🔬🧬 Worcester Technical High School Students Explore Biotechnology During STEM Week!
Last week, students in Worcester Technical High School’s Biotechnology Department took their learning beyond the classroom with exciting, hands-on experiences at three local universities!
🩺 UMass Chan Medical School: Students participated in a simulated Disaster Day, responding to scenarios involving Ebola, anticholinergic poisoning, and plague. With the help of special effects makeup artists and medical students, they explored clinical responses to emergencies and practiced real-time disaster response.
🧪 Assumption University: Students worked with Dr. Niece to conduct a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) lab, exploring analytical techniques used in scientific research.
🔬 Clark University: Students worked with Dr. Don Spratt to perform protein purification, gaining practical experience with laboratory procedures used in biotechnology.
These experiences gave students the opportunity to apply classroom learning, develop technical skills, and explore real-world applications of biotechnology while connecting with university faculty and medical professionals.
A big thank-you to UMass Chan Medical School, Assumption University, and Clark University for helping make these valuable learning experiences possible!
Last week, students in Worcester Technical High School’s Biotechnology Department took their learning beyond the classroom with exciting, hands-on experiences at three local universities!
🩺 UMass Chan Medical School: Students participated in a simulated Disaster Day, responding to scenarios involving Ebola, anticholinergic poisoning, and plague. With the help of special effects makeup artists and medical students, they explored clinical responses to emergencies and practiced real-time disaster response.
🧪 Assumption University: Students worked with Dr. Niece to conduct a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) lab, exploring analytical techniques used in scientific research.
🔬 Clark University: Students worked with Dr. Don Spratt to perform protein purification, gaining practical experience with laboratory procedures used in biotechnology.
These experiences gave students the opportunity to apply classroom learning, develop technical skills, and explore real-world applications of biotechnology while connecting with university faculty and medical professionals.
A big thank-you to UMass Chan Medical School, Assumption University, and Clark University for helping make these valuable learning experiences possible!
🌱 Greendale Head Start Students Harvest the School Garden! 🌱
Greendale Head Start students teamed up with the Worcester Regional Environmental Council (REC) to prepare their school garden for a new planting season!
Students rolled up their sleeves to clear weeds and debris using garden tools and their hands. They even harvested two paper bags of potatoes!
Later in the day, students planted new bulbs to help grow more in the seasons ahead. It was a hands-on opportunity to get outside, work in the garden and learn about growing food!
Greendale Head Start students teamed up with the Worcester Regional Environmental Council (REC) to prepare their school garden for a new planting season!
Students rolled up their sleeves to clear weeds and debris using garden tools and their hands. They even harvested two paper bags of potatoes!
Later in the day, students planted new bulbs to help grow more in the seasons ahead. It was a hands-on opportunity to get outside, work in the garden and learn about growing food!
🗓️ TONIGHT: Monday, October 26: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove Street, at ⏰ 6:00 PM on Monday, October 26, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
This meeting will be exclusively for the public to share their feedback about the realignment proposals shared so far. There will be no presentation
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
🗓️ Monday, October 26: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove Street, at ⏰ 6:00 PM on Monday, October 26, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
This meeting will be exclusively for the public to share their feedback about the realignment proposals shared so far. There will be no presentation
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
🏫🚶♀️ Great Brook Valley and Curtis Apartments Principal Walk 🚶♂️🏘️
💼 Administrators and wraparound coordinators from schools in the Burncoat Quadrant gathered with Worcester Housing Authority officials and families at the Great Brook Valley and Curtis Apartments housing developments on Thursday.
📍 The second-annual Principal Walk was an opportunity to connect with families and students in their neighborhoods while also learning directly from WHA officials about the community, ongoing initiatives, neighborhood developments, and new construction taking place in the area. 🏗️✨
💬 School wraparound coordinators regularly hold informational meetings with families in Great Brook Valley about various school or district initiatives to help foster family and community engagement. ❤️📣
💼 Administrators and wraparound coordinators from schools in the Burncoat Quadrant gathered with Worcester Housing Authority officials and families at the Great Brook Valley and Curtis Apartments housing developments on Thursday.
📍 The second-annual Principal Walk was an opportunity to connect with families and students in their neighborhoods while also learning directly from WHA officials about the community, ongoing initiatives, neighborhood developments, and new construction taking place in the area. 🏗️✨
💬 School wraparound coordinators regularly hold informational meetings with families in Great Brook Valley about various school or district initiatives to help foster family and community engagement. ❤️📣
📢 Early Childhood Screening for Children Ages 3 and 4
Worcester Public Schools is offering early childhood screenings for children ages 3 and 4 to help families better understand their child’s development.
The screening looks at communication, learning, motor skills, and school readiness and can help determine whether a full special education evaluation may be needed.
📅 Date: Monday, November 23, 2026
📍 Location: Worcester Arts Magnet School, 315 St. Nicholas Avenue, Worcester
📞 Appointments are required. Call 508-799-8201 to schedule a screening.
Worcester Public Schools is offering early childhood screenings for children ages 3 and 4 to help families better understand their child’s development.
The screening looks at communication, learning, motor skills, and school readiness and can help determine whether a full special education evaluation may be needed.
📅 Date: Monday, November 23, 2026
📍 Location: Worcester Arts Magnet School, 315 St. Nicholas Avenue, Worcester
📞 Appointments are required. Call 508-799-8201 to schedule a screening.
🚗 National Teen Driver Safety Week ⚠️
Between 2023 and 2025, young drivers in Worcester were involved in 500 crashes resulting in injuries, according to the City’s Department of Transportation and Mobility. 🚨
🗣️ Talk to your teen about safe driving habits:
👀 Keep your eyes on the road. Driving requires your full attention.
⏱️ Drive at responsible speeds.
😴 Don’t drive if you are tired or conditions are unsafe. 🌧️
🚫 Never drive or ride with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
🔑 When you’re in the driver’s seat, own the responsibility.
🔗 For more resources and information, visit the National Safety Council at nsc.org 🌐
Between 2023 and 2025, young drivers in Worcester were involved in 500 crashes resulting in injuries, according to the City’s Department of Transportation and Mobility. 🚨
🗣️ Talk to your teen about safe driving habits:
👀 Keep your eyes on the road. Driving requires your full attention.
⏱️ Drive at responsible speeds.
😴 Don’t drive if you are tired or conditions are unsafe. 🌧️
🚫 Never drive or ride with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
🔑 When you’re in the driver’s seat, own the responsibility.
🔗 For more resources and information, visit the National Safety Council at nsc.org 🌐
💈✂️ Fresh Cuts for Picture Day at Thorndyke Road School!
A big thank you to Thorndyke Road School parent Mike Arriaga for bringing his portable barbershop to school and providing free haircuts for students ahead of picture day! With the help of another barber, Mike made this a special event for our students.
We appreciate Mike’s generosity and the time he took to help our students look and feel their best. Thank you for making this such a wonderful experience! ❤️
A big thank you to Thorndyke Road School parent Mike Arriaga for bringing his portable barbershop to school and providing free haircuts for students ahead of picture day! With the help of another barber, Mike made this a special event for our students.
We appreciate Mike’s generosity and the time he took to help our students look and feel their best. Thank you for making this such a wonderful experience! ❤️
🗓️ Monday, October 26: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove Street, at ⏰ 6:00 PM on Monday, October 26, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
📍 Join us at Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove Street, at ⏰ 6:00 PM on Monday, October 26, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
🗓️ TOMORROW: Monday, October 19: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
🗓️ Monday, October 19: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment or click the link in the bio 📲
🗓️ Monday, October 19: Realignment Project Public Forum 🏫
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment
📍 Join us at Chandler Elementary School, 114 Chandler Street, at ⏰ 3:00 PM on Monday, October 19, for a public meeting on the Worcester Public Schools Boundary and Quadrant Alignment Project.
🗓️ Two more public forums will be held October 26 and November 7.
🗣️ We want to hear your feedback!
Proposals under consideration include:
🗺️ Redesigned school assignment boundaries
🔀 More logical school-to-school pathways
🚌 Adjustments to school start and end times to expand school bus access
🎒 Expanding full-day preschool
❗ No decisions have been made! Your input will help shape final scenarios that will be presented in December. 📊
🔗 Info: worcesterschools.org/alignment
🌎 Hispanic Identity Poem Project at Doherty 🌎
Students at Doherty Memorial High School shared pieces of their Hispanic identity with classmates through a poem project as part of the travel unit in Mrs. Esqueda’s Spanish & Literature classroom.
Spanish & Literature is a course conducted fully in Spanish. The course helps students build literacy skills in their home language while preparing them for Advanced Placement and the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy.
The travel unit explored the difference between being a tourist and a traveler. While a tourist takes in the sights and scenes of a place, a traveler connects with its people and culture. This poem project gave students an opportunity to connect with their classmates and share the unique parts of their Hispanic identity.
Through their poems, students "traveled" to different Hispanic countries, and each stop earned them a stamp in their passports. ✈️📖
Students at Doherty Memorial High School shared pieces of their Hispanic identity with classmates through a poem project as part of the travel unit in Mrs. Esqueda’s Spanish & Literature classroom.
Spanish & Literature is a course conducted fully in Spanish. The course helps students build literacy skills in their home language while preparing them for Advanced Placement and the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy.
The travel unit explored the difference between being a tourist and a traveler. While a tourist takes in the sights and scenes of a place, a traveler connects with its people and culture. This poem project gave students an opportunity to connect with their classmates and share the unique parts of their Hispanic identity.
Through their poems, students "traveled" to different Hispanic countries, and each stop earned them a stamp in their passports. ✈️📖
🌎 Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day
🏛️ Worcester Public Schools officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day.
🪶 Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and their ancestors who lived on the land now known as North America.
⛵ Columbus Day honors Christopher Columbus, the first European to explore the Americas in 1492 since the Vikings established colonies in present-day Canada in the 10th century, according to history.com. 🇺🇸 Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States.
📚 Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: https://www.almanac.com/indigenous-peoples-day
📖 Learn more about Columbus Day: https://www.history.com/articles/columbus-day
🇮🇹 October is National Italian American Heritage and Cultural Month! 🎉
The Worcester School Committee recently voted unanimously to establish a standing annual recognition of October as Italian-American Heritage and Cultural Month in the district, encouraging appropriate recognition and acknowledgement. 🏫📜
To learn more about the month, along with finding family and school educational resources, visit the Alghini Institute for Italian Americans website: 🔗 https://italianamericans.com/heritage-month
Quick Facts: 💡
• The recognition was adopted through a proclamation by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 followed by a law passed by Congress that year. In 2010, another federal proclamation was made by President Barack Obama. 🏛️🇺🇸
• The law recognizes how “Italian-Americans have contributed to the United States in all aspects of life, including art, science, civil service, military service, athletics and education.” 🎨🔬🎖️🏃♂️📚
The Worcester School Committee recently voted unanimously to establish a standing annual recognition of October as Italian-American Heritage and Cultural Month in the district, encouraging appropriate recognition and acknowledgement. 🏫📜
To learn more about the month, along with finding family and school educational resources, visit the Alghini Institute for Italian Americans website: 🔗 https://italianamericans.com/heritage-month
Quick Facts: 💡
• The recognition was adopted through a proclamation by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 followed by a law passed by Congress that year. In 2010, another federal proclamation was made by President Barack Obama. 🏛️🇺🇸
• The law recognizes how “Italian-Americans have contributed to the United States in all aspects of life, including art, science, civil service, military service, athletics and education.” 🎨🔬🎖️🏃♂️📚
💚 World Mental Health Day 💚
At Worcester Public Schools, we recognize the importance of supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our students, staff, and families.
WPS offers a variety of health and wellness resources to support well-being at school, at home, and in the workplace. Resources include information and activities focused on mental health, mindfulness, self-care, healthy living, and more. 🌱🧘♀️
Through our commitment to whole-person wellness, we continue to create a caring and supportive school community where everyone has the opportunity to feel supported, connected, and well.
🔗 Explore WPS Health & Wellness Resources: https://buff.ly/4dGPLJG
💚 Taking care of our mental health is an important part of taking care of ourselves and one another
At Worcester Public Schools, we recognize the importance of supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our students, staff, and families.
WPS offers a variety of health and wellness resources to support well-being at school, at home, and in the workplace. Resources include information and activities focused on mental health, mindfulness, self-care, healthy living, and more. 🌱🧘♀️
Through our commitment to whole-person wellness, we continue to create a caring and supportive school community where everyone has the opportunity to feel supported, connected, and well.
🔗 Explore WPS Health & Wellness Resources: https://buff.ly/4dGPLJG
💚 Taking care of our mental health is an important part of taking care of ourselves and one another
📢 Reminder: NO SCHOOL TODAY! 🏫
There is no school today, Friday, October 9, 2026, for all Worcester Public Schools students due to Staff Professional Development. 👩🏫📚
There is no school today, Friday, October 9, 2026, for all Worcester Public Schools students due to Staff Professional Development. 👩🏫📚
📣 ParentSquare Training Webinar for WPS Caregivers🏫
Want to get the most out of ParentSquare? Register to attend an upcoming virtual training webinar just for Worcester Public Schools parents and guardians.
Whether you’re new to the district or looking for helpful tips, this webinar covers best practices for ParentSquare — keeping you connected via text, phone, email and the app.
🗓️ The webinars will be held on:
Wednesday, October 14, 1:00-2:00 PM
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00-7:00 PM
Monday, November 9, 6:00-7:00 PM
🔗➡️ Register to attend by scanning the QR code or visiting the link.
Want to get the most out of ParentSquare? Register to attend an upcoming virtual training webinar just for Worcester Public Schools parents and guardians.
Whether you’re new to the district or looking for helpful tips, this webinar covers best practices for ParentSquare — keeping you connected via text, phone, email and the app.
🗓️ The webinars will be held on:
Wednesday, October 14, 1:00-2:00 PM
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00-7:00 PM
Monday, November 9, 6:00-7:00 PM
🔗➡️ Register to attend by scanning the QR code or visiting the link.
🌱 Growing, Harvesting & Sharing at WPS Transition!
Worcester Public Schools students in the Transition program recently worked with Ellen Fernate, Master Gardener, and Eliza Lawrence, School Gardens Coordinator for the Regional Environmental Council (REC) to harvest the school's garden beds.
Students rolled up their sleeves to harvest, clean, and prepare fresh vegetables from the garden. After, they worked together to create a delicious salad for all of our students to enjoy!
The remaining harvest was packaged and shared with families at Know Your School Night, extending the experience beyond our classrooms and into our school community.
It was a wonderful hands-on learning experience that connected students to gardening, healthy eating, teamwork, and community.
Worcester Public Schools students in the Transition program recently worked with Ellen Fernate, Master Gardener, and Eliza Lawrence, School Gardens Coordinator for the Regional Environmental Council (REC) to harvest the school's garden beds.
Students rolled up their sleeves to harvest, clean, and prepare fresh vegetables from the garden. After, they worked together to create a delicious salad for all of our students to enjoy!
The remaining harvest was packaged and shared with families at Know Your School Night, extending the experience beyond our classrooms and into our school community.
It was a wonderful hands-on learning experience that connected students to gardening, healthy eating, teamwork, and community.
🌟 Empowering Our Students at Clark Street Community School! 🌟
In recognition of October’s National Bullying Prevention Month, our students participated in an informative bullying prevention presentation led by Hope Rudzinski from the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
Together, students learned about:
🔹 Recognizing different forms of bullying and identifying warning signs
🔹 Practicing online safety and digital citizenship
🔹 How to safely report bullying
🔹 Building empathy and supporting one another
Clark Street is also kicking off the 365Z program, centered around kindness and creating a positive school community.
We’re proud of our students for engaging in these important conversations and helping foster a school community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported! 💙
In recognition of October’s National Bullying Prevention Month, our students participated in an informative bullying prevention presentation led by Hope Rudzinski from the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
Together, students learned about:
🔹 Recognizing different forms of bullying and identifying warning signs
🔹 Practicing online safety and digital citizenship
🔹 How to safely report bullying
🔹 Building empathy and supporting one another
Clark Street is also kicking off the 365Z program, centered around kindness and creating a positive school community.
We’re proud of our students for engaging in these important conversations and helping foster a school community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported! 💙
