Vision of a Learner - Spark Leadership Academy Launches in WPS 💡
Worcester Public Schools is launching the Spark Leadership Academy, a program that brings principals, district leaders, and the Office of Innovation together to deepen implementation of Vision of a Learner.
To guide this work, leaders are using a human-centered design thinking process, a hands-on way to solve problems by:
• Listening and learning from others (empathize)
• Identifying needs (define)
• Brainstorming possibilities (ideate)
• Trying out new ideas (prototype and test)
• Making what works part of the school routine (implement)
As part of this effort, leaders will shape the parts of the Learning Journey that help celebrate and track student growth, including:
• Artifacts – real examples of student learning
• Gateways of Learning – important milestones that mark growth and progress
• Portfolios – collections of student work that show how skills develop over time
Throughout the year, the design teams will try out ideas, get feedback, and adjust to make sure the Learning Journey works for every school and every student.
Learn more about Vision of a Learner!
🌟 North High School’s Internship Meet & Greet! 🌟
Our Polar Partners and North High student interns came together for an incredible day of connection, inspiration, and opportunity! 🤝✨
Students got the chance to:
✅ Build professional relationships
✅ Gain real-world career insight
✅ Explore future jobs and internship opportunities
A huge thank you to our community partners for inspiring the next generation of career-ready leaders:
UMass Chan Medical School • Worcester Chamber of Commerce • Worcester Public Schools Nursing/CNA Program • Worcester Bravehearts • Worcester Probate Court • Worcester Red Sox/Polar Park • ACE • Christopher House • Worcester Public Library • YWCA • All One Credit Union • Worcester Public Schools Human Resource Department • Sneaker Sapphire • Wavvz • Jubilee Career Center for Performing Arts • The Jewelry Co-Op
🖤🧡🤍
WooSox in the Community: Lake View School 💙
Last week, teamwork and positivity made a big impact at Lake View Schol! 🙌
Students were thrilled to meet WooSox pitcher José De León and catcher Chadwick Tromp during a special visit. ⚾🎉
📸 Check out the photos from their visit!
Last week, teamwork and positivity made a big impact at Lake View Schol! 🙌
Students were thrilled to meet WooSox pitcher José De León and catcher Chadwick Tromp during a special visit. ⚾🎉
📸 Check out the photos from their visit!
💸Credit Union Re-Opens at Worcester Technical High School!
💰A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Wednesday to celebrate the re-opening, which is now operated in partnership with Leominster-based All One Credit Union.
🏧Students in the Finance, Marketing and Business Management major are paid to work at the credit union alongside All One staff. It's open to the public during the school year Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM-2:30 PM
💰A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Wednesday to celebrate the re-opening, which is now operated in partnership with Leominster-based All One Credit Union.
🏧Students in the Finance, Marketing and Business Management major are paid to work at the credit union alongside All One staff. It's open to the public during the school year Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM-2:30 PM
McGrath Elementary Kindergartners Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 🎉
Kindergarten students at Francis J. McGrath Elementary got an introduction to Hispanic Heritage Month with World Cultures teacher Janel Hebert!
Students watched a video about why we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, learned about Hispanic role models Roberto Clemente and Ellen Ochoa, and enjoyed a fun dance session.
To wrap up the lesson, they colored pictures of Clemente and Ochoa framed as U.S. Postal Stamps — a nod to Clemente being featured on a stamp.
This lesson helped our youngest learners practice two skills: listening to learn about Hispanic Heritage Month and writing the names of Hispanic Americans.
Kindergarten students at Francis J. McGrath Elementary got an introduction to Hispanic Heritage Month with World Cultures teacher Janel Hebert!
Students watched a video about why we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, learned about Hispanic role models Roberto Clemente and Ellen Ochoa, and enjoyed a fun dance session.
To wrap up the lesson, they colored pictures of Clemente and Ochoa framed as U.S. Postal Stamps — a nod to Clemente being featured on a stamp.
This lesson helped our youngest learners practice two skills: listening to learn about Hispanic Heritage Month and writing the names of Hispanic Americans.
Senior Sunrise at North High School 🌅
North High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated the start of their senior year with the annual Senior Sunrise!
Students gathered behind the school to watch the sunrise, holding handmade signs and sharing the moment with friends.
North High teachers donated food for everyone to enjoy, and music from North High’s GEAR UP program added to the morning’s festive atmosphere.
Here’s to the North High School Class of 2026—let’s make this year unforgettable!
North High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated the start of their senior year with the annual Senior Sunrise!
Students gathered behind the school to watch the sunrise, holding handmade signs and sharing the moment with friends.
North High teachers donated food for everyone to enjoy, and music from North High’s GEAR UP program added to the morning’s festive atmosphere.
Here’s to the North High School Class of 2026—let’s make this year unforgettable!
South High Community School Defeats Worcester Technical High School 🏑
The Colonels of South High earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Worcester Tech in a recent field hockey matchup.
Junior Tosan Unokesan scored the game’s lone goal for South High. For Worcester Tech, the Eagles continue to make strides with many new players gaining experience and contributing on the field.
Check out images from the game!
The Colonels of South High earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Worcester Tech in a recent field hockey matchup.
Junior Tosan Unokesan scored the game’s lone goal for South High. For Worcester Tech, the Eagles continue to make strides with many new players gaining experience and contributing on the field.
Check out images from the game!
🎉 Burncoat Street Preparatory School Gets Active! 💚
Thanks to Good Sports and TJX, students at Burncoat Street Preparatory School received a sporting equipment donation and had a blast rotating through six exciting activity stations:
⚽ Soccer | 🏈 Flag Football | ⬜ Four Square | 🔵 Hula Hoop Tic Tac Toe | 🏀 Basketball | 🏓 Pickleball
Big smiles, tons of energy, and plenty of teamwork made it a day to remember! 🙌
Thanks to Good Sports and TJX, students at Burncoat Street Preparatory School received a sporting equipment donation and had a blast rotating through six exciting activity stations:
⚽ Soccer | 🏈 Flag Football | ⬜ Four Square | 🔵 Hula Hoop Tic Tac Toe | 🏀 Basketball | 🏓 Pickleball
Big smiles, tons of energy, and plenty of teamwork made it a day to remember! 🙌
Shana Tova! Happy Rosh Hashanah!
Wishing all our Jewish families a happy Rosh Hashanah! Today is the celebration of the world's creation and marks a fresh start for all.
To learn more, check out this article on the significance of this holiday: https://buff.ly/4yEcdA2
Wishing all our Jewish families a happy Rosh Hashanah! Today is the celebration of the world's creation and marks a fresh start for all.
To learn more, check out this article on the significance of this holiday: https://buff.ly/4yEcdA2
Parking Lot Improvements at Roosevelt School 🚙
Superintendent Brian E. Allen and Principal Maureen Power joined Mayor Joseph M. Petty, City Manager Eric Batista, and city officials to celebrate the newly improved parking lot at Roosevelt School.
The project expanded parking and driveways with a new bus loop, dedicated parent drop-off, and 40 additional spaces. Sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting were also upgraded to improve safety and traffic flow, making arrival and dismissal smoother for the school community.
The design was developed in collaboration with several City of Worcester agencies, including the Department of Public Works, Department of Transportation & Mobility, and MassDOT Safe Routes to School.
Superintendent Brian E. Allen and Principal Maureen Power joined Mayor Joseph M. Petty, City Manager Eric Batista, and city officials to celebrate the newly improved parking lot at Roosevelt School.
The project expanded parking and driveways with a new bus loop, dedicated parent drop-off, and 40 additional spaces. Sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting were also upgraded to improve safety and traffic flow, making arrival and dismissal smoother for the school community.
The design was developed in collaboration with several City of Worcester agencies, including the Department of Public Works, Department of Transportation & Mobility, and MassDOT Safe Routes to School.
🌟 WooStars Are Back 🌟
We are excited to reintroduce our WooStars recognition series for students and staff in the Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ September Nomination Deadline: Monday, Sept. 29
👉 Nominate a student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/20473
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/20864
New to WooStars for 2025-26:
🔹 Monthly Recognition: We will spotlight one student and one staff member each month for their impact in our communities. Nominations will reset each month, allowing us to recognize individuals in a timely manner.
🔹 Aligned with Vision of a Learner, Vision to Action: Student selections will highlight how they embody Vision of a Learner with specific examples. Staff selections will describe how the employee has gone above and beyond to serve their school community.
🔹 Your Voice Matters: Your thoughtful nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across Worcester Public Schools.
Happy IT Professionals Day! 💻
Join us in celebrating the Worcester Public Schools Information Technology team!
From managing devices and networks to supporting staff and students, our IT professionals ensure schools can stay focused on teaching and learning.
Information Technology Director Bob Walton and Assistant Director Tim Williams shared insight into the work of these teams:
IT Support Specialists: The IT Support Specialists are the district’s first line of IT support. They maintain 1,500 computers, 25,000 Chromebooks, and 6,000 iPads across 55 sites. Each school has a technician for printers, projectors, document cameras, interactive boards, and more. Last year they resolved over 6,000 tickets, ensuring educators and staff had reliable technology.
Network Operations: The Network Operations team manages districtwide hardware and infrastructure that would rival Fortune 500 companies in scale and complexity. They provide connectivity for all devices, oversee wireless access, security, communications, and Internet across WPS. The team also runs the IT help desk and ensures the reliability and safety of the district’s digital systems.
Information Systems Team: The Information Systems Team develops and maintains complex systems and integrations. They oversee 13 key databases for student information and special education data and manage two dozen in-house applications, including Pay Stub, Translation Services, and Curriculum Maps. Their innovation ensures WPS staff have accurate, accessible, and effective data services.
Administrative Trainers: The IT Admin Trainer Team delivers systems training to clerical and administrative staff across 54 schools. They support key platforms such as WooEdu, Workday, and ParentSquare. Trainers enable administrators and clerks to build proficiency while passing on institutional knowledge essential to daily school operations and long-term success.
Thank you to all of our IT professionals for keeping our schools connected and secure.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! / ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! 🎉
Celebrating Worcester’s vibrant Hispanic and Latino community all month long! / ¡Celebramos a la vibrante comunidad hispana y latina de Worcester durante todo el mes!
Did you know? In 1973, the Concilio de Padres was founded to advocate for equal education for Spanish-speaking students in Worcester. / ¿Sabías que? En 1973, se fundó el Concilio de Padres para abogar por una educación igualitaria para los estudiantes hispanohablantes en Worcester.
Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month at https://buff.ly/2Z8hbrt / Descubre más sobre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en https://buff.ly/2Z8hbrt
Celebrating Worcester’s vibrant Hispanic and Latino community all month long! / ¡Celebramos a la vibrante comunidad hispana y latina de Worcester durante todo el mes!
Did you know? In 1973, the Concilio de Padres was founded to advocate for equal education for Spanish-speaking students in Worcester. / ¿Sabías que? En 1973, se fundó el Concilio de Padres para abogar por una educación igualitaria para los estudiantes hispanohablantes en Worcester.
Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month at https://buff.ly/2Z8hbrt / Descubre más sobre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en https://buff.ly/2Z8hbrt
Senior Sunrise at Burncoat High School 🌅
Burncoat High School's Class of 2026 came together earlier today for the annual Senior Sunrise!
Students gathered with friends on the hill behind the school to catch the sunrise. It was a morning of laughter, music, colorful signage, and sweet treats as seniors celebrated the start of their final year.
Here’s to the Burncoat High School Class of 2026—let’s make this year unforgettable! ✨
Burncoat High School's Class of 2026 came together earlier today for the annual Senior Sunrise!
Students gathered with friends on the hill behind the school to catch the sunrise. It was a morning of laughter, music, colorful signage, and sweet treats as seniors celebrated the start of their final year.
Here’s to the Burncoat High School Class of 2026—let’s make this year unforgettable! ✨
Superintendent Allen Congratulated by Worcester Regional Research Bureau
Brian Allen was provided a warm welcome as he begins the school year as the new Superintendent in a reception hosted by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, an independent, non-partisan organization that conducts research and analysis of public policy issues.
Many local leaders attended the reception, which was held at St. Gobain’s facility in Worcester. The WRRB holds a reception for each new Worcester Public Schools Superintendent, allowing the district leader to share their vision and a chance to network with local leaders.
Mr. Allen (second from left) is pictured here with Paul F. Matthews, WRRB’s Executive Director and CEO (left) and Eric Torkonoo, Vice Chair of the WRRB Board of Directors and Senior Vice President at Fidelity Bank.
Brian Allen was provided a warm welcome as he begins the school year as the new Superintendent in a reception hosted by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, an independent, non-partisan organization that conducts research and analysis of public policy issues.
Many local leaders attended the reception, which was held at St. Gobain’s facility in Worcester. The WRRB holds a reception for each new Worcester Public Schools Superintendent, allowing the district leader to share their vision and a chance to network with local leaders.
Mr. Allen (second from left) is pictured here with Paul F. Matthews, WRRB’s Executive Director and CEO (left) and Eric Torkonoo, Vice Chair of the WRRB Board of Directors and Senior Vice President at Fidelity Bank.
Back-to-School Boost at Burncoat Street Preparatory School ✨
A huge thank you to our friends at Imperial Cars for their generous donation to Burncoat Street Preparatory School!
They provided over 200 backpacks 🎒, 300 boxes of school supplies 🖊️📓, and 5 large cases of teacher supplies 🏫✏️ to support our students and classrooms.
Special thanks to Mike Penner, General Manager, and owner Kevin Meehan for making this possible.
We’re so grateful for your support of the Burncoat Street Prep community! 💚
A huge thank you to our friends at Imperial Cars for their generous donation to Burncoat Street Preparatory School!
They provided over 200 backpacks 🎒, 300 boxes of school supplies 🖊️📓, and 5 large cases of teacher supplies 🏫✏️ to support our students and classrooms.
Special thanks to Mike Penner, General Manager, and owner Kevin Meehan for making this possible.
We’re so grateful for your support of the Burncoat Street Prep community! 💚
Honoring September 11th
Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
We pause to remember and honor the lives lost on 9/11, a moment that forever changed America and the world. We reflect on the courage of civilian heroes, first responders and the resilience of our nation. May we continue to foster a spirit of unity and hope.
Worcester Head Start Registration Now Open for Fall 2025! 🌟
Head Start provides early learning opportunities and family support for children and families in our community.
✅ Start by scheduling an in-person appointment: worcesterschools.org/headstart
📞 Prefer not to apply online or need language support? Call 508-799-3237 or 508-799-3608.
Children with disabilities are given special consideration, and families who are experiencing homelessness or receiving public assistance automatically qualify. Eligibility is also based on federal income guidelines.
Head Start provides early learning opportunities and family support for children and families in our community.
✅ Start by scheduling an in-person appointment: worcesterschools.org/headstart
📞 Prefer not to apply online or need language support? Call 508-799-3237 or 508-799-3608.
Children with disabilities are given special consideration, and families who are experiencing homelessness or receiving public assistance automatically qualify. Eligibility is also based on federal income guidelines.
⚕️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!
