Edward Walker Named Principal at North High School! 🍎✨
A dynamic leader is taking the helm at North High School! Edward Walker has been named Principal for the 2026-27 school year.
Bringing over two decades of dedicated experience in driving student success, Mr. Walker will lead North High after serving as Dean of Students at Worcester Technical High School. His background spans K-12 administration, school counseling, and higher education admissions.
Welcome to North High School, Principal Walker! 🎉
Countdown to Kindergarten at Polar Park!
Join us for Countdown to Kindergarten on Monday, August 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at Polar Park.
Countdown to Kindergarten is a day to help your child (and you!) prepare for their first year of school. Enjoy hands-on, family-friendly activities, receive free books and other learning materials, and get your questions answered directly by WPS early childhood staff.
Details and event tickets have been mailed to families & caregivers with a registered kindergarten student for the 2026–27 school year.
Polar Park is located at 100 Madison Street. Parking for a fee is available at nearby lots. Complimentary parking is available in the lot across from the Madison Tower Condominiums at 70 Southbridge Street. (The lot will have a sign for the event.)
Children and their families will:
🚌 Climb aboard a school bus
🚸 Meet a crossing guard
🎶 Make music
📚 Get a free book
🥦 Learn about healthy eating
🏃♂️ Play the "Lunch Tray Relay"
🧱 Build with blocks – and more!
Erin Derr Named Principal at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School! 🍎✨
Erin Derr will serve as the new Principal of Francis J. McGrath Elementary School for the upcoming school year.
Ms. Derr has dedicated her entire educational career to Worcester Public Schools. She began as a teacher at Jacob Hiatt Magnet and Heard Street Discovery Academy before spending the last seven years in leadership at City View Discovery School as Assistant Principal and Principal.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Principal Derr as she joins the McGrath community! 🥳🎉
🎓🚀 Early College Summer Career Explorer Program 🚀🎓
Over the final week of July, current and future Early College students from every WPS high school gathered to explore exciting careers across a variety of industries!
Students enjoyed hands-on experiences with local entrepreneurs, banks, colleges, healthcare facilities, the Worcester Airport, Worcester City Hall, the Worcester District & Superior Courthouse, and more.
Along the way, students crafted their own business cards, practiced networking, and even earned their CPR certifications! On the final day, they came together to reflect on what they learned and how these experiences shaped their vision for future education and career pathways.
A shoutout to all of our incredible local partners for hosting and inspiring our students including Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State University, Assumption University, Clark University, Bay State Savings Bank, Worcester Regional Airport, City Hall, the American Red Cross, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Tasty Experience Bistro, Trim City Barbershop, Worcester Public Market, Worcester District & Superior Court, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce!
Over the final week of July, current and future Early College students from every WPS high school gathered to explore exciting careers across a variety of industries!
Students enjoyed hands-on experiences with local entrepreneurs, banks, colleges, healthcare facilities, the Worcester Airport, Worcester City Hall, the Worcester District & Superior Courthouse, and more.
Along the way, students crafted their own business cards, practiced networking, and even earned their CPR certifications! On the final day, they came together to reflect on what they learned and how these experiences shaped their vision for future education and career pathways.
A shoutout to all of our incredible local partners for hosting and inspiring our students including Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State University, Assumption University, Clark University, Bay State Savings Bank, Worcester Regional Airport, City Hall, the American Red Cross, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Tasty Experience Bistro, Trim City Barbershop, Worcester Public Market, Worcester District & Superior Court, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce!
Angie LaRose Named Principal at Lake View School! 🍎✨
Angie LaRose has been named Principal of Lake View School after serving the school community in an acting role last year.
Ms. LaRose brings extensive WPS experience to the position, having served as a SAIL and inclusion teacher, an instructional coach at Quinsigamond School and Chandler Elementary School, a district math and special education coach, and Assistant Principal at Lake View.
Join us in celebrating Principal LaRose as she continues leading the Lake View community! 🥳🎉
Latino Education Institute’s Back to School Event 🏫
Worcester Public Schools Wraparound Coordinators and Family & Community Engagement Office staff attended the Latino Education Institute's Back to School event at Worcester State University.
WPS staff presented key back-to-school information in both English and Spanish and answered questions for attending families and caregivers.
In addition to connecting with LEI staff and exploring community resources, families were provided with on-site childcare by WPS.
Worcester Public Schools Wraparound Coordinators and Family & Community Engagement Office staff attended the Latino Education Institute's Back to School event at Worcester State University.
WPS staff presented key back-to-school information in both English and Spanish and answered questions for attending families and caregivers.
In addition to connecting with LEI staff and exploring community resources, families were provided with on-site childcare by WPS.
Kara Schichilone Named Acting Principal at Goddard School of Science and Technology! 🍎✨
A familiar face and long-time leader is taking on a new role! Kara Schichilone will serve as Acting Principal at the Goddard School of Science and Technology for 2026-27.
Goddard has been Principal Schichilone’s professional home for her entire 26-year WPS career, where she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and most recently as assistant principal for the past nine years.
Join us in sending a big congratulations to Principal Schichilone! 🥳🎉
Olga Papadopoulos Named Principal at South High Community School! 🍎✨
A proud South High graduate is officially taking the helm! Olga Papadopoulos has been named Principal for the upcoming school year after serving in an acting role in 2025-26.
With over 20 years of dedicated service to Worcester Public Schools, Principal Papadopoulos brings deep roots, incredible passion, and a commitment to ensuring every student feels valued to her alma mater.
Join us in celebrating Principal Papadopoulos as she continues leading the South High community! 🥳🎉
Emily Kokansky Named Principal at Belmont Street Community School 🍎✨
There’s a familiar face leading Belmont Street Community School! Emily Kokansky has been named Principal for the 2026-27 school year.
After serving Francis J. McGrath Elementary School as Acting Principal this past school year, Mrs. Kokansky is returning to the school where she spent nine years as a Grade 6 teacher and Instructional Coach.
Welcome back to Belmont Street, Mrs. Kokansky!
☀️ Summer Learning Highlights: 2026! 📚
Worcester Public Schools students made the most of summer learning through hands-on activities, academic enrichment, field trips, and opportunities to build skills for the year ahead!
📈 88% average daily student attendance
🎓 90% of secondary students earned a credit toward graduation requirements
🏫 Elementary: Woodland Academy, Nelson Place School, Norrback School, Quinsigamond School, and Roosevelt School
🏫 Middle & High School: Burncoat High School, Worcester Technical High School, Doherty Memorial High School, South High Community School, and North High School
From science and math to literacy, summer reading, field trips, and social-emotional learning, students stayed engaged and continued to grow all summer long. 🌱
👏 A huge shout-out to Kellie Becker, Assistant Principal at Burncoat High School, for running a fantastic summer program and helping make this experience such a success!
💙 Thank you to all our students, families, teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff for making Summer 2026 so impactful!
👉 Read more: worcesterschools.org/page/summer-learning-highlights-2026
Worcester Public Schools students made the most of summer learning through hands-on activities, academic enrichment, field trips, and opportunities to build skills for the year ahead!
📈 88% average daily student attendance
🎓 90% of secondary students earned a credit toward graduation requirements
🏫 Elementary: Woodland Academy, Nelson Place School, Norrback School, Quinsigamond School, and Roosevelt School
🏫 Middle & High School: Burncoat High School, Worcester Technical High School, Doherty Memorial High School, South High Community School, and North High School
From science and math to literacy, summer reading, field trips, and social-emotional learning, students stayed engaged and continued to grow all summer long. 🌱
👏 A huge shout-out to Kellie Becker, Assistant Principal at Burncoat High School, for running a fantastic summer program and helping make this experience such a success!
💙 Thank you to all our students, families, teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff for making Summer 2026 so impactful!
👉 Read more: worcesterschools.org/page/summer-learning-highlights-2026
🚌 Bus Routes for the 2026–27 School Year Now Available!
Worcester Public Schools has released bus routes early to help families and caregivers plan ahead for the upcoming school year.
🛑 How to find your child's stop:
‣ Students: Log in to the WooEdu Student Portal using your WPS Google account.
‣ Parents & Caregivers: Log in to the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver Portal and click “More” on the left sidebar.
📍 For additional transportation info or help finding your stop, visit worcesterschools.org/transportation
Worcester Public Schools has released bus routes early to help families and caregivers plan ahead for the upcoming school year.
🛑 How to find your child's stop:
‣ Students: Log in to the WooEdu Student Portal using your WPS Google account.
‣ Parents & Caregivers: Log in to the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver Portal and click “More” on the left sidebar.
📍 For additional transportation info or help finding your stop, visit worcesterschools.org/transportation
Colleen Dyer Named Principal at Flagg Street School! 🍎✨
Exciting news for the Flagg Street community! Colleen Dyer has been appointed as the new Principal of Flagg Street School for the upcoming school year.
Ms. Dyer brings over 20 years of educational experience to her new role. Since joining Worcester Public Schools in 2013, she has served as a Grade 6 ELA teacher at Worcester Arts Magnet, the district-wide K–12 ELA Liaison, and most recently as Assistant Principal at Thorndyke Road School.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Principal Dyer! 🥳🎉
🌭🔥 WPS Summer Eats: BBQ Days at the Parks This August ☀️
Join WPS Nutrition Services for Summer Eats BBQ Days at the Parks this August! Free BBQ meals are available for all children and teens under 18. No registration or ID is required.
Locations & Times:
📍 East Park (180 Shrewsbury Street): Tuesday, August 4 | 11:15–11:45 AM
📍 Greenwood Spray Park (14 Forsberg Street): Thursday, August 6 | 11:45 AM–12:15 PM
📍 Burncoat Playground (524 Burncoat Street):Thursday, August 6 | 11:45 AM–12:15 PM
📍 Crompton Park (47 Quinsigamond Avenue): Friday, August 7 | 1:40–2:20 PM
📍 Bennett State Pool (1260 Main Street, park behind Gates Lane School): Thursday, August 13 | 1:25–1:40 PM
📍 University Park (Crystal Park) (965 Main Street): Friday, August 14 | 12:45–1:15 PM
📍 Shine Pool (184 Providence Street): Friday, August 21 | 12:30–1:00 PM
🍎 Find more Summer Eats locations and meal times at worcesterschools.org/summer-eats.
Join WPS Nutrition Services for Summer Eats BBQ Days at the Parks this August! Free BBQ meals are available for all children and teens under 18. No registration or ID is required.
Locations & Times:
📍 East Park (180 Shrewsbury Street): Tuesday, August 4 | 11:15–11:45 AM
📍 Greenwood Spray Park (14 Forsberg Street): Thursday, August 6 | 11:45 AM–12:15 PM
📍 Burncoat Playground (524 Burncoat Street):Thursday, August 6 | 11:45 AM–12:15 PM
📍 Crompton Park (47 Quinsigamond Avenue): Friday, August 7 | 1:40–2:20 PM
📍 Bennett State Pool (1260 Main Street, park behind Gates Lane School): Thursday, August 13 | 1:25–1:40 PM
📍 University Park (Crystal Park) (965 Main Street): Friday, August 14 | 12:45–1:15 PM
📍 Shine Pool (184 Providence Street): Friday, August 21 | 12:30–1:00 PM
🍎 Find more Summer Eats locations and meal times at worcesterschools.org/summer-eats.
🎓 Where Are They Headed? | Class of 2026
August is here, which means many of our recent Worcester Public Schools graduates are getting ready to begin college, settle into their first jobs and careers, deepen their technical skills at trade schools, or embark on military service.
We are proud to celebrate the success of the WPS Class of 2026 one more time and wish you the very best in this next chapter. Class of 2027, you're up next!
Check out a complete list of where the Class of 2026 is headed next: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2984362
Countdown to Kindergarten at Polar Park!
Join us for Countdown to Kindergarten on Monday, August 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at Polar Park.
Countdown to Kindergarten is a day to help your child (and you!) prepare for their first year of school. Enjoy hands-on, family-friendly activities, receive free books and other learning materials, and get your questions answered directly by WPS early childhood staff.
Additional details and event tickets will be mailed to families & caregivers with a registered kindergarten student for the 2026–27 school year.
Children and their families will:
🚌 Climb aboard a school bus
🚸 Meet a crossing guard
🎶 Make music
📚 Get a free book
🥦 Learn about healthy eating
🏃♂️ Play the "Lunch Tray Relay"
🧱 Build with blocks – and more!
🔬 AbbVie, Heart of America Bring New STEAM Learning Space and School Enhancements to Norrback Avenue School 🔬
AbbVie and the Heart of America Foundation donated a new STEAM Lab and completed a series of school improvements at Norrback Avenue School, increasing access to engaging learning spaces and educational resources for students in Worcester Public Schools as part of AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities annual community outreach event.
More than 150 volunteers from AbbVie, Heart of America, and Worcester Public Schools worked together to transform a classroom space originally designed as a science classroom and return it to its original purpose as a new STEAM Lab. Additional volunteers also supported enhancements to indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the school.
The new STEAM Lab, a redesigned classroom space, will support fifth grade science and social studies instruction beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The space features new technology and instructional materials, including 3D printers, Chromebooks, electronic microscopes, and other STEAM-related resources.
Additional improvements included freshly painted walls, updated furniture, murals throughout the school, refreshed outdoor murals, an enhanced outdoor patio space, a more accessible location for the school’s clothes closet, and a new STEAM Corner within the library featuring hands-on activities for students across all grade levels.
Read more on our website: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3011777
AbbVie and the Heart of America Foundation donated a new STEAM Lab and completed a series of school improvements at Norrback Avenue School, increasing access to engaging learning spaces and educational resources for students in Worcester Public Schools as part of AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities annual community outreach event.
More than 150 volunteers from AbbVie, Heart of America, and Worcester Public Schools worked together to transform a classroom space originally designed as a science classroom and return it to its original purpose as a new STEAM Lab. Additional volunteers also supported enhancements to indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the school.
The new STEAM Lab, a redesigned classroom space, will support fifth grade science and social studies instruction beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The space features new technology and instructional materials, including 3D printers, Chromebooks, electronic microscopes, and other STEAM-related resources.
Additional improvements included freshly painted walls, updated furniture, murals throughout the school, refreshed outdoor murals, an enhanced outdoor patio space, a more accessible location for the school’s clothes closet, and a new STEAM Corner within the library featuring hands-on activities for students across all grade levels.
Read more on our website: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3011777
☀️ Summer fun starts with a healthy meal! 🍎
From June 23 through August 21, Worcester Public Schools Nutrition Services is offering FREE meals for all children and teens 18 and under.
✅ No registration
✅ No ID
✅ No paperwork
📲 Scan the QR code or visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to find a Summer Eats location near you.
See you this summer! 🍉
From June 23 through August 21, Worcester Public Schools Nutrition Services is offering FREE meals for all children and teens 18 and under.
✅ No registration
✅ No ID
✅ No paperwork
📲 Scan the QR code or visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to find a Summer Eats location near you.
See you this summer! 🍉
🎶 Burncoat High School Chorus Performs at Fenway Park! ⚾
This past Saturday, members of the Burncoat High School Quadrivium Chorus had the incredible honor of performing the National Anthem before the Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, showcasing their talent on one of the country's most iconic stages. 🇺🇸
Congratulations to these outstanding student musicians and their directors on this unforgettable experience and for representing Worcester Public Schools with pride!
📷 Swipe through to see highlights from this unforgettable day at Fenway Park!
📸 Photo credit: Max Berger
This past Saturday, members of the Burncoat High School Quadrivium Chorus had the incredible honor of performing the National Anthem before the Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, showcasing their talent on one of the country's most iconic stages. 🇺🇸
Congratulations to these outstanding student musicians and their directors on this unforgettable experience and for representing Worcester Public Schools with pride!
📷 Swipe through to see highlights from this unforgettable day at Fenway Park!
📸 Photo credit: Max Berger
🍎 Summer Eats Is in Full Swing! ☀️
Summer is here, and Worcester Public Schools is helping kids and teens stay fueled all season long! Through the Summer Eats program, we’re serving fresh, delicious, FREE meals throughout the community with no registration or ID required.
A huge shoutout to our incredible Nutrition Services staff who prepare these healthy meals and help make Summer Eats possible all summer long. 💚
Swipe to see some of our Nutrition Services staff in action and the smiles they help create along the way! 🥪🥦🍏
📍 Visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to find a Summer Eats location near you.
Summer is here, and Worcester Public Schools is helping kids and teens stay fueled all season long! Through the Summer Eats program, we’re serving fresh, delicious, FREE meals throughout the community with no registration or ID required.
A huge shoutout to our incredible Nutrition Services staff who prepare these healthy meals and help make Summer Eats possible all summer long. 💚
Swipe to see some of our Nutrition Services staff in action and the smiles they help create along the way! 🥪🥦🍏
📍 Visit worcesterschools.org/summer-eats to find a Summer Eats location near you.
Quarter 4 Honor Roll!
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the fourth quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3013300
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the fourth quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/3013300