
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


The Black Student Unions of each WPS high school recently came together to celebrate Black History Month at Worcester Technical High School.
The event drew over 200 students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School and Worcester Tech. Students from Abby Kelley Foster School also participated, highlighting the spirit of unity among Black students across Worcester.
Throughout the evening, students came together to enjoy the camaraderie of friends, play fun games with peers, and share a delicious buffet-style dinner, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration for Black History Month.






WPS High School Scholars Join 2025 Pipeline Dreams Program at UMass Chan Medical School
High school juniors and seniors from Worcester Public Schools (WPS) will be participating in the 2025 Pipeline Dreams Program, a 12-week learning experience organized by the UMass Chan Collaborative in Health Equity.
The Pipeline Dreams Program, which began on January 15 at UMass Chan Medical School, is intended to expose students to future careers in medicine, scientific research and public health. It is a program of Patients R Waiting, Inc.
Click here for more information: https://buff.ly/40Nc9g6


Behind-the-Scenes with the Cast & Crew of North High School's Upcoming Play "She Kills Monsters" 🧌
We visited a rehearsal with the cast and crew of North High School's She Kills Monsters, ahead of this week's opening day!
North High's theater club has worked hard to make this show a fun one, and you will have three chances to catch it on February 6 at 3:30 PM, February 7 at 7 PM, and February 8 at 2 PM.
Take a look at some of the sights from a fun time with these talented scholars!





🍽️✨ 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! 🌱🍜


🎭🎵 North High School Winter Arts Showcase 🎵🎭
North High’s performing arts students recently took the stage for the Winter Arts Showcase for friends and family in the school’s auditorium.
The event highlighted performances from the school's band, dance team, theater club, and chorus, all made even more special by amazing support from the school community.
A huge shoutout to the students and staff who worked hard to make this showcase a night to remember!





🚗 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


⭐ Jolayssa Calcano Puig, Ninth Grade Scholar at North High School ⭐
"Jolayssa is a great student who has demonstrated incredible dedication and hard work, graduating with all A's. Her academic success is a reflection of her passion for learning and commitment to excellence. Beyond her achievements in the classroom, Jolyassa is known for her kindness and genuine care for others. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, support her friends, and create a positive environment wherever she goes. Her combination of academic brilliance and a kind heart makes her truly remarkable and an inspiration to everyone around her.”
⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N


⭐ Melissa Aldrich, Science Educator at North High School ⭐
“Ms. Aldrich creates a positive learning environment for her students and fosters many project based experiences. Students are actively engaged in her classes, especially Forensics where on a daily basis students are investigating "crime scenes" in the classroom or performing banana autopsies. Many students have referred to her as the GOAT of the North High Science Department, and this endearment by students shows her creativity, passion and dedication as a teacher to students and curriculum.”
⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N


🎄✨ 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. 🎶❄️










📢 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


GEAR UP's On the Spot Acceptance Day a Success for Seniors at North High School 🎓
Hosted by North High's GEAR UP team, the recent On The Spot Acceptance Day saw 100% of participating seniors accepted into at least one four-year institution with $1,672,000 in scholarship awarded to seniors!
“We are incredibly proud of our North High scholars, whose hard work has earned well-deserved college acceptances and over $1.6 million in scholarships,” said Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez, Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools. “This milestone reflects the transformative power of education and the vital role of our community partners, such as GEAR UP. Thank you to GEAR UP for opening doors to bright futures.”
Read the full story here: https://buff.ly/3ZILgL6






🎡 Gear Up at North High School Hosts Carnival-Themed College and Career Fair 🎡
Students at North High School were recently treated to a college and career fair in the school's gymnasium with many colleges and local organizations in attendance for students to explore and learn more about!
The event is hosted by North High's GEAR UP team and is a way to bring colleges right to the students to get them thinking about their future. Following up on its beach-theme last year, the MCAC college and career fair brought aspects of the carnival big top to the gym to keep the event fresh and fun for students.
Colleges in attendance included Anna Maria College, Assumption University, Boston University, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester State University to name a few. Our friends from the Worcester Police Department and Worcester Regional Transit Authority also tabled the event, giving students better insight to potential career paths locally in Worcester.
The event is geared toward 10th and 11th grade students who want to learn more about what colleges and organizations have to offer. For seniors, it is meant to be a celebration for those already accepted or awaiting decisions from colleges.
Take a look at a couple student insights about the career and college fair:
"I think it’s an amazing opportunity because all the colleges come to you instead of you having to go to them so you can see every college, every opportunity you have and it’s a real eye-opener because most kids don’t know what to do after high school," said junior Jordi Flores.
"I think that it is good and is showing people where they can go to college. It is helping me early on to be able to see all the different places that I can apply to," said sophomore Isabel Lupafya.






🦃 ✨ 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! 💛
