🚀 First Meeting of Student Advisory Council with Superintendent 🎓💬
🎓 We recently held the first meeting of our Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC)! These remarkable students are partnering with Superintendent Rachel Monárrez, PhD, to shape the future of our schools through leadership, collaboration, and student-driven initiatives.
💬 The council’s work is guided by a clear agenda focused on:
Leadership Development: Strengthening leadership and problem-solving skills by addressing key school challenges.
Community Building: Creating connections across diverse student groups to establish shared core values.
Policy Engagement: Actively participating in school policy discussions to ensure all voices are heard.
Student Agency: Empowering students to take charge of their school environment and make a lasting impact.
🌟 The outcomes we aim to achieve include:
Empowerment: Ensuring students feel valued as critical contributors to our school community.
Collaborative Problem Solving: Building teamwork and negotiation skills through group activities.
Relationship Building: Establishing trust and connection among council members through icebreakers and discussions.
🏫 We’re excited to see how this council will inspire positive changes across our district! Stay tuned for more updates as these student leaders continue to drive progress in our schools.
Friendly Faces of Thorndyke Road School 👋
We recently stopped into Thorndyke Road School where students were enjoying some beautiful early fall weather during recess. Students played on the swing sets, climbed the jungle gyms and ran around the outdoor space.
Inside the school, students worked on assignments on their Chromebooks, participated in group activities on the class rug and were focused on learning!
Thorndyke Road School is located in the Burncoat Quadrant of Worcester Public Schools. It serves 390 students for the 2024-25 academic year, hosting grades K-6.
Burncoat High School Hosts Worcester Technical High School in Unified Basketball 🏀
The Burncoat gymnasium was buzzing with energy during a recent unified basketball matchup between the Patriots and Worcester Tech.
Both teams played hard in a 22-20 overtime thriller as Worcester Tech came out with the win. At the end of the game, scholar-athletes displayed tremendous sportsmanship by coming together for a group photo.
Unified basketball provides an opportunity for all students to participate. Teams are made up of equal number of students with and without developmental disabilities, promoting inclusivity in high school sports.
Enjoy a few images from a great basketball game!
Thank You to WPS Coaches on National Coaches Day 👏
Today is National Coaches Day and we want to recognize the many coaches who play an important role in the lives of our WPS scholar-athletes.
Whether you are a head coach, assistant coach or volunteer, your contributions are invaluable to the scholar-athlete experience in Worcester. From teaching life lessons, to helping students reach personal goals in both sports and academics, we are grateful for all you do!
WPS Nursing Department Hosts Conference on Family Health Center Model 🩺
The Worcester Public Schools nursing department recently hosted representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Health for an in-depth discussion on the school-based partnership with Family Health Center of Worcester.
Family Health Center of Worcester provides preventative health care for WPS students at school-based satellite sites. These health centers are a one-stop shop for primary care, behavioral health, dental, lab services, and much more, offering services for students regardless of income or access to health care.
School-based centers are run by Family Health Center of Worcester, allowing students confidential health care. It also provides translation services in more than 50 languages to ensure accessibility of health care.
During the conference, employees from the Family Health Center and WPS nursing staff spoke about the benefits of the school-based health center model and its positive impact on students in Worcester. There was also a tour of the health center at South High Community School and a Q/A session with current students who shared their own personal experiences.
There are currently seven Family Health Care Centers in WPS located in Doherty Memorial High School, Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, Elm Park Community School, Goddard School of Science & Technology, South High Community School, Worcester East Middle School and a combined center for Claremont Academy and Woodland Academy.
⭐ Danielle Svendsen, First Grade Educator at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School ⭐
Miss Svendsen is a caring educator who fosters inclusive and welcoming environments for all of her students. Her dedication to learning and supportive nature make her a valued educator and colleague. Take a look at what is being said about Miss Svendsen!
“Danielle is an incredibly kind and positive human being. She consistently provides high quality instruction, and is welcoming to students of ALL abilities. You can always depend on Danielle for a warm greeting and conversation. It is clear she loves all of her students and that they love her, too!"
"Ms. Svendsen loves all of her students and has been instrumental in supporting inclusion for our students in SAIL,” said Jacob Hiatt Acting Principal Amanda Martinez. “She promotes a positive, inclusive classroom with high and achievable expectations for all of her students, while also being a team-oriented, supportive colleague to all staff at Jacob Hiatt.”
⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels.
👉Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW
👉Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N
Forest Grove Middle School's Katherine Amankrah Illustrates Social-Emotional Learning Picture Book 🎨📖
Katherine Amankrah, an eighth grade artist at Forest Grove Middle School, recently had their illustrations featured in a newly-published Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) picture book that aims to educate kids about mental stress and anxiety.
The book, titled “My Body Knows. Do I Know?” is a collaboration between Amankrah and author Ashley Hope Cournoyer-Smith, who is a school psychologist at Elm Park Community School.
Katherine's vibrant illustrations are not just beautiful but also play a crucial role in helping educate children about mental wellness.
“It is extraordinary that someone so young as Katherine is able to see her artwork in something that has been published. Katherine has been exceptional in her artwork as well as her academics,” said Forest Grove art teacher Sharon Mansfield.
We are so proud of Katherine for sharing her talents with the world! ✨
Happy National Custodian Day! 🗑️🧽
Today, we celebrate the incredible custodians in Worcester Public Schools who work tirelessly to create a clean and welcoming environment for our scholars.
Pictured are a few of the dedicated custodians in our schools:
🧹 John Culbert, a 25-year employee currently at Union Hill School. Principal Tabales says "John is a reliable custodian who can be seen setting up a safe morning transition. He is willing to assist whenever needed."
🧹 Kevin Chviruk, a 29-year employee currently at Quinsigamond School. Principal Racca says "Kevin has great pride and works hard to ensure that our school is a welcoming and safe environment for our entire school community."
🧹 Brian Letourneau, a WPS employee since 2017 currently at Doherty Memorial High School. Principal Staley says "Brian is a valuable member of the Doherty faculty. He takes pride in his work, is responsive, is a team player, and takes the initiative to find solutions to issues as they come up."
🧹 Caitlyn Berthiaume, a WPS employee since 2019 currently at Burncoat Middle School. Principal Irizarry says "She is literally the glue and backbone of the custodial staff. She is highly adored and even more respected. She is always pleasant with a cheerful disposition no matter what happens."
🧹 Stan Jackson, a WPS employee since 2018 currently at Columbus Park Preparatory School. Principal Carignan says "Stan is an exceptional custodian who consistently goes above and beyond to make our school an amazing place. His dedication and pride in his work are clear every day."
Sending a huge thank you to all of our WPS custodians!
South High Community School 365z Club Pick Apples for Local Food Pantries 🍎🍏
South High's 365z Club recently took a field trip to the Community Harvest Project in Harvard, Mass. where they picked 1,600 pounds(!!) of apples to help support local food pantries around Worcester.
Great job by our South High 365z scholars giving back to local communities!
Friendly Faces of the Academic Center for Transition! 😀 😊
For Hispanic Heritage Month, fourth-grade ACT students made drawings modeling the designs of Brazilian artist Romero Britto.
And, every morning, a Disney song from celebrating Latin American culture is played at the school. One of the recent songs was “La Familia Madrigal” from the film “Encanto.”
ACT is a therapeutic public day school serving scholars in grades K-6. Classroom sizes are between 8 and 10 students to ensure each student has individualized attention. The goal is to teach students academic and social-emotional skills to eventually transition them back into an inclusionary setting.
Many of the scholars were happy to have their photos taken and share what they have learned!
A big thanks to Coordinator Iliana D’Limas, the staff and scholars for welcoming us into their school!
🌅 Senior Sunrise at Worcester Technical High School 🌅
Take a look at some of the sights from the recent Worcester Technical High School senior sunrise!
Even with the early hour and the dark skies, the Class of 2025 gathered to watch the sunrise and celebrate the start of their final year.
Seniors enjoyed freshly baked cookies prepared by the talented students in the Culinary Program, making the morning even sweeter! 🍪✨
It was a memorable way to start a year filled with laughter, friendships, and exciting adventures ahead.
We’re sending our best wishes to Worcester Tech’s Class of 2025!
May this year be full of unforgettable moments. 🌟
🌟Kudos to Worcester Tech Early Childhood Students! 👶🏽👶🏿👶🏻
These scholars provided childcare services along with teacher Shelese Johnson at the recent Citywide Parent Planning Advisory Council (CPPAC) meeting.
CPPAC is parent-run and meets monthly to learn about what’s happening in the district and to provide feedback from families.
The September meeting was held at the new Doherty Memorial High School and featured an overview from Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD, on her goals for 2024-25.
Learn about CPPAC: https://worcestercppac.weebly.com/
⭐ Navian Rodriguez, Kindergarten at Midland Street School ⭐
You can expect smiles and positivity from Navian whenever you are in his presence! This kindergarten kindness superstar helps brighten the day of those around him with cheerful greetings and genuine care for classmates. Take a look at what is being said!
“Navian is a breath of fresh air. Every morning he greets everyone he comes across and tells them to have a good day. He is more than willing to comfort friends who are still not used to being in school.”
“Navian has come home everyday so eager to tell me about what he has learned and is getting so good at relating what he’s learning at school to real life.”
⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N
🌅 Senior Sunrise at North High School 🌅
Even with a little rain and some overcast skies, the seniors of North High School made the most of their recent senior sunrise!
North High's Class of 2025 enjoyed the company of classmates and senior advisory staff in celebration of the final year of high school.
Seniors were able to enjoy donuts and lemonade from a food truck, listen to music and hang out with friends before the school day.
We're sending our best wishes to North High School's Class of 2025! May this year hold many more memories like this one!
Doherty Memorial High School Field Hockey Wins at the Buzzer 🏑
Doherty field hockey earned an impressive win on September 20 as a last minute goal propelled the Highlanders to a 3-2 victory against Wachusett.
With only 12 seconds left to play in regulation, junior Ava White scored the game-winning goal, sneaking the ball past the goalie on a one-on-one following an assist from junior Sarah DeFusco.
Sophomore Riley Cormier and senior Casey Cole each scored for the Highlanders in the win. Doherty field hockey improved its season record to 7-1 with the victory.
Doherty field hockey is back in action today at 4 PM when they travel to Tantasqua. Check out a few images from Friday's clutch win! 👏
🌅 Senior Sunrise at Doherty Memorial High School 🌅
Take a look at some of the sights from the recent Doherty Memorial High School senior sunrise!
Despite the light drizzle and overcast skies, Doherty seniors made the most of the moment, enjoying coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts on the school's terrace courtesy of the dedicated staff ☕🍩
It was a memorable way to kick off a year filled with laughter, fun, and exciting adventures ahead.
We're sending our best wishes to Doherty High School's Class of 2025!
May this year hold many more memories like this one! 🎉
⭐Aimee Poland, Kindergarten Educator at Vernon Hill School ⭐
Miss Aimee is wholly invested in the success of her students and Vernon Hill School. She has a knack for connecting with younger students and helping them reach new benchmarks in their education. Take a look at what is being said about Miss Aimee!
“My son was struggling at his first school, then we moved and he transferred into Miss Aimee's class and he flourished in school,” said a parent nominator. “She then ended up having my other son for kindergarten the next year and he also excelled in learning!”
“Miss Aimee loves Vernon Hill, her students, their families, and her colleagues,” said Vernon Hill Principal Tammy Boyle. “She is a fierce advocate for early childhood education and what her students need! She is kind, creative, fun, energetic, and dedicated - the kind of kindergarten teacher I would want for my own children.”
⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels.
👉Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW
🌟 Worcester Public Schools at MassHire Job Fair! 🌟
On Friday, September 13, our District Recruiting Team, along with the 🍽️ Nutrition and 🚌 Transportation teams, joined 90+ employers at Polar Park for the MassHire Central Job Fair!
It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with job seekers and share exciting career opportunities within our district.
Interested in joining our team? Apply now at worcesterschools.org/jobs and become part of Worcester Public Schools!
Thank you to all who visited our table! 🙌🎉
📚🏫 Know Your School Night at West Tatnuck School 🏫📚
The West Tatnuck School recently hosted its Know Your School Night and it was a great time with parents!
Know Your School Night is an opportunity to visit your child's school to learn about everything happening there!
Childcare was provided at West Tatnuck so caregivers could ask their questions and focus on learning about the school.
Know Your School Nights run until October 17 at all of our Worcester Public Schools.
🎒💻 Happy IT Professionals Day! 🎉
IT pros are the tech wizards of our schools, tackling the tech puzzles 🧩 that leave the rest of us scratching our heads! Whether it’s managing Chromebooks 💻, desktops 🖥️, networks 🌐, or even fixing cafeteria registers 🍔, you keep everything running smoothly. From keeping our Wi-Fi strong 📶 to safeguarding our cybersecurity 🔐, you handle the complexities of modern tech with superhero skills 🦸♂️💥.
Thank you for being the ultimate tech champions that power our classrooms! 🙌✨
