Jewish American Heritage Month ✡️
This May, we recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish American communities here in Worcester and across the United States.
For more than 370 years, Jewish Americans have helped shape our nation, with achievements spanning science, the arts, government, and civil rights.
Established in 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month also serves as an opportunity to reflect, learn, and stand against antisemitism.
Learn more about Jewish American Heritage Month: https://jewishamericanheritage.org/
This May, we recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish American communities here in Worcester and across the United States.
For more than 370 years, Jewish Americans have helped shape our nation, with achievements spanning science, the arts, government, and civil rights.
Established in 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month also serves as an opportunity to reflect, learn, and stand against antisemitism.
Learn more about Jewish American Heritage Month: https://jewishamericanheritage.org/
🎓✨ Happy School Principals Day!
Today we are celebrating the school leaders who show up every day to support students, staff, and families and help our schools thrive 🌟
From greeting students in the morning 🚪😊 to guiding teachers, supporting families, and leading their school communities, our principals bring care, commitment, and purpose to everything they do. Their leadership helps create strong and positive learning environments where students can grow and succeed 📚💙
Today’s Principal Spotlight highlights three outstanding leaders:
👩🏫 Dr. Karrie Allen
“I believe my primary role as principal is to provide unwavering support to talented, dedicated staff and families, in order that students can engage in a top-notch learning environment. If we all do our part, we’ll extinguish all barriers, and these amazing children will have equal opportunities so well deserved.”
👩🏫 Cynthia Vail, Principal of Heard Street Discovery Academy
“As principal, I strive to make our school a place where every child, family, and teacher feels genuinely seen, heard, and cared for. I lead with compassion and purpose, building a community where everyone belongs and can thrive together.”
👩🏫 Susan Donahue, Principal of Thorndyke Road School
“I love being a principal because I get to spend each day surrounded by students whose curiosity and excitement for learning are contagious. It’s equally rewarding to work alongside dedicated adults who are committed to supporting, uplifting, and believing in every child.”
💐 A huge thank you to these principals and to all of our school principals across the district for your leadership, dedication, and the many ways you support your school communities every day. Your work truly makes a difference 💙
Today we are celebrating the school leaders who show up every day to support students, staff, and families and help our schools thrive 🌟
From greeting students in the morning 🚪😊 to guiding teachers, supporting families, and leading their school communities, our principals bring care, commitment, and purpose to everything they do. Their leadership helps create strong and positive learning environments where students can grow and succeed 📚💙
Today’s Principal Spotlight highlights three outstanding leaders:
👩🏫 Dr. Karrie Allen
“I believe my primary role as principal is to provide unwavering support to talented, dedicated staff and families, in order that students can engage in a top-notch learning environment. If we all do our part, we’ll extinguish all barriers, and these amazing children will have equal opportunities so well deserved.”
👩🏫 Cynthia Vail, Principal of Heard Street Discovery Academy
“As principal, I strive to make our school a place where every child, family, and teacher feels genuinely seen, heard, and cared for. I lead with compassion and purpose, building a community where everyone belongs and can thrive together.”
👩🏫 Susan Donahue, Principal of Thorndyke Road School
“I love being a principal because I get to spend each day surrounded by students whose curiosity and excitement for learning are contagious. It’s equally rewarding to work alongside dedicated adults who are committed to supporting, uplifting, and believing in every child.”
💐 A huge thank you to these principals and to all of our school principals across the district for your leadership, dedication, and the many ways you support your school communities every day. Your work truly makes a difference 💙
This Month’s Staff WooStar: David Romero, Spanish Teacher & Department Head at Forest Grove Middle School ⭐️
“David is a dynamic language teacher who always goes above and beyond! His lessons are engaging and give our students lots of opportunity to build their language skills and cultural understanding. As a colleague, he shares resources and is always willing to lend a hand. He and the Forest Grove World Language team have created amazing family engagement events to celebrate the languages and cultures of our students.”
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
“David is a dynamic language teacher who always goes above and beyond! His lessons are engaging and give our students lots of opportunity to build their language skills and cultural understanding. As a colleague, he shares resources and is always willing to lend a hand. He and the Forest Grove World Language team have created amazing family engagement events to celebrate the languages and cultures of our students.”
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
This Month’s Student WooStar: Chloe Eyaguobor, Fifth Grade, Effective Communicator at Vernon Hill School ⭐️
“Chloe is a multitalented 5th grade student, who has a generous heart and is always willing to help others. In addition to being a fabulous student, she has recently added “Published Author” to her resume! She recently wrote her first children’s book: “Panda Loves Bamboo” with illustrations done by a peer of hers. Panda Loves Bamboo is a heartwarming children’s story about kindness, honesty, and second chances. Since releasing her first book, she has had the opportunity to serve as a reader for a 2nd grade classroom for Read Across America. She then inspired that classroom teacher to use her book for a focused book study with those students. Finally, she has had the opportunity to present at Clark University alongside her principal Tammy Boyle, her peer illustrator, and another VH educator. They presented a project to a Children’s Literature Class to share about the importance of centering books with diverse authors in the classroom and community.”
This demonstrates that Chloe is an Effective Communicator, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Chloe can express complex ideas with clarity and purpose in a variety of formats based on the audience (EC 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
“Chloe is a multitalented 5th grade student, who has a generous heart and is always willing to help others. In addition to being a fabulous student, she has recently added “Published Author” to her resume! She recently wrote her first children’s book: “Panda Loves Bamboo” with illustrations done by a peer of hers. Panda Loves Bamboo is a heartwarming children’s story about kindness, honesty, and second chances. Since releasing her first book, she has had the opportunity to serve as a reader for a 2nd grade classroom for Read Across America. She then inspired that classroom teacher to use her book for a focused book study with those students. Finally, she has had the opportunity to present at Clark University alongside her principal Tammy Boyle, her peer illustrator, and another VH educator. They presented a project to a Children’s Literature Class to share about the importance of centering books with diverse authors in the classroom and community.”
This demonstrates that Chloe is an Effective Communicator, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Chloe can express complex ideas with clarity and purpose in a variety of formats based on the audience (EC 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
Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟
Today, we recognize the administrative professionals who help our school and district offices thrive during the school year.
From welcoming families, caregivers and students as the first friendly face they see, keeping schedules and records organized, and everything in between, we thank you for your continued support and impact in our school communities.
Pictured here are some of the incredible administrative professionals from City View Discovery School, Doherty Memorial High School, Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, Forest Grove Middle School, Lake View School, Midland Street School, Rice Square School, South High Community School, Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, and Worcester Technical High School!
Thank you for all that you do for our schools and WPS! 💙
Today, we recognize the administrative professionals who help our school and district offices thrive during the school year.
From welcoming families, caregivers and students as the first friendly face they see, keeping schedules and records organized, and everything in between, we thank you for your continued support and impact in our school communities.
Pictured here are some of the incredible administrative professionals from City View Discovery School, Doherty Memorial High School, Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, Forest Grove Middle School, Lake View School, Midland Street School, Rice Square School, South High Community School, Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, and Worcester Technical High School!
Thank you for all that you do for our schools and WPS! 💙
Worcester Public Schools will be closed in observance of Patriots' Day.
Learn more about the history and meaning of this day by exploring Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day resources: https://buff.ly/dr1Tref
Learn more about the history and meaning of this day by exploring Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day resources: https://buff.ly/dr1Tref
Build Day Volunteers Beautify 11 Worcester Public Schools! 🛠️✨
On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers — including many College of the Holy Cross students 💜 — beautified, cleaned up, or constructed playgrounds and learning spaces at 11 WPS elementary schools! 🏫🙌
Pictured here at Quinsigamond Elementary School, these Holy Cross students installed flower beds 🌻, a handicapped-accessible swing ♿️, and organized the school’s library. 📚
Check out the incredible work that happened across the city: 👇
Canterbury Street School: Construction of a privacy mesh for the outer fence; clean up of vegetation; and planting of a flower garden. 🌸🌿
Columbus Park School: Installation of playground equipment, soccer nets, and basketball hoops; plus general landscaping. ⚽️🏀
Gates Lane School: Installation of a privacy mesh; construction of a sensory garden; and planting a flower garden. 🪴🧠
Lake View School: Mural painting of the retaining wall and general outdoor clean-up. 🎨🧹
McGrath School: Building of a brand-new STEAM classroom! 🚀🔬
Norrback Avenue School: Construction of a sensory musical garden and a four-person swing. 🎵🛝
Rice Square School: Painting the main-floor hallway; construction of an outdoor shed for recess materials; and general beautification. 🖌️🏘️
Roosevelt School: Construction and painting of a dedicated sensory room. ✨🏫
Thorndyke Road School: Construction of a community resource room; installation of a handicap-accessible swingset; and a new gaga pit! 🤝🏟️
Wawecus Road School: Construction of a playground with Consigli Construction and cleaning of the gaga pit. 🏗️🔨
A massive THANK YOU to all the volunteers who showed up to make our schools brighter, safer, and more fun for our students! ❤️🍎
#WorcesterPublicSchools #WPS #BuildDay #CommunityService #WorcesterMA #HolyCross #Volunteerism #SchoolImprovement #StrongerTogether
On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers — including many College of the Holy Cross students 💜 — beautified, cleaned up, or constructed playgrounds and learning spaces at 11 WPS elementary schools! 🏫🙌
Pictured here at Quinsigamond Elementary School, these Holy Cross students installed flower beds 🌻, a handicapped-accessible swing ♿️, and organized the school’s library. 📚
Check out the incredible work that happened across the city: 👇
Canterbury Street School: Construction of a privacy mesh for the outer fence; clean up of vegetation; and planting of a flower garden. 🌸🌿
Columbus Park School: Installation of playground equipment, soccer nets, and basketball hoops; plus general landscaping. ⚽️🏀
Gates Lane School: Installation of a privacy mesh; construction of a sensory garden; and planting a flower garden. 🪴🧠
Lake View School: Mural painting of the retaining wall and general outdoor clean-up. 🎨🧹
McGrath School: Building of a brand-new STEAM classroom! 🚀🔬
Norrback Avenue School: Construction of a sensory musical garden and a four-person swing. 🎵🛝
Rice Square School: Painting the main-floor hallway; construction of an outdoor shed for recess materials; and general beautification. 🖌️🏘️
Roosevelt School: Construction and painting of a dedicated sensory room. ✨🏫
Thorndyke Road School: Construction of a community resource room; installation of a handicap-accessible swingset; and a new gaga pit! 🤝🏟️
Wawecus Road School: Construction of a playground with Consigli Construction and cleaning of the gaga pit. 🏗️🔨
A massive THANK YOU to all the volunteers who showed up to make our schools brighter, safer, and more fun for our students! ❤️🍎
#WorcesterPublicSchools #WPS #BuildDay #CommunityService #WorcesterMA #HolyCross #Volunteerism #SchoolImprovement #StrongerTogether
✨ WPS Special Education’s Celebration of Success ✨
Students, families, caregivers, and WPS school and district staff came together on April 9 for the Special Education Department’s annual Celebration of Success at Worcester Technical High School.
This fantastic event recognizes students from preschool, elementary, middle, and high school, as well as the WPS Transition Program, from across the city of Worcester for their growth, perseverance, and achievements during the 2025–26 school year.
Staff in the Special Education Department were also recognized for the meaningful impact they have made in supporting students across the district.
Take a look at some of the moments from an incredible night celebrating the WPS community! 💙
Students, families, caregivers, and WPS school and district staff came together on April 9 for the Special Education Department’s annual Celebration of Success at Worcester Technical High School.
This fantastic event recognizes students from preschool, elementary, middle, and high school, as well as the WPS Transition Program, from across the city of Worcester for their growth, perseverance, and achievements during the 2025–26 school year.
Staff in the Special Education Department were also recognized for the meaningful impact they have made in supporting students across the district.
Take a look at some of the moments from an incredible night celebrating the WPS community! 💙
Gratitude in action at Elm Park Community School 💙
Our K–3 students came together for a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) assembly focused on the trait of gratitude. From saying “thank you” to showing appreciation, our youngest learners are building strong, positive connections every day!
Check out some of our award winners from this celebration! 🌟
Our K–3 students came together for a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) assembly focused on the trait of gratitude. From saying “thank you” to showing appreciation, our youngest learners are building strong, positive connections every day!
Check out some of our award winners from this celebration! 🌟
🌟 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!
🗓️ This Month's Nomination Deadline: Monday, April 27
👉 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!
🗓️ This Month's Nomination Deadline: Monday, April 27
👉 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!
🎉 Happy National Assistant Principals Week! 🎉
This week, Worcester Public Schools recognizes and celebrates the incredible dedication of our Assistant Principals 👏. Their work supports students, staff, and families every day, helping our schools run smoothly 🏫 and fostering positive, welcoming learning environments across WPS 💙.
Pictured here are Assistant Principals Maegan Cook (Elm Park Community School) and Richard Nieves (Grafton Street School), whose dedication supports their school communities every day 🌟.
Thank you for all you do to support student success and strengthen our school communities across WPS 🙌💙!
This week, Worcester Public Schools recognizes and celebrates the incredible dedication of our Assistant Principals 👏. Their work supports students, staff, and families every day, helping our schools run smoothly 🏫 and fostering positive, welcoming learning environments across WPS 💙.
Pictured here are Assistant Principals Maegan Cook (Elm Park Community School) and Richard Nieves (Grafton Street School), whose dedication supports their school communities every day 🌟.
Thank you for all you do to support student success and strengthen our school communities across WPS 🙌💙!
Happy Easter! 🐣🌸
Did you know that Easter’s roots trace back to ancient festivals celebrating Spring?
Discover the fascinating history behind this holiday and how it evolved over time!
Learn more about the history of Easter: https://buff.ly/2prGpwk
Did you know that Easter’s roots trace back to ancient festivals celebrating Spring?
Discover the fascinating history behind this holiday and how it evolved over time!
Learn more about the history of Easter: https://buff.ly/2prGpwk
📚 Happy National School Librarian Day! 📚
Today, April 4, we celebrate the incredible school librarians who keep our libraries running and support student learning every day. From organizing resources to helping students discover new books and navigate digital tools, their impact reaches far beyond the library walls.
Our school librarians create welcoming spaces where curiosity grows, literacy thrives, and students are empowered to explore, learn, and succeed.
We also recognize the many dedicated volunteers who support our libraries and help create welcoming spaces for students.
Shoutout to our partners at the Worcester Public Library (WPL) for helping keep our community reading! 📚
Thank you for all that you do to inspire a love of reading and lifelong learning! 💙📖
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
Today, April 4, we celebrate the incredible school librarians who keep our libraries running and support student learning every day. From organizing resources to helping students discover new books and navigate digital tools, their impact reaches far beyond the library walls.
Our school librarians create welcoming spaces where curiosity grows, literacy thrives, and students are empowered to explore, learn, and succeed.
We also recognize the many dedicated volunteers who support our libraries and help create welcoming spaces for students.
Shoutout to our partners at the Worcester Public Library (WPL) for helping keep our community reading! 📚
Thank you for all that you do to inspire a love of reading and lifelong learning! 💙📖
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
Good Friday ✝️
Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a time for reflection and remembrance.
Learn more about Good Friday: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Good-Friday 🔗
💙 World Autism Awareness Day 💙
Today marks World Autism Awareness Day and the start of Autism Acceptance Month. It is a time to raise awareness, deepen understanding, and celebrate the strengths and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum.
At Worcester Public Schools, we remain committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. 💙
Happy Passover! 🌿
Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their journey from slavery to freedom.
Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and joyful holiday.
Learn more about Passover: https://www.history.com/articles/passover
Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their journey from slavery to freedom.
Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and joyful holiday.
Learn more about Passover: https://www.history.com/articles/passover
📢 TODAY: Help Shape the Future of Worcester Public Schools! 🏫✨
WPS is hosting the Community Forum for the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Please bring your smartphone or laptop to participate in this interactive event. Flyers with QR codes and a limited number of district-issued devices will also be available.
Don’t miss this chance to share your thoughts and help improve student opportunities across the district!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School, 170 Apricot St
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed - check the link in our bio!
WPS is hosting the Community Forum for the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Please bring your smartphone or laptop to participate in this interactive event. Flyers with QR codes and a limited number of district-issued devices will also be available.
Don’t miss this chance to share your thoughts and help improve student opportunities across the district!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School, 170 Apricot St
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed - check the link in our bio!
WPS at the Annual Wellness and Resilience Summit 🌟
🌟 Last week, Worcester Public Schools joined the Worcester Department of Public Health and local partners for the Annual Wellness & Resilience Summit.
💬 Information on the HOPE Framework was shared, highlighting how positive experiences and strong communication help youth grow and thrive.
🎭 Highlights included interactive youth participation and an inspiring performance by the Drug Store Theater Group.
🤝 We’re proud to strengthen these community connections to make sure our students have the support they need to succeed.
🌟 Last week, Worcester Public Schools joined the Worcester Department of Public Health and local partners for the Annual Wellness & Resilience Summit.
💬 Information on the HOPE Framework was shared, highlighting how positive experiences and strong communication help youth grow and thrive.
🎭 Highlights included interactive youth participation and an inspiring performance by the Drug Store Theater Group.
🤝 We’re proud to strengthen these community connections to make sure our students have the support they need to succeed.
📢 Help Shape the Future of Worcester Public Schools! 🏫✨
WPS is launching the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project, and we want to hear from you. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Join us at our Community Forum to learn more and share your feedback!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School (170 Apricot Street)
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed: worcesterschools.org/alignment
WPS is launching the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project, and we want to hear from you. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Join us at our Community Forum to learn more and share your feedback!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School (170 Apricot Street)
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed: worcesterschools.org/alignment
📚 Springboard Literacy Workshop at Burncoat Prep 📚
Students and caregivers at Burncoat Street Preparatory School are building stronger reading habits together through the school’s Literacy Workshops, an after-school tutoring program offered in partnership with Springboard Collaborative.
The program provides small-group literacy support across different age groups, with a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students work in two groups of five, and teachers spend 30 minutes with each group, giving every student focused time to strengthen their reading skills.
During the workshops, caregivers learn tips and strategies to support reading at home and spend time practicing those skills alongside their students with support from tutors. Each workshop also includes a family book raffle, and students can select two books to continue building their home libraries.
These literacy workshops take place in elementary schools across Worcester Public Schools, giving more students and families the opportunity to learn and read together.
Students and caregivers at Burncoat Street Preparatory School are building stronger reading habits together through the school’s Literacy Workshops, an after-school tutoring program offered in partnership with Springboard Collaborative.
The program provides small-group literacy support across different age groups, with a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students work in two groups of five, and teachers spend 30 minutes with each group, giving every student focused time to strengthen their reading skills.
During the workshops, caregivers learn tips and strategies to support reading at home and spend time practicing those skills alongside their students with support from tutors. Each workshop also includes a family book raffle, and students can select two books to continue building their home libraries.
These literacy workshops take place in elementary schools across Worcester Public Schools, giving more students and families the opportunity to learn and read together.
