This Month’s Staff WooStar: Luis Maldonado, Music Teacher at Claremont Academy & Woodland Academy
“Over his time at Woodland, Mr. Maldonado has shown remarkable growth, transforming our music program into a vibrant centerpiece of the school. His concerts are nothing short of impressive, showcasing both his creativity and the dedication he inspires in students. Mr. Maldonado holds high expectations for every learner and provides the encouragement and support they need to reach – and often exceed — those goals. His hard work extends far beyond the music room, enriching classroom teachers’ work and elevating the entire school community. Through his daily interactions, Mr. Maldonado instills a deep sense of respect and responsibility in students, modeling kindness and professionalism. His friendly presence, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to students make him a true asset to Woodland Academy."
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
“Over his time at Woodland, Mr. Maldonado has shown remarkable growth, transforming our music program into a vibrant centerpiece of the school. His concerts are nothing short of impressive, showcasing both his creativity and the dedication he inspires in students. Mr. Maldonado holds high expectations for every learner and provides the encouragement and support they need to reach – and often exceed — those goals. His hard work extends far beyond the music room, enriching classroom teachers’ work and elevating the entire school community. Through his daily interactions, Mr. Maldonado instills a deep sense of respect and responsibility in students, modeling kindness and professionalism. His friendly presence, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to students make him a true asset to Woodland Academy."
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
📚 Worcester Public Schools Open Houses and Enrollment Info Sessions
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is hosting open houses for preschool (Pre-K) and dual language programs, along with magnet elementary schools with citywide admission. WPS will also provide online information sessions about the overall enrollment process for Pre-K through grade 12.
📅 Mark These Dates:
• January 8-26: Open houses will be held for schools with pre-K, dual language, and/or a magnet/citywide lottery admission application process
• January 16-23: Online enrollment information session
• January 26: Enrollment for grades K-12 opens for the 2026-27 school year
📌 Full schedule & details: https://buff.ly/iesoIwg
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is hosting open houses for preschool (Pre-K) and dual language programs, along with magnet elementary schools with citywide admission. WPS will also provide online information sessions about the overall enrollment process for Pre-K through grade 12.
📅 Mark These Dates:
• January 8-26: Open houses will be held for schools with pre-K, dual language, and/or a magnet/citywide lottery admission application process
• January 16-23: Online enrollment information session
• January 26: Enrollment for grades K-12 opens for the 2026-27 school year
📌 Full schedule & details: https://buff.ly/iesoIwg
Weather Update ❄️
Due to the weather forecast,
Worcester Public Schools has canceled
all after-school activities
and evening programs today,
Wednesday, January 7.
Please use caution when traveling. ✅
Due to the weather forecast,
Worcester Public Schools has canceled
all after-school activities
and evening programs today,
Wednesday, January 7.
Please use caution when traveling. ✅
This Month’s Staff WooStar: Luis Maldonado, Music Teacher at Claremont Academy & Woodland Academy
“Over his time at Woodland, Mr. Maldonado has shown remarkable growth, transforming our music program into a vibrant centerpiece of the school. His concerts are nothing short of impressive, showcasing both his creativity and the dedication he inspires in students. Mr. Maldonado holds high expectations for every learner and provides the encouragement and support they need to reach – and often exceed — those goals. His hard work extends far beyond the music room, enriching classroom teachers’ work and elevating the entire school community. Through his daily interactions, Mr. Maldonado instills a deep sense of respect and responsibility in students, modeling kindness and professionalism. His friendly presence, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to students make him a true asset to Woodland Academy."
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
“Over his time at Woodland, Mr. Maldonado has shown remarkable growth, transforming our music program into a vibrant centerpiece of the school. His concerts are nothing short of impressive, showcasing both his creativity and the dedication he inspires in students. Mr. Maldonado holds high expectations for every learner and provides the encouragement and support they need to reach – and often exceed — those goals. His hard work extends far beyond the music room, enriching classroom teachers’ work and elevating the entire school community. Through his daily interactions, Mr. Maldonado instills a deep sense of respect and responsibility in students, modeling kindness and professionalism. His friendly presence, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to students make him a true asset to Woodland Academy."
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
🎆 Happy New Year!
As we ring in 2026, we celebrate our students, staff, and families for their accomplishments this past year.
Here’s to a new year full of learning, growth, and shared success in our community! 🌟📚🎉
Learn more about this worldwide celebration: https://buff.ly/2Lx2PFc
As we ring in 2026, we celebrate our students, staff, and families for their accomplishments this past year.
Here’s to a new year full of learning, growth, and shared success in our community! 🌟📚🎉
Learn more about this worldwide celebration: https://buff.ly/2Lx2PFc
🕯️Heri za Kwanzaa! (Happy Kwanzaa!)
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration honoring African-American culture, family, and community. Let’s celebrate unity, history, and shared values together! ❤️💚🖤
Learn more about this celebration: https://buff.ly/3Rmi8nv
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration honoring African-American culture, family, and community. Let’s celebrate unity, history, and shared values together! ❤️💚🖤
Learn more about this celebration: https://buff.ly/3Rmi8nv
🎄Merry Christmas from Worcester Public Schools!
Wishing all our students, families, and staff a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Here's to a bright and successful new year ahead!
To learn more about this annual holiday, check out this article: https://buff.ly/2Q9l5Lg
Wishing all our students, families, and staff a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Here's to a bright and successful new year ahead!
To learn more about this annual holiday, check out this article: https://buff.ly/2Q9l5Lg
🕎 Happy Hanukkah from Worcester Public Schools! 🕎
May your holiday be filled with warmth, reflection, and meaningful moments with family and friends. Wishing all who celebrate a peaceful and happy Hanukkah.
May your holiday be filled with warmth, reflection, and meaningful moments with family and friends. Wishing all who celebrate a peaceful and happy Hanukkah.
🌟 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! 💛
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
🌟 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
Woodland Academy Library Walk with Families 📚
Woodland Academy students and families recently took part in a walk to the Goddard Branch Library, an event designed to connect the school community with resources available right in their own neighborhood.
Open to all students in grades K–6, families, students, and Woodland Academy staff walk together to the library to learn about its many offerings, meet library staff, explore books, and even sign up for library cards.
Now in its third year, the event is organized by teacher Megan Tighe in collaboration with the Worcester Public Library. The event takes place twice each year, once in the fall and once in the spring.
Woodland Academy students and families recently took part in a walk to the Goddard Branch Library, an event designed to connect the school community with resources available right in their own neighborhood.
Open to all students in grades K–6, families, students, and Woodland Academy staff walk together to the library to learn about its many offerings, meet library staff, explore books, and even sign up for library cards.
Now in its third year, the event is organized by teacher Megan Tighe in collaboration with the Worcester Public Library. The event takes place twice each year, once in the fall and once in the spring.
🌟 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!
🧹✨ 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! ❤️
