This May, we recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities here in Worcester and the United States.
Learn more about Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month: https://www.history.com/articles/asian-american-pacific-islander-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/
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 💙
“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
“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
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Alexi Rosa, South High Community School 🎓
After graduating this spring, Alexi plans to attend college and pursue a future career in forensic nursing.
She would like to be a nurse who can help people at times of need, specializing in forensics to provide a unique and specialized level of support to future patients.
Before starting college next fall, Alexi will be savoring summer by spending as much time as possible with her loved ones.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Your whole life is focused on making money or your career; be a kid as long as you can because when things get serious you would wish to go back.”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
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! 💙
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Jugeiry Perez, South High Community School 🎓
This fall, Jugeiry plans to attend a four-year college to study journalism. Her long-term goal is to become a journalist and one day publish her own novel.
Jugeiry has already explored her career interest while at South, serving as a reporter for the school’s newspaper, The Colonel Chronicle, gaining early experience as a reporter while also working on her writing skills.
She credits the school's journalism class, taught by Ms. Ledoux, as well as the mentorship of her other teachers as the driving force behind her chosen career path.
Before heading to college, Jugeiry plans to spend the summer making memories with friends and family. She looks forward to taking the lessons she learned at South with her as she continues to grow in college.
Advice to incoming freshmen: “Do not be afraid to do things! High school has taught me to be more assertive and take the opportunities that present themselves: sign up for clubs, take challenging classes, and make new friends!”
✨ Seniors, we want to celebrate you next! If you'd like to be featured in our Senior Spotlight series, please fill out the form here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/26678
Learn more about the history and meaning of this day by exploring Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day resources: https://buff.ly/dr1Tref
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
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! 💙
🎓✨ WPS Alum Spotlight: Amber Cannalonga ✨🎓
South High Community School (Class of 2016) graduate Amber Cannalonga is making an impact as Individual Supports Director at Thrive Support and Advocacy in Worcester.
Through resilience while managing dyslexia and Crohn’s disease, Amber built a career rooted in service, advocacy, and leadership. From early volunteer work to years in human services, she has consistently focused on supporting others.
“South High gave me a village,” she said. “It helped me build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose.”
A graduate of Worcester State University and Clark University, Amber continues to mentor others and serve the Worcester community.
Her message to students: “Challenges don’t define you. How you respond to them does.”
💙 A true example of Worcester pride and perseverance.
👉 Read the full story here:
South Community High School science department head Erin Morrissey and senior Kristen Doan were recognized with the Esther Goddard Teacher and Student Awards, respectively, at the Goddard Centennial Celebration at The Hanover Theatre.
The award honors excellence in science and the impact an individual has on their school community. Ms. Morrissey was named the inaugural Esther Goddard Teacher’s Award recipient.
For Doan, the recognition reflects her hard work in AP Calculus and AP Physics courses, along with her continued passion for science. She plans to major in mechanical or aerospace engineering and hopes to one day conduct her own scientific research.
The celebration also featured a special performance by South High junior Charles Morrow, who sang “Moonbeam” in tribute to Robert Goddard. 🌙✨
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!
We close out National Assistant Principals Week by recognizing and celebrating the incredible dedication of our Assistant Principals 👏. Day in and day out, they are a steady support for students, staff, and families, helping schools operate smoothly 🏫 and strengthening the sense of community across Worcester Public Schools 💙.
Pictured here are Assistant Principals Daniel Little, Allyson Houlihan, Angela Dyer, and Michael Brennan, along with Dean of Students Patrick Williams (South High Community School), whose commitment strengthens their school communities every day 🌟.
Thank you for all you do to support student success and strengthen our school communities across WPS 🙌💙!
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
The spring athletics season is upon us! We recently stopped by a Worcester city-wide girls lacrosse game against Northbridge in a hard-fought contest at South High Community School.
This year's Worcester city-wide girls lacrosse team is made up of students from Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High, and Worcester Technical High School. It is open to all WPS high school students.
So far through four games, the team is led by junior Chloe Gervais (Doherty) and senior Elisse Boucher (Doherty) with 15 and 13 goals respectively while freshman Kristaya Smart (Worcester Tech) has tallied 11 goals and three assists.
Junior Julianna Fisher (Doherty), freshman Alyssa Merriam (South) and freshman Luciana Jacques (South) have been strong defensively while sophomore goalie Ella Orciuch (Doherty) has started each game in net for Worcester.
The team holds a 2-2 record and will have its next home game on April 13 at 3:30 at South High. On May 7, the team will host its first ever "Stick it to Cancer" game to raise funds to support the American Cancer Society.
Check out some images from a recent home game against Northbridge! 📸
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. 💙
