No Hate Tour Visits Worcester Tech 🚲
The No Hate High School Tour made a stop at Worcester Technical High School as part of its national anti-bullying campaign.
The high-energy program, now in its 25th year, uses the excitement of action sports to deliver important messages about inclusion, kindness, problem-solving, and mental health awareness.
Students were treated to a BMX exhibition by professional riders Russel Summerville, Zach Newman, Logan Place, and Trevor Meyer. The show even included flips over Principal Drew Weymouth, Assistant Principal Stephanie Stockwell and PE Teacher Sean Mahoney.
The No Hate High School Tour made a stop at Worcester Technical High School as part of its national anti-bullying campaign.
The high-energy program, now in its 25th year, uses the excitement of action sports to deliver important messages about inclusion, kindness, problem-solving, and mental health awareness.
Students were treated to a BMX exhibition by professional riders Russel Summerville, Zach Newman, Logan Place, and Trevor Meyer. The show even included flips over Principal Drew Weymouth, Assistant Principal Stephanie Stockwell and PE Teacher Sean Mahoney.
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Donates Pumpkins to Gates Lane 🎃
Kindergarteners at Gates Lane School of International Studies recently received a donation of 77 pumpkins from the Worcester Sheriff’s Office.
Coordinated by school adjustment counselor Donatella Travaglio, the pumpkins were sent home with students to decorate and enjoy for the fall season.
Kindergarteners at Gates Lane School of International Studies recently received a donation of 77 pumpkins from the Worcester Sheriff’s Office.
Coordinated by school adjustment counselor Donatella Travaglio, the pumpkins were sent home with students to decorate and enjoy for the fall season.
🌟 Principal Month Spotlight: Emily Kokansky 🌟
This month, we’re introducing newly appointed principals in WPS as part of National Principal Month! Principals work every day to support students, guide their staff, and build strong school communities.
Meet Emily Kokansky, who is serving as the acting Principal at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School this year.
Principal Kokansky is in her tenth year in WPS and has a passion for teaching English, particularly writing. Her favorite part of working in education is the connections she builds with students and families that last a lifetime. She especially enjoys seeing former students who still remember the impact she had years ago.
Join us in welcoming Principal Kokansky!
This month, we’re introducing newly appointed principals in WPS as part of National Principal Month! Principals work every day to support students, guide their staff, and build strong school communities.
Meet Emily Kokansky, who is serving as the acting Principal at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School this year.
Principal Kokansky is in her tenth year in WPS and has a passion for teaching English, particularly writing. Her favorite part of working in education is the connections she builds with students and families that last a lifetime. She especially enjoys seeing former students who still remember the impact she had years ago.
Join us in welcoming Principal Kokansky!
Doherty Defeats Westborough 38–8 on Homecoming Night 🏈
The Highlanders of Doherty Memorial High School celebrated Homecoming Night in style, earning a commanding 38–8 victory over Westborough!
Quarterback Connor Gentilucci recorded three touchdowns, including two through the air and one on the ground. Jayden Orhin returned a 99-yard kickoff to close out the game, while Ryan Dennis and Derek Mukuha each caught touchdown passes to help seal the win.
Friday night’s game was also a special occasion as it marked the first football game on Doherty’s new turf field, as many from the community filled the stands to cheer on the Highlanders. After the win, students and staff capped off the celebration with the Homecoming Dance at the school.
Check out a few sights from the game 📸
The Highlanders of Doherty Memorial High School celebrated Homecoming Night in style, earning a commanding 38–8 victory over Westborough!
Quarterback Connor Gentilucci recorded three touchdowns, including two through the air and one on the ground. Jayden Orhin returned a 99-yard kickoff to close out the game, while Ryan Dennis and Derek Mukuha each caught touchdown passes to help seal the win.
Friday night’s game was also a special occasion as it marked the first football game on Doherty’s new turf field, as many from the community filled the stands to cheer on the Highlanders. After the win, students and staff capped off the celebration with the Homecoming Dance at the school.
Check out a few sights from the game 📸
This Month's Staff WooStar: Natasha Mateo, New Citizens Program ESL Teacher at Clark Street Community School ⭐️
"Natasha has transformed the lives of countless students and families. Her classroom is a microcosm of the globe. Students arrive from every corner of the world, speaking different languages, entering at various academic levels, and often carrying the weight of disrupted schooling, trauma, and cultural transitions. Yet in the midst of this complexity, Natasha creates a space where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. Through her expert guidance, these young learners gain the language skills and confidence they need to not only survive, but thrive; ultimately transitioning into mainstream classrooms ready to succeed. Natasha’s impact reaches far beyond academics. She teaches her students critical life skills, helps them navigate personal challenges, and advocates fiercely for their well-being. She routinely goes the extra mile conducting home visits, personally assisting families with everything from school paperwork to community resources, and making a genuine effort to understand and honor each student's cultural background. Her work is rooted in empathy, driven by purpose, and marked by extraordinary dedication. It’s not just what she does, it’s who she is. She doesn’t just change classrooms, she changes lives."
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
"Natasha has transformed the lives of countless students and families. Her classroom is a microcosm of the globe. Students arrive from every corner of the world, speaking different languages, entering at various academic levels, and often carrying the weight of disrupted schooling, trauma, and cultural transitions. Yet in the midst of this complexity, Natasha creates a space where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. Through her expert guidance, these young learners gain the language skills and confidence they need to not only survive, but thrive; ultimately transitioning into mainstream classrooms ready to succeed. Natasha’s impact reaches far beyond academics. She teaches her students critical life skills, helps them navigate personal challenges, and advocates fiercely for their well-being. She routinely goes the extra mile conducting home visits, personally assisting families with everything from school paperwork to community resources, and making a genuine effort to understand and honor each student's cultural background. Her work is rooted in empathy, driven by purpose, and marked by extraordinary dedication. It’s not just what she does, it’s who she is. She doesn’t just change classrooms, she changes lives."
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
This Month’s Student WooStar: Sullivan Raposa, Second Grade, Effective Communicator at Thorndyke Road School ⭐️
"Despite having an articulation delay, Sullivan works diligently inside and outside of school to improve upon his speaking. He consistently gives his school work and daily interactions every positive effort he has despite this delay. He continues to show a strong understanding of how his delay impacts his ability to effectively communicate and when he is not understood, whether by a peer or adult, he uses the tools that work for him, to become better understood. This has given him the confidence needed to step up in class and even during group events and activities. While clear communication is a work in progress, Sullivan consistently demonstrates his abilities to communicate effectively despite daily challenges."
This demonstrates that Sullivan is an Effective Communicator, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Sullivan transfers skills and knowledge to new situations and contexts, and uses what he learns in different situations (PS 4).
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
"Despite having an articulation delay, Sullivan works diligently inside and outside of school to improve upon his speaking. He consistently gives his school work and daily interactions every positive effort he has despite this delay. He continues to show a strong understanding of how his delay impacts his ability to effectively communicate and when he is not understood, whether by a peer or adult, he uses the tools that work for him, to become better understood. This has given him the confidence needed to step up in class and even during group events and activities. While clear communication is a work in progress, Sullivan consistently demonstrates his abilities to communicate effectively despite daily challenges."
This demonstrates that Sullivan is an Effective Communicator, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Sullivan transfers skills and knowledge to new situations and contexts, and uses what he learns in different situations (PS 4).
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
🧹✨ Happy National Custodian Day! ✨🧹
Today, we celebrate all of our amazing custodians across Worcester Public Schools! 💛🏫
From early mornings to late evenings, inside and outside our schools, you keep every space safe, clean, and welcoming. Your dedication makes a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families every single day. 🌟👏
A special shout-out to some of our incredible custodians featured in the photos:
🌟 Luis Diaz — Senior Custodian at Dr. John E. Durkin Administration Building, 38 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Jeffrey Moreau — Senior Custodian, Grounds Crew at Foley Stadium, 31 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Matt Zwicker — Senior Custodian at Doherty Memorial High School, 26 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Ryan Sweeney — Senior Custodian at Claremont/Woodland Academy, 15 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Joseph Barbour — Senior Custodian at Nelson Place School, 15 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Bernard Whipple — Junior Custodian at Clark Street Community School, 6.5 years with Worcester Public Schools
👏👏👏 Thank you to all custodians for everything you do — you are the heart of our schools! ❤️
Today, we celebrate all of our amazing custodians across Worcester Public Schools! 💛🏫
From early mornings to late evenings, inside and outside our schools, you keep every space safe, clean, and welcoming. Your dedication makes a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families every single day. 🌟👏
A special shout-out to some of our incredible custodians featured in the photos:
🌟 Luis Diaz — Senior Custodian at Dr. John E. Durkin Administration Building, 38 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Jeffrey Moreau — Senior Custodian, Grounds Crew at Foley Stadium, 31 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Matt Zwicker — Senior Custodian at Doherty Memorial High School, 26 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Ryan Sweeney — Senior Custodian at Claremont/Woodland Academy, 15 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Joseph Barbour — Senior Custodian at Nelson Place School, 15 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Bernard Whipple — Junior Custodian at Clark Street Community School, 6.5 years with Worcester Public Schools
👏👏👏 Thank you to all custodians for everything you do — you are the heart of our schools! ❤️
First Meeting of the Garden Club at Clark Street 🌱🥕
Students in grades 4-6 enjoyed the first of six fall meetings of the Garden Club at Clark Street Community School!
Working alongside teachers, parents and master gardeners from the Regional Environmental Council, students learned what defines a plant and why plants are green. Afterward, they toured the school's garden, sampled fresh fruits and vegetables, and harvested some of the crops that were ready to be picked.
The Clark Street garden, which began last spring, now features a variety of produce including peppers, pumpkins, watermelons, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, strawberries, broccoli, eggplants, raspberries, various herbs and more!
The Garden Club gives students hands-on opportunities to learn about science and nature while enjoying the rewards of their hard work.
Students in grades 4-6 enjoyed the first of six fall meetings of the Garden Club at Clark Street Community School!
Working alongside teachers, parents and master gardeners from the Regional Environmental Council, students learned what defines a plant and why plants are green. Afterward, they toured the school's garden, sampled fresh fruits and vegetables, and harvested some of the crops that were ready to be picked.
The Clark Street garden, which began last spring, now features a variety of produce including peppers, pumpkins, watermelons, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, strawberries, broccoli, eggplants, raspberries, various herbs and more!
The Garden Club gives students hands-on opportunities to learn about science and nature while enjoying the rewards of their hard work.
CPT and CCMA Night Life Graduation at Worcester Technical High School 🎓
Worcester Public Schools celebrated the graduation of 21 students from its Night Life programs in Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
The CCMA program runs for 14 weeks and includes a 120-hour clinical externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam. The CPT program spans 12 weeks with an 80-hour externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam.
Night Life gives adults in the community the opportunity to build new skills and earn nationally recognized certifications in high-demand fields. These programs are funded through a state grant procured by MassHire (Healthcare HUB) and through the City of Worcester’s Worcester Jobs Fund.
Learn more about Night Life programs and upcoming classes: https://worcesternightlife.org/
Congratulations to the newest group of Night Life graduates!
Worcester Public Schools celebrated the graduation of 21 students from its Night Life programs in Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
The CCMA program runs for 14 weeks and includes a 120-hour clinical externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam. The CPT program spans 12 weeks with an 80-hour externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam.
Night Life gives adults in the community the opportunity to build new skills and earn nationally recognized certifications in high-demand fields. These programs are funded through a state grant procured by MassHire (Healthcare HUB) and through the City of Worcester’s Worcester Jobs Fund.
Learn more about Night Life programs and upcoming classes: https://worcesternightlife.org/
Congratulations to the newest group of Night Life graduates!
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Claremont Academy!
Claremont Academy 7th Grade and Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish students, led by Monica Echevarria, Spanish teacher, explored Hispanic and Latino culture and contributions through engaging research projects this week.
• 7th Grade: Learned about 21 Spanish-speaking countries 🌎, using Spanish vocabulary to research and present their findings.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish: Conducted in-depth projects on Spanish-speaking countries, showcasing detailed research and creative presentations 📚.
Students shared their knowledge with classmates, showing curiosity, creativity, and pride in Hispanic heritage.
📸 Highlights captured — check out their work!
Claremont Academy 7th Grade and Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish students, led by Monica Echevarria, Spanish teacher, explored Hispanic and Latino culture and contributions through engaging research projects this week.
• 7th Grade: Learned about 21 Spanish-speaking countries 🌎, using Spanish vocabulary to research and present their findings.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish: Conducted in-depth projects on Spanish-speaking countries, showcasing detailed research and creative presentations 📚.
Students shared their knowledge with classmates, showing curiosity, creativity, and pride in Hispanic heritage.
📸 Highlights captured — check out their work!
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.
