🕯️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 Cheer at Clark Street Community School!
Ten Clark Street Community School students had the joy of going holiday shopping 🛍️✨ thanks to Target’s Heroes & Helpers program, a special partnership between Target, local charities, and the Worcester Police Department (WPD) 🚓🎄.
The students were accompanied by WPD officers to the store, where Target team members made sure the experience was magical from start to finish ✨. Seeing their smiles 😄 as they picked out gifts for themselves and their families was truly unforgettable!
A heartfelt thank-you ❤️ to English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher Kayla Mezzan for making this meaningful experience possible and spreading extra holiday cheer to our school community 🌟🎉.
Ten Clark Street Community School students had the joy of going holiday shopping 🛍️✨ thanks to Target’s Heroes & Helpers program, a special partnership between Target, local charities, and the Worcester Police Department (WPD) 🚓🎄.
The students were accompanied by WPD officers to the store, where Target team members made sure the experience was magical from start to finish ✨. Seeing their smiles 😄 as they picked out gifts for themselves and their families was truly unforgettable!
A heartfelt thank-you ❤️ to English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher Kayla Mezzan for making this meaningful experience possible and spreading extra holiday cheer to our school community 🌟🎉.
🌟 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
🦃✨ 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! 💛
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
🌟 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
🌟 Superintendent Allen Visits September WooStars! 🌟
Superintendent Brian E. Allen stopped by Thorndyke Road School and Clark Street Community School to congratulate our September WooStars!
Pictured here with Thorndyke second grader Sullivan Raposa and Clark Street New Citizen's Program ESL teacher Natasha Mateo, Superintendent Allen celebrated their efforts in their school communities.
Our October WooStars will be announced tomorrow — stay tuned! 👀
Superintendent Brian E. Allen stopped by Thorndyke Road School and Clark Street Community School to congratulate our September WooStars!
Pictured here with Thorndyke second grader Sullivan Raposa and Clark Street New Citizen's Program ESL teacher Natasha Mateo, Superintendent Allen celebrated their efforts in their school communities.
Our October WooStars will be announced tomorrow — stay tuned! 👀
🌟 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!
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
🧹✨ 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!
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!
