WPS at the Annual Wellness and Resilience Summit 🌟
🌟 Last week, Worcester Public Schools joined the Worcester Department of Public Health and local partners for the Annual Wellness & Resilience Summit.
💬 Information on the HOPE Framework was shared, highlighting how positive experiences and strong communication help youth grow and thrive.
🎭 Highlights included interactive youth participation and an inspiring performance by the Drug Store Theater Group.
🤝 We’re proud to strengthen these community connections to make sure our students have the support they need to succeed.
🌟 Last week, Worcester Public Schools joined the Worcester Department of Public Health and local partners for the Annual Wellness & Resilience Summit.
💬 Information on the HOPE Framework was shared, highlighting how positive experiences and strong communication help youth grow and thrive.
🎭 Highlights included interactive youth participation and an inspiring performance by the Drug Store Theater Group.
🤝 We’re proud to strengthen these community connections to make sure our students have the support they need to succeed.
📢 Help Shape the Future of Worcester Public Schools! 🏫✨
WPS is launching the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project, and we want to hear from you. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Join us at our Community Forum to learn more and share your feedback!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School (170 Apricot Street)
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed: worcesterschools.org/alignment
WPS is launching the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project, and we want to hear from you. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Join us at our Community Forum to learn more and share your feedback!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School (170 Apricot Street)
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed: worcesterschools.org/alignment
📚 Springboard Literacy Workshop at Burncoat Prep 📚
Students and caregivers at Burncoat Street Preparatory School are building stronger reading habits together through the school’s Literacy Workshops, an after-school tutoring program offered in partnership with Springboard Collaborative.
The program provides small-group literacy support across different age groups, with a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students work in two groups of five, and teachers spend 30 minutes with each group, giving every student focused time to strengthen their reading skills.
During the workshops, caregivers learn tips and strategies to support reading at home and spend time practicing those skills alongside their students with support from tutors. Each workshop also includes a family book raffle, and students can select two books to continue building their home libraries.
These literacy workshops take place in elementary schools across Worcester Public Schools, giving more students and families the opportunity to learn and read together.
Students and caregivers at Burncoat Street Preparatory School are building stronger reading habits together through the school’s Literacy Workshops, an after-school tutoring program offered in partnership with Springboard Collaborative.
The program provides small-group literacy support across different age groups, with a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students work in two groups of five, and teachers spend 30 minutes with each group, giving every student focused time to strengthen their reading skills.
During the workshops, caregivers learn tips and strategies to support reading at home and spend time practicing those skills alongside their students with support from tutors. Each workshop also includes a family book raffle, and students can select two books to continue building their home libraries.
These literacy workshops take place in elementary schools across Worcester Public Schools, giving more students and families the opportunity to learn and read together.
🌟 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, March 30
👉 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!
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, March 30
👉 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!
This Month’s Staff WooStar: Anita DiPilato, Secretary at North High School ⭐️
“Anita is more than a secretary, she is the heartbeat of North. Every day, she goes far beyond her job description to serve students, families, and staff with care and consistency. Students don’t just visit her office for paperwork; they go because they feel safe there. Anita creates a space where young people can be themselves, even on their hardest days. I’ve seen students walk in overwhelmed and leave encouraged, grounded, and ready to return to class. She listens without judgment and always makes sure they leave with a smile.”
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
“Anita is more than a secretary, she is the heartbeat of North. Every day, she goes far beyond her job description to serve students, families, and staff with care and consistency. Students don’t just visit her office for paperwork; they go because they feel safe there. Anita creates a space where young people can be themselves, even on their hardest days. I’ve seen students walk in overwhelmed and leave encouraged, grounded, and ready to return to class. She listens without judgment and always makes sure they leave with a smile.”
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
This Month’s Student WooStar: Aidan Gorczynski, 6th Grade, Empowered Individual at Lake View School ⭐️
“Aidan is a truly Empowered Individual who takes ownership of his education and future. As a sixth grader, he has grown into an amazing student who radiates confidence and kindness. He works incredibly hard to achieve his goals, often going the extra mile to help peers or improve his own work. His positive attitude and work ethic truly define him. He navigates his world with humor and grace, proving that he is not just capable of handling challenges, but capable of thriving in spite of them. He is a polite, funny, and driven role model for Lake View.”
This demonstrates that Aidan is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Aidan can confidently identify resources that can help them face a given challenge or to accelerate/enhance an opportunity, and explain the possible impact those resources could have (EI 3).
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
“Aidan is a truly Empowered Individual who takes ownership of his education and future. As a sixth grader, he has grown into an amazing student who radiates confidence and kindness. He works incredibly hard to achieve his goals, often going the extra mile to help peers or improve his own work. His positive attitude and work ethic truly define him. He navigates his world with humor and grace, proving that he is not just capable of handling challenges, but capable of thriving in spite of them. He is a polite, funny, and driven role model for Lake View.”
This demonstrates that Aidan is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Aidan can confidently identify resources that can help them face a given challenge or to accelerate/enhance an opportunity, and explain the possible impact those resources could have (EI 3).
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
💙 School Social Work / School Adjustment Counselor Week 💙
This week, we recognize School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor Week and want to take a moment to thank our school adjustment counselors across the district for all they do 🙏✨.
Our school adjustment counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being 🧠💛. They partner closely with families 👨👩👧👦 and work alongside school teams 🤝 to make sure students and families are supported through both everyday challenges and critical moments ⚡.
On behalf of Worcester Public Schools, thank you for your dedication and heart 👏. Every day, your work makes a meaningful difference for our students and families 🌟.
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
This week, we recognize School Social Work/School Adjustment Counselor Week and want to take a moment to thank our school adjustment counselors across the district for all they do 🙏✨.
Our school adjustment counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being 🧠💛. They partner closely with families 👨👩👧👦 and work alongside school teams 🤝 to make sure students and families are supported through both everyday challenges and critical moments ⚡.
On behalf of Worcester Public Schools, thank you for your dedication and heart 👏. Every day, your work makes a meaningful difference for our students and families 🌟.
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
🍎🥣 Rise, Shine, and Eat! It’s National School Breakfast Week!
Nothing kicks off a school day like a yummy breakfast 🍌🥪! This week we’re celebrating all the ways breakfast helps our students fuel up, focus, and tackle the day like champions. 💪
From fresh fruit and whole grains to warm favorites, the Worcester Public Schools Nutrition team is serving up delicious meals that make mornings brighter for our students. 💛
Families, breakfast is available for all students, so remind your kids to grab a bite and start the day strong! 🌟
Nothing kicks off a school day like a yummy breakfast 🍌🥪! This week we’re celebrating all the ways breakfast helps our students fuel up, focus, and tackle the day like champions. 💪
From fresh fruit and whole grains to warm favorites, the Worcester Public Schools Nutrition team is serving up delicious meals that make mornings brighter for our students. 💛
Families, breakfast is available for all students, so remind your kids to grab a bite and start the day strong! 🌟
Women’s History Month! 💜
March is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the nation. This Women’s History Month, we honor the trailblazers who paved the way and uplift the leaders shaping tomorrow.
Learn more about Women’s History Month ➡️ https://buff.ly/2FuPVEI
Social media graphic created by Worcester Technical High School 11th grade Finance, Marketing and Business Management student Julio Cesar Barros.
March is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the nation. This Women’s History Month, we honor the trailblazers who paved the way and uplift the leaders shaping tomorrow.
Learn more about Women’s History Month ➡️ https://buff.ly/2FuPVEI
Social media graphic created by Worcester Technical High School 11th grade Finance, Marketing and Business Management student Julio Cesar Barros.
🎓High School Graduation Dates for the Class of 2026!
The time is almost here! Check out the graduation dates for Worcester Public Schools’ Class of 2026:
• Wednesday, May 27: North High School
• Friday, May 29: University Park Campus School
• Monday, June 1: Doherty Memorial High School
• Tuesday, June 2: Gerald Creamer Center & Evening High School
• Tuesday, June 2: Worcester Technical High School
• Wednesday, June 3: South High Community School
• Thursday, June 4: Worcester Alternative School
• Friday, June 5: Burncoat High School
• Monday, June 8: Claremont Academy
• Tuesday, June 9: Adult Learning Center
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://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2734401
🌟 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!
🗓️ February Nomination Deadline: Monday, Feb. 23
👉 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!
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!
🗓️ February Nomination Deadline: Monday, Feb. 23
👉 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!
WPS Spirit Wear Store Launches 🎉
The Worcester Public Schools has launched the WPS Spirit Wear Store! You can purchase WPS-branded hoodies, t-shirts, pajama pants, backpacks, and more to show your Worcester Public Schools pride!
Please note that WPS makes no profit from these items. The prices reflect the cost only.
'Product of a Worcester Public School' logo designed by Erin Flemming Baffuto, Doherty Memorial High School Class of '01 and current Guidance Counselor and Student Council Advisor at Worcester Technical High School.
🛍️ Pre-sale until March 3rd! Shop now 👉 https://sistersbrandingco.com/col.../worcester-public-school
Give Us Your Feedback on WPS Communications!
The WPS Communications Survey will be open through next week!
If you are a community member or alumni, parent/caregiver, students, or staff member, please take five minutes to let us know how we’re doing!
Thank you for your feedback
Find your survey: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2642550
The WPS Communications Survey will be open through next week!
If you are a community member or alumni, parent/caregiver, students, or staff member, please take five minutes to let us know how we’re doing!
Thank you for your feedback
Find your survey: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2642550
Worcester Technical High School BSU Hosts 5th Annual Black History Month Opening Celebration ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Worcester Technical High School’s Black Student Union co-hosted its fifth annual Black History Month Opening Celebration yesterday, marking 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started the month in 1926.
The student-led event featured a musical and drum performance by Crocodile River Music, a powerful message from Larry Shyler, and a high-energy, cross-cultural dance by WTHS students. Students also enjoyed Musical Bingo and Jeopardy while connecting over food and desserts.
Students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, Worcester Technical High School, and Abby Kelley Foster came together to celebrate culture, community, and student voice, joined by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, School Committee members, and school leaders. The celebration created a safe space for students to unify, collaborate, and move beyond stereotypes ✨.
A big thank you to the counselors and staff who supported students and made the event possible.
✨ A powerful start to Black History Month! ✨
Worcester Technical High School’s Black Student Union co-hosted its fifth annual Black History Month Opening Celebration yesterday, marking 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started the month in 1926.
The student-led event featured a musical and drum performance by Crocodile River Music, a powerful message from Larry Shyler, and a high-energy, cross-cultural dance by WTHS students. Students also enjoyed Musical Bingo and Jeopardy while connecting over food and desserts.
Students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, Worcester Technical High School, and Abby Kelley Foster came together to celebrate culture, community, and student voice, joined by Superintendent Brian E. Allen, School Committee members, and school leaders. The celebration created a safe space for students to unify, collaborate, and move beyond stereotypes ✨.
A big thank you to the counselors and staff who supported students and made the event possible.
✨ A powerful start to Black History Month! ✨
🚘 Driver's Education Course - Winter Break Course🚘
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a driver's education course for WPS students from February 16-20, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can enroll at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a driver's education course for WPS students from February 16-20, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can enroll at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
✨ Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Kicks Off 2026 at Doherty 🎓
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
📚 Worcester Public Schools Open Houses and Enrollment Info Sessions
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is hosting open houses for preschool (Pre-K) and dual language programs, along with magnet elementary schools with citywide admission. WPS will also provide online information sessions about the overall enrollment process for Pre-K through grade 12.
📅 Mark These Dates:
• January 8-26: Open houses will be held for schools with pre-K, dual language, and/or a magnet/citywide lottery admission application process
• January 16-23: Online enrollment information session
• January 26: Enrollment for grades K-12 opens for the 2026-27 school year
📌 Full schedule & details: https://buff.ly/iesoIwg
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is hosting open houses for preschool (Pre-K) and dual language programs, along with magnet elementary schools with citywide admission. WPS will also provide online information sessions about the overall enrollment process for Pre-K through grade 12.
📅 Mark These Dates:
• January 8-26: Open houses will be held for schools with pre-K, dual language, and/or a magnet/citywide lottery admission application process
• January 16-23: Online enrollment information session
• January 26: Enrollment for grades K-12 opens for the 2026-27 school year
📌 Full schedule & details: https://buff.ly/iesoIwg
Weather Update ❄️
Due to the weather forecast,
Worcester Public Schools has canceled
all after-school activities
and evening programs today,
Wednesday, January 7.
Please use caution when traveling. ✅
Due to the weather forecast,
Worcester Public Schools has canceled
all after-school activities
and evening programs today,
Wednesday, January 7.
Please use caution when traveling. ✅
🎆 Happy New Year!
As we ring in 2026, we celebrate our students, staff, and families for their accomplishments this past year.
Here’s to a new year full of learning, growth, and shared success in our community! 🌟📚🎉
Learn more about this worldwide celebration: https://buff.ly/2Lx2PFc
As we ring in 2026, we celebrate our students, staff, and families for their accomplishments this past year.
Here’s to a new year full of learning, growth, and shared success in our community! 🌟📚🎉
Learn more about this worldwide celebration: https://buff.ly/2Lx2PFc
