💙 World Autism Awareness Day 💙
Today marks World Autism Awareness Day and the start of Autism Acceptance Month. It is a time to raise awareness, deepen understanding, and celebrate the strengths and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum.
At Worcester Public Schools, we remain committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. 💙
Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their journey from slavery to freedom.
Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and joyful holiday.
Learn more about Passover: https://www.history.com/articles/passover
WPS is hosting the Community Forum for the School Boundary & Quadrant Alignment Project. Our goal is to create better pathways for students from preschool through grade 12 by focusing on:
✅ Building Capacity
✅ Feeder Patterns
✅ Program Placement
Please bring your smartphone or laptop to participate in this interactive event. Flyers with QR codes and a limited number of district-issued devices will also be available.
Don’t miss this chance to share your thoughts and help improve student opportunities across the district!
🗓️ Monday, March 23
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 South High Community School, 170 Apricot St
👥 Translation services and childcare will be provided
🔗 Learn more & stay informed - check the link in our bio!
🌟 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.
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
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!
Midori Inspires Burncoat High Students! 🎻✨
Last week, world-renowned violinist Midori visited Burncoat High, working with students in the Performing, Visual & Media Arts Magnet Program! From hands-on workshops to a powerful final performance, it was incredible to see our young musicians grow, gain confidence, and connect through music.
The session was supported by Caroline Reiner, Artistic Director of Worcester’s Joy of Music Program, and Clara Kim, Coordinator and Performing Assistant for Midori’s Orchestra Residencies Program, who provided invaluable guidance to students during the residency.
A huge thank you to the Joy of Music Program for making this unforgettable experience possible. Moments like these remind us why the arts are the heartbeat of our district. 💚🤍
“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
“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
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! 📸
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the second quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2739056
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! 🌟
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
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
Burncoat Middle School music teacher Andrea Cook has been named the 2026 Central Massachusetts Middle School Music Educator of the Year by the Central District Massachusetts Music Educators Association (CDMMEA).
Ms. Cook has been with Worcester Public Schools since 2010, teaching general music, chorus, and a music magnet class, and contributing to district-wide music curriculum development.
Read more here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2688952
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’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! ✨
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!
