
✨ 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


Judge Margaret Guzman Visits Students at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School 👩⚖️
Judge Margaret Guzman recently visited Sullivan Middle School to speak with 7th and 8th grade scholars. During the visit, Judge Guzman shared her journey to the judge's bench and insights into the legal profession with students.
Judge Guzman, who was raised in Worcester, currently serves on the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. She is an active participant in the Mock Trial Program, working directly with Sullivan Middle School students.
Students enjoyed the visit from Judge Guzman, and even had the chance to try on a judicial robe!






🍽️✨ 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! 🌱🍜


Scouting America Launching Aviation Program for WPS Scholars! ✈️
Scholars from Sullivan and Forest Grove middle schools recently embarked on a field trip to Worcester Regional Airport to kick off the Exploring Aviation Careers program!
(Sullivan students are photographed here.)
This unique collaboration with Massport, Scouting America, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce gives students the chance to explore a wide range of aviation careers and pathways.
This program will be hosted by Scouting America for WPS middle school students. It will provide hands-on experiences with aviation professionals from JetBlue Airways, Delta, American Airlines, and more. It’s an incredible opportunity for our students to gain insight and inspiration from the ever-growing aviation industry!
"This is a fantastic opportunity for our middle school scholars to explore their passions and discover potential career paths. Thanks to this partnership with Worcester Regional Airport and other valued partners, our scholars will have real-world experiences that inspire them to reach new heights. It allows them to become problem solvers, curious learners, and empowered individuals — all traits of our district's Vision of a Learner framework,” said Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez, Superintendent of WPS.





🚗 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


Worcester Public Library Hosts Book Drive for WPS Educators 📚
Thank you to our friends at the Worcester Public Library for hosting an amazing book drive! Over 12,000 books were donated to WPS K-3 grade educators, helping them build and refresh their classroom libraries.
Thank you to Worcester Public Library for your continued support to literacy in our schools!





Standard Response Protocol and Reunification Training with The I Love U Guys Foundation 🦺
Worcester Public Schools administrators recently participated in intensive safety training led by The I Love U Guys Foundation. It was the second large-scale staff training since the summer.
The two-day session, held at Worcester State University, focused on ensuring our staff are fully prepared to reunite students with their families in the case of a school evacuation.
WPS takes a proactive approach to ensuring safety and positive school climates. The district operates from the I Love U Guys safety framework with clear protocols, procedures, and a common language to ensure a systematic and organized response to any situation.
Special thanks to Jim French of The I Love U Guys Foundation for leading this hands-on training with our staff!
🔗 Learn more about WPS’s safety protocols: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/safety





🔥 Get Ready to Savor the Flavor! 🔥
Have you tried the new Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich yet? Served with crispy Sweet Potato Fries, it’s bold, fresh, and bursting with flavor! 🥪🍟
🌟 Exciting New Items Coming Next Week:
🥖 Chicken Philly Sandwich with crispy Baked Fries – a satisfying, savory delight!
🥗 Taco Salad Bowl – choose between Beef or Plant-Based Meat, packed with all the taco goodness you love in one tasty bowl!
Check out what’s on the menu and try something new today!
View the full menu at https://buff.ly/47lkI4R
Let us know which dish you’re most excited to try! 👇





📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫
January has 19 school days — let’s make every day count! 🙌
Consistent attendance keeps students on track, boosts academic success, and builds lifelong habits. 📝💪 Together, we can show up, learn, and thrive! 🎓🌟
For more tips on maintaining good attendance, visit: https://buff.ly/4h75OTc


🏫 School Enrollment Begins Soon!
🎒If you are enrolling your child in the Worcester Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, registration opens on January 2, 2025.
The Parent Information Center will begin scheduling appointments on January 6, 2025.
Visit the WPS Enrollment website for details: worcesterschools.org/enrollment


🏫 School Enrollment Begins Soon!
🎒If you are enrolling your child in the Worcester Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, registration opens on January 2, 2025.
The Parent Information Center will begin scheduling appointments on January 6, 2025.
Visit the WPS Enrollment website for details: worcesterschools.org/enrollment


🎄✨ Festival of Lights Sparkled in Worcester! ✨🎄
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Festival of Lights on Worcester Common!
A special shoutout to our WPS scholars, including performers from Burncoat High Quadrivium Chorus, Midland Street Elementary, North High School, and South High School, for making the evening unforgettable.
Your talents lit up the night and made the evening unforgettable! 🌟
Stay tuned for more events celebrating the season. 🎶❄️










🪑 Bay State Savings Bank Furniture Donation to Worcester Public Schools 🪑
Sending a thank you to our friends at Bay State Savings Bank, including President & CEO (and WPS alum!) Seth Pitts, for a generous furniture donation to the Worcester Public Schools!
Bay State’s contribution, valued at nearly $50,000, has transformed Tatnuck Magnet School's calming and organizing space. Bay State also donated to 14 other schools in WPS, making a big impact across the district!
“For Worcester Public Schools, every resource contributes to the success of our scholars and educators," said Superintendent Rachel H. Monarrez. "We are grateful to Bay State Bank for their generous donation. This gift will directly enhance the learning environments in 15 of our schools, creating spaces where students can thrive and teachers can inspire. Partnerships like this reflect the strength of our community and its commitment to education. Thank you, Bay State Bank, for investing in the future of Worcester.”
Read more here: https://buff.ly/3ZOrH4a





📢 Help Shape WPS Core Values!
The Worcester Public Schools are developing core values to guide our actions, culture, and decision-making. These values are the foundation of our community, and we need your input!
👉 Participate by January 15, 2025—your voice matters! Help define the values that will shape our Strategic Plan, to be announced in Spring 2025.
Join now: https://buff.ly/3D9RCu1


🦃 ✨ 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 communities.🍁
We are thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another. May everyone have a restful and enjoyable break! 💛


More than 50 staff and community partners were celebrated at Worcester Public Schools Evening of Innovation! It was a great night to honor the incredible staff and community partners who make a difference every day.
View the complete list of honorees: https://buff.ly/3OhAvcb





Quarter 1 honor roll listings for the 2024-25 school year are now posted! 🏆
Congratulations to the many scholars who are being acknowledged for their academic achievements.
Find your scholar here 👉 https://buff.ly/4fS3XRL


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 how you can honor those who served: https://buff.ly/3IOnULk
