🌟 Call for WooStar Nominations 🌟
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ February Nomination Deadline: Monday, Feb. 23
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
Your nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across WPS!
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ February Nomination Deadline: Monday, Feb. 23
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
Your nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across WPS!
WPS Spirit Wear Store Launches 🎉
The Worcester Public Schools has launched the WPS Spirit Wear Store! You can purchase WPS-branded hoodies, t-shirts, pajama pants, backpacks, and more to show your Worcester Public Schools pride!
Please note that WPS makes no profit from these items. The prices reflect the cost only.
'Product of a Worcester Public School' logo designed by Erin Flemming Baffuto, Doherty Memorial High School Class of '01 and current Guidance Counselor and Student Council Advisor at Worcester Technical High School.
🛍️ Pre-sale until March 3rd! Shop now 👉 https://sistersbrandingco.com/col.../worcester-public-school
Burncoat High School Spirit Team Wins National Championship 🏆
The Burncoat High School Spirit Team returned home this past Monday with another national championship, taking first place in the Spirit Game Day Live category at the National Dance Team Championships (NDTC) in Orlando, Florida!
Made up of students in grades 9–12, Burncoat’s Spirit Team competed against schools from across the country.
The Spirit Game Day Live category combines cheer, dance, and band, and Burncoat was the only team representing the Northeast during the weekend.
This marks back-to-back national championships, with the team winning first place in the Pep Band category last year.
The Pep Band had another strong showing this year, placing third at the competition, while Burncoat’s Dance Team continued a standout season that has included first-place finishes at the Fall State Hip Hop Competition and the Central Mass. Athletic Conference Competition.
The Burncoat High School Spirit Team returned home this past Monday with another national championship, taking first place in the Spirit Game Day Live category at the National Dance Team Championships (NDTC) in Orlando, Florida!
Made up of students in grades 9–12, Burncoat’s Spirit Team competed against schools from across the country.
The Spirit Game Day Live category combines cheer, dance, and band, and Burncoat was the only team representing the Northeast during the weekend.
This marks back-to-back national championships, with the team winning first place in the Pep Band category last year.
The Pep Band had another strong showing this year, placing third at the competition, while Burncoat’s Dance Team continued a standout season that has included first-place finishes at the Fall State Hip Hop Competition and the Central Mass. Athletic Conference Competition.
Give Us Your Feedback on WPS Communications!
The WPS Communications Survey will be open through next week!
If you are a community member or alumni, parent/caregiver, students, or staff member, please take five minutes to let us know how we’re doing!
Thank you for your feedback
Find your survey: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2642550
The WPS Communications Survey will be open through next week!
If you are a community member or alumni, parent/caregiver, students, or staff member, please take five minutes to let us know how we’re doing!
Thank you for your feedback
Find your survey: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2642550
Worcester Technical High School BSU Hosts 5th Annual Black History Month Opening Celebration ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Worcester Technical High School’s Black Student Union co-hosted its fifth annual Black History Month Opening Celebration yesterday, marking 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started the month in 1926.
The student-led event featured a musical and drum performance by Crocodile River Music, a powerful message from Larry Shyler, and a high-energy, cross-cultural dance by WTHS students. Students also enjoyed Musical Bingo and Jeopardy while connecting over food and desserts.
Students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, Worcester Technical High School, and Abby Kelley Foster came together to celebrate culture, community, and student voice, joined by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, School Committee members, and school leaders. The celebration created a safe space for students to unify, collaborate, and move beyond stereotypes ✨.
A big thank you to the counselors and staff who supported students and made the event possible.
✨ A powerful start to Black History Month! ✨
Worcester Technical High School’s Black Student Union co-hosted its fifth annual Black History Month Opening Celebration yesterday, marking 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started the month in 1926.
The student-led event featured a musical and drum performance by Crocodile River Music, a powerful message from Larry Shyler, and a high-energy, cross-cultural dance by WTHS students. Students also enjoyed Musical Bingo and Jeopardy while connecting over food and desserts.
Students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, Worcester Technical High School, and Abby Kelley Foster came together to celebrate culture, community, and student voice, joined by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, School Committee members, and school leaders. The celebration created a safe space for students to unify, collaborate, and move beyond stereotypes ✨.
A big thank you to the counselors and staff who supported students and made the event possible.
✨ A powerful start to Black History Month! ✨
🚘 Driver's Education Course - Winter Break Course🚘
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a driver's education course for WPS students from February 16-20, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can enroll at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a driver's education course for WPS students from February 16-20, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can enroll at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
Vision to Action: Grow Your Own Program Begins 🌱
Worcester Public Schools has begun its first cycle of the Grow Your Own Program, a new student-to-teacher pathway designed to prepare the next generation of educators from within the Worcester community.
Through this program, students will have opportunities to:
✅ Take early college education courses at Worcester State
✅ Build skills through hands-on classroom and enrichment experiences
✅ Prepare to one day return to WPS as future educators
The Grow Your Own Program reflects a long-term collaboration between Worcester Public Schools and Worcester State University, strengthening opportunities for students while addressing the growing need for educators in urban school districts.
🎓 Burncoat High School Hosts MCAC Day 🎓
Burncoat High School held its annual Massachusetts College Application Celebration (MCAC) Day to recognize the many postsecondary pathways students will take after graduation.
Nearly 50 community partners attended, including colleges, trade programs, local employers, military representatives, and civil service organizations. Students had the chance to make connections and some even received on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships.
Seniors also took part in a “Paint Your Future” activity, adding a handprint to a Class of 2026 mural representing their plans after graduation.
Burncoat High School held its annual Massachusetts College Application Celebration (MCAC) Day to recognize the many postsecondary pathways students will take after graduation.
Nearly 50 community partners attended, including colleges, trade programs, local employers, military representatives, and civil service organizations. Students had the chance to make connections and some even received on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships.
Seniors also took part in a “Paint Your Future” activity, adding a handprint to a Class of 2026 mural representing their plans after graduation.
✨ Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
🌎 WPS Students Participate in Model UN 🌎
117 student delegates from Worcester Public Schools middle and high schools recently took part in Model United Nations at Clark University, simulating UN committees and representing 40 countries.
Students delivered opening speeches, participated in caucuses, and developed resolutions to address pressing global issues.
They worked in four classrooms, three for high school and one for middle school, delivered 62 speeches, and passed 16 resolutions while building skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership, and collaboration.
Awards were presented in each room for Best Public Speaker, Best Negotiator, Best Delegate, and Honorable Mention. Everyone should feel proud of their accomplishments.
The experience reflected all five Vision of a Learner dispositions, highlighting students as Engaged Community Members, Curious Learners, Empowered Individuals, Problem Solvers, and Effective Communicators.
117 student delegates from Worcester Public Schools middle and high schools recently took part in Model United Nations at Clark University, simulating UN committees and representing 40 countries.
Students delivered opening speeches, participated in caucuses, and developed resolutions to address pressing global issues.
They worked in four classrooms, three for high school and one for middle school, delivered 62 speeches, and passed 16 resolutions while building skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership, and collaboration.
Awards were presented in each room for Best Public Speaker, Best Negotiator, Best Delegate, and Honorable Mention. Everyone should feel proud of their accomplishments.
The experience reflected all five Vision of a Learner dispositions, highlighting students as Engaged Community Members, Curious Learners, Empowered Individuals, Problem Solvers, and Effective Communicators.
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Kicks Off 2026 at Doherty 🎓
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
📚 Worcester Public Schools Open Houses and Enrollment Info Sessions
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is hosting open houses for preschool (Pre-K) and dual language programs, along with magnet elementary schools with citywide admission. WPS will also provide online information sessions about the overall enrollment process for Pre-K through grade 12.
📅 Mark These Dates:
• January 8-26: Open houses will be held for schools with pre-K, dual language, and/or a magnet/citywide lottery admission application process
• January 16-23: Online enrollment information session
• January 26: Enrollment for grades K-12 opens for the 2026-27 school year
📌 Full schedule & details: https://buff.ly/iesoIwg
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is hosting open houses for preschool (Pre-K) and dual language programs, along with magnet elementary schools with citywide admission. WPS will also provide online information sessions about the overall enrollment process for Pre-K through grade 12.
📅 Mark These Dates:
• January 8-26: Open houses will be held for schools with pre-K, dual language, and/or a magnet/citywide lottery admission application process
• January 16-23: Online enrollment information session
• January 26: Enrollment for grades K-12 opens for the 2026-27 school year
📌 Full schedule & details: https://buff.ly/iesoIwg
Weather Update ❄️
Due to the weather forecast,
Worcester Public Schools has canceled
all after-school activities
and evening programs today,
Wednesday, January 7.
Please use caution when traveling. ✅
Due to the weather forecast,
Worcester Public Schools has canceled
all after-school activities
and evening programs today,
Wednesday, January 7.
Please use caution when traveling. ✅
🎆 Happy New Year!
As we ring in 2026, we celebrate our students, staff, and families for their accomplishments this past year.
Here’s to a new year full of learning, growth, and shared success in our community! 🌟📚🎉
Learn more about this worldwide celebration: https://buff.ly/2Lx2PFc
As we ring in 2026, we celebrate our students, staff, and families for their accomplishments this past year.
Here’s to a new year full of learning, growth, and shared success in our community! 🌟📚🎉
Learn more about this worldwide celebration: https://buff.ly/2Lx2PFc
🕯️Heri za Kwanzaa! (Happy Kwanzaa!)
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration honoring African-American culture, family, and community. Let’s celebrate unity, history, and shared values together! ❤️💚🖤
Learn more about this celebration: https://buff.ly/3Rmi8nv
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration honoring African-American culture, family, and community. Let’s celebrate unity, history, and shared values together! ❤️💚🖤
Learn more about this celebration: https://buff.ly/3Rmi8nv
🎄Merry Christmas from Worcester Public Schools!
Wishing all our students, families, and staff a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Here's to a bright and successful new year ahead!
To learn more about this annual holiday, check out this article: https://buff.ly/2Q9l5Lg
Wishing all our students, families, and staff a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Here's to a bright and successful new year ahead!
To learn more about this annual holiday, check out this article: https://buff.ly/2Q9l5Lg
🕎 Happy Hanukkah from Worcester Public Schools! 🕎
May your holiday be filled with warmth, reflection, and meaningful moments with family and friends. Wishing all who celebrate a peaceful and happy Hanukkah.
May your holiday be filled with warmth, reflection, and meaningful moments with family and friends. Wishing all who celebrate a peaceful and happy Hanukkah.
🚘 Holiday Break Driver’s Education Course 🚘
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a holiday break driver’s education course for WPS students from December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026 at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can access driver’s education at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a holiday break driver’s education course for WPS students from December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026 at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can access driver’s education at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
Quarter 1 Honor Roll! 🏆
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the first quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2566964
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the first quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2566964
🌟 Call for WooStar Nominations 🌟
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ December Nomination Deadline: Monday, Dec. 29
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
It’s time to nominate this month’s WooStars — one student and one staff member who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ December Nomination Deadline: Monday, Dec. 29
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
