🚘 Holiday Break Driver’s Education Course 🚘
The Central Massachusetts Safety Council (CMSC) Driving School is offering a holiday break driver’s education course for WPS students from December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026 at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can access driver’s education 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 holiday break driver’s education course for WPS students from December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026 at Doherty Memorial High School (299 Highland Street).
Through CMSC’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, students can access driver’s education at discounted rates.
Visit worcesterschools.org/drivers-ed to sign-up and learn more!
Quarter 1 Honor Roll! 🏆
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the first quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2566964
Congratulations to all WPS students being recognized for their hard work and academic achievement in the first quarter. We’re proud to celebrate your success!
Find your student: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2566964
🌟 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!
🗓️ December Nomination Deadline: Monday, Dec. 29
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
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!
🗓️ December Nomination Deadline: Monday, Dec. 29
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
🦃✨ Happy Thanksgiving from Worcester Public Schools!
Wishing our students, families, and staff a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the diverse traditions, histories, and cultures that enrich our community. 🍁
We are thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another. May everyone have a restful and enjoyable break! 💛
Wishing our students, families, and staff a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the diverse traditions, histories, and cultures that enrich our community. 🍁
We are thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another. May everyone have a restful and enjoyable break! 💛
West Tatnuck Thanksgiving Feast! 🦃🍁🎉
Our West Tatnuck School family came together for a special Thanksgiving feast, organized by the Climate and Culture Committee 🌟 and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) 🤝, with help from Doherty Memorial High School students 👩🎓👨🎓 who assisted in serving our students. A wonderful day of connection, celebration, and community spirit! 💛
Check out some photos 📸!
Our West Tatnuck School family came together for a special Thanksgiving feast, organized by the Climate and Culture Committee 🌟 and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) 🤝, with help from Doherty Memorial High School students 👩🎓👨🎓 who assisted in serving our students. A wonderful day of connection, celebration, and community spirit! 💛
Check out some photos 📸!
South High’s Black Student Union Hosts Second Annual United Friendsgiving! 🖤🦃
On Monday, November 24, South High’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its second annual BSU United Friendsgiving. This special event brought BSUs from across the district together as a sign of unity within the Worcester Public Schools community.
Students and advisors came together to celebrate our students, recognize their efforts toward unity, and share gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. This year’s Friendsgiving included BSU E-Board members, BSU members, and BSU advisors. The event included trivia, bringing everyone together for some friendly competition.
The event was organized by the following schools: Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus School, Worcester Technical High School and Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School.
Thank you to all students, advisors, staff, and volunteers who helped make this Friendsgiving event a success!
Check out some photos from the event! 📸✨
On Monday, November 24, South High’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its second annual BSU United Friendsgiving. This special event brought BSUs from across the district together as a sign of unity within the Worcester Public Schools community.
Students and advisors came together to celebrate our students, recognize their efforts toward unity, and share gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. This year’s Friendsgiving included BSU E-Board members, BSU members, and BSU advisors. The event included trivia, bringing everyone together for some friendly competition.
The event was organized by the following schools: Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus School, Worcester Technical High School and Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School.
Thank you to all students, advisors, staff, and volunteers who helped make this Friendsgiving event a success!
Check out some photos from the event! 📸✨
🎓 Doherty Memorial High School Career Day 🎓
Students at Doherty participated in the school's annual Career Day, an event that brings community professionals into the school to share their career journeys, education paths, and day-to-day work.
A wide range of professions participated, including firefighters, police officers, engineers, social workers, educators, and more. Each student heard from three speakers, asked questions, and learned about careers to help explore their options for life after high school.
This annual Doherty event took place in the new school building for the first time, continuing a tradition of inspiring students through real-world examples and conversations with industry professionals.
Students at Doherty participated in the school's annual Career Day, an event that brings community professionals into the school to share their career journeys, education paths, and day-to-day work.
A wide range of professions participated, including firefighters, police officers, engineers, social workers, educators, and more. Each student heard from three speakers, asked questions, and learned about careers to help explore their options for life after high school.
This annual Doherty event took place in the new school building for the first time, continuing a tradition of inspiring students through real-world examples and conversations with industry professionals.
Thank You, Veterans, for Your Service!
Veterans Day honors military veterans for their service and sacrifice. It’s a day to show appreciation for those who have served to protect our country.
Click here to learn more about the significance of Veterans Day and ways you can honor those who served: https://buff.ly/3IOnULk
Veterans Day honors military veterans for their service and sacrifice. It’s a day to show appreciation for those who have served to protect our country.
Click here to learn more about the significance of Veterans Day and ways you can honor those who served: https://buff.ly/3IOnULk
Worcester Public Schools Students Making a Difference on Election Day 🗳️
A big shoutout to students Jenny Manxhari and Paola Renxa (Doherty Memorial High School), Uche Mba (South High Community School), Madeline Torto (North High School), and Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Technical High School) for volunteering as poll workers across Worcester, including Congregation Beth Israel and the Worcester Senior Center. They spent Election Day helping voters, learning how elections run behind the scenes, and experiencing civic engagement in action. 🙌
By volunteering at the polls, these students showed that they are Engaged Community Members, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner 📘. They identified a community need, articulated and communicated solutions, developed an action plan, and advocated for change (ECM 2).
What the students had to say:
Jenny Manxhari (Doherty): "I decided to volunteer because I care about my community. I’m proud to serve Worcester and make a difference!" 💛
Uche Mba (South High): "Being newly eighteen, I wanted to experience the process up close and understand the impact voting has." 🌟
Madeline Torto (North High): "I wanted to use my time doing something meaningful." 🤝
Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Tech): "I enjoy helping others and giving back to my community." ❤️
Paola Renxa (Doherty): "It was a great experience to see the process behind the scenes and help my community." ✨
📸 See the highlights of our student poll volunteers!
A big shoutout to students Jenny Manxhari and Paola Renxa (Doherty Memorial High School), Uche Mba (South High Community School), Madeline Torto (North High School), and Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Technical High School) for volunteering as poll workers across Worcester, including Congregation Beth Israel and the Worcester Senior Center. They spent Election Day helping voters, learning how elections run behind the scenes, and experiencing civic engagement in action. 🙌
By volunteering at the polls, these students showed that they are Engaged Community Members, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner 📘. They identified a community need, articulated and communicated solutions, developed an action plan, and advocated for change (ECM 2).
What the students had to say:
Jenny Manxhari (Doherty): "I decided to volunteer because I care about my community. I’m proud to serve Worcester and make a difference!" 💛
Uche Mba (South High): "Being newly eighteen, I wanted to experience the process up close and understand the impact voting has." 🌟
Madeline Torto (North High): "I wanted to use my time doing something meaningful." 🤝
Juleyanah Ruiz (Worcester Tech): "I enjoy helping others and giving back to my community." ❤️
Paola Renxa (Doherty): "It was a great experience to see the process behind the scenes and help my community." ✨
📸 See the highlights of our student poll volunteers!
🌟 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!
🗓️ November Nomination Deadline: Monday, Nov. 24
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
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!
🗓️ November Nomination Deadline: Monday, Nov. 24
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
🌟 Mental Health & Wellness Day at Polar Park! 💚
Worcester Public Schools middle school students spent last Friday morning at Polar Park in honor of World Mental Health Awareness Day!
They enjoyed a variety of fun, hands-on activities designed to support well-being and promote self-care, including:
💧 Aromatherapy
🎶 Polyrhythmic music station
🎨 Face & nail painting
🐾 Therapy dogs
🎧 DJ practice station
💬 Positive affirmations
⚾ Wiffle ball — and more!
The event gave students a chance to focus on mental health, connect with peers, and discover meaningful ways to care for themselves and others.
A heartfelt thank-you to Polar Park and our incredible community partners for making it such a memorable day! 💚
📸 Check out some photos from the event!
Worcester Public Schools middle school students spent last Friday morning at Polar Park in honor of World Mental Health Awareness Day!
They enjoyed a variety of fun, hands-on activities designed to support well-being and promote self-care, including:
💧 Aromatherapy
🎶 Polyrhythmic music station
🎨 Face & nail painting
🐾 Therapy dogs
🎧 DJ practice station
💬 Positive affirmations
⚾ Wiffle ball — and more!
The event gave students a chance to focus on mental health, connect with peers, and discover meaningful ways to care for themselves and others.
A heartfelt thank-you to Polar Park and our incredible community partners for making it such a memorable day! 💚
📸 Check out some photos from the event!
🥗 It’s National School Lunch Week! 🥪
This week, Worcester Public Schools proudly celebrates our incredible Nutrition Services team for preparing healthy, delicious meals that fuel student learning every single day. 💚🍎
From the early mornings spent preparing breakfasts to the busy lunchtimes serving thousands of students across the district, our WPS Nutrition Services staff go above and beyond to make sure every child has access to nutritious meals that help them learn, grow, and thrive. 🌟
Their care and dedication make a lasting difference in our classrooms and communities — one meal at a time. 🍽️💪
A big thank-you to our WPS Nutrition Services team for nourishing our students and strengthening our schools! 👏🥗
This week, Worcester Public Schools proudly celebrates our incredible Nutrition Services team for preparing healthy, delicious meals that fuel student learning every single day. 💚🍎
From the early mornings spent preparing breakfasts to the busy lunchtimes serving thousands of students across the district, our WPS Nutrition Services staff go above and beyond to make sure every child has access to nutritious meals that help them learn, grow, and thrive. 🌟
Their care and dedication make a lasting difference in our classrooms and communities — one meal at a time. 🍽️💪
A big thank-you to our WPS Nutrition Services team for nourishing our students and strengthening our schools! 👏🥗
💚 World Mental Health Day 💚
At Worcester Public Schools, we are committed to supporting the mental and emotional health of our students, staff, and families.
We have numerous health and wellness resources for students, families and staff on the WPS website, including healthy recipes, after-school care, and fitness activities 🍏🏫🌟, to adult wellness support with yoga, meditation, self-compassion and more. 🧘✍️
Our Health & Wellness Roadmap and Strategic Plan ensure emotional wellness is a priority for both students and staff, fostering a thriving and caring community for all.
For more resources and information, visit our website today at https://buff.ly/4dGPLJG
At Worcester Public Schools, we are committed to supporting the mental and emotional health of our students, staff, and families.
We have numerous health and wellness resources for students, families and staff on the WPS website, including healthy recipes, after-school care, and fitness activities 🍏🏫🌟, to adult wellness support with yoga, meditation, self-compassion and more. 🧘✍️
Our Health & Wellness Roadmap and Strategic Plan ensure emotional wellness is a priority for both students and staff, fostering a thriving and caring community for all.
For more resources and information, visit our website today at https://buff.ly/4dGPLJG
🌟 Community Spotlight: NRIVA Gives Back! 🌟
A big thank you to NRIVA, a nationwide nonprofit with 55+ chapters, for donating 70 backpacks filled with school essentials to Worcester Public Schools! 🎒💪✏️
The backpacks were delivered to our Parent Information Center and will be distributed to students as they enroll, giving them a strong start to the school year. 💛
A big thank you to NRIVA, a nationwide nonprofit with 55+ chapters, for donating 70 backpacks filled with school essentials to Worcester Public Schools! 🎒💪✏️
The backpacks were delivered to our Parent Information Center and will be distributed to students as they enroll, giving them a strong start to the school year. 💛
🌟 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!
🗓️ October Nomination Deadline: Monday, Oct. 27
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
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!
🗓️ October Nomination Deadline: Monday, Oct. 27
👉 Nominate a student: https://buff.ly/levYdnc
👉 Nominate a staff member: https://buff.ly/gigMJcA
🎶 WPS Students Shine at Berklee Modern Band Workshop! 🎶
On Saturday, October 4, 14 Worcester Public Schools students worked with Danielle Collins of InspireEd to prepare and perform two songs at a Modern Band Workshop hosted by Berklee College of Music. They also joined a panel with 40+ music educators from New England and New York, led by Dr. Bryan Powell of Music Will.
Students:
• Ginalee Diaz, Jazenaliz Cordova, Adriani Lovet, William Quinones Soliver, Caleb Opoku Ampong, Seerwan Al Shankal (North High School)
• Camilla Snyder, Jadiel Ortiz, Pavel Orellana (South High Community School)
• Giovanni LeBron, Maria Perez Hernandez, Marco Gambaccini, Ian Vigo Torres, Mia Santos (Burncoat Middle School)
Their talent, teamwork, and creativity left everyone amazed! 🌟👏
📸 Check out the photos from the workshop!
On Saturday, October 4, 14 Worcester Public Schools students worked with Danielle Collins of InspireEd to prepare and perform two songs at a Modern Band Workshop hosted by Berklee College of Music. They also joined a panel with 40+ music educators from New England and New York, led by Dr. Bryan Powell of Music Will.
Students:
• Ginalee Diaz, Jazenaliz Cordova, Adriani Lovet, William Quinones Soliver, Caleb Opoku Ampong, Seerwan Al Shankal (North High School)
• Camilla Snyder, Jadiel Ortiz, Pavel Orellana (South High Community School)
• Giovanni LeBron, Maria Perez Hernandez, Marco Gambaccini, Ian Vigo Torres, Mia Santos (Burncoat Middle School)
Their talent, teamwork, and creativity left everyone amazed! 🌟👏
📸 Check out the photos from the workshop!
Doherty Defeats Westborough 38–8 on Homecoming Night 🏈
The Highlanders of Doherty Memorial High School celebrated Homecoming Night in style, earning a commanding 38–8 victory over Westborough!
Quarterback Connor Gentilucci recorded three touchdowns, including two through the air and one on the ground. Jayden Orhin returned a 99-yard kickoff to close out the game, while Ryan Dennis and Derek Mukuha each caught touchdown passes to help seal the win.
Friday night’s game was also a special occasion as it marked the first football game on Doherty’s new turf field, as many from the community filled the stands to cheer on the Highlanders. After the win, students and staff capped off the celebration with the Homecoming Dance at the school.
Check out a few sights from the game 📸
The Highlanders of Doherty Memorial High School celebrated Homecoming Night in style, earning a commanding 38–8 victory over Westborough!
Quarterback Connor Gentilucci recorded three touchdowns, including two through the air and one on the ground. Jayden Orhin returned a 99-yard kickoff to close out the game, while Ryan Dennis and Derek Mukuha each caught touchdown passes to help seal the win.
Friday night’s game was also a special occasion as it marked the first football game on Doherty’s new turf field, as many from the community filled the stands to cheer on the Highlanders. After the win, students and staff capped off the celebration with the Homecoming Dance at the school.
Check out a few sights from the game 📸
🧹✨ Happy National Custodian Day! ✨🧹
Today, we celebrate all of our amazing custodians across Worcester Public Schools! 💛🏫
From early mornings to late evenings, inside and outside our schools, you keep every space safe, clean, and welcoming. Your dedication makes a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families every single day. 🌟👏
A special shout-out to some of our incredible custodians featured in the photos:
🌟 Luis Diaz — Senior Custodian at Dr. John E. Durkin Administration Building, 38 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Jeffrey Moreau — Senior Custodian, Grounds Crew at Foley Stadium, 31 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Matt Zwicker — Senior Custodian at Doherty Memorial High School, 26 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Ryan Sweeney — Senior Custodian at Claremont/Woodland Academy, 15 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Joseph Barbour — Senior Custodian at Nelson Place School, 15 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Bernard Whipple — Junior Custodian at Clark Street Community School, 6.5 years with Worcester Public Schools
👏👏👏 Thank you to all custodians for everything you do — you are the heart of our schools! ❤️
Today, we celebrate all of our amazing custodians across Worcester Public Schools! 💛🏫
From early mornings to late evenings, inside and outside our schools, you keep every space safe, clean, and welcoming. Your dedication makes a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families every single day. 🌟👏
A special shout-out to some of our incredible custodians featured in the photos:
🌟 Luis Diaz — Senior Custodian at Dr. John E. Durkin Administration Building, 38 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Jeffrey Moreau — Senior Custodian, Grounds Crew at Foley Stadium, 31 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Matt Zwicker — Senior Custodian at Doherty Memorial High School, 26 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Ryan Sweeney — Senior Custodian at Claremont/Woodland Academy, 15 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Joseph Barbour — Senior Custodian at Nelson Place School, 15 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Bernard Whipple — Junior Custodian at Clark Street Community School, 6.5 years with Worcester Public Schools
👏👏👏 Thank you to all custodians for everything you do — you are the heart of our schools! ❤️
CPT and CCMA Night Life Graduation at Worcester Technical High School 🎓
Worcester Public Schools celebrated the graduation of 21 students from its Night Life programs in Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
The CCMA program runs for 14 weeks and includes a 120-hour clinical externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam. The CPT program spans 12 weeks with an 80-hour externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam.
Night Life gives adults in the community the opportunity to build new skills and earn nationally recognized certifications in high-demand fields. These programs are funded through a state grant procured by MassHire (Healthcare HUB) and through the City of Worcester’s Worcester Jobs Fund.
Learn more about Night Life programs and upcoming classes: https://worcesternightlife.org/
Congratulations to the newest group of Night Life graduates!
Worcester Public Schools celebrated the graduation of 21 students from its Night Life programs in Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
The CCMA program runs for 14 weeks and includes a 120-hour clinical externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam. The CPT program spans 12 weeks with an 80-hour externship, two nights of test prep, and a national certification exam.
Night Life gives adults in the community the opportunity to build new skills and earn nationally recognized certifications in high-demand fields. These programs are funded through a state grant procured by MassHire (Healthcare HUB) and through the City of Worcester’s Worcester Jobs Fund.
Learn more about Night Life programs and upcoming classes: https://worcesternightlife.org/
Congratulations to the newest group of Night Life graduates!
Vision of a Learner - Spark Leadership Academy Launches in WPS 💡
Worcester Public Schools is launching the Spark Leadership Academy, a program that brings principals, district leaders, and the Office of Innovation together to deepen implementation of Vision of a Learner.
To guide this work, leaders are using a human-centered design thinking process, a hands-on way to solve problems by:
• Listening and learning from others (empathize)
• Identifying needs (define)
• Brainstorming possibilities (ideate)
• Trying out new ideas (prototype and test)
• Making what works part of the school routine (implement)
As part of this effort, leaders will shape the parts of the Learning Journey that help celebrate and track student growth, including:
• Artifacts – real examples of student learning
• Gateways of Learning – important milestones that mark growth and progress
• Portfolios – collections of student work that show how skills develop over time
Throughout the year, the design teams will try out ideas, get feedback, and adjust to make sure the Learning Journey works for every school and every student.
Learn more about Vision of a Learner!
