!
Families and students, Worcester Public Schools offers daily breakfast and lunch menus for every school—healthy, tasty, and always available! From fresh fruits 🍓 and veggies 🥕 to your favorite hot meals 🍝, there’s something for everyone.
➡️ Check out today’s menu and all your meal options.
👉 https://buff.ly/kQTdEup
Keep your student fueled and ready to learn!
🌟 Countdown to Kindergarten at Polar Park! 🌟
Hundreds of incoming kindergarteners and their families joined us for a fun-filled day to celebrate the start of school!
Our youngest students played games with future classmates, rode a school bus, made music, received free books, and explored what to expect in Kindergarten.
Countdown to Kindergarten gives students and caregivers a preview of the first days of school, while offering families the chance to ask questions and connect with district staff and community resources.
Pre-K and Kindergarten begin Thursday, August 28 — we can't wait to welcome you on your first day! 🎒✨
Hundreds of incoming kindergarteners and their families joined us for a fun-filled day to celebrate the start of school!
Our youngest students played games with future classmates, rode a school bus, made music, received free books, and explored what to expect in Kindergarten.
Countdown to Kindergarten gives students and caregivers a preview of the first days of school, while offering families the chance to ask questions and connect with district staff and community resources.
Pre-K and Kindergarten begin Thursday, August 28 — we can't wait to welcome you on your first day! 🎒✨
🎒 Back to School in Worcester Public Schools! 🎒
We’re counting down the days until the start of the 2025–26 school year, and we’re excited to welcome students, families & caregivers, and WPS staff back to school.
➡️ Grades 1-12 start Monday, August 25.
➡️ PreK & Kindergarten begin Thursday, August 28.
Visit the Worcester Public Schools Back to School webpage for resources to help you start the year strong, including bus information, meals & nutrition, FAQs and more.
👉 https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/information-for-new-families
Let’s make this school year a great one!
We’re counting down the days until the start of the 2025–26 school year, and we’re excited to welcome students, families & caregivers, and WPS staff back to school.
➡️ Grades 1-12 start Monday, August 25.
➡️ PreK & Kindergarten begin Thursday, August 28.
Visit the Worcester Public Schools Back to School webpage for resources to help you start the year strong, including bus information, meals & nutrition, FAQs and more.
👉 https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/information-for-new-families
Let’s make this school year a great one!
🎓 Vision to Action: 2025–2026 Worcester Public Schools Leadership Convening Highlights
This morning, Superintendent Brian E. Allen kicked off the convening with the Strategic Plan: Our Promise to the Future, spotlighting:
📚 Equitable Resources & Educational Programs
🤝 Family & Community Engagement
🌟 Culture & Climate
🧑🏫 Acquire & Retain Talent
💖 Health & Wellness
🏫 Modernized & Safe Facilities
He also emphasized WPS core values: ⚖️ Equity, 🌈 Inclusivity, 🤗 Belonging, 🙏 Respect, and 🤝 Collaboration.
The day featured a keynote by Adam Braun 🎤, a student performance by the Burncoat Spirit Team 💃, a high school photo activity 📸 that sparked smiles, a performance by Jimmy Cash 🎶, followed by the awards 🏆 from the photo activity.
👀📷 Check out some photos from the day!
This morning, Superintendent Brian E. Allen kicked off the convening with the Strategic Plan: Our Promise to the Future, spotlighting:
📚 Equitable Resources & Educational Programs
🤝 Family & Community Engagement
🌟 Culture & Climate
🧑🏫 Acquire & Retain Talent
💖 Health & Wellness
🏫 Modernized & Safe Facilities
He also emphasized WPS core values: ⚖️ Equity, 🌈 Inclusivity, 🤗 Belonging, 🙏 Respect, and 🤝 Collaboration.
The day featured a keynote by Adam Braun 🎤, a student performance by the Burncoat Spirit Team 💃, a high school photo activity 📸 that sparked smiles, a performance by Jimmy Cash 🎶, followed by the awards 🏆 from the photo activity.
👀📷 Check out some photos from the day!
🚌 🏫LEI Back to School Community Fair
🫶🏽Superintendent Brian Allen joined community leaders and families for Latino Education Institute’s Back-to-School Community Fair on Saturday, August 16.
🎊 The annual event comes as LEI celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing education and resources to Latino families in close partnership with Worcester Public Schools. 46% of WPS students are Latino.
🎒Mr. Allen and other leaders spoke at the beginning of the event, which includes classroom workshops for caregivers along with a backpack school supply giveaway and a cultural dance performance. The event took place at Worcester State University.
🫶🏽Superintendent Brian Allen joined community leaders and families for Latino Education Institute’s Back-to-School Community Fair on Saturday, August 16.
🎊 The annual event comes as LEI celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing education and resources to Latino families in close partnership with Worcester Public Schools. 46% of WPS students are Latino.
🎒Mr. Allen and other leaders spoke at the beginning of the event, which includes classroom workshops for caregivers along with a backpack school supply giveaway and a cultural dance performance. The event took place at Worcester State University.
Mural in Remembrance of Zella and Chasity Nuñez Unveiled at Columbus Park
A mural was recently unveiled at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy in memory of Zella Nuñez and her mother, Chasity.
The mural overlooks the school's playground and blacktop area, which has also been named The Zella Way.
"The Zella Way – kindness, peace, fun, and a bright smile – will continue to brighten our school and community every day," said Columbus Park Principal Lisa Carignan.
The unveiling brought together members of the Columbus Park community, including family, classmates & teachers, members of the school committee and district leaders, to honor Zella and Chasity. The mural was created by muralist Chad Fandel.
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Worcester Public Schools Conduct Facility Upgrades Over Summer 🏫🔧
The Worcester Public Schools Facilities Department recently conducted several improvement projects over the summer, investing in building upgrades that enhance safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and learning environments for students.
The improvement projects spanned multiple schools including Worcester East Middle School, Worcester Technical High School, Roosevelt Elementary School, Thorndyke Road School, Lincoln Street School, Gerald Creamer Center and Challenge & Reach Academy.
“These projects aim to improve the day-to-day operations of our buildings by enhancing accessibility, safety, insulation, and overall learning conditions for students and staff,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “Investing in these upgrades ensures our schools remain safe and functional places where students can focus on learning. A big thank you to our Facilities Department staff and contractors for all their hard work.”
Read more, including a complete list of upgrades: https://buff.ly/Bt5Gvz4
The Worcester Public Schools Facilities Department recently conducted several improvement projects over the summer, investing in building upgrades that enhance safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and learning environments for students.
The improvement projects spanned multiple schools including Worcester East Middle School, Worcester Technical High School, Roosevelt Elementary School, Thorndyke Road School, Lincoln Street School, Gerald Creamer Center and Challenge & Reach Academy.
“These projects aim to improve the day-to-day operations of our buildings by enhancing accessibility, safety, insulation, and overall learning conditions for students and staff,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “Investing in these upgrades ensures our schools remain safe and functional places where students can focus on learning. A big thank you to our Facilities Department staff and contractors for all their hard work.”
Read more, including a complete list of upgrades: https://buff.ly/Bt5Gvz4
🌟 Early College Summer Camps at Worcester State University 🌟
Over two weeks, 200 rising 9th & 10th graders got a taste of college life at Worcester State University! From forensics and physics to art, yoga, and TV production, students explored hands-on workshops, enjoyed campus dining, and used university athletic facilities.
Next up: these students will earn college credits while still in high school — a free head start on their future! 🎓
📸 Take a look at this year’s camp highlights!
Over two weeks, 200 rising 9th & 10th graders got a taste of college life at Worcester State University! From forensics and physics to art, yoga, and TV production, students explored hands-on workshops, enjoyed campus dining, and used university athletic facilities.
Next up: these students will earn college credits while still in high school — a free head start on their future! 🎓
📸 Take a look at this year’s camp highlights!
🚍 Worcester Public Schools Releases Bus Routes Early for Second Year in a Row
Bus routes for the 2025–26 school year were released early on August 1 to help families get ready.
What’s new this year?
✅ Fully staffed with drivers
✅ 104 routes serving nearly 12,000 students daily
✅ 20 brand-new electric buses rolling out this fall 🌱
Find your student’s bus stop:
Students can log in to the WooEdu Student Portal with their WPS Google account.
Parents and caregivers can find stops on the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver Portal — just click “More” on the left sidebar.
📖 Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2349277
Bus routes for the 2025–26 school year were released early on August 1 to help families get ready.
What’s new this year?
✅ Fully staffed with drivers
✅ 104 routes serving nearly 12,000 students daily
✅ 20 brand-new electric buses rolling out this fall 🌱
Find your student’s bus stop:
Students can log in to the WooEdu Student Portal with their WPS Google account.
Parents and caregivers can find stops on the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver Portal — just click “More” on the left sidebar.
📖 Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2349277
🔧 $400,000 Grant for Adult Diesel Technology Program Awarded to Worcester Public Schools 🔧
Worcester Public Schools recently received $399,996 in state grant funding to offer a free 15-week evening Diesel Technology program starting on Tuesday, September 2 at South High Community School!
The funding for this opportunity, which comes from the state's Career Technical Initiative Grant, will help WPS Night Life and MassHire North Central train local adults for in-demand careers in Diesel Technology at no cost to those who qualify.
Eligibility:
✔️ MA resident
✔️ 18+ by end of training
✔️ Authorized to work in the U.S.
✔️ Unemployed or earning under $56,100/year
School Supply Drop-Off from St. Mary’s Church 🎒
Representatives from St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson recently dropped off hundreds of school supplies for WPS students, following their summer-long donation drive to support our schools.
Among the group was a former WPS kindergarten teacher — making the gesture even more special.
These school supplies will be distributed to students this fall, and we are so grateful for the generosity and partnership of the St. Mary’s community.
Representatives from St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson recently dropped off hundreds of school supplies for WPS students, following their summer-long donation drive to support our schools.
Among the group was a former WPS kindergarten teacher — making the gesture even more special.
These school supplies will be distributed to students this fall, and we are so grateful for the generosity and partnership of the St. Mary’s community.
🍦 A Sweet Summer Tradition 🍦
Superintendent Brian Allen continued a summer tradition, hosting an ice cream social at the Durkin Administration Building for WPS employees!
The event is both a thank-you to our hardworking 12-month staff and a cheerful welcome back to returning school-year staff.
Special thanks to Jerry's Ice Cream for providing the ice cream for this back to school celebration!
Superintendent Brian Allen continued a summer tradition, hosting an ice cream social at the Durkin Administration Building for WPS employees!
The event is both a thank-you to our hardworking 12-month staff and a cheerful welcome back to returning school-year staff.
Special thanks to Jerry's Ice Cream for providing the ice cream for this back to school celebration!
