✨ Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
Today we celebrate his vision of kindness, fairness, and respect for everyone. His words and actions continue to inspire us to make a positive difference in our communities. 💛
📖 To learn more on why we honor Dr. King: https://buff.ly/2RDvkbv
North High School Seniors Earn Local Community Service Awards 🏆
Congratulations to North High School’s Lilianna Medeiros and Chelsea Okantey, recently recognized with prestigious community service awards for their leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to helping others!
🎓 Lilianna will receive the Dr. George Storms Smith Community Service Award
🎓 Chelsea is the inaugural recipient of the Isaiah Thomas Youth Community Service Award
“I am extremely proud of Chelsea and Lilianna, and of the dedication, leadership, and character they demonstrate each day,” said Principal Dr. Sam FanFan. “Their commitment to excellence both academically and through service reflects the very best of our school community.”
Congratulations to North High School’s Lilianna Medeiros and Chelsea Okantey, recently recognized with prestigious community service awards for their leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to helping others!
🎓 Lilianna will receive the Dr. George Storms Smith Community Service Award
🎓 Chelsea is the inaugural recipient of the Isaiah Thomas Youth Community Service Award
“I am extremely proud of Chelsea and Lilianna, and of the dedication, leadership, and character they demonstrate each day,” said Principal Dr. Sam FanFan. “Their commitment to excellence both academically and through service reflects the very best of our school community.”
🎉 Celebrating Outstanding Attendance at Worcester East Middle School!
Students at Worcester East Middle School were celebrated for their outstanding attendance! They took part in a fun Minute to Win It event, cheering each other on, working together as teams, and showing incredible school spirit.
It was a joyful way to recognize their dedication to showing up and staying engaged and a great reminder that every day counts! 💙👏
📸 Check out some of the photos from the event!
Students at Worcester East Middle School were celebrated for their outstanding attendance! They took part in a fun Minute to Win It event, cheering each other on, working together as teams, and showing incredible school spirit.
It was a joyful way to recognize their dedication to showing up and staying engaged and a great reminder that every day counts! 💙👏
📸 Check out some of the photos from the event!
🌎 WPS Students Participate in Model UN 🌎
117 student delegates from Worcester Public Schools middle and high schools recently took part in Model United Nations at Clark University, simulating UN committees and representing 40 countries.
Students delivered opening speeches, participated in caucuses, and developed resolutions to address pressing global issues.
They worked in four classrooms, three for high school and one for middle school, delivered 62 speeches, and passed 16 resolutions while building skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership, and collaboration.
Awards were presented in each room for Best Public Speaker, Best Negotiator, Best Delegate, and Honorable Mention. Everyone should feel proud of their accomplishments.
The experience reflected all five Vision of a Learner dispositions, highlighting students as Engaged Community Members, Curious Learners, Empowered Individuals, Problem Solvers, and Effective Communicators.
117 student delegates from Worcester Public Schools middle and high schools recently took part in Model United Nations at Clark University, simulating UN committees and representing 40 countries.
Students delivered opening speeches, participated in caucuses, and developed resolutions to address pressing global issues.
They worked in four classrooms, three for high school and one for middle school, delivered 62 speeches, and passed 16 resolutions while building skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership, and collaboration.
Awards were presented in each room for Best Public Speaker, Best Negotiator, Best Delegate, and Honorable Mention. Everyone should feel proud of their accomplishments.
The experience reflected all five Vision of a Learner dispositions, highlighting students as Engaged Community Members, Curious Learners, Empowered Individuals, Problem Solvers, and Effective Communicators.
Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Kicks Off 2026 at Doherty 🎓
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
On January 8, 2026, student leaders gathered at Doherty Memorial High School for the first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meeting of the new year to explore an essential leadership principle: ‘Before you can lead others, you must know yourself.’
Through interactive activities like the “Stranded on an Island” icebreaker and the Priority Matrix exercise, students practiced teamwork, communication, and collaborative decision-making while identifying a shared focus for the year.
✅ Analyzed and compared school-based issues
✅ Practiced collaborative decision-making
✅ Reflected on how leaders prioritize time, energy, and impact
✅ Engaged in respectful dialogue to build consensus
With purpose, teamwork, and a clear focus, our student leaders are prepared to make a real difference in 2026.
🚆🎓 All Aboard the MCAC Express at North High School!
The Office of College & Careers and the North High Guidance Department proudly hosted the Massachusetts College Application Celebration (MCAC) for North High School juniors and seniors, reimagined this year as “The MCAC Express.” Inspired by the Polar Express, the event created a welcoming, student-centered space focused on life after high school.
Throughout the day, students explored 25+ postsecondary pathways, including four-year colleges, community colleges, workforce and trade programs, military options, and postsecondary support programs. Using “train tickets,” students rotated through themed stations, encouraging meaningful conversations and exploration around life after high school.
The MCAC Express was designed to meet students where they are, whether applying to college, exploring career options, or seeking additional support after graduation, while reinforcing Worcester Public Schools’ commitment to college, career, and life readiness through access, choice, and opportunity.
✨ Huge thanks to Anita DiPilato for bringing the MCAC Express to life and creating an unforgettable experience for students!
💙 Thank you to all the students, staff, and participants who made the MCAC Express a success!
The Office of College & Careers and the North High Guidance Department proudly hosted the Massachusetts College Application Celebration (MCAC) for North High School juniors and seniors, reimagined this year as “The MCAC Express.” Inspired by the Polar Express, the event created a welcoming, student-centered space focused on life after high school.
Throughout the day, students explored 25+ postsecondary pathways, including four-year colleges, community colleges, workforce and trade programs, military options, and postsecondary support programs. Using “train tickets,” students rotated through themed stations, encouraging meaningful conversations and exploration around life after high school.
The MCAC Express was designed to meet students where they are, whether applying to college, exploring career options, or seeking additional support after graduation, while reinforcing Worcester Public Schools’ commitment to college, career, and life readiness through access, choice, and opportunity.
✨ Huge thanks to Anita DiPilato for bringing the MCAC Express to life and creating an unforgettable experience for students!
💙 Thank you to all the students, staff, and participants who made the MCAC Express a success!
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
This Month’s Student WooStar: Januel Rivera, Fourth Grade, Empowered Individual at Quinsigamond School
“Jon Jon consistently demonstrates confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate challenging moments in healthy and meaningful ways. Jon Jon comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine excitement for learning, showing confidence in himself and his ability to grow. What sets Jon Jon apart is his ability to independently recognize challenges—both his own and those of others—and respond with calm, thoughtful action. When classmates are struggling, he naturally steps in to help, whether that means assisting a peer with tying their shoe, partnering with a shy student to help them feel comfortable, or offering reassurance and support. These moments reflect his strong emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential to navigating a complex world. Jon Jon’s empowerment extends beyond his classroom. Each afternoon, he takes responsibility for helping preschool students safely get onto the bus, demonstrating confidence, accountability, and leadership. During dismissal, when younger students are upset, Jon Jon is often the first to approach them, calmly helping them regulate their emotions and feel safe. He approaches these situations with patience and maturity, learning from each experience and applying those skills the next time a challenge arises.”
This demonstrates that Januel is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. He can monitor his emotional state and apply a variety of self-regulation strategies to navigate challenges and support others (EI 1).
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
“Jon Jon consistently demonstrates confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate challenging moments in healthy and meaningful ways. Jon Jon comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine excitement for learning, showing confidence in himself and his ability to grow. What sets Jon Jon apart is his ability to independently recognize challenges—both his own and those of others—and respond with calm, thoughtful action. When classmates are struggling, he naturally steps in to help, whether that means assisting a peer with tying their shoe, partnering with a shy student to help them feel comfortable, or offering reassurance and support. These moments reflect his strong emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential to navigating a complex world. Jon Jon’s empowerment extends beyond his classroom. Each afternoon, he takes responsibility for helping preschool students safely get onto the bus, demonstrating confidence, accountability, and leadership. During dismissal, when younger students are upset, Jon Jon is often the first to approach them, calmly helping them regulate their emotions and feel safe. He approaches these situations with patience and maturity, learning from each experience and applying those skills the next time a challenge arises.”
This demonstrates that Januel is an Empowered Individual, a key disposition of the Vision of a Learner. He can monitor his emotional state and apply a variety of self-regulation strategies to navigate challenges and support others (EI 1).
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. ✅
🎆 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
🌿 Worcester East Middle School Teacher Named 2025 Massachusetts Audubon Conservation Teacher of the Year 🌿
Congratulations to Colleen Cutting, science teacher at Worcester East Middle School, who was named a 2025 Conservation Teacher of the Year by Massachusetts Audubon.
Ms. Cutting was recognized for expanding hands-on environmental learning and connecting students with local outdoor spaces.
Read more here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2611709
Congratulations to Colleen Cutting, science teacher at Worcester East Middle School, who was named a 2025 Conservation Teacher of the Year by Massachusetts Audubon.
Ms. Cutting was recognized for expanding hands-on environmental learning and connecting students with local outdoor spaces.
Read more here: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2611709
🕯️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
❄️ Winter Wonderland at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School ❄️
Students at Francis J. McGrath Elementary recently enjoyed a Winter Wonderland filled with fun activities to celebrate the winter season.
From winter-themed games, to ornament decorating, face painting, a bounce house, and reading time, students rotated through a variety of stations celebrating the season.
Thank you to the staff and McGrath families for helping create a day full of fun, creativity, movement, and smiles for WPS students!
Students at Francis J. McGrath Elementary recently enjoyed a Winter Wonderland filled with fun activities to celebrate the winter season.
From winter-themed games, to ornament decorating, face painting, a bounce house, and reading time, students rotated through a variety of stations celebrating the season.
Thank you to the staff and McGrath families for helping create a day full of fun, creativity, movement, and smiles for WPS students!
🎤✨ Design, Community, and Creativity at Burncoat Street Preparatory School
Students in Grades 3–6 at Burncoat Street Preparatory School welcomed Mr. Jose Cotto, an interdisciplinary artist and designer born and raised in the Great Brook Valley neighborhood of Worcester, who works with Utile, a Boston-based architecture, planning, and urban design firm focused on community-centered projects.
Mr. Cotto spoke with students about a real-world project in his own neighborhood. He and his team are leading the redesign of Great Brook Valley, which will feature larger, modern housing options, commercial and community spaces, and improved green spaces that connect two larger parks with a new pedestrian pathway, creating a safer, more accessible community. 🌳⚾🚶♂️
Students also took part in a creative activity, writing poems titled “My Neighborhood.” Using a fill-in-the-blank worksheet, they reflected on the places, people, and feelings that make their neighborhood special, blending design thinking with student voice and creativity. ✍️📄
📸 Take a look at some of the photos we captured from this visit!
🍪🏠 Gingerbread fun at Quinsigamond Elementary School!
Thursday morning, our 1st grade students and some 2nd grade students enjoyed a joyful gingerbread-making event with their families, decorating, creating, and making sweet memories together. Laughter, creativity, and holiday cheer filled the room! ❤️✨
A big thank you to our staff and families for helping make this event so special!
📸 Check out some of the photos from this festive celebration!
🎄✨ Holiday creativity on display at the Fanning Building!
Worcester Public Schools' Transition Program students at the Fanning Building put their creativity and teamwork on full display with festive holiday door decorations. From colorful designs to thoughtful details, each door reflects the students’ hard work, imagination, and holiday spirit.
And the fun isn’t over. This will be a friendly holiday door decorating contest, with the winning team celebrating their creativity with a pizza party! 🍕🎉
Spreading holiday cheer, check out the amazing work by our students and staff!
🧶 Rice Square School Hat Donation 🧶
Rice Square School recently received a hat donation from Joyce Giroux, who hand-knit hats for all 500 students. A family friend of fourth-grade teacher Christine St. Denis, Joyce has been supporting Rice Square students with hand-knit hats for several years.
This donation helps ensure every student has a warm hat this season and highlights the strong sense of care and community at Rice Square School.
Rice Square School recently received a hat donation from Joyce Giroux, who hand-knit hats for all 500 students. A family friend of fourth-grade teacher Christine St. Denis, Joyce has been supporting Rice Square students with hand-knit hats for several years.
This donation helps ensure every student has a warm hat this season and highlights the strong sense of care and community at Rice Square School.
❄️ Midland Street School's Holiday Concert ❄️
Students and families filled the Doherty Memorial High School auditorium for Midland Street’s annual holiday concert.
Performances from grades K–6, along with the school’s orchestra, chorus, and band, helped ring in the holiday season.
Take a look at some of the sights from this joyous performance!
Students and families filled the Doherty Memorial High School auditorium for Midland Street’s annual holiday concert.
Performances from grades K–6, along with the school’s orchestra, chorus, and band, helped ring in the holiday season.
Take a look at some of the sights from this joyous performance!
