Worcester Technical High School BSU Hosts 5th Annual Black History Month Opening Celebration ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Worcester Technical High School’s Black Student Union co-hosted its fifth annual Black History Month Opening Celebration yesterday, marking 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started the month in 1926.
The student-led event featured a musical and drum performance by Crocodile River Music, a powerful message from Larry Shyler, and a high-energy, cross-cultural dance by WTHS students. Students also enjoyed Musical Bingo and Jeopardy while connecting over food and desserts.
Students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, Worcester Technical High School, and Abby Kelley Foster came together to celebrate culture, community, and student voice, joined by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, School Committee members, and school leaders. The celebration created a safe space for students to unify, collaborate, and move beyond stereotypes ✨.
A big thank you to the counselors and staff who supported students and made the event possible.
✨ A powerful start to Black History Month! ✨
Worcester Technical High School’s Black Student Union co-hosted its fifth annual Black History Month Opening Celebration yesterday, marking 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started the month in 1926.
The student-led event featured a musical and drum performance by Crocodile River Music, a powerful message from Larry Shyler, and a high-energy, cross-cultural dance by WTHS students. Students also enjoyed Musical Bingo and Jeopardy while connecting over food and desserts.
Students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, Worcester Technical High School, and Abby Kelley Foster came together to celebrate culture, community, and student voice, joined by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, School Committee members, and school leaders. The celebration created a safe space for students to unify, collaborate, and move beyond stereotypes ✨.
A big thank you to the counselors and staff who supported students and made the event possible.
✨ A powerful start to Black History Month! ✨
🚘 Driver's Education Course - Winter Break Course🚘
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a driver's education course for WPS students from February 16-20, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can enroll at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a driver's education course for WPS students from February 16-20, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can enroll at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
✨ Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Kicks Off 2026 at Doherty 🎓
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
This Month’s Student WooStar: Januel Rivera, Fourth Grade, Empowered Individual at Quinsigamond School
“Jon Jon consistently demonstrates confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate challenging moments in healthy and meaningful ways. Jon Jon comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine excitement for learning, showing confidence in himself and his ability to grow. What sets Jon Jon apart is his ability to independently recognize challenges—both his own and those of others—and respond with calm, thoughtful action. When classmates are struggling, he naturally steps in to help, whether that means assisting a peer with tying their shoe, partnering with a shy student to help them feel comfortable, or offering reassurance and support. These moments reflect his strong emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential to navigating a complex world. Jon Jon’s empowerment extends beyond his classroom. Each afternoon, he takes responsibility for helping preschool students safely get onto the bus, demonstrating confidence, accountability, and leadership. During dismissal, when younger students are upset, Jon Jon is often the first to approach them, calmly helping them regulate their emotions and feel safe. He approaches these situations with patience and maturity, learning from each experience and applying those skills the next time a challenge arises.”
This demonstrates that Januel is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. He can monitor his emotional state and apply a variety of self-regulation strategies to navigate challenges and support others (EI 1).
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
“Jon Jon consistently demonstrates confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate challenging moments in healthy and meaningful ways. Jon Jon comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine excitement for learning, showing confidence in himself and his ability to grow. What sets Jon Jon apart is his ability to independently recognize challenges—both his own and those of others—and respond with calm, thoughtful action. When classmates are struggling, he naturally steps in to help, whether that means assisting a peer with tying their shoe, partnering with a shy student to help them feel comfortable, or offering reassurance and support. These moments reflect his strong emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential to navigating a complex world. Jon Jon’s empowerment extends beyond his classroom. Each afternoon, he takes responsibility for helping preschool students safely get onto the bus, demonstrating confidence, accountability, and leadership. During dismissal, when younger students are upset, Jon Jon is often the first to approach them, calmly helping them regulate their emotions and feel safe. He approaches these situations with patience and maturity, learning from each experience and applying those skills the next time a challenge arises.”
This demonstrates that Januel is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. He can monitor his emotional state and apply a variety of self-regulation strategies to navigate challenges and support others (EI 1).
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
📚 Worcester Public Schools Open Houses and Enrollment Info Sessions
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is hosting open houses for preschool (Pre-K) and dual language programs, along with magnet elementary schools with citywide admission. WPS will also provide online information sessions about the overall enrollment process for Pre-K through grade 12.
📅 Mark These Dates:
• January 8-26: Open houses will be held for schools with pre-K, dual language, and/or a magnet/citywide lottery admission application process
• January 16-23: Online enrollment information session
• January 26: Enrollment for grades K-12 opens for the 2026-27 school year
📌 Full schedule & details: https://buff.ly/iesoIwg
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is hosting open houses for preschool (Pre-K) and dual language programs, along with magnet elementary schools with citywide admission. WPS will also provide online information sessions about the overall enrollment process for Pre-K through grade 12.
📅 Mark These Dates:
• January 8-26: Open houses will be held for schools with pre-K, dual language, and/or a magnet/citywide lottery admission application process
• January 16-23: Online enrollment information session
• January 26: Enrollment for grades K-12 opens for the 2026-27 school year
📌 Full schedule & details: https://buff.ly/iesoIwg
Weather Update ❄️
Due to the weather forecast,
Worcester Public Schools has canceled
all after-school activities
and evening programs today,
Wednesday, January 7.
Please use caution when traveling. ✅
Due to the weather forecast,
Worcester Public Schools has canceled
all after-school activities
and evening programs today,
Wednesday, January 7.
Please use caution when traveling. ✅
This Month’s Student WooStar: Januel Rivera, Fourth Grade, Empowered Individual at Quinsigamond School
“Jon Jon consistently demonstrates confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate challenging moments in healthy and meaningful ways. Jon Jon comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine excitement for learning, showing confidence in himself and his ability to grow. What sets Jon Jon apart is his ability to independently recognize challenges—both his own and those of others—and respond with calm, thoughtful action. When classmates are struggling, he naturally steps in to help, whether that means assisting a peer with tying their shoe, partnering with a shy student to help them feel comfortable, or offering reassurance and support. These moments reflect his strong emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential to navigating a complex world. Jon Jon’s empowerment extends beyond his classroom. Each afternoon, he takes responsibility for helping preschool students safely get onto the bus, demonstrating confidence, accountability, and leadership. During dismissal, when younger students are upset, Jon Jon is often the first to approach them, calmly helping them regulate their emotions and feel safe. He approaches these situations with patience and maturity, learning from each experience and applying those skills the next time a challenge arises.”
This demonstrates that Januel is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. He can monitor his emotional state and apply a variety of self-regulation strategies to navigate challenges and support others (EI 1).
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
“Jon Jon consistently demonstrates confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate challenging moments in healthy and meaningful ways. Jon Jon comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine excitement for learning, showing confidence in himself and his ability to grow. What sets Jon Jon apart is his ability to independently recognize challenges—both his own and those of others—and respond with calm, thoughtful action. When classmates are struggling, he naturally steps in to help, whether that means assisting a peer with tying their shoe, partnering with a shy student to help them feel comfortable, or offering reassurance and support. These moments reflect his strong emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential to navigating a complex world. Jon Jon’s empowerment extends beyond his classroom. Each afternoon, he takes responsibility for helping preschool students safely get onto the bus, demonstrating confidence, accountability, and leadership. During dismissal, when younger students are upset, Jon Jon is often the first to approach them, calmly helping them regulate their emotions and feel safe. He approaches these situations with patience and maturity, learning from each experience and applying those skills the next time a challenge arises.”
This demonstrates that Januel is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. He can monitor his emotional state and apply a variety of self-regulation strategies to navigate challenges and support others (EI 1).
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 New Year!
As we ring in 2026, we celebrate our students, staff, and families for their accomplishments this past year.
Here’s to a new year full of learning, growth, and shared success in our community! 🌟📚🎉
Learn more about this worldwide celebration: https://buff.ly/2Lx2PFc
As we ring in 2026, we celebrate our students, staff, and families for their accomplishments this past year.
Here’s to a new year full of learning, growth, and shared success in our community! 🌟📚🎉
Learn more about this worldwide celebration: https://buff.ly/2Lx2PFc
🕯️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
🍪🏠 Gingerbread fun at Quinsigamond Elementary School!
Thursday morning, our 1st grade students and some 2nd grade students enjoyed a joyful gingerbread-making event with their families, decorating, creating, and making sweet memories together. Laughter, creativity, and holiday cheer filled the room! ❤️✨
A big thank you to our staff and families for helping make this event so special!
📸 Check out some of the photos from this festive celebration!
🕎 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.
🌟 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
🌟 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
