Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
🔔 Please Note: WPS district offices are closed today, July 3, in observance of the holiday.
Tomorrow, we celebrate a historic Fourth of July as our nation marks its 250th anniversary! We wish everyone a safe and memorable holiday as we celebrate this milestone in our country's history.
For two and a half centuries, the United States has been shaped by the foundational values of freedom, unity, and community. This quarter-millennium milestone invites us to look back at our shared history, appreciate the progress we've made, and look forward to the future we are building together.
Learn more about the history of the Fourth of July: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
🔔 Please Note: WPS district offices are closed today, July 3, in observance of the holiday.
Tomorrow, we celebrate a historic Fourth of July as our nation marks its 250th anniversary! We wish everyone a safe and memorable holiday as we celebrate this milestone in our country's history.
For two and a half centuries, the United States has been shaped by the foundational values of freedom, unity, and community. This quarter-millennium milestone invites us to look back at our shared history, appreciate the progress we've made, and look forward to the future we are building together.
Learn more about the history of the Fourth of July: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
WPS Student-Athletes Shine at Adidas Outdoor Track & Field Nationals 🏅
Shoutout to our Worcester Technical High School and North High School student-athletes for representing Worcester on the national stage at the recent Adidas Outdoor Track & Field Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
These athletes closed out another strong season of competition, earning season bests, setting school records, and competing against some of the best high school track & field athletes in the country.
Also, a special shoutout to South High Community School senior Keylani Amaning for competing in the Triple Jump at Nationals, capping off an outstanding career and representing the Colonels on the national stage.
Here are some standout results from the competition:
• Boys 800 Sprint Medley Relay, 9th place (1:35.06, Season Best): Gershom Opoku, Noah Jones, Joel Rodriguez and Kayden Gray
• Boys 4x400 Relay, 11th place (3:23.82, New School Record): Joel Rodriguez, Omega Dennis, Emmanuel Mireku, Kayden Gray
• Boys 4x200 Relay-A, 14th place (1:29.49, Season Best): Emmanuel Mireku, Noah Jones, Gershom Opoku, Kayden Gray
• Boys 1600 Sprint Medley Relay, 16th place (3:42.46, Season Best): Noah Jones, Gershom Opoku, Kayden Gray, Nasredine Yussef
• Girls 4x200 Relay, 28th place (1:47.27, New School Record): Azariah Fullerton, Joanita Boakye, Anahi Ayala, Victoria Salau
• Girls 4x400 Relay, 31st place (4:23.61, Season Best): Joanita Boakye, Benedicta Honny, Leandra Afryie, Azana Burns
• Boys 4x400 Relay-B, 58th place (3:33.67, Season Best): Nana Brempong, Leet Leet, Nasredine Yussef, Jonathan Osei
• Girls 4x100 Relay, 52nd place (51.28, Season Best): Leandra Afryie, Azariah Fullerton, Anahi Ayala, Victoria Salau
• 400 Hurdles: Joel Rodriguez, 29th place (56.90, New School Record)
Way to represent Worcester! 🏃♂️🏃♀️🏅🎉
Shoutout to our Worcester Technical High School and North High School student-athletes for representing Worcester on the national stage at the recent Adidas Outdoor Track & Field Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
These athletes closed out another strong season of competition, earning season bests, setting school records, and competing against some of the best high school track & field athletes in the country.
Also, a special shoutout to South High Community School senior Keylani Amaning for competing in the Triple Jump at Nationals, capping off an outstanding career and representing the Colonels on the national stage.
Here are some standout results from the competition:
• Boys 800 Sprint Medley Relay, 9th place (1:35.06, Season Best): Gershom Opoku, Noah Jones, Joel Rodriguez and Kayden Gray
• Boys 4x400 Relay, 11th place (3:23.82, New School Record): Joel Rodriguez, Omega Dennis, Emmanuel Mireku, Kayden Gray
• Boys 4x200 Relay-A, 14th place (1:29.49, Season Best): Emmanuel Mireku, Noah Jones, Gershom Opoku, Kayden Gray
• Boys 1600 Sprint Medley Relay, 16th place (3:42.46, Season Best): Noah Jones, Gershom Opoku, Kayden Gray, Nasredine Yussef
• Girls 4x200 Relay, 28th place (1:47.27, New School Record): Azariah Fullerton, Joanita Boakye, Anahi Ayala, Victoria Salau
• Girls 4x400 Relay, 31st place (4:23.61, Season Best): Joanita Boakye, Benedicta Honny, Leandra Afryie, Azana Burns
• Boys 4x400 Relay-B, 58th place (3:33.67, Season Best): Nana Brempong, Leet Leet, Nasredine Yussef, Jonathan Osei
• Girls 4x100 Relay, 52nd place (51.28, Season Best): Leandra Afryie, Azariah Fullerton, Anahi Ayala, Victoria Salau
• 400 Hurdles: Joel Rodriguez, 29th place (56.90, New School Record)
Way to represent Worcester! 🏃♂️🏃♀️🏅🎉
🎶 Worcester UNITES Summer Concert at South High 🎶
Worcester UNITES recently held its annual summer concert at South High Community School, bringing together student musicians and coaches from across the district for an afternoon of music with family and friends.
This year’s performance showcased the incredible range of WPS musicians, featuring a student rock band, orchestra, and symphony band performances. Throughout the Summer UNITES program, students from elementary, middle, and high schools came together to strengthen their skills, have fun through music, and prepare for this special showcase.
Students learned and performed all of the concert pieces in just three days, highlighting their dedication, teamwork, and impressive musical talent.
Congratulations to our Worcester UNITES musicians on another amazing concert and a successful summer program! 🎵
Worcester UNITES recently held its annual summer concert at South High Community School, bringing together student musicians and coaches from across the district for an afternoon of music with family and friends.
This year’s performance showcased the incredible range of WPS musicians, featuring a student rock band, orchestra, and symphony band performances. Throughout the Summer UNITES program, students from elementary, middle, and high schools came together to strengthen their skills, have fun through music, and prepare for this special showcase.
Students learned and performed all of the concert pieces in just three days, highlighting their dedication, teamwork, and impressive musical talent.
Congratulations to our Worcester UNITES musicians on another amazing concert and a successful summer program! 🎵
☀️ Your Summer Checklist is Complete! ☀️
Continuing our Summer Eats series—Worcester Public Schools is serving up everything you need for a fun, easy, and nourishing summer:
✔️ FREE MEALS
✔️ GOOD VIBES
✔️ SUMMER FUN
The Summer Eats program is now underway (June 23–August 21), helping ensure kids and teens across Worcester stay happy, healthy, and well-fed all summer long! 🍔🍓🍟
📲 Quick & Easy to Find a Site:
📱 Scan the QR code
👉 Or visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to check locations and meal times
Continuing our Summer Eats series—Worcester Public Schools is serving up everything you need for a fun, easy, and nourishing summer:
✔️ FREE MEALS
✔️ GOOD VIBES
✔️ SUMMER FUN
The Summer Eats program is now underway (June 23–August 21), helping ensure kids and teens across Worcester stay happy, healthy, and well-fed all summer long! 🍔🍓🍟
📲 Quick & Easy to Find a Site:
📱 Scan the QR code
👉 Or visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to check locations and meal times
🎓 Middle School Jump Start: Preparing Students for High School 🎓
Before the end of the school year, Worcester Public Schools’ Middle School Jump Start welcomed rising ninth grade students across the district for a closer look at their future high schools before the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Students visited their new school communities, connected with staff, and learned more about the transition to high school.
Students from Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School visited South High Community School, where more than 400 future Colonels participated in sessions held over several days to prepare for the year ahead. Students enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria, explored fall sports and extracurricular opportunities, and learned more about life as a high school student.
Students also participated in rotating sessions focused on school expectations, attendance, understanding their schedules, summer reading, and other resources to support a successful start to ninth grade.
We look forward to welcoming these students back in August as they begin their high school journey!
Before the end of the school year, Worcester Public Schools’ Middle School Jump Start welcomed rising ninth grade students across the district for a closer look at their future high schools before the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Students visited their new school communities, connected with staff, and learned more about the transition to high school.
Students from Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School visited South High Community School, where more than 400 future Colonels participated in sessions held over several days to prepare for the year ahead. Students enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria, explored fall sports and extracurricular opportunities, and learned more about life as a high school student.
Students also participated in rotating sessions focused on school expectations, attendance, understanding their schedules, summer reading, and other resources to support a successful start to ninth grade.
We look forward to welcoming these students back in August as they begin their high school journey!
🛑 Kids at home doesn't have to mean more meal prep! 🛑
Parents and caregivers, we know summer schedules can get hectic. Let Worcester Public Schools take one thing off your plate while putting nutritious, delicious meals on theirs! 🥪🍎
Through the Summer Eats program, children and teens can enjoy healthy meals all summer long—so you can spend less time cooking and more time making memories.
✨ Why Families Love Summer Eats
✅ Totally Free – Meals are available at no cost for all children and teens 18 and under.
✅ Zero Hassle – No I.D. or registration required. Just show up and enjoy!
✅ Convenient Locations – Meal sites are available throughout Worcester all summer long.
📍 Ready to Find a Site?
📱 Scan the QR code
👉 Or visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to view locations and meal times.
🔬 AbbVie, Heart of America Bring New STEAM Learning Space and School Enhancements to Norrback Avenue School 🔬
AbbVie and the Heart of America Foundation donated a new STEAM Lab and completed a series of school improvements at Norrback Avenue School, increasing access to engaging learning spaces and educational resources for students in Worcester Public Schools as part of AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities annual community outreach event.
More than 150 volunteers from AbbVie, Heart of America, and Worcester Public Schools worked together to transform a classroom space originally designed as a science classroom and return it to its original purpose as a new STEAM Lab. Additional volunteers also supported enhancements to indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the school.
The new STEAM Lab, a redesigned classroom space, will support fifth grade science and social studies instruction beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The space features new technology and instructional materials, including 3D printers, Chromebooks, electronic microscopes, and other STEAM-related resources.
Additional improvements included freshly painted walls, updated furniture, murals throughout the school, refreshed outdoor murals, an enhanced outdoor patio space, a more accessible location for the school’s clothes closet, and a new STEAM Corner within the library featuring hands-on activities for students across all grade levels.
Read more on our website: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3011777
AbbVie and the Heart of America Foundation donated a new STEAM Lab and completed a series of school improvements at Norrback Avenue School, increasing access to engaging learning spaces and educational resources for students in Worcester Public Schools as part of AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities annual community outreach event.
More than 150 volunteers from AbbVie, Heart of America, and Worcester Public Schools worked together to transform a classroom space originally designed as a science classroom and return it to its original purpose as a new STEAM Lab. Additional volunteers also supported enhancements to indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the school.
The new STEAM Lab, a redesigned classroom space, will support fifth grade science and social studies instruction beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The space features new technology and instructional materials, including 3D printers, Chromebooks, electronic microscopes, and other STEAM-related resources.
Additional improvements included freshly painted walls, updated furniture, murals throughout the school, refreshed outdoor murals, an enhanced outdoor patio space, a more accessible location for the school’s clothes closet, and a new STEAM Corner within the library featuring hands-on activities for students across all grade levels.
Read more on our website: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3011777
🎉 Congratulations to Laurie Fazio on Retirement! 🎓🌟
Please join us in celebrating Laurie Fazio for 28 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Laurie’s reflections on her time at Roosevelt School. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Laurie! 🌷🎊
Please join us in celebrating Laurie Fazio for 28 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Laurie’s reflections on her time at Roosevelt School. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Laurie! 🌷🎊
🎉 Congratulations to Laurie Dziokonski on Retirement! 🎓🌟
Please join us in celebrating Laurie Dziokonski for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Laurie’s reflections on her time at Chandler Elementary. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Laurie! 🌷🎊
Please join us in celebrating Laurie Dziokonski for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Laurie’s reflections on her time at Chandler Elementary. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Laurie! 🌷🎊
🎉 Congratulations to Paul Gilrein on Retirement! 🎓💙
Please join us in celebrating Paul Gilrein for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Paul’s reflections on his time with WPS. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Paul! 🎊
Please join us in celebrating Paul Gilrein for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Paul’s reflections on his time with WPS. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Paul! 🎊
🎉 Congratulations to Nancy Anne Driscoll on Retirement! 🎓🌟
Please join us in celebrating Nancy Anne Driscoll for 34 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Nancy’s reflections on her time at Worcester Arts Magnet School. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Nancy! 🌷🎊
Please join us in celebrating Nancy Anne Driscoll for 34 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Nancy’s reflections on her time at Worcester Arts Magnet School. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Nancy! 🌷🎊
Happy Retirement, Dr. Karrie Allen!
Congratulations to Dr. Karrie Allen, Principal of Goddard School of Science and Technology, on her retirement.
Reflecting on her time in the Worcester Public Schools, Dr. Allen shared: "I am so, so grateful for my years in the Worcester Public School system. It has been the most amazing journey...I'm so thankful for it all."
Thank you, Dr. Allen, for your years of dedication, service and leadership in Worcester Public Schools. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
Congratulations to Dr. Karrie Allen, Principal of Goddard School of Science and Technology, on her retirement.
Reflecting on her time in the Worcester Public Schools, Dr. Allen shared: "I am so, so grateful for my years in the Worcester Public School system. It has been the most amazing journey...I'm so thankful for it all."
Thank you, Dr. Allen, for your years of dedication, service and leadership in Worcester Public Schools. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
🎉 Congratulations to Cindy Cramer on Retirement! 🎓🌟
Please join us in celebrating Cindy Cramer for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Cindy’s reflections on her time at Roosevelt Elementary. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Cindy! 🌷🎊
Please join us in celebrating Cindy Cramer for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Cindy’s reflections on her time at Roosevelt Elementary. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Cindy! 🌷🎊
🎉 Congratulations to Thomas Gibbons on Retirement! 🎓💙
Please join us in celebrating Thomas Gibbons for 36 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Thomas’s reflections on his time with WPS. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Thomas! 🌷🎊
Please join us in celebrating Thomas Gibbons for 36 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Thomas’s reflections on his time with WPS. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Thomas! 🌷🎊
☀️🍎 We’ve Got Your Summer Eats!
Summer Eats is now open! Worcester Public Schools is providing free meals for children and teens 18 years and under in the city of Worcester from June 23 through August 15 as part of the Summer Eats program.
Meals are available this summer at sites across Worcester, from parks and pools to libraries and neighborhoods. No registration, ID, or paperwork is needed!
📅 June 23 – August 15
🚫 No service on July 3
📱 Scan the QR code
👉 Or visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to view locations and meal times.
🔔 Community Notice 🔔
Please be advised that Forest Grove Middle School will be closed to the public on Tuesday, June 23, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
During this time, the Worcester Police Department will be conducting a scheduled training session at the school.
You may notice a police presence at the school; please rest assured that it is part of a training session.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
☀️ School is OUT, Free Meals are IN! 🍽️
Summer is officially here, and Worcester Public Schools is helping keep kids and teens fueled all season long through the Summer Eats program!
Healthy, delicious, and completely free meals are available for children and teens 18 years and under.
No registration required.
No ID needed.
Just show up and enjoy! 🎉
⚠️ Important Schedule Note:
There will be no meal service on Friday, July 3. Please plan ahead.
📍 Find a Site Near You
Ready to find your closest neighborhood meal site?
👉 Visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to view locations and service times.
🎉 Congratulations to Daniel P. Coonan on Retirement! 🎓🌟
Please join us in celebrating Daniel P. Coonan for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Daniel’s reflections on his time at North High School. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Daniel! 🎊
Please join us in celebrating Daniel P. Coonan for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Daniel’s reflections on his time at North High School. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Daniel! 🎊
📚 Summer Reading Kickoff at Columbus Park Preparatory School 📚
As the school year comes to a close, students at Columbus Park Preparatory School gathered for a Summer Reading Kickoff to inspire a love of reading all summer long.
Thanks to generous book donations from the Community Book Nook Initiative, students had the opportunity to browse and select books that matched their interests.
Every student left with at least one book, and many left with several, helping ensure they have plenty of opportunities to read, learn, and explore throughout the summer.
Looking to support reading at home this summer? Visit worcesterschools.org/summerreading for book lists and additional resources to get you started!
As the school year comes to a close, students at Columbus Park Preparatory School gathered for a Summer Reading Kickoff to inspire a love of reading all summer long.
Thanks to generous book donations from the Community Book Nook Initiative, students had the opportunity to browse and select books that matched their interests.
Every student left with at least one book, and many left with several, helping ensure they have plenty of opportunities to read, learn, and explore throughout the summer.
Looking to support reading at home this summer? Visit worcesterschools.org/summerreading for book lists and additional resources to get you started!
🎉 Congratulations to Deirdre Carlson on Retirement! 🎓🌟
Please join us in celebrating Deirdre Carlson for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Deirdre’s reflections on her time with WPS. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Deirdre! 🌷🎊
Please join us in celebrating Deirdre Carlson for 33 years of dedicated service in Worcester Public Schools. Take a moment to read Deirdre’s reflections on her time with WPS. 📖💙
We wish you all the best in your retirement, Deirdre! 🌷🎊
