🎉📚 WPS Schools Are Ready to Welcome You!
The back-to-school excitement is growing across Worcester Public Schools! Here’s a look at just a few of the schools that recently welcomed students and families for fun-filled events: Goddard School of Science & Technology, Gates Lane School of International Studies, Clark Street Community School, and Woodland Academy.
From connecting with school communities to enjoying activities and treats, these events were a great way to kick off the new school year together! 🍎📚✨
The back-to-school excitement is growing across Worcester Public Schools! Here’s a look at just a few of the schools that recently welcomed students and families for fun-filled events: Goddard School of Science & Technology, Gates Lane School of International Studies, Clark Street Community School, and Woodland Academy.
From connecting with school communities to enjoying activities and treats, these events were a great way to kick off the new school year together! 🍎📚✨
New Teacher Orientation 🎓
A new school year means welcoming a new group of educators to Worcester Public Schools!
Over three days at North High School, more than 170 of Worcester’s newest Unit A and B educators and staff took part in New Teacher Orientation, kicking off a year-long onboarding experience designed to help them feel prepared, supported, and connected to the district.
The orientation provided new staff with information and resources from departments across the district, giving them the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to start the new school year and their careers in WPS with confidence.
Following lunch, experienced WPS educators answered questions during a panel session, sharing their insights and tips for getting started on the right foot. Superintendent Brian E. Allen also stopped by to welcome the district’s newest educators and staff and wish them well as they begin the school year.
Welcome to WPS! We’re excited to have you here. 🍎
A new school year means welcoming a new group of educators to Worcester Public Schools!
Over three days at North High School, more than 170 of Worcester’s newest Unit A and B educators and staff took part in New Teacher Orientation, kicking off a year-long onboarding experience designed to help them feel prepared, supported, and connected to the district.
The orientation provided new staff with information and resources from departments across the district, giving them the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to start the new school year and their careers in WPS with confidence.
Following lunch, experienced WPS educators answered questions during a panel session, sharing their insights and tips for getting started on the right foot. Superintendent Brian E. Allen also stopped by to welcome the district’s newest educators and staff and wish them well as they begin the school year.
Welcome to WPS! We’re excited to have you here. 🍎
Countdown to Kindergarten! 🌟
We had a blast getting ready for the start of school with hundreds of incoming kindergarteners and their families at Polar Park!
Our newest students explored school buses, played games, made art, picked out free books, and learned what to expect during their first year.
Preschool and Kindergarten begin on Thursday, September 3—we can't wait to welcome you on your very first day! 🎒✨
We had a blast getting ready for the start of school with hundreds of incoming kindergarteners and their families at Polar Park!
Our newest students explored school buses, played games, made art, picked out free books, and learned what to expect during their first year.
Preschool and Kindergarten begin on Thursday, September 3—we can't wait to welcome you on your very first day! 🎒✨
WPS Kicks Off Year-Long Teacher Mentorship Program with Mentor Training Day 🍎📚
On August 19, Human Resources hosted a Teacher Mentor-Training to launch the district's year-long mentorship program for early-career educators. 🏫 Volunteer mentors from across WPS reviewed the program's new roadmap, curriculum, and materials to ensure they are prepared to guide new teachers throughout the school year. 📝
To maximize the impact of the program, mentors and mentees are paired based on school location, grade level, subject area, and individual preference. 🤝 This matching process creates strong alignment, such as pairing a veteran teacher with an early-career colleague in the same building teaching the same content, fostering seamless daily collaboration and long-term professional growth. 🌱
We are excited to see how these mentor-mentee relationships grow and develop this school year! ✨
Join us for Countdown to Kindergarten from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Polar Park!
Polar Park is located at 100 Madison Street. Parking for a fee is available at nearby lots. Complimentary parking is available in the lot across from the Madison Tower Condominiums at 70 Southbridge Street. (The lot will have a sign for the event.)
Countdown to Kindergarten is a day to help your child (and you!) prepare for their first year of school. Enjoy hands-on, family-friendly activities, receive free books and other learning materials, and get your questions answered directly by WPS early childhood staff.
Children and their families will:
🚌 Climb aboard a school bus
🚸 Meet a crossing guard
🎶 Make music
📚 Get a free book
🥦 Learn about healthy eating
🏃♂️ Play the "Lunch Tray Relay"
🧱 Build with blocks – and more!
John Donahue Named Acting Principal at City View Discovery Academy! 🍎✨
John Donahue will be returning to City View Discovery Academy to serve as Acting Principal for the upcoming school year!
Bringing extensive experience in Worcester Public Schools, including his recent work supporting students, staff, and families as Assistant Principal at Quinisigamond School, Mr. Donahue is excited to return to City View where he previously spent nine years as a special education teacher.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Principal Donahue! 🥳🎉
Christine Lloyd Named Acting Principal at Burncoat Street Preparatory School! 🍎✨
Christine Lloyd will serve as the Acting Principal of Burncoat Street Preparatory School for the upcoming school year.
A familiar face to families and staff as the school’s former Assistant Principal, Ms. Lloyd brings 21 years of educational experience to the role. Since joining WPS in 2005, she has served as a science teacher, focused instructional coach, district science liaison, and has managed the district's VEX robotics program.
Join us in wishing Principal Lloyd all the best as she steps into this new leadership role! 🥳🎉
Edward Walker Named Principal at North High School! 🍎✨
A dynamic leader is taking the helm at North High School! Edward Walker has been named Principal for the 2026-27 school year.
Bringing over two decades of dedicated experience in driving student success, Mr. Walker will lead North High after serving as Dean of Students at Worcester Technical High School. His background spans K-12 administration, school counseling, and higher education admissions.
Welcome to North High School, Principal Walker! 🎉
Countdown to Kindergarten at Polar Park!
Join us for Countdown to Kindergarten on Monday, August 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at Polar Park.
Countdown to Kindergarten is a day to help your child (and you!) prepare for their first year of school. Enjoy hands-on, family-friendly activities, receive free books and other learning materials, and get your questions answered directly by WPS early childhood staff.
Details and event tickets have been mailed to families & caregivers with a registered kindergarten student for the 2026–27 school year.
Polar Park is located at 100 Madison Street. Parking for a fee is available at nearby lots. Complimentary parking is available in the lot across from the Madison Tower Condominiums at 70 Southbridge Street. (The lot will have a sign for the event.)
Children and their families will:
🚌 Climb aboard a school bus
🚸 Meet a crossing guard
🎶 Make music
📚 Get a free book
🥦 Learn about healthy eating
🏃♂️ Play the "Lunch Tray Relay"
🧱 Build with blocks – and more!
Erin Derr Named Principal at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School! 🍎✨
Erin Derr will serve as the new Principal of Francis J. McGrath Elementary School for the upcoming school year.
Ms. Derr has dedicated her entire educational career to Worcester Public Schools. She began as a teacher at Jacob Hiatt Magnet and Heard Street Discovery Academy before spending the last seven years in leadership at City View Discovery School as Assistant Principal and Principal.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Principal Derr as she joins the McGrath community! 🥳🎉
🎓🚀 Early College Summer Career Explorer Program 🚀🎓
Over the final week of July, current and future Early College students from every WPS high school gathered to explore exciting careers across a variety of industries!
Students enjoyed hands-on experiences with local entrepreneurs, banks, colleges, healthcare facilities, the Worcester Airport, Worcester City Hall, the Worcester District & Superior Courthouse, and more.
Along the way, students crafted their own business cards, practiced networking, and even earned their CPR certifications! On the final day, they came together to reflect on what they learned and how these experiences shaped their vision for future education and career pathways.
A shoutout to all of our incredible local partners for hosting and inspiring our students including Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State University, Assumption University, Clark University, Bay State Savings Bank, Worcester Regional Airport, City Hall, the American Red Cross, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Tasty Experience Bistro, Trim City Barbershop, Worcester Public Market, Worcester District & Superior Court, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce!
Over the final week of July, current and future Early College students from every WPS high school gathered to explore exciting careers across a variety of industries!
Students enjoyed hands-on experiences with local entrepreneurs, banks, colleges, healthcare facilities, the Worcester Airport, Worcester City Hall, the Worcester District & Superior Courthouse, and more.
Along the way, students crafted their own business cards, practiced networking, and even earned their CPR certifications! On the final day, they came together to reflect on what they learned and how these experiences shaped their vision for future education and career pathways.
A shoutout to all of our incredible local partners for hosting and inspiring our students including Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State University, Assumption University, Clark University, Bay State Savings Bank, Worcester Regional Airport, City Hall, the American Red Cross, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Tasty Experience Bistro, Trim City Barbershop, Worcester Public Market, Worcester District & Superior Court, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce!
Angie LaRose Named Principal at Lake View School! 🍎✨
Angie LaRose has been named Principal of Lake View School after serving the school community in an acting role last year.
Ms. LaRose brings extensive WPS experience to the position, having served as a SAIL and inclusion teacher, an instructional coach at Quinsigamond School and Chandler Elementary School, a district math and special education coach, and Assistant Principal at Lake View.
Join us in celebrating Principal LaRose as she continues leading the Lake View community! 🥳🎉
Latino Education Institute’s Back to School Event 🏫
Worcester Public Schools Wraparound Coordinators and Family & Community Engagement Office staff attended the Latino Education Institute's Back to School event at Worcester State University.
WPS staff presented key back-to-school information in both English and Spanish and answered questions for attending families and caregivers.
In addition to connecting with LEI staff and exploring community resources, families were provided with on-site childcare by WPS.
Worcester Public Schools Wraparound Coordinators and Family & Community Engagement Office staff attended the Latino Education Institute's Back to School event at Worcester State University.
WPS staff presented key back-to-school information in both English and Spanish and answered questions for attending families and caregivers.
In addition to connecting with LEI staff and exploring community resources, families were provided with on-site childcare by WPS.
Kara Schichilone Named Acting Principal at Goddard School of Science and Technology! 🍎✨
A familiar face and long-time leader is taking on a new role! Kara Schichilone will serve as Acting Principal at the Goddard School of Science and Technology for 2026-27.
Goddard has been Principal Schichilone’s professional home for her entire 26-year WPS career, where she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and most recently as assistant principal for the past nine years.
Join us in sending a big congratulations to Principal Schichilone! 🥳🎉
Olga Papadopoulos Named Principal at South High Community School! 🍎✨
A proud South High graduate is officially taking the helm! Olga Papadopoulos has been named Principal for the upcoming school year after serving in an acting role in 2025-26.
With over 20 years of dedicated service to Worcester Public Schools, Principal Papadopoulos brings deep roots, incredible passion, and a commitment to ensuring every student feels valued to her alma mater.
Join us in celebrating Principal Papadopoulos as she continues leading the South High community! 🥳🎉
Emily Kokansky Named Principal at Belmont Street Community School 🍎✨
There’s a familiar face leading Belmont Street Community School! Emily Kokansky has been named Principal for the 2026-27 school year.
After serving Francis J. McGrath Elementary School as Acting Principal this past school year, Mrs. Kokansky is returning to the school where she spent nine years as a Grade 6 teacher and Instructional Coach.
Welcome back to Belmont Street, Mrs. Kokansky!
☀️ Summer Learning Highlights: 2026! 📚
Worcester Public Schools students made the most of summer learning through hands-on activities, academic enrichment, field trips, and opportunities to build skills for the year ahead!
📈 88% average daily student attendance
🎓 90% of secondary students earned a credit toward graduation requirements
🏫 Elementary: Woodland Academy, Nelson Place School, Norrback School, Quinsigamond School, and Roosevelt School
🏫 Middle & High School: Burncoat High School, Worcester Technical High School, Doherty Memorial High School, South High Community School, and North High School
From science and math to literacy, summer reading, field trips, and social-emotional learning, students stayed engaged and continued to grow all summer long. 🌱
👏 A huge shout-out to Kellie Becker, Assistant Principal at Burncoat High School, for running a fantastic summer program and helping make this experience such a success!
💙 Thank you to all our students, families, teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff for making Summer 2026 so impactful!
👉 Read more: worcesterschools.org/page/summer-learning-highlights-2026
Worcester Public Schools students made the most of summer learning through hands-on activities, academic enrichment, field trips, and opportunities to build skills for the year ahead!
📈 88% average daily student attendance
🎓 90% of secondary students earned a credit toward graduation requirements
🏫 Elementary: Woodland Academy, Nelson Place School, Norrback School, Quinsigamond School, and Roosevelt School
🏫 Middle & High School: Burncoat High School, Worcester Technical High School, Doherty Memorial High School, South High Community School, and North High School
From science and math to literacy, summer reading, field trips, and social-emotional learning, students stayed engaged and continued to grow all summer long. 🌱
👏 A huge shout-out to Kellie Becker, Assistant Principal at Burncoat High School, for running a fantastic summer program and helping make this experience such a success!
💙 Thank you to all our students, families, teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff for making Summer 2026 so impactful!
👉 Read more: worcesterschools.org/page/summer-learning-highlights-2026
🚌 Bus Routes for the 2026–27 School Year Now Available!
Worcester Public Schools has released bus routes early to help families and caregivers plan ahead for the upcoming school year.
🛑 How to find your child's stop:
‣ Students: Log in to the WooEdu Student Portal using your WPS Google account.
‣ Parents & Caregivers: Log in to the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver Portal and click “More” on the left sidebar.
📍 For additional transportation info or help finding your stop, visit worcesterschools.org/transportation
Worcester Public Schools has released bus routes early to help families and caregivers plan ahead for the upcoming school year.
🛑 How to find your child's stop:
‣ Students: Log in to the WooEdu Student Portal using your WPS Google account.
‣ Parents & Caregivers: Log in to the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver Portal and click “More” on the left sidebar.
📍 For additional transportation info or help finding your stop, visit worcesterschools.org/transportation
Colleen Dyer Named Principal at Flagg Street School! 🍎✨
Exciting news for the Flagg Street community! Colleen Dyer has been appointed as the new Principal of Flagg Street School for the upcoming school year.
Ms. Dyer brings over 20 years of educational experience to her new role. Since joining Worcester Public Schools in 2013, she has served as a Grade 6 ELA teacher at Worcester Arts Magnet, the district-wide K–12 ELA Liaison, and most recently as Assistant Principal at Thorndyke Road School.
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Principal Dyer! 🥳🎉
🌭🔥 WPS Summer Eats: BBQ Days at the Parks This August ☀️
Join WPS Nutrition Services for Summer Eats BBQ Days at the Parks this August! Free BBQ meals are available for all children and teens under 18. No registration or ID is required.
Locations & Times:
📍 East Park (180 Shrewsbury Street): Tuesday, August 4 | 11:15–11:45 AM
📍 Greenwood Spray Park (14 Forsberg Street): Thursday, August 6 | 11:45 AM–12:15 PM
📍 Burncoat Playground (524 Burncoat Street):Thursday, August 6 | 11:45 AM–12:15 PM
📍 Crompton Park (47 Quinsigamond Avenue): Friday, August 7 | 1:40–2:20 PM
📍 Bennett State Pool (1260 Main Street, park behind Gates Lane School): Thursday, August 13 | 1:25–1:40 PM
📍 University Park (Crystal Park) (965 Main Street): Friday, August 14 | 12:45–1:15 PM
📍 Shine Pool (184 Providence Street): Friday, August 21 | 12:30–1:00 PM
🍎 Find more Summer Eats locations and meal times at worcesterschools.org/summer-eats.
Join WPS Nutrition Services for Summer Eats BBQ Days at the Parks this August! Free BBQ meals are available for all children and teens under 18. No registration or ID is required.
Locations & Times:
📍 East Park (180 Shrewsbury Street): Tuesday, August 4 | 11:15–11:45 AM
📍 Greenwood Spray Park (14 Forsberg Street): Thursday, August 6 | 11:45 AM–12:15 PM
📍 Burncoat Playground (524 Burncoat Street):Thursday, August 6 | 11:45 AM–12:15 PM
📍 Crompton Park (47 Quinsigamond Avenue): Friday, August 7 | 1:40–2:20 PM
📍 Bennett State Pool (1260 Main Street, park behind Gates Lane School): Thursday, August 13 | 1:25–1:40 PM
📍 University Park (Crystal Park) (965 Main Street): Friday, August 14 | 12:45–1:15 PM
📍 Shine Pool (184 Providence Street): Friday, August 21 | 12:30–1:00 PM
🍎 Find more Summer Eats locations and meal times at worcesterschools.org/summer-eats.
