Worcester Public Schools - From Here, Anywhere... Together

Worcester Technical High School Leads Earth Day Cleanup at Green Hill Park 🌱🚮 Last week, Worcester Technical High School students helped clean up Green Hill Park in preparation for Earth Day (April 22). 🧤🌳 The event kicked off with a keynote on Worcester’s sustainability efforts, followed by a student-led presentation on pollution and its impact on Worcester. 🗑️📊 Afterward, students headed to the park with gloves and safety flags for a hands-on cleanup. The day wrapped up with an outdoor lunch and cross-program collaboration. 🍽️🌞 Way to go, Worcester Tech! 💚👏

🎓 Worcester Dual Language Magnet School Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony ✂️ Please join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new name of the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School, located at 525 Chandler Street, Worcester, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM.

😊 Friendly Faces of Jacob Hiatt Magnet School We recently had the opportunity to visit Jacob Hiatt Magnet School and see our incredible students in action! 👏✨ As part of the Doherty Quadrant, Jacob Hiatt Magnet School serves 387 students from Pre-K through grade 6. 📚👧👦 The school embraces a dynamic STEAM focus, integrating Science 🔬, Technology 💻, Engineering ⚙️, Arts 🎨, and Mathematics ➕ into the learning experience. This approach helps students develop critical thinking 🤔, problem-solving 🧠, and collaboration skills 🤝 that will prepare them for success in the future. 🚀 In addition, Jacob Hiatt hosts the Specialized Approaches to Individual Learning (SAIL) program, ensuring that every student receives the individualized support they need to succeed. Whether students are designing experiments 🧪, creating art 🎭, or tackling real-world challenges 🌍, they are building a solid foundation for lifelong learning. 📈📖 Jacob Hiatt Magnet School is committed to providing an inclusive 🫶, innovative 💡, and supportive 🏫 learning environment that inspires students to reach their full potential. 🌟🎓

⭐ Joshua Waddell, Seventh Grade Scholar at Burncoat Middle School ⭐ “Joshua took the initiative to connect with Legendary Legacies Inc., rallying his Burncoat class to support formerly incarcerated individuals by assembling supplies for welcome home bags. His leadership and compassion exemplify the spirit of community service, making a meaningful impact.” This work demonstrates that Joshua is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Joshua identified a need in the community, articulated and communicated solutions, 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

🎓 Call to Education Event Recap at Worcester State University Last Friday, nearly 100 junior and senior high school scholars from across Worcester Public Schools, including students from Burncoat High School, Claremont Academy, Doherty Memorial High School, Gerald Creamer Center, North High School, South High Community School, University Park Campus, and Worcester Technical High School, gathered at Worcester State University for our “Call to Education” event! 🙌📚 They had the opportunity to hear from 18 WPS educators and support staff—including teachers, wraparound coordinators, nurses, psychologists, and more—during two insightful panel sessions. 🎤 The scholars asked thoughtful questions 💡, made real connections 🤝, and learned firsthand about the journeys of those who have chosen careers in education and student support. 💬🌟 Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event memorable, and to our scholars for bringing their enthusiasm and curiosity! 💙🎉

📢 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

⭐ Levis Kotherja, Fourth Grade Scholar at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School ⭐ “Levis is a hard working, engaged student. He is a quiet leader in the classroom who always sets a strong example for his peers to follow. He participates actively across subject areas and contributes to classroom discussions. Levis gets along well with his peers and is a leader socially as well as academically. We are lucky to have Levis at Jacob Hiatt!” “Levis is a hard-working student. He scored high on his STAR math test placing him in sixth grade level. In reading, he also scored high placing him in fifth grade level. Levis is fluent in Albanian and enjoys his world cultures class. Levis goes to school and is always ready to learn and help his classmates.” This work demonstrates that Levis is a Curious Learner, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Levis sets academic goals and makes a connection between his goals and his actions in the classroom (CL 1). ⭐ 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

💙🌍 World Autism Awareness Day at Worcester Public Schools Today, Worcester Public Schools recognizes World Autism Awareness Day, reaffirming our commitment to inclusivity, support, and awareness for our students, families, and staff. At Gates Lane School of International Studies, staff came together to wear blue, including custom shirts designed by Worcester Technical High School's Graphic Communications students. They also created supportive posters, now displayed throughout the hallways. Gates Lane’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) hosted an open house, welcoming families to learn more about special education services and the Specialized Approaches to Individual Learning (SAIL) program. 💙 Show your support — wear blue and spread kindness!

🎤🎨 Claremont Academy’s Senior Rap Fair 2025 On Friday, March 28, seniors in Joseph Moriarty's Latin American Studies course presented their projects for the 20th Century Revolutions Unit. 🌎 Students explored countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico, incorporating rap and graffiti art into their work. 🎶🎨 The event featured students performing their raps/poems 🎤 and showcasing their artwork 🖼️ for the senior class. A panel of judges—including Oscar Almendarez (Claremont Class of 2023), Tammy Bailey (Claremont Assistant Principal), and Dr. Raphael Rogers (Clark University) —evaluated the students’ work. This Rap Fair marked a key moment in the senior experience, giving students the opportunity to share their learning, creativity, and unique perspectives with their peers. 👏✨ 📸 Check out some photos from the event!

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! 🎓🌟

14th Annual VEX Robotics WPS Elementary Tournament 🤖 Over 600 students from 30 WPS elementary schools recently competed in the 14th annual VEX Robotics Elementary Tournament at South High Community School! The elementary tournament is a three-day event that brings many WPS elementary students together for robotics fun. Students from WPS high school robotics teams also volunteered to help the event go smoothly each day. VEX Robotics is an educational program where students design, build, and program robots using lego-like pieces. Through the experience, students work collaboratively to solve game-based challenges while interacting with peers from across the district. Check out a few sights from day three of the three-day tournament! 📸

Lake View School's Vocabulary Parade 📚 Lake View School hosted a lively vocabulary parade for families and caregivers, showcasing tons of creativity and a command for language! Expanding students' vocabulary has been a focus for Lake View educators this school year, and the progress was on full display throughout the parade. Students chose a word and brought it to life with signs, props, and elaborate costumes. Many parents and caregivers lined the sidewalks of Coburn Ave to cheer on their young scholars. This lesson touched upon the Vision of a Learner future-ready framework by connecting two of its dispositions: Effective Communicator and Curious Learner. Check out some of the highlights from Lake View's vocabulary parade!

🎉 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!

Worcester Technical High School Partners with NEI General Contracting to Train Future Builders 🏗️ Worcester Technical High School has partnered with NEI General Contracting, an award-winning firm, to provide students with hands-on training in the construction industry. Through this initiative, NEI General Contracting has placed three students in co-op positions and connected many more with subcontractors.

Alumna and Author Tika Smith Visits Scholars at Burncoat High School 📚 Thank you to Tika Smith, a Burncoat High School Class of 1991 graduate and published author, for taking the time to visit students at Burncoat High! During her visit, Tika met with journalism students to answer questions about her books, share her experiences, and inspire the next generation of writers and readers. Tika Smith is an author, nonprofit leader, and senior lab tech currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Health and Human Services at Antioch University in Seattle, WA.

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! 👏🎶📚

Student Superintendent Advisory Council Meeting at Worcester Technical High School 💭 The Student Superintendent Advisory Council (SSAC) came together at Worcester Technical High School for its latest monthly meeting. Made up of scholars from WPS high schools, SSAC meets each month during the school year to discuss topics focused on improving the student experience in WPS. This month, scholars enjoyed a blindfold icebreaker before diving into collaborative activities, including "problem trees" and a fun budget-related activity led by WPS Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen.

Friendly Faces of Heard Street Discovery Academy 😊📚 We recently visited Heard Street Discovery Academy, part of the South Quadrant, to see students engaged in learning. ✏️🎒 Heard Street Discovery Academy serves 245 students in grades K-6. The school focuses on reading comprehension strategies 📖, writing across all subjects 📝, and classroom discussions 🗣️. Students participate in hands-on learning and collaborative activities to develop critical thinking skills. As part of their commitment to student success, Heard Street Discovery Academy is actively involved in the Attendance Matters campaign to promote regular attendance and student achievement. 🌟 The school provides a structured learning environment where students and educators focus on academic growth. 💡👩‍🏫

⭐ Brenda Dubrey, Third Grade Educator at Thorndyke Road School ⭐ “Mrs. Dubrey’s dedication to her students, outstanding communication skills, and her kind-hearted, fun-loving nature make her truly one of a kind. Mrs. Dubrey is not just a teacher; she is a catalyst for joy and excitement in the classroom. She has the remarkable ability to make learning fun, fostering an environment where every student feels engaged and motivated. Her innovative teaching methods and enthusiasm for education inspire her students to not only excel academically but also to love the process of learning. One of Mrs. Dubrey’s greatest strengths is her ability to make each child feel seen, valued, and special. She creates a classroom culture that is inclusive and nurturing, ensuring that every student feels confident to participate and express themselves. This sense of belonging that she fosters is truly impactful, both for the students and their families." “Her communication with parents is equally commendable. She keeps us informed, involved, and reassured that our children are in the best hands. Mrs. Dubrey’s approachability and warmth make it easy for parents to collaborate with her, which is a crucial aspect of our children’s education. I wish every student and parent could experience the extraordinary influence of Mrs. Dubrey. She is more than deserving of recognition for the countless lives she touches with her passion, kindness, and commitment to education.” ⭐ 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