Open Houses for Pre-K and Kindergarten on Wednesday, June 3 🖍️

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, every elementary school in the Worcester Public Schools will hold an open house for children who will attend pre-kindergarten (pre-K) or kindergarten in the fall of 2026, along with their parents and caregivers.

Visit worcesterschools.org/openhouse for a full list of times for each school!

The open houses are a chance for young students to see their new schools and for parents to speak with teachers and administrators about what school will be like.
4 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic with an image of students smiling that says "Pre-K and Kindergarten Open Houses, Wednesday June 3, 2026." There is also text that reads "visit worcesterschools.org/openhouse for times".
🎓🌟 Congratulations to the University Park Campus School Class of 2026!
We’re proud to introduce Rediet Habtamu Abayneh as this year’s Valedictorian! 🎉

Originally from Ethiopia, Rediet has earned an outstanding 4.9 GPA while completing 6 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 9 college classes. Driven by her passion for advocacy and creating spaces where all students feel seen and heard, she has taken on meaningful leadership roles throughout her high school journey. 💬🤝

Rediet serves as Vice President of Model United Nations, Class President, Treasurer of the National Honor Society, Founder and President of the Student of Color Union, and Captain of the Girls Soccer team. She is also an Upward Bound scholar and Leadership Next Gen Fellow. Her achievements include winning the Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Contest twice, receiving the Harvard Book Award, conducting research through a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project at Clark University, and interning at the U.S. District Court in the Chambers of Judge Guzman.

This fall, Rediet will attend Columbia University on a full scholarship, where she will study political science on the pre-law track and pursue her goal of becoming a lawyer.

👏 Join us in celebrating Rediet Habtamu Abayneh and all of University Park Campus School’s incredible graduates!

🎓 Commencement takes place Friday, May 29, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Clark University, Atwood Hall, 950 Main Street.
5 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A smiling graduate, Rediet Habtamu Abayneh, wears a cap and gown, celebrating her valedictorian achievement from University Park Campus School, class of 2026.
Congratulations to the University Park Campus School Class of 2026, with colorful graduation caps and confetti.
🏅 47th Annual WPS Mini Olympics 🏅

420 students from Worcester Public Schools elementary schools came together at Foley Stadium on May 27 for the 47th Annual WPS Mini Olympics!

Representing their schools with teamwork, determination, and school pride, students competed in a variety of track and field-style events including relays, the 50-meter dash, standing long jump, long throw, and more.

Students earned medals for top-six finishes in individual events while also helping their schools earn points toward the overall team standings. The top three teams also won trophies to bring back to their school communities.

Congratulations to Worcester Arts Magnet School for earning first place overall, with Flagg Street School and Union Hill School tying for second place!

A huge thank you to our WPS physical education staff and student volunteers from Doherty Memorial High School for making this special tradition run smoothly for our elementary students.

Check out some highlights from an unforgettable day at the Mini Olympics! 🥇
6 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of students stand on a podium holding up the their pointer finger after winning a district-wide athletic competition.
A student runs through the tape during a race with others closely behind.
A student leaps while extending their arms during a standing long jump.
Five students stand alongside a teacher, smiling for a photo.
A student runs on the track during a race with another closely behind.
A student runs on the track during a race with two others closely behind.
A student leaps while extending their arms during a standing long jump.
Six students run side by side on a track before reaching the tape in a closely contested race.
A group of students all put their hand on a trophy after winning an athletic competition.
A group of students stand on the podium while holding a trophy.
Superintendent Student Advisory Council Farewell Ceremony 🎓

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) recently held its Farewell Ceremony at the Dr. Helen A. Friel Auditorium in the Durkin Administration Building.

Superintendent Brian E. Allen presented each graduating senior member of SSAC with a special graduation sash in recognition of their leadership and commitment to our schools, and thanked them for their dedication to helping improve our district.

Students also heard from Italo Fini, a political consultant and Worcester Technical High School alumnus, who offered advice and encouragement as students prepare for their next chapter.

Thank you to all of the students for their participation and commitment throughout this year’s student advisory council meetings, and congratulations to our graduating seniors! 👏🌟
8 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A large group of students and staff take a photo on stage.
Five students stand beside Superintendent Allen on stage.
Three students smile for a photo while pulling their graduation sash.
Three students stand beside Superintendent Allen on stage.
Details of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council sash.
A student adjusts their sash while walking across stage.
Superintendent Brian E. Allen speaks to students while on stage.
A student smiles while wearing a graduation sash.
🎓 Celebrating the Worcester Public Schools Class of 2026! 🎓

The hard work, dedication, and resilience of our students have led to this proud milestone. We are thrilled to celebrate our graduates as they cross this stage and take their next steps toward bright and promising futures.

To the families, educators, and community members who supported them along the way—thank you for being part of their journey. 🌟

📅 For full details on graduation dates, visit: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2734401
8 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Congratulations to the Worcester Public Schools Class of 2026, depicted with colorful graduation caps.
Memorial Day ❤️🤍💙

This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women from Worcester and across the nation who served in the military and gave their lives for our freedom. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began in 1868 following the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. 🕊️🌹

Let us take a moment to reflect on their courage and express our gratitude.
9 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Memorial Day graphic with text 'REMEMBER AND HONOR' and date 'MAY 25, 2026'.
🌱 Future Educators Take the Next Step! ✍️📚

This week, Worcester Public Schools proudly celebrated students in the Grow Your Own Program as they participated in a special signing event, pledging their commitment to pursuing careers in education and one day returning to serve the Worcester community.

The Grow Your Own Program is creating a pathway for students to become the next generation of educators through:

✅ Early college education courses at Worcester State University

✅ Hands-on classroom and enrichment experiences

✅ Opportunities to build a future with Worcester Public Schools

This signing event marks an important milestone as students commit to a future in education and continue their journey toward making a difference in the lives of Worcester students.

Congratulations to our Grow Your Own students as they take this exciting step toward becoming future educators! 💙💛

Take a look at photos from the event! 📸
12 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of students and an adult pose for a photo at a "Future Educator Celebration" event.
A group of smiling young men and an adult man pose for a photo in a classroom setting.
Four young people sit at a table, two of them holding up t-shirts.
Three students in navy blue shirts with 'Worcester Public Schools Future Educator' text sit at desks facing a speaker.
Two young women smile at the camera while seated at a table in a classroom or meeting room.
A group of students and adults are seated at tables in a conference room, listening to a presenter.
A young woman with braces smiles at the camera while sitting at a table with others.
Three young women smile while sitting at a wooden table in a classroom setting.
A woman and a man smile while holding a "Certificate of Intention" from Worcester Public Schools.
A navy blue t-shirt with white text reading 'FUTURE EDUCATOR Worcester PUBLIC SCHOOLS VISION TO ACTION' lies on a wooden table.
🎓 Bay State Bank Awards Book Scholarships to Seven WPS Seniors

🎓📚 Congratulations to seven Worcester Public Schools seniors who each received a $500 book scholarship from Bay State Bank as they prepare to begin their college journeys!

This year’s scholarship recipients are Jorgea Nico of Doherty Memorial High School, Isabella Ortiz of Burncoat High School, Abigail Quinlivan of Worcester Technical High School, Nathan Muratwa of University Park Campus School, Naomi Hylton of South High Community School, Alba Sencion Aguero of North High School, and Nikki Perritt of Claremont Academy.

During a special luncheon hosted by Bay State Bank, students enjoyed lunch, connected with banking professionals, and heard inspiring remarks from Seth Pitts, President and CEO of Bay State Bank and a proud Worcester Public Schools alumnus.

The scholarship recipients will attend colleges including the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester State University, and Olin College of Engineering to study nursing, engineering, biology, and more.

📸 Students pictured are Jorgea Nico, Nathan Muratwa, Naomi Hylton, Alba Sencion Aguero, and Nikki Perritt. Isabella Ortiz and Abigail Quinlivan are not pictured.

Thank you to Bay State Bank for investing in our students and supporting their bright futures!
13 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A group of students and adults stand together in front of a Bay State Bank sign, holding scholarship certificates.
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Yashfa Bashir, Doherty Memorial High School 🎓

This fall, Yashfa will attend college and major in Biology/Biotechnology. She has a deep interest in laboratory work and aims to pursue a long-term career in the health sciences field.

During her time in high school, Yashfa focused on seeking out opportunities that helped her develop professional skills and build her confidence.

Before beginning her studies, she plans to travel to England and Pakistan this summer to visit her family.

Advice to incoming freshmen: “Always seek for opportunities that will be beneficial for you in high school. Most likely you would be able to learn new skills that would help you with professional environments and build your confidence.”

✨ 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
14 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A senior spotlight graphic of Yashfa Bashir of Doherty Memorial High School.
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Chol Chol, South High Community School 🎓

Chol plans to attend Assumption University and hopes to one day enter the field of nursing with a goal of one day becoming a physician. His ultimate dream is to own a home and provide a comfortable life for his family.

Chol’s work in the classroom has earned him a scholarship to Assumption. He credits his time in high school with teaching him the importance of working hard and staying disciplined in working toward his personal and professional goals.

Advice to incoming freshmen: “Do your work on time so you won't have to worry about it later so it won't add up.”

✨ 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
15 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A senior spotlight graphic of Chol Chol of South High Community School.
Open Houses for Pre-K and Kindergarten on Wednesday, June 3 🖍️

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, every elementary school in the Worcester Public Schools will hold an open house for children who will attend pre-kindergarten (pre-K) or kindergarten in the fall of 2026, along with their parents and caregivers.

Visit worcesterschools.org/openhouse for a full list of times for each school!

The open houses are a chance for young students to see their new schools and for parents to speak with teachers and administrators about what school will be like.
15 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic with an image of students smiling that says "Pre-K and Kindergarten Open Houses, Wednesday June 3, 2026." There is also text that reads "visit worcesterschools.org/openhouse for times".
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Kamrie Ababio, Burncoat High School 🎓

This fall, Kamrie plans to attend college to study music education. Her goal is to one day become a music teacher and band director, sharing her passion for performance with future students.

Kamrie has been deeply involved in the musical community at Burncoat, performing as a member of the concert band, symphony orchestra, and jazz band. She has also taken on significant leadership roles, serving as the artistic director of Worcester UNITES and the treasurer of the Burncoat High School band.

Reflecting on her time in high school, Kamrie credits her success to taking advantage of the many opportunities available to her within the WPS music programs.

✨ 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
19 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A senior spotlight graphic featuring Kamrie Ababio of Burncoat High School.
🎨 Worcester Public Schools 69th Annual Arts Festival 🎨

We had an amazing time celebrating the opening of the 69th Annual WPS Arts Festival at the Worcester Arts Museum!

With over 500 pieces on display, the museum is bursting with the creativity and artistic vision of our talented WPS students. 🌟

If you couldn't make it to opening night, you still have time to see these incredible student artworks! The exhibition is open until May 28.

Check out some of the highlights from opening night! 📸
19 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A parent holds up their child while they point at a piece of artwork on display.
A student stands in front of their artwork while holding flowers.
A student points at their artwork on display.
Patrons stand in a hallway observing artwork while text is visible on the wall that says "Worcester Public Schools 69th Annual Festival of the Arts"
A wall of colorful artwork on display from various schools.
A student smiles while standing in front of their artwork.
A student points up toward their artwork hanging on a wall in a gallery.
A family of five stands together proudly in front of the artwork of their young student.
A student crosses their arms while standing near their artwork.
A student holds out their hand under their artwork, which is displayed on a wall alongside other paintings.
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Bernardo Pena dos Santos, Doherty Memorial High School 🎓

This fall, Bernardo will attend Centre College in Kentucky where he plans to study economics or political science with a minor in math.

Bernardo hopes to one day be a teacher or work with organizations that support students from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential.

Bernardo is a recipient of the Posse Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship which provides full-tuition to high school seniors that demonstrate leadership, academic potential and teamwork.

Bernardo says that navigating a new language and testing out of ESL helped him develop the strong communication skills and confidence he carries with him today.

Advice to incoming freshmen: “Get involved in as many clubs, activities, and sports as you can, because they help you meet new people and develop lifelong friendships, connections, and find new passions.”

✨ 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
20 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A senior spotlight graphic of Bernardo Pena Dos Santos of Doherty Memorial High School
Registrations for the 2026 Worcester UNITES Performing Arts Summer Program are Now Open 🎶

Worcester UNITES is a free music program for Worcester Public Schools students in grades 4-12 who have studied an instrument for at least one year. 🎻

Students will participate in sectionals, lessons, and ensemble work with other students from throughout the district. In addition to musical instruction, there will also be plenty of summer fun!

The program will be held at South High Community School, 170 Apricot Street on June 23, 24, 25 and 26. A public concert will be held on June 26.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHWzABnhKQU1KnkDmG53EmbnflGbXM1R5vG0868EYznF_z5Q/viewform
20 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Students stand together wearing floral attire and sunglasses following the 2025 Summer UNITES concert.
Students perform on stage during the 2025 Summer UNITES concert.
A student wearing a floral shirt focuses while playing the violin during the 2025 Summer UNITES concert.
🎓 WPS Senior Spotlight: Nathalia Mervilus, North High School 🎓

After graduation this spring, Nathalia plans to attend a four-year college with the goal of becoming a nurse and pursuing a career in radiology.

During her time in WPS, she has exemplified leadership by serving as Cheer Captain and President of the Black Student Union. She also earned her CNA certification while balancing college-level and AP courses, managing an impressive mix of academics and career prep.

Nathalia credits her dual enrollment and leadership roles with building the confidence she needs for the next level.

Advice to incoming freshmen: “Practice the art of not procrastinating and stay on top of your classes. Keep a calendar and use reminders or a notebook to stay organized.”

✨ 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
21 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A senior spotlight graphic of Nathalia Mervilus of North High School.
🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Jupiter Montalvo ’22 🎶

Jupiter Montalvo’s path to graduation from Berklee College of Music started right here in Worcester Public Schools, through accessible arts programs like the Burncoat Music Magnet and Worcester UNITES.

Now, as they prepare for their next step as a music educator, Montalvo has experienced firsthand how impactful access to the arts can be.

“(WPS) gave me ensemble skills, it gave me the opportunity to grow my own personal style of singing and playing, and it gave me theory skills,” Montalvo said. “It set me up in a good spot once I started college.”

🔗 Read more at worcesterschools.org
23 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
Jupiter Montalvo performs on stage during a concert at Berklee.
Jupiter Montalvo stands with two adults following a performance.
Jupiter Montalvo holds a violin alongside a classmate.
Jupiter Montalvo stands between two red rock boulders during a backpacking trip.
Jupiter Montalvo stands alongside Mrs. Manuel, their former elementary arts teacher.
Jupiter Montalvo performs during a show at Berklee.
Jupiter Montalvo stands alongside colleagues during their first  Massachusetts Music Educators Association conference.
Jupiter Montalvo stands alongside colleagues during their first  Massachusetts Music Educators Association conference.
🌟 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!

🗓️ This Month's Nomination Deadline: Monday, May 25

👉 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!
23 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic that says "WooStars Nominations" with a deadline date of Monday, May 25.
🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎

Today, we’re proud to recognize Cameron Christie, 7th Grade Science Teacher at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School.

“Since joining the team at Sullivan this year, Cameron Christie has hit the ground running, making a remarkable impact in a very short time,” said Principal Kendra Cox. “Cameron brings a refreshingly student-centered approach to his classroom, blending high expectations with a genuine, strong rapport that makes his students feel both challenged and supported.

“Beyond his instructional prowess, Cameron is a true collaborator who is constantly seeking out ways to contribute to the wider school community. His energy and dedication to fostering a positive environment have already made him an invaluable asset to Sullivan.”

Thank you, Mr. Christie for the care, dedication, and passion you bring to your students and school community each and every day!
26 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A teacher appreciation week graphic featuring an image of Cameron Christie of Sullivan Middle School.
🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎

Today, we’re proud to recognize Thomas O’Neil, History Teacher at Doherty Memorial High School.

"Doherty High wants to recognize Mr. O'Neil for his commitment to maintaining a high bar for excellence in the classroom,” said Doherty High Principal John Staley. “We consistently observe him challenging his students with rigorous lessons while providing the necessary support to ensure everyone has a genuine opportunity to succeed. It is clear that his high expectations are driving meaningful growth and helping his students reach their full potential."

Thank you, Mr. O’Neil, for the care, dedication, and passion you bring to your students and school community each and every day!
27 days ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic with an image of Thomas O'Neil of Doherty Memorial High School.