Worcester Public Schools - From Here, Anywhere... Together

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

🌟 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!

🚍 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

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.

🍦 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!

🎓 Congratulations to the Worcester Public Schools Class of 2025! 🎉 From classrooms to commencement, you've worked hard and it shows. Now you're headed to: 🏛️ Prestigious colleges and universities 🪖 Military service with honor 🛠️ High-skill, high-demand career fields Whether it’s Yale or QCC, the Marines or a union apprenticeship, you're chasing goals and breaking barriers. The world better make room—WPS grads are coming! 💚🤍💚 👇 Check out where the Class of 2025 is headed next: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2285489

🫂Dr. Monárrez Bids Farewell 👋🏽Superintendent Rachel Monárrez says good bye to the Worcester Public Schools in this heartfelt video message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3PFpU7m_34 ❤️In her video, she says, “My time here in Worcester has been one of the most rewarding of my professional life. “In fact, if I were to name my two favorite jobs in the education field I’ve ever held, they would be being a classroom teacher and being a superintendent. Why? Because in both roles, you have the most direct impact on the lives of our scholars. … “Worcester holds a very special place in my heart, and I will miss the community dearly. Yet, I know the district is on a clear trajectory toward excellence. … “I have every confidence that this positive momentum will continue under the leadership of Brian Allen, whose dedication and vision will serve our scholars and staff incredibly well. “Thank you, Worcester. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your unwavering commitment to our scholars. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you.”

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the end of slavery in the United States. This day reminds us of the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all. Let's honor the resilience and contributions of the Black community and continue to educate ourselves and our students about the importance of this historic day. Wishing everyone a meaningful Juneteenth! ✊🏽🖤❤️💚 Learn more https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth

“Gratitude, Joy and Love.” As she was being honored by the Worcester School Committee for her three years of service on Wednesday night, Dr. Rachel Monárrez used those three words to describe how she feels about the Worcester Public Schools. The superintendent was formally recognized with a ceremonial chair for her visionary work leading the district. Her husband, Jesus, joined her for photos with current and former members of the School Committee, the WPS leadership team, community leaders. One person gifted Dr. Monárrez a t-shirt that read, “I’m that legendary Superintendent that everyone is talking about!” In her remarks, Dr. Monárrez said that “we can hold traditions and progress in the same space.” “As I leave with a heart full of gratitude, joy, and live, I ask each one of you to allow for traditions and progress to coexist. We can have curriculum that is relevant to diverse youth and also teach the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. We can have safe and orderly schools and practice restorative justice. We can provide an administrative support system and be fiscally responsible. We do not have to live in the space of ‘or.’ Practice the ‘and.’ You will feet gratitude, joy and love for what we can do, why we exist, and allow our children to thrive.”

📸 Smiles, Success & Summer Vibes! ☀️ As we close the chapter on this school year, we reflect with gratitude on the growth, resilience, and joy that filled every corner of Worcester Public Schools. 💚📚 This summer, we say thank you and farewell to Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD 👋🎓—whose leadership guided us with care and purpose. At the same time, we look ahead with excitement as we welcome Brian Allen 🎉📝 as the next Superintendent of WPS—bringing fresh energy and vision for the road ahead. Here are just a few moments that capture the spirit of 2024–2025—from classrooms buzzing with curiosity 🔍✏️ to championship wins 🏆, student celebrations 🎭🎨, and the friendships that made it all worthwhile. 🤝💫 To our students, staff, and families: thank you for your dedication, support, and heart throughout this journey. 🙏❤️ Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and restorative summer ☀️—we look forward to welcoming you back in late August for new adventures together! 🚌🎒📅

🍎 Summer Eats Starts Monday, June 23! ☀️ Worcester Public Schools is excited to kick off free summer meals for all kids and teens 18 and under—no registration or ID needed! 🍽️ Meals will be served Monday through Friday at schools, parks, pools, libraries, and neighborhoods across Worcester — plus Saturdays at local markets! 📅 Program runs June 23 – August 15 (No service on July 4) 🔗 For daily site updates, visit: https://buff.ly/Dn8M15x Let’s keep our kids fueled, healthy, and ready for summer fun! 💚 Times and meals are subject to change.

🌟 Goddard School of Science & Technology – Zero Day Stars! 🌟 As we wrap up the school year, we’re giving a huge shoutout to the 99 students who had ZERO absences, tardies, or dismissals during the month of May! 👏🌟 Your dedication and consistency helped you finish the year strong—and showed everyone that showing up matters. We're proud of you! 🏫💪 For tips on maintaining strong attendance: https://buff.ly/4h75OTc

🎉 Worcester Public Schools Wins FIVE National Awards for Communications Excellence! The Worcester Public Schools Communications Department has been honored with five national awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for outstanding work in writing, marketing, photography, social media, and video. This recognition builds on the department’s continued success after earning three national awards in 2024—including the prestigious Golden Achievement Award for its school enrollment campaign. 🏆 2025 NSPRA Award Highlights: ✍️ Excellence in Writing – Kyle Prudhomme, Communications Specialist, for an article and photos on North High School’s On the Spot Acceptance Day 📊 Excellence in Marketing – Anca Tughin, Communications Specialist, for the Attendance Matters campaign poster 📸 Merit in Photography – Kyle Prudhomme, Communications Specialist, for student dancers at Burncoat High 📱 Merit in Social Media – Dan O’Brien, Chief Communications Officer, and Kyle Prudhomme and Anca Tughin, Communications Specialists, for the year-long Friendly Faces series 🎥 Merit in Video Production – Christine Wilson, Eric McKeon, and Stephanie Castano Flores of Worcester Educational Access Television (WEATV) for program outreach videos 🗣️ “In just over two years, our communications team has built a robust and highly effective operation from the ground up,” said Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD. “These awards are a testament to their hard work, commitment to excellence, and innovation.” 🗣️ “This outstanding achievement truly highlights the district’s commitment to excellence in keeping our families, staff, and community members informed,” added Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen, who will become Superintendent on July 1. “Effective communication is the cornerstone of a strong school community.” 🚀 We’re excited to keep raising the bar for school communications in Worcester and beyond! 📖  Read the full article: https://buff.ly/W1GEdei

🌍 Spring 2025 Civics Project Showcase at the DCU Center 🏛️ On Monday, June 2, Worcester Public Schools scholars from Forest Grove Middle School, Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, and North High School proudly represented our district at the regional Civics Showcase! Their powerful, student-led projects tackled real community issues—such as racism, clothing and food insecurity, pedestrian and traffic safety, middle school late buses, addiction, and solar power. These projects were among those selected by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to be featured at this year’s Worcester event, part of a statewide series hosted in partnership with Generation Citizen. 💬 Scholars presented to Community Advisors, who engaged them with thoughtful questions and will provide written feedback to teachers later this week—along with announcements of projects receiving special commendations. We couldn’t be prouder of their leadership, research, and advocacy! 📍 Learn more about the statewide Spring 2025 Showcases held in Dartmouth, Springfield, Worcester, and Boston:https://buff.ly/L6kCm58

🎓🌟 Congratulations to the Claremont Academy Class of 2025! We’re proud to introduce Amrit Boyal as this year’s Valedictorian! 🎉 Amrit, a first-generation student of South Asian descent, embraces her bilingual upbringing with pride. She has earned the Seal of Biliteracy in American Sign Language (ASL) and Seals of Biliteracy with distinction in Punjabi and Hindi. Beyond her academic excellence, Amrit gained invaluable experience through an internship with the Worcester Courthouse, deepening her passion for law. She has also been appointed as a member of Governor Healey’s Advisory Council, where she will lend her insights to help shape important policies. This fall, Amrit will attend Boston College, majoring in Applied Psychology and Human Development. She plans to attend law school after her undergraduate studies, with the goal of pursuing a career in Criminal Law and Advocacy. 👏 Join us in celebrating Amrit and all of Claremont Academy’s graduating seniors! 🎓 Commencement takes place Monday, June 9 at 6:00 PM at the Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge Street.

🎓🌟 Congratulations to the North High Class of 2025! We’re proud to introduce Alexandra Lech as this year’s Valedictorian! 🎉 A dedicated varsity volleyball player all four years — and team captain as a senior — Alexandra has been a standout leader on and off the court. She’s also made her mark as a member of the National Honor Society, Model United Nations, and the Yearbook Committee. Academically, Alexandra has excelled in North High’s most rigorous coursework, completing 13 Advanced Placement (AP) classes and several Dual Enrollment courses. Her achievements earned her the prestigious College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction Award. Beyond the classroom, she’s given back to the community by mentoring young athletes through a youth volleyball program at Friendly House. This fall, Alexandra will attend Boston University, where she plans to major in Electrical Engineering and potentially double major in Biomedical Engineering. She also hopes to continue her volleyball journey on BU’s club team. 👏 Join us in celebrating Alexandra and all of North High’s graduating seniors! 🎓 Commencement takes place Friday, June 6 at 6:00 PM at the DCU Center, 50 Foster Street.

🎓 A Beloved Tradition at Claremont and Woodland Academy 💙✨ Last week, Claremont Academy’s graduating seniors took part in a heartwarming tradition: the Graduation Walk through Claremont and Woodland Academy — the very building where many began their academic journey. Wearing caps and gowns, seniors walked the halls of the K–12 campus, cheered on by younger students and greeted by teachers who have supported them since their earliest years. 👏🧑‍🎓💐 With one campus serving students from kindergarten through high school, Claremont and Woodland Academy foster a unique community where this tradition brings the journey full circle. 🎓 Commencement takes place on Monday, June 9 at 6:00 PM at Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge Street.

Congratulations, South High Community School Class of 2025! 🎓 Take a look at some of our favorite moments from Wednesday night's commencement ceremony at the DCU Center.