📢 First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair
Your Next Career Move Begins Here!
Join us for the First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair on Tuesday, April 29, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland Street, Worcester.
This event presents an excellent opportunity to explore career options within public education and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community.
Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your career, Worcester Public Schools offers a range of meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement.
🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/J4fg8um
April has 16 school days — let’s make each one count! 🙌
Consistent attendance helps students stay on track, succeed academically, and build great habits. 📝💪
Let’s show up, learn, and thrive together! 🎓🌟
🎉 Juniper Outreach Foundation Opens Food Pantry at Doherty Memorial High School
The Juniper Outreach Foundation has officially opened its eighth in-school food pantry at Doherty Memorial High School, providing students with access to food 🍎, snacks 🍪, clothing 👚, and other essential items.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Joseph Petty, Principal John Staley, Tim Murray, President/CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Julie McDonald, Executive Director of the Juniper Outreach Foundation. ✂️🎤
With generous support from the Fairlawn Foundation, this new pantry joins Juniper’s growing network of school-based pantries at Burncoat Preparatory School, Lincoln Street School, City View Discovery School, Elm Park Community School, Vernon Hill School, Gerald Creamer Center, and South High School—ensuring more students have the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. 📚🌟
🌟 Student Spotlight: Caleigh Moriarty’s Field Hockey Clinic 🌟
Caleigh Moriarty, an 11th grader at Doherty Memorial High School, launched a Field Hockey Clinic at May Street School for 5th and 6th grade girls! 🏑 This initiative, developed as part of her AP Seminar project, introduces young athletes to the sport and encourages more girls from diverse backgrounds to get involved in athletics.
The clinic has been a huge success, with nearly every participant joining in—and many asking for even more sessions! As Principal Luke Robert shared, "None of the students quit, and many asked for more sessions!"
Caleigh, along with her friend and teammate Sarah Defusco, hopes to expand the program to other schools, providing more students with opportunities to explore new activities and stay active.
🎉 A big shoutout to Caleigh and Sarah for their commitment to empowering young athletes!
Doherty’s Dea Kamberi Named 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts! 🎉
Doherty Memorial High School senior and valedictorian Dea Kamberi has earned the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts title—marking a first for Worcester Public Schools!
This prestigious honor recognizes Dea’s excellence in academics, talent, leadership, fitness, and self-expression. She will now represent Massachusetts at the national competition in Alabama this summer!
A standout scholar, Dea excels in dual enrollment courses at Quinsigamond Community College, showcases her musical talent through piano performance, and leads in her community through the Bank of America Student Leaders Program and her internship at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester.
Congratulations to Dea on this achievement! 👏🎶📚
🛑🚸 Today, we celebrate the incredible crossing guards in Worcester Public Schools who play a vital role in getting our students to and from school safely throughout the school year. 👏
Pictured are a few of the dedicated crossing guards in our schools:
🛑🚸 Brenda Davin – Crossing Guard at Flagg Street School
Principal Genese says, "We are so fortunate to have Ms. Brenda Davin as the crossing guard for the Flagg Street School community. She not only ensures students arrive safely but also brightens everyone's day with her kindness."
Parent Zack Kennedy adds, "Rain or shine, snow or sleet, Brenda greets everyone with a smile and kind words. She decorates the tree and post with holiday cheer, and her genuine affection for the kids is felt by all. We are lucky to have her as part of the Flagg community."
🛑🚸 Lilian Garcia – Crossing Guard at Union Hill School
Principal Tabales says, "At one of the busiest intersections in town, Ms. Lillian Garcia is more than just a crossing guard—she’s a community guardian. Rain or shine, she ensures the safety of children with a warm smile and a watchful eye, even carrying spare mittens for those who forget theirs."
🛑🚸 Kashanda Harris – Crossing Guard at Goddard School of Science & Technology Principal Dr. Allen says, "Kashanda Harris is one of our veteran crossing guards who crosses Goddard School students at the very busy intersection of Main Street at Freeland Street. We appreciate Kashanda's many years of service to the Goddard School community, ensuring that our students arrive at school and return home safely each and every day, regardless of the weather."
🛑🚸 Al Ruiz – Crossing Guard at Grafton Street School
Principal Hebert says, “Al Ruiz is the first face greeting students and families at Grafton Street School. He has built positive and trusting relationships with the Grafton Street Community. We are lucky to have him keeping our students safe.”
Sending a thank you to all of our WPS crossing guards for their dedication and hard work in keeping our students safe every day!
🏫🎾 Worcester Public Schools Receives USA Pickleball Grant to Expand Physical Education Curriculum
Worcester Public Schools has been awarded a grant from USA Pickleball’s inaugural “Grow the Game” program! This initiative will help expand access to pickleball in our schools and communities by providing essential equipment and resources.
As part of the grant, WPS will receive 72 paddles, 3 nets, and 200 pickleballs, plus educational materials to support the integration of pickleball into the physical education curriculum. PE teachers recently participated in professional development at Doherty Memorial High School, learning how to teach pickleball to students.
This program will help students get active and engaged in a fun, growing sport that promotes fitness and social interaction. 🎾💪
Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2075969
⭐ Levi Kasten, 11th Grade Scholar at Doherty Memorial High School ⭐
“Levi transferred to Doherty last year and immediately saw the need for a student newspaper. He found a faculty advisor and developed a proposal which got approved. The paper went live a few months ago and Levi has been working hard as editor-in-chief. The newspaper is fully online with a staff of six students.”
This work demonstrates that Levi is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Levi identified a need in the community and developed an action plan to address the need (EC.M2).
⭐ Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels.
👉 Nominate a student at https://buff.ly/4g5M2aW
👉 Nominate a staff member at https://buff.ly/3Mlru0N
School Social Worker / Adjustment Counselor Appreciation Week 🧑🏫💙
This week, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of our School Social Workers / Adjustment Counselors. 💙 They support students, families, and educators in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. 🌱📚 School Adjustment Counselors address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, helping students succeed. 🎯
Their work helps bridge gaps, provide resources, and support resilience in our school communities. 🤝💪
To all our School Adjustment Counselors—thank you for your work and support. 🙏 We appreciate everything you do! 🌟
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸
Doherty Memorial High School Boys Basketball Advance to Round of 8 in MIAA Playoffs 🏀
Doherty continued its postseason run on Tuesday, March 4, as the Highlanders defeated #11 Norwood, 77-55, to advance to the Round of 8 in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Boys Basketball Division 2 Playoffs.
Junior Ryan Dennis had a double-double with 29 points and 15 rebounds to lead the #9 Highlanders. Seniors Jamel Walker and Josh Romeo scored 18 and 13 points respectively while senior Ezekiel Wilson logged 11 points.
Doherty will travel to top-seeded Malden Catholic on Friday, March 7, for a 7:00 PM matchup, with a spot in the MIAA Division 2 Semifinals on the line.
🎓High School Graduation Dates for the Class of 2025!
The time is almost here! Check out the graduation dates for Worcester Public Schools’ Class of 2025:
Tuesday, May 27: Doherty Memorial High School
Wednesday, May 28: Worcester Technical High School
Thursday, May 29: University Park Campus School
Monday, June 2: Gerald Creamer Center
Tuesday, June 3: Worcester Alternative School
Tuesday, June 3: Burncoat High School
Wednesday, June 4: South High Community School
Friday, June 6: North High School
Monday, June 9: Claremont Academy
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://buff.ly/frXUZaR
🥣 National School Breakfast Week is here! 🥑🍎
A healthy, tasty breakfast sets students up for success—and the best part? It’s completely FREE for all students! 🎉 Come grab a breakfast and fuel up to kickstart a day of learning and achievement! 🍽️🌟
This week, we’re celebrating with delicious and healthy options, including a new recipe in the works!
Introducing waffle sticks with blueberry compote—made with real blueberries, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of honey. 🍯🫐 The perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this tasty new breakfast could be your next favorite!
Would you give it a try? Let us know! 👇
📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫
March has 20 school days — let’s make each one count! 🙌
Consistent attendance helps students stay on track, succeed academically, and build great habits. 📝💪
Let’s show up, learn, and thrive together! 🎓🌟
✨ Staff Development Day in Action! ✨
Today, Worcester Public Schools educators came together for a day of collaboration, growth, and skill-building—all with the goal of better supporting our students! 📚🎶🍎
Some highlights from the day:
🎼 Music Educators – Mapped scope & sequence, reviewed, and developed curriculum maps to enhance middle and high school music instruction.
🛡️ Risk Mitigation Training – School Adjustment Counselors and Behavior Specialists engaged in professional development on proactive strategies to identify and address student needs, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
🥗 Nutrition Team Trainings – Participated in Manager/Cook training and a chemicals presentation, reinforcing best practices in food safety and kitchen operations.
👏 A huge thank you to all WPS staff for your commitment to excellence and student success!
No School on Tuesday, March 4
Teachers and school staff will have a professional development day on Tuesday, March 4, so there will be no school for students.
District offices will remain open. 🏫
Quarter Two Honor Roll Listings 📝
Congratulations to the many scholars who are being acknowledged for their academic achievements during quarter two!
Please note: If a parent or guardian has opted out of media consent for their child, their child's name will not be included in the honor roll publication.
Find your scholar here 👉 https://buff.ly/3Xhc3fW
🎉 Congratulations to Ryan Smith on being recognized as one of Pulse Magazine’s People to Watch in 2025! 🎉
Ryan Smith, an educator at Burncoat High School and a proud 2018 Doherty High graduate, has made a significant impact in our community through his art and dedication to local organizations. From his role in organizing Arsen Fest to working with groups like Push Worcester and El Salon, Ryan continues to inspire and bring people together.
We are so proud to see him receive this well-deserved recognition, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for him in 2025!
Learn more about Ryan here: https://buff.ly/4b8q5WP
🎉 Doherty Memorial High School's MCAC Day! 🎉
Doherty's Class of 2025 came together to celebrate their high school journey during Massachusetts College Application Celebration (MCAC) Day! 🙌
Hosted in collaboration with the school's guidance department, the event featured tasty donuts, hot coffee and music in the cafeteria. From there, students took to the gymnasium for fun games and activities, including Spike Ball, Jenga, Connect Four, Cornhole, and plenty more! 🏐🎯
Shoutout to the Class of 2025 for all your hard work to this point! 💪🎓
The Black Student Unions of each WPS high school recently came together to celebrate Black History Month at Worcester Technical High School.
The event drew over 200 students from Burncoat High School, Doherty Memorial High School, North High School, South High Community School and Worcester Tech. Students from Abby Kelley Foster School also participated, highlighting the spirit of unity among Black students across Worcester.
Throughout the evening, students came together to enjoy the camaraderie of friends, play fun games with peers, and share a delicious buffet-style dinner, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration for Black History Month.
WPS High School Scholars Join 2025 Pipeline Dreams Program at UMass Chan Medical School
High school juniors and seniors from Worcester Public Schools (WPS) will be participating in the 2025 Pipeline Dreams Program, a 12-week learning experience organized by the UMass Chan Collaborative in Health Equity.
The Pipeline Dreams Program, which began on January 15 at UMass Chan Medical School, is intended to expose students to future careers in medicine, scientific research and public health. It is a program of Patients R Waiting, Inc.
Click here for more information: https://buff.ly/40Nc9g6
