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

April has 16 school days — let’s make each one count! 🙌 Consistent attendance helps students stay on track, succeed academically, and build great habits. 📝💪 Let’s show up, learn, and thrive together! 🎓🌟

🎤🎨 Claremont Academy’s Senior Rap Fair 2025 On Friday, March 28, seniors in Joseph Moriarty's Latin American Studies course presented their projects for the 20th Century Revolutions Unit. 🌎 Students explored countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico, incorporating rap and graffiti art into their work. 🎶🎨 The event featured students performing their raps/poems 🎤 and showcasing their artwork 🖼️ for the senior class. A panel of judges—including Oscar Almendarez (Claremont Class of 2023), Tammy Bailey (Claremont Assistant Principal), and Dr. Raphael Rogers (Clark University) —evaluated the students’ work. This Rap Fair marked a key moment in the senior experience, giving students the opportunity to share their learning, creativity, and unique perspectives with their peers. 👏✨ 📸 Check out some photos from the event!

💙🌍 World Autism Awareness Day at Worcester Public Schools Today, Worcester Public Schools recognizes World Autism Awareness Day, reaffirming our commitment to inclusivity, support, and awareness for our students, families, and staff. At Gates Lane School of International Studies, staff came together to wear blue, including custom shirts designed by Worcester Technical High School's Graphic Communications students. They also created supportive posters, now displayed throughout the hallways. Gates Lane’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) hosted an open house, welcoming families to learn more about special education services and the Specialized Approaches to Individual Learning (SAIL) program. 💙 Show your support — wear blue and spread kindness!

14th Annual VEX Robotics WPS Elementary Tournament 🤖 Over 600 students from 30 WPS elementary schools recently competed in the 14th annual VEX Robotics Elementary Tournament at South High Community School! The elementary tournament is a three-day event that brings many WPS elementary students together for robotics fun. Students from WPS high school robotics teams also volunteered to help the event go smoothly each day. VEX Robotics is an educational program where students design, build, and program robots using lego-like pieces. Through the experience, students work collaboratively to solve game-based challenges while interacting with peers from across the district. Check out a few sights from day three of the three-day tournament! 📸

Lake View School's Vocabulary Parade 📚 Lake View School hosted a lively vocabulary parade for families and caregivers, showcasing tons of creativity and a command for language! Expanding students' vocabulary has been a focus for Lake View educators this school year, and the progress was on full display throughout the parade. Students chose a word and brought it to life with signs, props, and elaborate costumes. Many parents and caregivers lined the sidewalks of Coburn Ave to cheer on their young scholars. This lesson touched upon the Vision of a Learner future-ready framework by connecting two of its dispositions: Effective Communicator and Curious Learner. Check out some of the highlights from Lake View's vocabulary parade!

Worcester Technical High School Partners with NEI General Contracting to Train Future Builders 🏗️ Worcester Technical High School has partnered with NEI General Contracting, an award-winning firm, to provide students with hands-on training in the construction industry. Through this initiative, NEI General Contracting has placed three students in co-op positions and connected many more with subcontractors.

⭐ Brenda Dubrey, Third Grade Educator at Thorndyke Road School ⭐ “Mrs. Dubrey’s dedication to her students, outstanding communication skills, and her kind-hearted, fun-loving nature make her truly one of a kind. Mrs. Dubrey is not just a teacher; she is a catalyst for joy and excitement in the classroom. She has the remarkable ability to make learning fun, fostering an environment where every student feels engaged and motivated. Her innovative teaching methods and enthusiasm for education inspire her students to not only excel academically but also to love the process of learning. One of Mrs. Dubrey’s greatest strengths is her ability to make each child feel seen, valued, and special. She creates a classroom culture that is inclusive and nurturing, ensuring that every student feels confident to participate and express themselves. This sense of belonging that she fosters is truly impactful, both for the students and their families." “Her communication with parents is equally commendable. She keeps us informed, involved, and reassured that our children are in the best hands. Mrs. Dubrey’s approachability and warmth make it easy for parents to collaborate with her, which is a crucial aspect of our children’s education. I wish every student and parent could experience the extraordinary influence of Mrs. Dubrey. She is more than deserving of recognition for the countless lives she touches with her passion, kindness, and commitment to education.” ⭐ 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

🎉 Juniper Outreach Foundation Opens Food Pantry at Doherty Memorial High School The Juniper Outreach Foundation has officially opened its eighth in-school food pantry at Doherty Memorial High School, providing students with access to food 🍎, snacks 🍪, clothing 👚, and other essential items. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Joseph Petty, Principal John Staley, Tim Murray, President/CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Julie McDonald, Executive Director of the Juniper Outreach Foundation. ✂️🎤 With generous support from the Fairlawn Foundation, this new pantry joins Juniper’s growing network of school-based pantries at Burncoat Preparatory School, Lincoln Street School, City View Discovery School, Elm Park Community School, Vernon Hill School, Gerald Creamer Center, and South High School—ensuring more students have the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. 📚🌟

Alumna and Author Tika Smith Visits Scholars at Burncoat High School 📚 Thank you to Tika Smith, a Burncoat High School Class of 1991 graduate and published author, for taking the time to visit students at Burncoat High! During her visit, Tika met with journalism students to answer questions about her books, share her experiences, and inspire the next generation of writers and readers. Tika Smith is an author, nonprofit leader, and senior lab tech currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Health and Human Services at Antioch University in Seattle, WA.

🌟 Student Spotlight: Caleigh Moriarty’s Field Hockey Clinic 🌟 Caleigh Moriarty, an 11th grader at Doherty Memorial High School, launched a Field Hockey Clinic at May Street School for 5th and 6th grade girls! 🏑 This initiative, developed as part of her AP Seminar project, introduces young athletes to the sport and encourages more girls from diverse backgrounds to get involved in athletics. The clinic has been a huge success, with nearly every participant joining in—and many asking for even more sessions! As Principal Luke Robert shared, "None of the students quit, and many asked for more sessions!" Caleigh, along with her friend and teammate Sarah Defusco, hopes to expand the program to other schools, providing more students with opportunities to explore new activities and stay active. 🎉 A big shoutout to Caleigh and Sarah for their commitment to empowering young athletes!

Student Superintendent Advisory Council Meeting at Worcester Technical High School 💭 The Student Superintendent Advisory Council (SSAC) came together at Worcester Technical High School for its latest monthly meeting. Made up of scholars from WPS high schools, SSAC meets each month during the school year to discuss topics focused on improving the student experience in WPS. This month, scholars enjoyed a blindfold icebreaker before diving into collaborative activities, including "problem trees" and a fun budget-related activity led by WPS Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen.

Doherty’s Dea Kamberi Named 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts! 🎉 Doherty Memorial High School senior and valedictorian Dea Kamberi has earned the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts title—marking a first for Worcester Public Schools! This prestigious honor recognizes Dea’s excellence in academics, talent, leadership, fitness, and self-expression. She will now represent Massachusetts at the national competition in Alabama this summer! A standout scholar, Dea excels in dual enrollment courses at Quinsigamond Community College, showcases her musical talent through piano performance, and leads in her community through the Bank of America Student Leaders Program and her internship at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. Congratulations to Dea on this achievement! 👏🎶📚

Friendly Faces of Belmont Street Community School 🤗 We recently stopped by Belmont Street Community School to visit our young learners! Belmont Street School is a vibrant community where students grow, thrive, and achieve their full potential. Belmont Street School sets high standards for learning, ensuring that every student is challenged and supported on their educational journey. The inclusive environment at Belmont Street School values diversity, respects every family and culture and celebrates the progress of learners each year. Together, Belmont Street builds a strong foundation for lifelong success! Belmont Street School is located in the North Quadrant of the Worcester Public Schools and hosts 615 students from PreK to Grade 6.

⭐ Arianna Santiago, Second Grade Scholar at Union Hill School ⭐ “Arianna is kind and patient. She tries to uplift her peers and always goes out of her way to help her classmates. Arianna loves to share and loves the diversity in her classroom. When a new student arrives in the classroom and she realizes they have troubles understanding our language she tries to help in any way she can.” This demonstrates that Arianna is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Arianna shows an ability to interact with others in varied social, cultural and multilingual backgrounds (ECM3). ⭐ 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

Burncoat High School Drama Club Moves Onto State Finals 🎭 Burncoat High School's drama club has advanced to the finals in the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild's (METG) state-wide competition for its performance of The Price by Don Zolidis! Catch Burncoat on stage for the state finals on Saturday, March 29 at 12:30 PM at John Hancock Hall in Boston! Get your tickets now: https://www.ticketstage.com/bin/f.wk?ts.performance.gen There will also be two chances to watch the show at Burncoat Middle School on March 21 and March 22 at 7:00 PM.

💲🚌CPPAC Gets Budget and Transportation Update Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen and Transportation Director Mike Freeman gave presentations to the Citywide Parent Planning Advisory Council on Wednesday evening at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School. Mr. Allen (pictured fifth from left) explained that WPS is projected to receive an additional $38 million next school year, fiscal year 2026. He said there will be no elimination of classroom teaching positions due to budget cuts, and in some schools there will be additional teachers, a reversal from the budget reductions experienced this year. Mr. Freeman (pictured second from right) said 2024-25 has been the best year ever for the Transportation Department, reflecting major improvements since operations were moved in-house. In addition to on-time performance rate of 98% and a fully staffed workforce, Transportation is planning to implement new technology in the next 1-2 years that will include a swipe-card system for students and a new bus locator mobile app.

🛑🚸 Today, we celebrate the incredible crossing guards in Worcester Public Schools who play a vital role in getting our students to and from school safely throughout the school year. 👏 Pictured are a few of the dedicated crossing guards in our schools: 🛑🚸 Brenda Davin – Crossing Guard at Flagg Street School Principal Genese says, "We are so fortunate to have Ms. Brenda Davin as the crossing guard for the Flagg Street School community. She not only ensures students arrive safely but also brightens everyone's day with her kindness." Parent Zack Kennedy adds, "Rain or shine, snow or sleet, Brenda greets everyone with a smile and kind words. She decorates the tree and post with holiday cheer, and her genuine affection for the kids is felt by all. We are lucky to have her as part of the Flagg community." 🛑🚸 Lilian Garcia – Crossing Guard at Union Hill School Principal Tabales says, "At one of the busiest intersections in town, Ms. Lillian Garcia is more than just a crossing guard—she’s a community guardian. Rain or shine, she ensures the safety of children with a warm smile and a watchful eye, even carrying spare mittens for those who forget theirs." 🛑🚸 Kashanda Harris – Crossing Guard at Goddard School of Science & Technology Principal Dr. Allen says, "Kashanda Harris is one of our veteran crossing guards who crosses Goddard School students at the very busy intersection of Main Street at Freeland Street. We appreciate Kashanda's many years of service to the Goddard School community, ensuring that our students arrive at school and return home safely each and every day, regardless of the weather." 🛑🚸 Al Ruiz – Crossing Guard at Grafton Street School Principal Hebert says, “Al Ruiz is the first face greeting students and families at Grafton Street School. He has built positive and trusting relationships with the Grafton Street Community. We are lucky to have him keeping our students safe.” Sending a thank you to all of our WPS crossing guards for their dedication and hard work in keeping our students safe every day!

Alumni Spotlight: Timothy Lavoie ‘17 Becomes First to Earn Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Through Tufts at Tech Experience Worcester Technical High School Class of 2017 alumnus Timothy Lavoie recently became the first to earn a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) since the veterinary assisting partnership with Tufts University—known as Tufts at Tech—was established in 2012. Tim shared his journey with us in a recent interview and discussed how his Tufts at Tech experience paved the way for his young veterinary career. Read the full story here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2087305

Friendly Faces of Francis J. McGrath Elementary School 🤗 We recently visited our friends at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School in the Burncoat Quadrant! McGrath is a close-knit school that values the unique strengths and backgrounds of every student. Serving 200 scholars from preschool through grade six, it is a place where relationships, community, and a love for learning come together. Diversity is at the heart of McGrath, where many cultures, perspectives, and experiences make the school a vibrant and welcoming place. The dedicated staff works together to ensure every child feels supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential. At McGrath, staff are not only focused on academic growth, but also building confidence, character, and a sense of belonging. With a strong partnership between students, staff, and families, McGrath is more than just a school—it’s a family.

⭐ Jessica Spencer, Guidance Counselor at New Citizens Center Secondary ⭐ “Jess always goes above and beyond to help students navigate the many, many paths they need to take through our very large district, various other organizations, and community groups. She unfailingly listens to the student's needs and perspective and advocates for them with tact and persistence. She is always positive and optimistic and models putting the student first. She has been a hero for a lot of our students, making their dreams possible. She is the first person you go to when you need help for a student. Always a team player, Jess is always willing to lend a hand to colleagues, too.” "Jessica is a very committed guidance counselor for our students. She takes the time to get to know each and every student well so that she can support them as much as possible," said NCC coordinator Erin Goldstein. “She works hard to help each student navigate school here and to help them plan for their future both here in WPS and then after graduating. She's also supportive of colleagues throughout the school. She's an important part of our school success.” ⭐ 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