🌎✈️ 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!
about 2 hours ago, Worcester Public Schools
WPS students and staff stand together in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
🥋 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!
about 7 hours ago, Worcester Public Schools
A martial arts instructor demonstrates a move to a young student in a school gymnasium.
Children sit on the floor in a school gymnasium, facing forward.
A large group of people, including children, gather in a gymnasium.
A group of children and an adult sit on a wooden floor, engaged in an activity.
A man and a boy sit cross-legged on a wooden floor, smiling at the camera.
A woman and a young girl smile at the camera while sitting on a wooden floor.
A man and a young boy sit on the floor, smiling at the camera.
A family smiles for the camera, holding a certificate in a school setting.
A group of people, including children, gather in a school gymnasium.
A woman and a young girl smile, holding a certificate in a school setting.
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!
2 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of people pose together, some wearing 'VOTE' shirts, at a polling location.
People gather at a polling place, some reviewing documents at a table.
People check in at a polling place, with a sign that says 'Check In Here'.
Volunteers at a polling place stand behind a table, ready to assist voters.
A group of people stand together, wearing 'VOTE' shirts, at a polling place.
Three election officials sit at a table, smiling and ready to assist voters.
Two election officials sit at a table, smiling and ready to assist voters.
🗳️ 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!
2 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A student casts their vote for sixth grade elections.
The candidates of the sixth grade election stand side by side for a photo.
Students vote at the polls during a sixth grade election.
A student votes during the sixth grade elections.
The canidates stand on stage following their speeches during the sixth grade elections.
A colorful poster that says "Vote for Brooklyn & Adrina."
🎓💻 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.
3 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Two students smile for a photo, one of them is holding up a flyer with a QR code.
A group of students work on FAFSA applications during a school event.
A slide of a presentation with information on the FAFSA application process.
A group of students and community members work on FAFSA applications during a school event.
🌟 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
3 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic that says "WooStars Nominations" and "November Nomination Deadline: Monday, November 24"
📚🌿 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!
3 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A family poses together in front of a sign at a school.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather around an informational sign outdoors.
A park scene with trees displaying vibrant autumn colors.
A framed illustration depicts a leaf looking down, with text from a children's book.
A woman and two children plant seedlings in a garden on a sunny day.
A woman kneels in a grassy area, digging a hole with a shovel.
🎃 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!
5 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Four students stand together and smile while dressed in Halloween costumes.
Three students stand together for a photo while wearing Halloween costumes.
Two staff members stand for a photo while wearing a "6-7" Halloween costume.
Four staff members and a baby, dressed as a sheep,  stand in front of their farmhouse display during a Trunk or Treat.
A student dressed as a princess smiles while getting their face painted.
Three adults stand in front of their Disney themed Trunk or Treat display.
🎃👻 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! 📸
6 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Children in costumes pose with a smiling adult, holding bags of candy.
Two people dressed as Spider-Man pose for a photo outdoors.
Two people dressed as Spider-Man pose for a photo outdoors.
A group of children in costumes pose with an adult on a sunny day.
Children in Halloween costumes pose for a photo on a sunny day.
Three children in Halloween costumes pose for a photo outdoors.
A group of children in Halloween costumes pose for a photo outdoors.
Children in costumes gather outdoors, possibly for a Halloween event.
Children in Halloween costumes smile, holding treat bags outdoors on a sunny day.
Three children in costumes smile for the camera outdoors on a sunny day.
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
7 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A WooStars Graphic of Yelitza Agosto, Culture & Climate Specialist at Burncoat Middle School.
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
7 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A WooStars Graphic of Julianna Cohen, 10th grade at Burncoat High School.
🌟 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! 👀
8 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Superintendent Allen stands with second grader Sullivan Raposa.
Superintendent Allen stands with ESL teacher Natasha Mateo.
🎃👻 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!
9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Two students dressed as pumpkins during a Trunk or Treat.
Two students dressed as boy scouts during a Trunk or Treat.
A table of adults dressed as "Spice Girls" each wearing a sign of a cooking spice.
A family of six stand together dressed in costumes during a Trunk or Treat.
A young student dressed as a Queen during a Trunk or Treat.
🐾 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!
9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of children and adults pose for a photo in a colorful classroom.
A smiling boy gives a thumbs up, looking happy and excited.
A group of children sit together, some holding blue objects.
Police officers and school staff interact with students in a classroom setting.
A fluffy puppy with black, white, and brown fur sits on green grass.
💸 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! 💚
9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of students and adults pose together at an event, some wearing leis.
Two women smile at the camera in a crowded indoor space, possibly a school event.
Four people pose for a photo in a gymnasium, smiling at the camera.
Two young women pose for a photo, one making a peace sign, both wearing leis.
Four people stand in a gymnasium, likely at a career fair or event.
Three young women smile at the camera in a crowded indoor space, holding clipboards.
Three people stand behind a table in a gymnasium, smiling at the camera.
Two young women smile, holding clipboards in a crowded event space.
Four young men stand together in a gymnasium, holding clipboards.
Two women smile at the camera at a trade show, holding clipboards.
💥 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!
10 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of cheerleaders in black and green uniforms pose on a wooden basketball court.
A school band practices in a gymnasium, holding brass instruments.
A group of students pose for a photo in a school gymnasium.
A group of students pose for a photo in a school gymnasium.
A diverse group of students pose together in a school gymnasium.
A diverse group of students pose together in a school gymnasium.
A diverse group of students pose together in a school gymnasium.
A group of students in green and black uniforms pose for a photo in a gymnasium.
A group of young men, some in athletic jerseys, stand together in a gymnasium.
People in costumes stand on a basketball court, with banners and a scoreboard visible.
🌟 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!
10 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic of Rachel Savage, Principal at Wawecus Road School, with their headshot in the center.
🔬 STEAM Week Showcase at Lake View School 🔬

Students and staff at Lake View School wrapped up Massachusetts STEAM Week with a schoolwide showcase celebrating creativity, curiosity, and discovery!

Each grade hosted an experiment or activity, giving students the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on learning.

Excitement filled the halls as students proudly shared their projects and presented their discoveries to classmates. It was a morning full of energy, enthusiasm, and learning!
13 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A young student holds up their project during a STEAM Showcase at Lake View.
Two students engage with a project during a STEAM Showcase at Lake View.
Two students engage with a project during a STEAM Showcase at Lake View.
A student project sits on a table during a STEAM Showcase at Lake View.
Student projects displayed on a table during a STEAM Showcase at Lake View.
A student interacts with an activity on their laptop during a STEAM Showcase at Lake View.
Four students and a staff member engage in a project during a STEAM Showcase at Lake View.
🌊 Grade 5 Learners in Action at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy! 🌿

Our Grade 5 students at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy were fortunate to attend a field trip to Save The Bay in Rhode Island. During this experience, they explored the beauty and diversity of the Bay’s habitats through hands-on coastal science activities 🐚🔬. Students investigated the shoreline while learning key scientific concepts such as life cycles, diversity, adaptations, and geology 🌱🦀🪨.

This experience exemplifies our Vision of a Learner in Action, fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and active engagement with the world around them 💡✨.

This incredible opportunity was made possible through our partnerships with Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association, the City of Worcester Lakes and Ponds Program, Clark University, Worcester State University, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation 🤝🌎—all working together to bring rich STEM experiences to our students.
13 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
People board a boat at a dock on a sunny day, with life vests visible.
Three children wearing life vests smile on a boat, with water in the background.
A group of people on a boat, wearing life vests, look out at the water.
A group of children and adults wear life vests on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
A group of children and adults wear life vests on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
A group of children wearing life vests on a boat, smiling at the camera.
A woman gives a presentation about water testing on a boat, with students listening.
Children on a boat read informational pamphlets, wearing life vests.
Children on a boat read informational pamphlets, wearing life vests.
A close-up view of a squid with textured skin and tentacles.
Burncoat High School Spirit Team Fashion Fundraiser 🎉⭐

The Burncoat Spirit Team kicked off the Fourth Annual Fashion Fundraiser with an electrifying performance, wowing the crowd and setting the stage for an evening of fun and community support at Union Station.

The fundraiser helps the Spirit Team raise money for their upcoming trip to the National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Florida this January, where the team will defend its National Championship from last year.

During the Fashion Fundraiser, local leaders, city officials, and community members showed their support by walking the runway, contributing to raffles, and making donations to help the Spirit Team this competition season.
14 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
The Burncoat Spirit Team perform during a recent Fashion Fundraiser at Union Station.
The Burncoat Spirit Team perform during a recent Fashion Fundraiser at Union Station.
The Burncoat Spirit Team perform during a recent Fashion Fundraiser at Union Station.
The Burncoat Spirit Team perform during a recent Fashion Fundraiser at Union Station.
Students and teachers from the Burncoat Spirit Team.