University Park

April has 16 school days — let’s make each one count! 🙌 Consistent attendance helps students stay on track, succeed academically, and build great habits. 📝💪 Let’s show up, learn, and thrive together! 🎓🌟

🛑🚸 Today, we celebrate the incredible crossing guards in Worcester Public Schools who play a vital role in getting our students to and from school safely throughout the school year. 👏 Pictured are a few of the dedicated crossing guards in our schools: 🛑🚸 Brenda Davin – Crossing Guard at Flagg Street School Principal Genese says, "We are so fortunate to have Ms. Brenda Davin as the crossing guard for the Flagg Street School community. She not only ensures students arrive safely but also brightens everyone's day with her kindness." Parent Zack Kennedy adds, "Rain or shine, snow or sleet, Brenda greets everyone with a smile and kind words. She decorates the tree and post with holiday cheer, and her genuine affection for the kids is felt by all. We are lucky to have her as part of the Flagg community." 🛑🚸 Lilian Garcia – Crossing Guard at Union Hill School Principal Tabales says, "At one of the busiest intersections in town, Ms. Lillian Garcia is more than just a crossing guard—she’s a community guardian. Rain or shine, she ensures the safety of children with a warm smile and a watchful eye, even carrying spare mittens for those who forget theirs." 🛑🚸 Kashanda Harris – Crossing Guard at Goddard School of Science & Technology Principal Dr. Allen says, "Kashanda Harris is one of our veteran crossing guards who crosses Goddard School students at the very busy intersection of Main Street at Freeland Street. We appreciate Kashanda's many years of service to the Goddard School community, ensuring that our students arrive at school and return home safely each and every day, regardless of the weather." 🛑🚸 Al Ruiz – Crossing Guard at Grafton Street School Principal Hebert says, “Al Ruiz is the first face greeting students and families at Grafton Street School. He has built positive and trusting relationships with the Grafton Street Community. We are lucky to have him keeping our students safe.” Sending a thank you to all of our WPS crossing guards for their dedication and hard work in keeping our students safe every day!

🏫🎾 Worcester Public Schools Receives USA Pickleball Grant to Expand Physical Education Curriculum Worcester Public Schools has been awarded a grant from USA Pickleball’s inaugural “Grow the Game” program! This initiative will help expand access to pickleball in our schools and communities by providing essential equipment and resources. As part of the grant, WPS will receive 72 paddles, 3 nets, and 200 pickleballs, plus educational materials to support the integration of pickleball into the physical education curriculum. PE teachers recently participated in professional development at Doherty Memorial High School, learning how to teach pickleball to students. This program will help students get active and engaged in a fun, growing sport that promotes fitness and social interaction. 🎾💪 Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2075969

School Social Worker / Adjustment Counselor Appreciation Week 🧑‍🏫💙 This week, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of our School Social Workers / Adjustment Counselors. 💙 They support students, families, and educators in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. 🌱📚 School Adjustment Counselors address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, helping students succeed. 🎯 Their work helps bridge gaps, provide resources, and support resilience in our school communities. 🤝💪 To all our School Adjustment Counselors—thank you for your work and support. 🙏 We appreciate everything you do! 🌟 Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸

🎓High School Graduation Dates for the Class of 2025! The time is almost here! Check out the graduation dates for Worcester Public Schools’ Class of 2025: Tuesday, May 27: Doherty Memorial High School Wednesday, May 28: Worcester Technical High School Thursday, May 29: University Park Campus School Monday, June 2: Gerald Creamer Center Tuesday, June 3: Worcester Alternative School Tuesday, June 3: Burncoat High School Wednesday, June 4: South High Community School Friday, June 6: North High School Monday, June 9: Claremont Academy Celebrate the hard work and dedication of our graduates as they move on to their next chapter! 🎓🌟 For full details on graduation dates, visit: https://buff.ly/frXUZaR

🥣 National School Breakfast Week is here! 🥑🍎 A healthy, tasty breakfast sets students up for success—and the best part? It’s completely FREE for all students! 🎉 Come grab a breakfast and fuel up to kickstart a day of learning and achievement! 🍽️🌟 This week, we’re celebrating with delicious and healthy options, including a new recipe in the works! Introducing waffle sticks with blueberry compote—made with real blueberries, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of honey. 🍯🫐 The perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this tasty new breakfast could be your next favorite! Would you give it a try? Let us know! 👇

📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫 March has 20 school days — let’s make each one count! 🙌 Consistent attendance helps students stay on track, succeed academically, and build great habits. 📝💪 Let’s show up, learn, and thrive together! 🎓🌟

✨ Staff Development Day in Action! ✨ Today, Worcester Public Schools educators came together for a day of collaboration, growth, and skill-building—all with the goal of better supporting our students! 📚🎶🍎 Some highlights from the day: 🎼 Music Educators – Mapped scope & sequence, reviewed, and developed curriculum maps to enhance middle and high school music instruction. 🛡️ Risk Mitigation Training – School Adjustment Counselors and Behavior Specialists engaged in professional development on proactive strategies to identify and address student needs, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. 🥗 Nutrition Team Trainings – Participated in Manager/Cook training and a chemicals presentation, reinforcing best practices in food safety and kitchen operations. 👏 A huge thank you to all WPS staff for your commitment to excellence and student success!

No School on Tuesday, March 4 Teachers and school staff will have a professional development day on Tuesday, March 4, so there will be no school for students. District offices will remain open. 🏫

Quarter Two Honor Roll Listings 📝 Congratulations to the many scholars who are being acknowledged for their academic achievements during quarter two! Please note: If a parent or guardian has opted out of media consent for their child, their child's name will not be included in the honor roll publication. Find your scholar here 👉 https://buff.ly/3Xhc3fW

🍽️✨ Look What’s Coming Back on February's Menu! Say hello to Chicken and Veggie Dumplings with Soy Sauce, paired with a tasty Edamame Salad and a sweet Fortune Cookie! 😋 This delicious combo will be back on the February menu – don’t miss it! 🌱🍜

🚗 Become an Automotive Instructor - Chapter 74🚗 Worcester Technical High School is seeking a skilled Automotive Instructor! Join our team and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals. Visit the link here to apply: https://buff.ly/4h9YTcD

Worcester Public Library Hosts Book Drive for WPS Educators 📚 Thank you to our friends at the Worcester Public Library for hosting an amazing book drive! Over 12,000 books were donated to WPS K-3 grade educators, helping them build and refresh their classroom libraries. Thank you to Worcester Public Library for your continued support to literacy in our schools!

Standard Response Protocol and Reunification Training with The I Love U Guys Foundation 🦺 Worcester Public Schools administrators recently participated in intensive safety training led by The I Love U Guys Foundation. It was the second large-scale staff training since the summer. The two-day session, held at Worcester State University, focused on ensuring our staff are fully prepared to reunite students with their families in the case of a school evacuation. WPS takes a proactive approach to ensuring safety and positive school climates. The district operates from the I Love U Guys safety framework with clear protocols, procedures, and a common language to ensure a systematic and organized response to any situation. Special thanks to Jim French of The I Love U Guys Foundation for leading this hands-on training with our staff! 🔗 Learn more about WPS’s safety protocols: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/safety

🔥 Get Ready to Savor the Flavor! 🔥 Have you tried the new Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich yet? Served with crispy Sweet Potato Fries, it’s bold, fresh, and bursting with flavor! 🥪🍟 🌟 Exciting New Items Coming Next Week: 🥖 Chicken Philly Sandwich with crispy Baked Fries – a satisfying, savory delight! 🥗 Taco Salad Bowl – choose between Beef or Plant-Based Meat, packed with all the taco goodness you love in one tasty bowl! Check out what’s on the menu and try something new today! View the full menu at https://buff.ly/47lkI4R Let us know which dish you’re most excited to try! 👇

❄️ Worcester Announces Winning Names in “Name A Snowplow” Contest ❄️ The City of Worcester has officially announced the four winning snowplow names that will keep our streets clear this winter! These names were selected after a fun and creative naming contest with our own Worcester Public Schools students. A huge shoutout to all participating students and classes for the clever submissions! The winning names and classes are: 1️⃣ Scoop Dogg - Mrs. Stephanie Trainor’s Grade 6 Class, Francis J. McGrath Elementary School (pictured in this post) 2️⃣ Sleetwood Mac - Ms. Victoria Alexander’s Grades K-2 SAIL Class, Norrback Avenue School 3️⃣ William Scrapespeare - Ms. Aimee Kewley’s Grades 9-12 Theater Magnet Class, Burncoat High School 4️⃣ Snow More Mr. Ice Guy - Ms. Sydney Lamothe's Grades 9-10 Advisory Class, University Park Campus School

📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫 January has 19 school days — let’s make every day count! 🙌 Consistent attendance keeps students on track, boosts academic success, and builds lifelong habits. 📝💪 Together, we can show up, learn, and thrive! 🎓🌟 For more tips on maintaining good attendance, visit: https://buff.ly/4h75OTc

🏫 School Enrollment Begins Soon! 🎒If you are enrolling your child in the Worcester Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, registration opens on January 2, 2025. The Parent Information Center will begin scheduling appointments on January 6, 2025. Visit the WPS Enrollment website for details: worcesterschools.org/enrollment

🏫 School Enrollment Begins Soon! 🎒If you are enrolling your child in the Worcester Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, registration opens on January 2, 2025. The Parent Information Center will begin scheduling appointments on January 6, 2025. Visit the WPS Enrollment website for details: worcesterschools.org/enrollment

Gifts for Giving at University Park Campus School 🎁 Students at University Park recently had the opportunity to select a gift for a loved one during the school's Gifts for Giving event. What started a few years back as a raffle with a small number of gifts available has grown significantly thanks to community donations and staff fundraising efforts. Now, every student at the school is able to choose a gift to give to someone special in their life. A variety of gifts were available, including toys, jewelry, and clothing. Students had their gifts wrapped on the spot, along with a heartfelt note to make the gift even more personal.