Burncoat High School

🍎🦸‍♀️ Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🦸‍♂️🥪 Today, we give a big THANK YOU to the amazing Worcester Public Schools Nutrition Staff—our very own School Lunch Heroes! 💚 From early mornings to busy lunchrooms, they serve up more than just meals. They serve kindness, care, and a whole lot of heart—fueling our students for success every single day. Whether it’s preparing nutritious food, accommodating special diets, or greeting every student with a smile, you make a difference. 💪🍽️ Let’s show them some love and say THANK YOU to the heroes behind the lunch line! 💚

🎉🏫 Happy National School Principal Day! 🎉🍎 Today, we celebrate and honor the incredible leaders who guide our schools with dedication, compassion, and vision – our school principals!💙🏫 Thank you for your tireless commitment to shaping young minds, fostering a positive learning environment, and supporting the growth and development of both students and staff. 🌟👏 Your leadership inspires us all to reach for excellence and strive for success. Here's to you, our amazing school principals!

🎉 Honoring Excellence in Public Service 🎉 Join us in congratulating Adrian Machado, World Language Spanish Teacher at Worcester East Middle School, on receiving the 2025 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau! 🏆 Adrian is a dynamic educator whose dedication to the children and youth of Worcester is unmatched. As a Spanish teacher, mentor, coach, and advocate, he continually goes above and beyond to support his students and community. 🇪🇸🏀 A nominator shared: “Adrian is a key part of our community and has made a huge difference in the lives of our students and families. He is well-known and respected for his hard work, kindness, and dedication to helping others.” 🤝💙 👏 We’re so proud of Adrian and grateful for the incredible impact he makes every day across Worcester Public Schools and beyond! 🔗 Learn more about this year’s recipients: https://buff.ly/H3LbvfO

Accelerated Learning Academy Highlights Math-Focused Spring Programming 🏫🧮 Over spring break, Worcester Public Schools scholars dove into hands-on learning through the Accelerated Learning Academy, hosted at schools across the district—including Burncoat Preparatory School, Burncoat High School, Elm Park Community School, Forest Grove Middle School, North High School, and Worcester East Middle School. 🏫🌸 Throughout the week, scholars explored math in engaging and practical ways—tackling geometry through art projects 🎨📐, solving word problems 🤔📝, and building test-taking strategies for the MCAS 📊. At some sites, students applied measurement skills by following recipes and cooking simple meals 🍽️🥄—turning math into a multisensory experience! Fun activities also included physical exercise in the school gym 🏃‍♂️🏀, cooperative board games 🎲, and quality time spent with friends 😊—making for a well-rounded week of learning and connection. 💬🤝

🎉 Honoring Excellence in Public Service 🎉 Join us in congratulating Mohammed Siddiqui, Senior Software Developer in Worcester Public Schools' IT Department, on receiving the 2025 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau! 🏆 Mohammed has been pivotal in developing key systems like the Special Education Information System, the Translation Services Database, and digital guest sign-in tools. His innovative solutions and dedication have had a lasting impact across the district. 💻🔧 A nominator shared: “Mohammed’s problem-solving and strategic planning are unmatched. With decades of experience, he consistently delivers efficient, reliable solutions that enhance our tech infrastructure for students, staff, and faculty.” 🧠⚙️ 👏 We’re so proud of Mohammed and thankful for his continuous dedication to supporting our schools and students! 🔗 Learn more about this year’s recipients: https://buff.ly/H3LbvfO

📎🌟 Happy National Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟📎 Today, we celebrate the amazing administrative teams who are the backbone of our schools! From front office staff to registrars and administrative assistants, you keep things running smoothly with professionalism, care, and a whole lot of heart. 💚📚 Whether you're managing paperwork, coordinating communication, or supporting students and families every day—you are essential to our school communities. 🍎🙌 THANK YOU for everything you do! 🙌🍎 We’re so grateful for your dedication and proud to have you as part of the Worcester Public Schools family.

📢 Reminder: Worcester Public Schools' First Annual Job Fair is Coming Up! Your Next Career Move Begins Here! Join us for the First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair on Tuesday, April 29, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland Street, Worcester. This event presents an excellent opportunity to explore career options within public education and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community. Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your career, Worcester Public Schools offers a range of meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/J4fg8um

🚌💛 Happy National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Today we hit the brakes to give a huge shoutout to our incredible Worcester Public Schools bus drivers—the everyday heroes who keep our schools moving! 🚦☀️🌧️ Through early mornings, busy roads, and all kinds of weather, they show up with a smile, ready to safely guide our students to and from school. 👋👏 From the honks, waves, and high-fives—your impact goes far beyond the yellow bus. Thank you for your dedication, patience, and for being such an important part of the WPS family. 🙌

Worcester Public Schools will be closed in observance of Patriots' Day. Learn more about the history and meaning of this day by exploring Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day resources: https://buff.ly/dr1Tref

Happy Easter! 🐣🌸 Did you know that Easter’s roots trace back to ancient festivals celebrating Spring? Discover the fascinating history behind this holiday and how it evolved over time! Learn more about the history of Easter: https://buff.ly/2prGpwk

⭐ Katie O’Leary, School Adjustment Counselor at Burncoat High School ⭐ “With over 11 years of experience in WPS, Katie has made a lasting impact in every position she has held. I had the privilege of working closely with Katie at Canterbury Street School, where her influence was profoundly felt by both students and staff. Even after her transfer to Burncoat High School two years ago, her exceptional work ethic, infectious smile, and impeccable sense of humor continue to resonate with the Canterbury community. At Burncoat, Katie has positively impacted students as both a teacher and an adjustment counselor. As a parent of a student at Flagg Street School, I have heard numerous stories from one of her former students, who is now a parent there. She shared how Mrs. O'Leary, affectionately known as "Mrs. O," supported her and her friends through both challenges and triumphs. This former student recounted how Katie has consistently been there for her and her son, even years after graduation, seeking her guidance and life advice. Katie O'Leary goes above and beyond for everyone, always prioritizing the needs of others both inside and outside the school environment. She truly embodies the spirit of a WooStar.” ⭐ 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

🎓 Call to Education Event Recap at Worcester State University Last Friday, nearly 100 junior and senior high school scholars from across Worcester Public Schools, including students from Burncoat High School, Claremont Academy, Doherty Memorial High School, Gerald Creamer Center, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus, and Worcester Technical High School, gathered at Worcester State University for our “Call to Education” event! 🙌📚 They had the opportunity to hear from 18 WPS educators and support staff—including teachers, wraparound coordinators, nurses, psychologists, and more—during two insightful panel sessions. 🎤 The scholars asked thoughtful questions 💡, made real connections 🤝, and learned firsthand about the journeys of those who have chosen careers in education and student support. 💬🌟 Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event memorable, and to our scholars for bringing their enthusiasm and curiosity! 💙🎉

📢 First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair Your Next Career Move Begins Here! Join us for the First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair on Tuesday, April 29, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland Street, Worcester. This event presents an excellent opportunity to explore career options within public education and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community. Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your career, Worcester Public Schools offers a range of meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/J4fg8um

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! 🎓🌟

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.

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.

🛑🚸 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!

🏫🎾 Worcester Public Schools Receives USA Pickleball Grant to Expand Physical Education Curriculum Worcester Public Schools has been awarded a grant from USA Pickleball’s inaugural “Grow the Game” program! This initiative will help expand access to pickleball in our schools and communities by providing essential equipment and resources. As part of the grant, WPS will receive 72 paddles, 3 nets, and 200 pickleballs, plus educational materials to support the integration of pickleball into the physical education curriculum. PE teachers recently participated in professional development at Doherty Memorial High School, learning how to teach pickleball to students. This program will help students get active and engaged in a fun, growing sport that promotes fitness and social interaction. 🎾💪 Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2075969

School Social Worker / Adjustment Counselor Appreciation Week 🧑‍🏫💙 This week, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of our School Social Workers / Adjustment Counselors. 💙 They support students, families, and educators in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. 🌱📚 School Adjustment Counselors address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, helping students succeed. 🎯 Their work helps bridge gaps, provide resources, and support resilience in our school communities. 🤝💪 To all our School Adjustment Counselors—thank you for your work and support. 🙏 We appreciate everything you do! 🌟 Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸