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! 📸

Burncoat High School Theater Dress Rehearsal of The Price 🎭 Take a look at a few behind-the-scenes photos from Burncoat High School's recent dress rehearsal of The Price by Don Zolidis. The student-run theater club performed this one-act play at the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild's (METG) Drama Festival last weekend, where they were selected to advance to the semifinal round of the statewide competition! The METG Drama Festival is a one-act competition featuring 100 high schools from across Massachusetts. Shows must be under 40 minutes, with only five minutes given to build the set. Shoutout to the students and staff involved in making this one-act a success in statewide competition!

🎓High School Graduation Dates for the Class of 2025! The time is almost here! Check out the graduation dates for Worcester Public Schools’ Class of 2025: Tuesday, May 27: Doherty Memorial High School Wednesday, May 28: Worcester Technical High School Thursday, May 29: University Park Campus School Monday, June 2: Gerald Creamer Center Tuesday, June 3: Worcester Alternative School Tuesday, June 3: Burncoat High School Wednesday, June 4: South High Community School Friday, June 6: North High School Monday, June 9: Claremont Academy Celebrate the hard work and dedication of our graduates as they move on to their next chapter! 🎓🌟 For full details on graduation dates, visit: https://buff.ly/frXUZaR

🥣 National School Breakfast Week is here! 🥑🍎 A healthy, tasty breakfast sets students up for success—and the best part? It’s completely FREE for all students! 🎉 Come grab a breakfast and fuel up to kickstart a day of learning and achievement! 🍽️🌟 This week, we’re celebrating with delicious and healthy options, including a new recipe in the works! Introducing waffle sticks with blueberry compote—made with real blueberries, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of honey. 🍯🫐 The perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this tasty new breakfast could be your next favorite! Would you give it a try? Let us know! 👇

📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫 March has 20 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! 🎓🌟

✨ Staff Development Day in Action! ✨ Today, Worcester Public Schools educators came together for a day of collaboration, growth, and skill-building—all with the goal of better supporting our students! 📚🎶🍎 Some highlights from the day: 🎼 Music Educators – Mapped scope & sequence, reviewed, and developed curriculum maps to enhance middle and high school music instruction. 🛡️ Risk Mitigation Training – School Adjustment Counselors and Behavior Specialists engaged in professional development on proactive strategies to identify and address student needs, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. 🥗 Nutrition Team Trainings – Participated in Manager/Cook training and a chemicals presentation, reinforcing best practices in food safety and kitchen operations. 👏 A huge thank you to all WPS staff for your commitment to excellence and student success!

No School on Tuesday, March 4 Teachers and school staff will have a professional development day on Tuesday, March 4, so there will be no school for students. District offices will remain open. 🏫

Quarter Two Honor Roll Listings 📝 Congratulations to the many scholars who are being acknowledged for their academic achievements during quarter two! Please note: If a parent or guardian has opted out of media consent for their child, their child's name will not be included in the honor roll publication. Find your scholar here 👉 https://buff.ly/3Xhc3fW

🎉 Congratulations to Ryan Smith on being recognized as one of Pulse Magazine’s People to Watch in 2025! 🎉 Ryan Smith, an educator at Burncoat High School and a proud 2018 Doherty High graduate, has made a significant impact in our community through his art and dedication to local organizations. From his role in organizing Arsen Fest to working with groups like Push Worcester and El Salon, Ryan continues to inspire and bring people together. We are so proud to see him receive this well-deserved recognition, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for him in 2025! Learn more about Ryan here: https://buff.ly/4b8q5WP

The Black Student Unions of each WPS high school recently came together to celebrate Black History Month at Worcester Technical High School. The event drew over 200 students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School and Worcester Tech. Students from Abby Kelley Foster School also participated, highlighting the spirit of unity among Black students across Worcester. Throughout the evening, students came together to enjoy the camaraderie of friends, play fun games with peers, and share a delicious buffet-style dinner, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration for Black History Month.

Join us in sending a congratulations to the inaugural Pep Band National Champions — the Burncoat Patriots! 🏆 The Burncoat spirit team (dance team and pep band) brought their A-game to the National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Florida, taking home the first-ever national championship in the Pep Band Division, and finishing 3rd in the nation in Game Day Live Division! A huge shoutout to the many talented students who put in the hard work, and to educators & coaches Meredith Lord, Kellie Shea, and Justine Pennucci for their unwavering guidance and support. 🙌

Burncoat High School defeated Monty Tech, 92-61, in recent boys basketball action! 🏀 The Patriots improved to 10-4 on the season with the win. Kevin Dunn led the team with 17 points, while Jaiden Johnston and Cheyton Marshall added 16 and 14 points, respectively. Nytel Johnson and Jean Carlos Pimental each scored 13 points. Check out a few images from a strong game by the Patriots!

🍽️✨ Look What’s Coming Back on February's Menu! Say hello to Chicken and Veggie Dumplings with Soy Sauce, paired with a tasty Edamame Salad and a sweet Fortune Cookie! 😋 This delicious combo will be back on the February menu – don’t miss it! 🌱🍜

🚗 Become an Automotive Instructor - Chapter 74🚗 Worcester Technical High School is seeking a skilled Automotive Instructor! Join our team and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals. Visit the link here to apply: https://buff.ly/4h9YTcD

Burncoat High School's Jayden Bordes and Daniel Parke Accepted into NAfME All Eastern Mixed Choir 🎶 Burncoat High School seniors Daniel Parke and Jayden Bordes were accepted into the prestigious NAfME All Eastern Mixed Choir, which is set to perform at the All Eastern Music Festival in Hartford, Connecticut on April 24-27. The All Eastern Mixed Choir is part of the All Eastern Honors Ensemble which brings together talented student musicians from states across the Northeast, including Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Congratulations to Daniel and Jayden on this achievement!