South High’s Black Student Union Hosts Second Annual United Friendsgiving! 🖤🦃
On Monday, November 24, South High’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its second annual BSU United Friendsgiving. This special event brought BSUs from across the district together as a sign of unity within the Worcester Public Schools community.
Students and advisors came together to celebrate our students, recognize their efforts toward unity, and share gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. This year’s Friendsgiving included BSU E-Board members, BSU members, and BSU advisors. The event included trivia, bringing everyone together for some friendly competition.
The event was organized by the following schools: Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus School, Worcester Technical High School and Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School.
Thank you to all students, advisors, staff, and volunteers who helped make this Friendsgiving event a success!
Check out some photos from the event! 📸✨
On Monday, November 24, South High’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its second annual BSU United Friendsgiving. This special event brought BSUs from across the district together as a sign of unity within the Worcester Public Schools community.
Students and advisors came together to celebrate our students, recognize their efforts toward unity, and share gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. This year’s Friendsgiving included BSU E-Board members, BSU members, and BSU advisors. The event included trivia, bringing everyone together for some friendly competition.
The event was organized by the following schools: Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus School, Worcester Technical High School and Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School.
Thank you to all students, advisors, staff, and volunteers who helped make this Friendsgiving event a success!
Check out some photos from the event! 📸✨
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
Worcester Public Schools Students Making a Difference on Election Day 🗳️
A big shoutout to students Jenny Manxhari and Paola Renxa (Doherty Memorial High School), Uche Mba (South High Community School), Madeline Torto (North High School), and Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Technical High School) for volunteering as poll workers across Worcester, including Congregation Beth Israel and the Worcester Senior Center. They spent Election Day helping voters, learning how elections run behind the scenes, and experiencing civic engagement in action. 🙌
By volunteering at the polls, these students showed that they are Engaged Community Members, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner 📘. They identified a community need, articulated and communicated solutions, developed an action plan, and advocated for change (ECM 2).
What the students had to say:
Jenny Manxhari (Doherty): "I decided to volunteer because I care about my community. I’m proud to serve Worcester and make a difference!" 💛
Uche Mba (South High): "Being newly eighteen, I wanted to experience the process up close and understand the impact voting has." 🌟
Madeline Torto (North High): "I wanted to use my time doing something meaningful." 🤝
Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Tech): "I enjoy helping others and giving back to my community." ❤️
Paola Renxa (Doherty): "It was a great experience to see the process behind the scenes and help my community." ✨
📸 See the highlights of our student poll volunteers!
A big shoutout to students Jenny Manxhari and Paola Renxa (Doherty Memorial High School), Uche Mba (South High Community School), Madeline Torto (North High School), and Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Technical High School) for volunteering as poll workers across Worcester, including Congregation Beth Israel and the Worcester Senior Center. They spent Election Day helping voters, learning how elections run behind the scenes, and experiencing civic engagement in action. 🙌
By volunteering at the polls, these students showed that they are Engaged Community Members, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner 📘. They identified a community need, articulated and communicated solutions, developed an action plan, and advocated for change (ECM 2).
What the students had to say:
Jenny Manxhari (Doherty): "I decided to volunteer because I care about my community. I’m proud to serve Worcester and make a difference!" 💛
Uche Mba (South High): "Being newly eighteen, I wanted to experience the process up close and understand the impact voting has." 🌟
Madeline Torto (North High): "I wanted to use my time doing something meaningful." 🤝
Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Tech): "I enjoy helping others and giving back to my community." ❤️
Paola Renxa (Doherty): "It was a great experience to see the process behind the scenes and help my community." ✨
📸 See the highlights of our student poll volunteers!
🌟 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
💸 South High Community School Seniors Learn Real-World Financial Skills! 💸
South High Community School recently hosted Country Bank’s Credit for Life program, a hands-on financial literacy experience that helps students prepare for life after graduation. 🏦💡
For the past three years, Country Bank has partnered with South High Community School to bring this engaging program to our seniors. More than 400 students participated this year, role-playing as 25-year-old adults with careers, salaries, and credit scores — making real-life decisions about saving, spending, and budgeting.
Kudos to our students for engaging in this valuable program, and a big thank you to Country Bank and their volunteers for their continued partnership! 💚
South High Community School recently hosted Country Bank’s Credit for Life program, a hands-on financial literacy experience that helps students prepare for life after graduation. 🏦💡
For the past three years, Country Bank has partnered with South High Community School to bring this engaging program to our seniors. More than 400 students participated this year, role-playing as 25-year-old adults with careers, salaries, and credit scores — making real-life decisions about saving, spending, and budgeting.
Kudos to our students for engaging in this valuable program, and a big thank you to Country Bank and their volunteers for their continued partnership! 💚
🌟 Principal Month Spotlight: Olga Papadopoulos 🌟
This month, we’re introducing newly appointed principals in WPS as part of National Principal Month! Principals work every day to support students, guide their staff, and build strong school communities.
Meet Olga Papadopoulos, who is serving as the Acting Principal at South High Community School this year.
Principal Papadopoulos is a proud graduate of WPS and South High, Class of 2000, and has spent over twenty years working in Worcester Public Schools. English is her favorite subject, and she enjoys visiting the culinary classroom at South. She finds joy in connecting with students and the school community, and her goal is to help every student recognize that they are significant and valued members of the school family.
Join us in welcoming Principal Papadopoulos!
This month, we’re introducing newly appointed principals in WPS as part of National Principal Month! Principals work every day to support students, guide their staff, and build strong school communities.
Meet Olga Papadopoulos, who is serving as the Acting Principal at South High Community School this year.
Principal Papadopoulos is a proud graduate of WPS and South High, Class of 2000, and has spent over twenty years working in Worcester Public Schools. English is her favorite subject, and she enjoys visiting the culinary classroom at South. She finds joy in connecting with students and the school community, and her goal is to help every student recognize that they are significant and valued members of the school family.
Join us in welcoming Principal Papadopoulos!
🌟 Celebrating Perfect Attendance at South High! 🎉
743 students hit the mark for perfect attendance at South High School by the first 5-week checkpoint — and we’re celebrating their commitment! 📚✨
Students gathered on the football field for a group photo to honor their dedication, and we’ll be continuing this celebration every five weeks to recognize our students’ hard work and consistency. 💪🏽
Here’s to keeping the momentum going and celebrating every student who shows up and shines! 🌟📸
743 students hit the mark for perfect attendance at South High School by the first 5-week checkpoint — and we’re celebrating their commitment! 📚✨
Students gathered on the football field for a group photo to honor their dedication, and we’ll be continuing this celebration every five weeks to recognize our students’ hard work and consistency. 💪🏽
Here’s to keeping the momentum going and celebrating every student who shows up and shines! 🌟📸
🌟 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!
Hispanic Heritage Month at South High 🕺💃
Students at South High Community School recognized Hispanic Heritage Month with a dance workshop, learning the Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue as a way to deepen their exploration of Hispanic culture.
The dance lesson was taught by school secretary Jennyann Alicea Caraballo and Spanish teacher Natalie Vargas, and brought together students from Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, and AP Spanish classes.
This dance activity was a reward for students’ hard work in the classroom, and gave them a chance to experience Hispanic dance traditions.
In recent weeks, students have also worked on projects that included identifying Hispanic idols and countries, comparing vocabulary across Hispanic countries, and more!
Students at South High Community School recognized Hispanic Heritage Month with a dance workshop, learning the Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue as a way to deepen their exploration of Hispanic culture.
The dance lesson was taught by school secretary Jennyann Alicea Caraballo and Spanish teacher Natalie Vargas, and brought together students from Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, and AP Spanish classes.
This dance activity was a reward for students’ hard work in the classroom, and gave them a chance to experience Hispanic dance traditions.
In recent weeks, students have also worked on projects that included identifying Hispanic idols and countries, comparing vocabulary across Hispanic countries, and more!
🥗 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! 👏🥗
South High Students Spread Smiles at Gates Lane 😀
South High Community School students brought joy and plenty of energy to Gates Lane School of International Studies, welcoming students and families on World Smile Day!
Now in its fifth year, this South High tradition reminds us that giving back can be as simple as making someone else smile.
Students cheered, held up handmade signs, and shared smiley face stickers to honor the original smiley face design created by South High's own Harvey Ball.
Take a look at some of the amazing smiles!
💚 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
🌟 Community Spotlight: NRIVA Gives Back! 🌟
A big thank you to NRIVA, a nationwide nonprofit with 55+ chapters, for donating 70 backpacks filled with school essentials to Worcester Public Schools! 🎒💪✏️
The backpacks were delivered to our Parent Information Center and will be distributed to students as they enroll, giving them a strong start to the school year. 💛
A big thank you to NRIVA, a nationwide nonprofit with 55+ chapters, for donating 70 backpacks filled with school essentials to Worcester Public Schools! 🎒💪✏️
The backpacks were delivered to our Parent Information Center and will be distributed to students as they enroll, giving them a strong start to the school year. 💛
🌟 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!
🗓️ October Nomination Deadline: Monday, Oct. 27
👉 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!
🗓️ October Nomination Deadline: Monday, Oct. 27
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
🎶 WPS Students Shine at Berklee Modern Band Workshop! 🎶
On Saturday, October 4, 14 Worcester Public Schools students worked with Danielle Collins of InspireEd to prepare and perform two songs at a Modern Band Workshop hosted by Berklee College of Music. They also joined a panel with 40+ music educators from New England and New York, led by Dr. Bryan Powell of Music Will.
Students:
• Ginalee Diaz, Jazenaliz Cordova, Adriani Lovet, William Quinones Soliver, Caleb Opoku Ampong, Seerwan Al Shankal (North High School)
• Camilla Snyder, Jadiel Ortiz, Pavel Orellana (South High Community School)
• Giovanni LeBron, Maria Perez Hernandez, Marco Gambaccini, Ian Vigo Torres, Mia Santos (Burncoat Middle School)
Their talent, teamwork, and creativity left everyone amazed! 🌟👏
📸 Check out the photos from the workshop!
On Saturday, October 4, 14 Worcester Public Schools students worked with Danielle Collins of InspireEd to prepare and perform two songs at a Modern Band Workshop hosted by Berklee College of Music. They also joined a panel with 40+ music educators from New England and New York, led by Dr. Bryan Powell of Music Will.
Students:
• Ginalee Diaz, Jazenaliz Cordova, Adriani Lovet, William Quinones Soliver, Caleb Opoku Ampong, Seerwan Al Shankal (North High School)
• Camilla Snyder, Jadiel Ortiz, Pavel Orellana (South High Community School)
• Giovanni LeBron, Maria Perez Hernandez, Marco Gambaccini, Ian Vigo Torres, Mia Santos (Burncoat Middle School)
Their talent, teamwork, and creativity left everyone amazed! 🌟👏
📸 Check out the photos from the workshop!
CPT and CCMA Night Life Graduation at Worcester Technical High School 🎓
Worcester Public Schools celebrated the graduation of 21 students from its Night Life programs in Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
The CCMA program runs for 14 weeks and includes a 120-hour clinical externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam. The CPT program spans 12 weeks with an 80-hour externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam.
Night Life gives adults in the community the opportunity to build new skills and earn nationally recognized certifications in high-demand fields. These programs are funded through a state grant procured by MassHire (Healthcare HUB) and through the City of Worcester’s Worcester Jobs Fund.
Learn more about Night Life programs and upcoming classes: https://worcesternightlife.org/
Congratulations to the newest group of Night Life graduates!
Worcester Public Schools celebrated the graduation of 21 students from its Night Life programs in Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
The CCMA program runs for 14 weeks and includes a 120-hour clinical externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam. The CPT program spans 12 weeks with an 80-hour externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam.
Night Life gives adults in the community the opportunity to build new skills and earn nationally recognized certifications in high-demand fields. These programs are funded through a state grant procured by MassHire (Healthcare HUB) and through the City of Worcester’s Worcester Jobs Fund.
Learn more about Night Life programs and upcoming classes: https://worcesternightlife.org/
Congratulations to the newest group of Night Life graduates!
Vision of a Learner - Spark Leadership Academy Launches in WPS 💡
Worcester Public Schools is launching the Spark Leadership Academy, a program that brings principals, district leaders, and the Office of Innovation together to deepen implementation of Vision of a Learner.
To guide this work, leaders are using a human-centered design thinking process, a hands-on way to solve problems by:
• Listening and learning from others (empathize)
• Identifying needs (define)
• Brainstorming possibilities (ideate)
• Trying out new ideas (prototype and test)
• Making what works part of the school routine (implement)
As part of this effort, leaders will shape the parts of the Learning Journey that help celebrate and track student growth, including:
• Artifacts – real examples of student learning
• Gateways of Learning – important milestones that mark growth and progress
• Portfolios – collections of student work that show how skills develop over time
Throughout the year, the design teams will try out ideas, get feedback, and adjust to make sure the Learning Journey works for every school and every student.
Learn more about Vision of a Learner!
South High Community School Defeats Worcester Technical High School 🏑
The Colonels of South High earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Worcester Tech in a recent field hockey matchup.
Junior Tosan Unokesan scored the game’s lone goal for South High. For Worcester Tech, the Eagles continue to make strides with many new players gaining experience and contributing on the field.
Check out images from the game!
The Colonels of South High earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Worcester Tech in a recent field hockey matchup.
Junior Tosan Unokesan scored the game’s lone goal for South High. For Worcester Tech, the Eagles continue to make strides with many new players gaining experience and contributing on the field.
Check out images from the game!
Shana Tova! Happy Rosh Hashanah!
Wishing all our Jewish families a happy Rosh Hashanah! Today is the celebration of the world's creation and marks a fresh start for all.
To learn more, check out this article on the significance of this holiday: https://buff.ly/4yEcdA2
Wishing all our Jewish families a happy Rosh Hashanah! Today is the celebration of the world's creation and marks a fresh start for all.
To learn more, check out this article on the significance of this holiday: https://buff.ly/4yEcdA2
🌟 WooStars Are Back 🌟
We are excited to reintroduce our WooStars recognition series for students and staff in the Worcester Public Schools!
🗓️ September Nomination Deadline: Monday, Sept. 29
👉 Nominate a student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/20473
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://www.worcesterschools.org/forms/20864
New to WooStars for 2025-26:
🔹 Monthly Recognition: We will spotlight one student and one staff member each month for their impact in our communities. Nominations will reset each month, allowing us to recognize individuals in a timely manner.
🔹 Aligned with Vision of a Learner, Vision to Action: Student selections will highlight how they embody Vision of a Learner with specific examples. Staff selections will describe how the employee has gone above and beyond to serve their school community.
🔹 Your Voice Matters: Your thoughtful nominations ensure we can spotlight individuals who are putting Vision to Action across Worcester Public Schools.
