⭐ WooStar Dr. Amy DeFeudis, Adjustment Counselor at Worcester Tech ⭐
“Amy goes above and beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the students and staff,” said one co-worker. “She is always leaving cards of encouragement on my desk or to others showing us all how much she cares and actually listens not only to us, but the students as well.”
Amy is described as someone who comes in early and stays late, spreading her kindness to everyone she meets. Co-workers describe working with Amy as “an honor” due to her ability to make anyone near her feel special.
“She deserves to be recognized for not only devotion to her job and herself, but for her care towards the wellbeing of everyone around her. She is magnetic, and you always seem to find yourself stopping by her office just to say hello.”
⭐ WooStar Isla Brazile, third-grade scholar at Flagg Street School ⭐
"Isla is a hard worker who loves to learn, never gives up and stands up for herself,” said teacher Susan Ryan-Smith. “I am so proud of her every day.”’
Happy Easter! 🐣🌸
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!
Read this article for more information https://buff.ly/2prGpwk
⭐ WooStar Jacky Pickett, paraeducator at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School ⭐
“Jacky is a positive light in our classroom,” said fellow staff member Emily Siudela. “He is calm in the face of chaos and truly tries to form strong relationships with students. He always wants to improve his practice, whether it’s academics, data collection, substitute teaching, helping students with coping skills or just competing with me in the morning for who gets to school first (he usually wins). Jacky is an excellent role model for all.”
Quarter 2 honor roll listings for the 2023-24 year are now posted! 🏆
Congratulations to the many scholars who are being acknowledged for their academic achievements.
Find your scholar here 👉 https://buff.ly/3IYnTnn
#WorcesterPublicSchools
⭐ WooStars 365z Kindness Club, fifth and sixth-grade kindness experts from Tatnuck Magnet School ⭐
“Our 365z Kindness Club has played a very unique and important role in giving back to the Tatnuck community,” said staff member Rhea Harrigan. “The members of our Kindness Club fulfill their Commitment to Kindness everyday by being leaders of our school and by spreading kindness wherever they go.”
Queue The Duck Boats for North High! 🏆
Join us on Saturday, March 30, at 2:00 PM at Worcester Common, at the back of City Hall!
The Division 1 Basketball Championship North High Polar Bears will be celebrated for their historic win.
There will be a rolling rally on Shrewsbury Street from 1:45-2:00 PM as the Polar Bears travel on a duck boat as part of the celebration. Come out and cheer for the champions!
North High Champions!! 🏅🏀🐻❄️
Check out these photos from Sunday night's historic win!
The North High Polar Bears won the Division 1 championship for the second year in a row, capping off an undefeated season!
(Game and locker room photos taken by Kyle Prue)
Nelson Place School recently hosted a special St. Patrick's Day themed event, inviting dancers from the McInerney School of Irish Dance to perform to students at the school. Dancers featured three of our own from WPS, Maeve Ramirez, Fergus Blake and Roisin Burke.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀
May you have the luck of the Irish today and every day! 💚
Did you know? The Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day for more than 1,000 years as part of the Christian season of Lent.
Learn more: https://buff.ly/2pbDYgz
Livestream Links for Championship Games! 🏀
If you can't make it to Lowell to watch the South High Girls and North High Boys championship games today (Sunday, March 17), you can watch the games online!
Here are the livestream links:
4 PM Sunday: Girls: South vs. Medfield: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/miaa/gam812ffbe4eb
6 PM Sunday: Boys: North vs. Franklin
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/miaa/gamb95fe1f544
⭐ WooStar Grace King, eighth-grade scholar at Burncoat Middle School ⭐
“Grace is the epitome of an excellent all-around student who goes above and beyond in everything she does,” said Burncoat educator Craig Doyle.
“It is extremely helpful to me when I have a student fully engaged in not only learning and mastering material, but helping students around her understand the content and material better. Grace makes learning contagious to all around her with her upbeat attitude and work ethic.”
Grace is a stalwart outside of the classroom as well where she is commended for her ability to lift fellow classmates through compassion and kindness. She also participates in school theater, sings in the Burncoat Middle Chorus and more in a long list of extracurricular accomplishments.
State Finals Send-Off! 🏀🏆
There will be a send-off for our two state final teams on Sunday, March 17 at 1:30 PM at Worcester Technical High School!
Let’s give North Boys Basketball and South Girls Basketball the send-off they deserve before competing for a state title at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.
Sunday Game Schedule:
4:00 PM: Girls - #1 Medfield vs. #6 South, Division 2
6:00 PM: Boys - #3 Franklin vs. #1 North, Division 1
Ramadan Kareem! 🌙
Today begins the period of Ramadan on the Islamic lunar calendar.
“It is a month filled with spiritual growth, community love, and delicious iftars,” explained Kowsar, a senior from Worcester Technical High School and intern in the WPS Communications Office.
Many Muslims participate in fasting over the course of the month. The end of Ramadan marks the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast, which includes religious services and gifts.
Learn more: https://buff.ly/3P4tjkm
No School on Tuesday, March 5!
Teachers have a professional development day on Tuesday, March 5th 🗓️ so there will be no school for students! 🏫
Make sure to mark your calendar!
⭐ WooStar Arieyana Robinson, 12th-grade scholar at South High School ⭐
"Arieyana is respectful, responsible, ready to learn, and resilient every single day,” said South High teachers Christine Mooshian and Greg Jones. “Beyond these, Arie is often found helping her friends with schoolwork or cheering up a student who is having a tough day. … We continue to be amazed at her desire to pursue her dreams and be an exemplary leader at South High.”
Arieyana is interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and has been accepted into the 4 + 1 accelerated degree program at Fitchburg State University, putting her on the path to do just that. She is also a member of the South High School track and field team.
⭐ WooStar John Rodriguez, guidance counselor at Worcester East Middle School⭐
"In my time as a member of the school community, I have witnessed unparalleled dedication and unwavering commitment from John that extends far beyond the call of duty.
Even in the face of personal challenges, Mr. Rodriguez demonstrated an unparalleled level of commitment to our students. During a difficult period, Mr. Rodriguez continued to prioritize the well-being and support of our students. His ability to balance personal challenges with professional responsibilities is a testament to his resilience and passion for his role.
Not only did he fulfill his duties as a guidance counselor, but he also went above and beyond by actively participating in various school events. His culinary skills added a special touch to our school gatherings, as he took it upon himself to cook for our events, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Additionally, Mr. Rodriguez showcased his versatility by contributing as a DJ, bringing a unique and vibrant energy to our school functions.
The depth of Mr. Rodriguez’s involvement in our school community extends beyond his official responsibilities. He has consistently been a strong and positive presence, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among students and staff alike. His genuine care for the well-being of others has left an indelible mark on our school culture.
In conclusion, Mr. Rodriguez is not just a guidance counselor; he is a beacon of strength, compassion, and resilience within our school community."
⭐ WooStar Samille Fialho, an 8th-grade artist at Forest Grove Middle School⭐
Samille loves art because there are many ways to get creative. 🎨
"Every time I draw I feel like my imagination grows more," Samille said. "I see art as a way to be creative and there is no right or wrong in art."
Samille created this ugly monster using felt and embroidery floss to sew it together.
🎙️ Special Episode Alert: Unity in the Community with @worcesterschools Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez.Join us tomorrow on 'Unity in the Community' as we welcome a very special guest, Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez of Worcester Public Schools. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of education in our community!🔹 WPS Strategic Plan: Hear about the recently approved strategic plan focusing on equitable resources, family engagement, school culture, talent diversity, health & wellness, and modernized facilities.🔹 WPS Vision of a Learner: Discover how this visionary guide, considered the North Star of WPS, is shaping decisions and resources to equip our scholars for success after graduation.🔹 Enhanced Communication: Learn about the new initiatives to improve communication with families, including the launch of a new enrollment website and an upcoming overhaul of the WPS website.🔹 WPS Gathering for Excellence: Get the inside scoop on the first-ever event hosted by Dr. Monárrez at Worcester Technical High School, set for January 30.Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the exciting developments and strategic directions shaping the future of Worcester Public Schools.📆 Date: Thursday, January 11⏰ Time: 5:00 PM📻 Listen: Unity Radio WUTY 97.9FM💻 Stream: Live on our Facebook pageJoin the conversation and be part of the community shaping our children’s future!#UnityInTheCommunity #WorcesterPublicSchools #EducationForward #SchoolExcellence #WorcesterMA #CommunityRadio
Check out this wonderful Telegram & Gazette article on 10-year-old singer Angelo Gray, a student at Nelson Place School! 🎤 🎵
Angelo is getting noticed for singing the Star Spangled Banner and National Anthem at the recent City of Worcester Inauguration, and before games of the WooSox, Bravehearts, and Railers!
His musical journey began to take shape after his aunt died in October 2021. After her funeral, Angelo sang a cover of Michael Jackson's song "Who's Loving You." That's when Angelo's cousin, a singer based in California, suggested his mother, Jamie, enroll him in voice lessons.
Angelo's favorite artists to sing include the Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. He performed Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" at his mother’s wedding during her father-daughter dance.
