🦃✨ Happy Thanksgiving from Worcester Public Schools!
Wishing our students, families, and staff a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the diverse traditions, histories, and cultures that enrich our community. 🍁
We are thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another. May everyone have a restful and enjoyable break! 💛
Wishing our students, families, and staff a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the diverse traditions, histories, and cultures that enrich our community. 🍁
We are thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another. May everyone have a restful and enjoyable break! 💛
South High’s Black Student Union Hosts Second Annual United Friendsgiving! 🖤🦃
On Monday, November 24, South High’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its second annual BSU United Friendsgiving. This special event brought BSUs from across the district together as a sign of unity within the Worcester Public Schools community.
Students and advisors came together to celebrate our students, recognize their efforts toward unity, and share gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. This year’s Friendsgiving included BSU E-Board members, BSU members, and BSU advisors. The event included trivia, bringing everyone together for some friendly competition.
The event was organized by the following schools: Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus School, Worcester Technical High School and Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School.
Thank you to all students, advisors, staff, and volunteers who helped make this Friendsgiving event a success!
Check out some photos from the event! 📸✨
On Monday, November 24, South High’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its second annual BSU United Friendsgiving. This special event brought BSUs from across the district together as a sign of unity within the Worcester Public Schools community.
Students and advisors came together to celebrate our students, recognize their efforts toward unity, and share gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. This year’s Friendsgiving included BSU E-Board members, BSU members, and BSU advisors. The event included trivia, bringing everyone together for some friendly competition.
The event was organized by the following schools: Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus School, Worcester Technical High School and Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School.
Thank you to all students, advisors, staff, and volunteers who helped make this Friendsgiving event a success!
Check out some photos from the event! 📸✨
🍁 Turkey Donations for Families at Burncoat High School 🍁
Students and staff at Burncoat High School came together this Thanksgiving season to support families in their school community through a holiday donation drive.
Over 60 families received turkeys and Aldi gift cards during after-school pickups in the days leading up to Thanksgiving break. These efforts were made possible thanks to contributions from the school’s Sunshine Fund.
Pictured here are students and staff who helped organize and distribute the donations, including members of the Latinos Unidos Club, Student Council, guidance counselors and school adjustment counselors.
Great job, Patriots—together, you’re making a meaningful difference for families this holiday season.
Students and staff at Burncoat High School came together this Thanksgiving season to support families in their school community through a holiday donation drive.
Over 60 families received turkeys and Aldi gift cards during after-school pickups in the days leading up to Thanksgiving break. These efforts were made possible thanks to contributions from the school’s Sunshine Fund.
Pictured here are students and staff who helped organize and distribute the donations, including members of the Latinos Unidos Club, Student Council, guidance counselors and school adjustment counselors.
Great job, Patriots—together, you’re making a meaningful difference for families this holiday season.
Superintendent Allen Visits October WooStars!
Superintendent Brian E. Allen visited Burncoat High School and Burncoat Middle School to congratulate our October WooStars!
Pictured here with Burncoat High School 10th grader Julianna Cohen and Burncoat Middle School culture and climate specialist Yelitza Agosto, Superintendent Allen recognized their outstanding contributions to their school communities and presented each with a small gift bag.
Our November WooStars will be announced on December 1—stay tuned!
Superintendent Brian E. Allen visited Burncoat High School and Burncoat Middle School to congratulate our October WooStars!
Pictured here with Burncoat High School 10th grader Julianna Cohen and Burncoat Middle School culture and climate specialist Yelitza Agosto, Superintendent Allen recognized their outstanding contributions to their school communities and presented each with a small gift bag.
Our November WooStars will be announced on December 1—stay tuned!
Thank You, Veterans, for Your Service!
Veterans Day honors military veterans for their service and sacrifice. It’s a day to show appreciation for those who have served to protect our country.
Click here to learn more about the significance of Veterans Day and ways you can honor those who served: https://buff.ly/3IOnULk
Veterans Day honors military veterans for their service and sacrifice. It’s a day to show appreciation for those who have served to protect our country.
Click here to learn more about the significance of Veterans Day and ways you can honor those who served: https://buff.ly/3IOnULk
🎓💻 Burncoat High School Hosts FAFSA Fiesta! 💻🎓
Burncoat High School’s Guidance Department and Wraparound Coordinators teamed up with community partners MEFA and Dynamy to host a FAFSA Fiesta for seniors and their families!
The event provided hands-on support to help students complete their FAFSA applications and CSS Profiles as they prepare for the college application process.
The FAFSA Fiesta is part of Burncoat High's ongoing FAFSA Fridays series, which offers dedicated time each week to help students and families complete their financial aid applications and take the next step toward their college goals.
Burncoat High School’s Guidance Department and Wraparound Coordinators teamed up with community partners MEFA and Dynamy to host a FAFSA Fiesta for seniors and their families!
The event provided hands-on support to help students complete their FAFSA applications and CSS Profiles as they prepare for the college application process.
The FAFSA Fiesta is part of Burncoat High's ongoing FAFSA Fridays series, which offers dedicated time each week to help students and families complete their financial aid applications and take the next step toward their college goals.
🌟 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!
🗓️ November Nomination Deadline: Monday, Nov. 24
👉 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!
🗓️ November Nomination Deadline: Monday, Nov. 24
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
This Month’s Student WooStar: Julianna Cohen, 10th Grade, Engaged Community Member at Burncoat High School ⭐️
“Julianna has been canvassing for candidates for school committee and city council for the past two elections. She researched candidates and reached out to volunteer, and has spent the past several Saturdays canvassing around Worcester for the candidates that she supports. She volunteered all summer at the Massachusetts State House in Boston as a tour guide, as well as an online internship with State Senator Robyn Kennedy's office. Julianna is an assistant teacher at our religious school, participates in several clubs, and is part of the Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts at Burncoat.”
This demonstrates that Julianna is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Julianna can identify a need in their community, articulate and communicate solutions, develop an action plan, and advocate for change (ECM 2).
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
“Julianna has been canvassing for candidates for school committee and city council for the past two elections. She researched candidates and reached out to volunteer, and has spent the past several Saturdays canvassing around Worcester for the candidates that she supports. She volunteered all summer at the Massachusetts State House in Boston as a tour guide, as well as an online internship with State Senator Robyn Kennedy's office. Julianna is an assistant teacher at our religious school, participates in several clubs, and is part of the Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts at Burncoat.”
This demonstrates that Julianna is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Julianna can identify a need in their community, articulate and communicate solutions, develop an action plan, and advocate for change (ECM 2).
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
💥 Burncoat Brings the Energy for Homecoming 2025! 💚🎉
What an incredible day celebrating school spirit, teamwork, and Green Pride at Burncoat High’s 2025 Homecoming Pep Rally! 🏫✨
From the pep band kicking things off with Swag Surfin’ to the Spirit Team’s high-energy performances and cheers, the excitement in the gym was unmatched! 🎺💃
👏 A big shoutout to all of Burncoat’s Fall Sports Teams and especially the Seniors — we’re so proud of your hard work and dedication!
What an incredible day celebrating school spirit, teamwork, and Green Pride at Burncoat High’s 2025 Homecoming Pep Rally! 🏫✨
From the pep band kicking things off with Swag Surfin’ to the Spirit Team’s high-energy performances and cheers, the excitement in the gym was unmatched! 🎺💃
👏 A big shoutout to all of Burncoat’s Fall Sports Teams and especially the Seniors — we’re so proud of your hard work and dedication!
Burncoat High School Spirit Team Fashion Fundraiser 🎉⭐
The Burncoat Spirit Team kicked off the Fourth Annual Fashion Fundraiser with an electrifying performance, wowing the crowd and setting the stage for an evening of fun and community support at Union Station.
The fundraiser helps the Spirit Team raise money for their upcoming trip to the National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Florida this January, where the team will defend its National Championship from last year.
During the Fashion Fundraiser, local leaders, city officials, and community members showed their support by walking the runway, contributing to raffles, and making donations to help the Spirit Team this competition season.
The Burncoat Spirit Team kicked off the Fourth Annual Fashion Fundraiser with an electrifying performance, wowing the crowd and setting the stage for an evening of fun and community support at Union Station.
The fundraiser helps the Spirit Team raise money for their upcoming trip to the National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Florida this January, where the team will defend its National Championship from last year.
During the Fashion Fundraiser, local leaders, city officials, and community members showed their support by walking the runway, contributing to raffles, and making donations to help the Spirit Team this competition season.
🎧 Burncoat High’s Em Beeler Featured on The WPI Podcast!
Burncoat High School math teacher Em Beeler was featured in a recent episode of The WPI Podcast, where she shares her love of mathematics, what drew her to teaching, and her approach to creating team-based learning and offering real-world applications for math in the classroom.
🎙️ Listen here: https://www.wpi.edu/listen/wpi-podcast/e19-college-connections-em-beeler-class-2022
Burncoat High School math teacher Em Beeler was featured in a recent episode of The WPI Podcast, where she shares her love of mathematics, what drew her to teaching, and her approach to creating team-based learning and offering real-world applications for math in the classroom.
🎙️ Listen here: https://www.wpi.edu/listen/wpi-podcast/e19-college-connections-em-beeler-class-2022
🌟 Mental Health & Wellness Day at Polar Park! 💚
Worcester Public Schools middle school students spent last Friday morning at Polar Park in honor of World Mental Health Awareness Day!
They enjoyed a variety of fun, hands-on activities designed to support well-being and promote self-care, including:
💧 Aromatherapy
🎶 Polyrhythmic music station
🎨 Face & nail painting
🐾 Therapy dogs
🎧 DJ practice station
💬 Positive affirmations
⚾ Wiffle ball — and more!
The event gave students a chance to focus on mental health, connect with peers, and discover meaningful ways to care for themselves and others.
A heartfelt thank-you to Polar Park and our incredible community partners for making it such a memorable day! 💚
📸 Check out some photos from the event!
Worcester Public Schools middle school students spent last Friday morning at Polar Park in honor of World Mental Health Awareness Day!
They enjoyed a variety of fun, hands-on activities designed to support well-being and promote self-care, including:
💧 Aromatherapy
🎶 Polyrhythmic music station
🎨 Face & nail painting
🐾 Therapy dogs
🎧 DJ practice station
💬 Positive affirmations
⚾ Wiffle ball — and more!
The event gave students a chance to focus on mental health, connect with peers, and discover meaningful ways to care for themselves and others.
A heartfelt thank-you to Polar Park and our incredible community partners for making it such a memorable day! 💚
📸 Check out some photos from the event!
🥗 It’s National School Lunch Week! 🥪
This week, Worcester Public Schools proudly celebrates our incredible Nutrition Services team for preparing healthy, delicious meals that fuel student learning every single day. 💚🍎
From the early mornings spent preparing breakfasts to the busy lunchtimes serving thousands of students across the district, our WPS Nutrition Services staff go above and beyond to make sure every child has access to nutritious meals that help them learn, grow, and thrive. 🌟
Their care and dedication make a lasting difference in our classrooms and communities — one meal at a time. 🍽️💪
A big thank-you to our WPS Nutrition Services team for nourishing our students and strengthening our schools! 👏🥗
This week, Worcester Public Schools proudly celebrates our incredible Nutrition Services team for preparing healthy, delicious meals that fuel student learning every single day. 💚🍎
From the early mornings spent preparing breakfasts to the busy lunchtimes serving thousands of students across the district, our WPS Nutrition Services staff go above and beyond to make sure every child has access to nutritious meals that help them learn, grow, and thrive. 🌟
Their care and dedication make a lasting difference in our classrooms and communities — one meal at a time. 🍽️💪
A big thank-you to our WPS Nutrition Services team for nourishing our students and strengthening our schools! 👏🥗
💚 World Mental Health Day 💚
At Worcester Public Schools, we are committed to supporting the mental and emotional health of our students, staff, and families.
We have numerous health and wellness resources for students, families and staff on the WPS website, including healthy recipes, after-school care, and fitness activities 🍏🏫🌟, to adult wellness support with yoga, meditation, self-compassion and more. 🧘✍️
Our Health & Wellness Roadmap and Strategic Plan ensure emotional wellness is a priority for both students and staff, fostering a thriving and caring community for all.
For more resources and information, visit our website today at https://buff.ly/4dGPLJG
At Worcester Public Schools, we are committed to supporting the mental and emotional health of our students, staff, and families.
We have numerous health and wellness resources for students, families and staff on the WPS website, including healthy recipes, after-school care, and fitness activities 🍏🏫🌟, to adult wellness support with yoga, meditation, self-compassion and more. 🧘✍️
Our Health & Wellness Roadmap and Strategic Plan ensure emotional wellness is a priority for both students and staff, fostering a thriving and caring community for all.
For more resources and information, visit our website today at https://buff.ly/4dGPLJG
🌟 Community Spotlight: NRIVA Gives Back! 🌟
A big thank you to NRIVA, a nationwide nonprofit with 55+ chapters, for donating 70 backpacks filled with school essentials to Worcester Public Schools! 🎒💪✏️
The backpacks were delivered to our Parent Information Center and will be distributed to students as they enroll, giving them a strong start to the school year. 💛
A big thank you to NRIVA, a nationwide nonprofit with 55+ chapters, for donating 70 backpacks filled with school essentials to Worcester Public Schools! 🎒💪✏️
The backpacks were delivered to our Parent Information Center and will be distributed to students as they enroll, giving them a strong start to the school year. 💛
🌟 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!
🗓️ October Nomination Deadline: Monday, Oct. 27
👉 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!
🗓️ October Nomination Deadline: Monday, Oct. 27
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
🎶 WPS Students Shine at Berklee Modern Band Workshop! 🎶
On Saturday, October 4, 14 Worcester Public Schools students worked with Danielle Collins of InspireEd to prepare and perform two songs at a Modern Band Workshop hosted by Berklee College of Music. They also joined a panel with 40+ music educators from New England and New York, led by Dr. Bryan Powell of Music Will.
Students:
• Ginalee Diaz, Jazenaliz Cordova, Adriani Lovet, William Quinones Soliver, Caleb Opoku Ampong, Seerwan Al Shankal (North High School)
• Camilla Snyder, Jadiel Ortiz, Pavel Orellana (South High Community School)
• Giovanni LeBron, Maria Perez Hernandez, Marco Gambaccini, Ian Vigo Torres, Mia Santos (Burncoat Middle School)
Their talent, teamwork, and creativity left everyone amazed! 🌟👏
📸 Check out the photos from the workshop!
On Saturday, October 4, 14 Worcester Public Schools students worked with Danielle Collins of InspireEd to prepare and perform two songs at a Modern Band Workshop hosted by Berklee College of Music. They also joined a panel with 40+ music educators from New England and New York, led by Dr. Bryan Powell of Music Will.
Students:
• Ginalee Diaz, Jazenaliz Cordova, Adriani Lovet, William Quinones Soliver, Caleb Opoku Ampong, Seerwan Al Shankal (North High School)
• Camilla Snyder, Jadiel Ortiz, Pavel Orellana (South High Community School)
• Giovanni LeBron, Maria Perez Hernandez, Marco Gambaccini, Ian Vigo Torres, Mia Santos (Burncoat Middle School)
Their talent, teamwork, and creativity left everyone amazed! 🌟👏
📸 Check out the photos from the workshop!
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!
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!
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
