🌎 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! 💙
🎉 Big news for Lincoln Street School! 🎉
Lincoln Street School has earned the Eos Foundation Healthy Start Award for reaching at least 80% student breakfast participation! 🥣🍎
Based on official state data reported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this recognition highlights the incredible work happening at Lincoln Street to help ensure students start their day nourished, focused, and ready to learn.
Amanda Orton, thank you for your stellar leadership, and to the entire nutrition and school teams, thank you for going above and beyond for our students every day. This award is well-deserved, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone with you! 🌟
As part of the award, Lincoln Street will receive an unrestricted $500 award and a Healthy Start School Banner to celebrate this accomplishment.
Lincoln Street School has earned the Eos Foundation Healthy Start Award for reaching at least 80% student breakfast participation! 🥣🍎
Based on official state data reported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this recognition highlights the incredible work happening at Lincoln Street to help ensure students start their day nourished, focused, and ready to learn.
Amanda Orton, thank you for your stellar leadership, and to the entire nutrition and school teams, thank you for going above and beyond for our students every day. This award is well-deserved, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone with you! 🌟
As part of the award, Lincoln Street will receive an unrestricted $500 award and a Healthy Start School Banner to celebrate this accomplishment.
🧹✨ Happy National Custodian Day! ✨🧹
Today, we’re celebrating the incredible custodians who help make our schools welcoming places to learn, work, and grow. 💛🏫
Every day, our custodians do so much more than keep our buildings clean. They take pride in their schools, care for the spaces our students and staff use every day, and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
We’re grateful for the dedication, hard work, and years of service our custodians bring to Worcester Public Schools. 👏🌟
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a few of the amazing custodians who help keep WPS moving:
🌟 John Lemay — Midland Street School — 42 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Matthew Schiavone — West Tatnuck Elementary School — 31 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 James Foley — Burncoat High School — 30 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 James Comforti — Burncoat Middle School — 28 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Randy Neeland — Burncoat Middle School — 2 years with Worcester Public Schools
James is on the right and Randy is on the left.
🌟 Luis Navarro — Lincoln Street School — 13 ½ years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Jeff Lombardi — Burncoat High School — 13 years with Worcester Public Schools
🌟 Epi Ortiz — North High School — 10 years with Worcester Public Schools
👏 Thank you to all of our WPS custodians for everything you do for our schools and our community. We appreciate you today and every day! 💛
State of Education Forum at Worcester Tech! 🎓✨
Educators, civic leaders, and community partners gathered at Worcester Technical High School for the State of Education, hosted by the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC).
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen shared reflections on the current state and future direction of Worcester Public Schools, highlighting district priorities, emerging opportunities, and ongoing challenges.
Superintendent Allen also provided updates on positive student outcomes in the classroom, the Burncoat Building Project, the WPS realignment project, and our commitment to Stay the Course for the 2026-27 school year.
Guest speakers included Viviana Abreu-Hernandez, President of the Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center, Joshua Boucher of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, and Dr. Chad D'Entremont, Executive Director of the Rennie Center. The event wrapped up with a Q/A session for attendees.
Educators, civic leaders, and community partners gathered at Worcester Technical High School for the State of Education, hosted by the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC).
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen shared reflections on the current state and future direction of Worcester Public Schools, highlighting district priorities, emerging opportunities, and ongoing challenges.
Superintendent Allen also provided updates on positive student outcomes in the classroom, the Burncoat Building Project, the WPS realignment project, and our commitment to Stay the Course for the 2026-27 school year.
Guest speakers included Viviana Abreu-Hernandez, President of the Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center, Joshua Boucher of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, and Dr. Chad D'Entremont, Executive Director of the Rennie Center. The event wrapped up with a Q/A session for attendees.
🛡️ Bullying & Cyberbullying Resources for Families
October is Bullying Awareness Month, and Worcester Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported in our classrooms, at school events, and online. 💙
Bullying and cyberbullying can have a significant impact on students. We’ve gathered trusted educational and digital safety resources to support families and students, including information on recognizing bullying, preventing cyberbullying, practicing digital safety, and knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help. 💬
🔗 Learn more: Visit the WPS Bullying & Cyberbullying Resources webpage for district policies, reporting procedures, and support information: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/bullying-and-cyberbullying-resources
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our school community safe, supportive, and welcoming. 🤝
October is Bullying Awareness Month, and Worcester Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported in our classrooms, at school events, and online. 💙
Bullying and cyberbullying can have a significant impact on students. We’ve gathered trusted educational and digital safety resources to support families and students, including information on recognizing bullying, preventing cyberbullying, practicing digital safety, and knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help. 💬
🔗 Learn more: Visit the WPS Bullying & Cyberbullying Resources webpage for district policies, reporting procedures, and support information: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/bullying-and-cyberbullying-resources
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our school community safe, supportive, and welcoming. 🤝
Save the Bay Field Trip for Columbus Park Fifth Graders 🌊🐚
Fifth graders at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy recently enjoyed an exciting field trip to Save The Bay in Rhode Island, where they explored the ecological diversity of the Bay through hands-on science activities.
Students investigated the shoreline and discovered how concepts like life cycles, adaptations, biodiversity, and geology connect to the world around them.
Through observation, exploration, and teamwork, they asked questions, solved problems, and deepened their understanding of our coastal environment.
Check out a few scenes from an engaging day of learning beyond the classroom! 📸✨
Fifth graders at Columbus Park Preparatory Academy recently enjoyed an exciting field trip to Save The Bay in Rhode Island, where they explored the ecological diversity of the Bay through hands-on science activities.
Students investigated the shoreline and discovered how concepts like life cycles, adaptations, biodiversity, and geology connect to the world around them.
Through observation, exploration, and teamwork, they asked questions, solved problems, and deepened their understanding of our coastal environment.
Check out a few scenes from an engaging day of learning beyond the classroom! 📸✨
🎨🌎 Worcester Dual Language Sixth Grader Has Artwork Featured at DESE Offices for Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌎🎨
Worcester Dual Language sixth grader Roisin B. is having their artwork featured in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offices during Hispanic Heritage Month, following a statewide call for student artwork.
This year’s DESE artwork competition theme, “Our Diversity Is Our Strength,” invited students to submit original drawings, collages, paintings, murals, sculptures, digital illustrations, photography, and more.
Roisin’s piece celebrates the many cultures represented in her classroom, bringing them together as a “beautiful song” that reflects the richness of Hispanic cultures.
Congratulations to Roisin on this well-deserved recognition and for sharing their creativity!
Worcester Dual Language sixth grader Roisin B. is having their artwork featured in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offices during Hispanic Heritage Month, following a statewide call for student artwork.
This year’s DESE artwork competition theme, “Our Diversity Is Our Strength,” invited students to submit original drawings, collages, paintings, murals, sculptures, digital illustrations, photography, and more.
Roisin’s piece celebrates the many cultures represented in her classroom, bringing them together as a “beautiful song” that reflects the richness of Hispanic cultures.
Congratulations to Roisin on this well-deserved recognition and for sharing their creativity!
WPS Transition Celebrates Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month 💙🤟
Throughout Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month, students and staff in the WPS Transition Program explored deaf history and culture through daily presentations and activities.
Most recently, students learned about the history of hereditary deafness on Martha’s Vineyard and how it contributed to the development of an inclusive community where both deaf and hearing residents used sign language to communicate.
Students are also building their American Sign Language (ASL) skills throughout the school year, with staff learning alongside them. During daily check-ins, students use an emotion chart to practice signing and share how they’re feeling.
Student helpers from the College of the Holy Cross also visit the program to support students and encourage conversations about communication and inclusion.
Pictured in slide one are students from the WPS Transition Program alongside Holy Cross student helpers and Transition Department staff. 💙
🌎 Hispanic Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt at South High Community School! 🌎
Students in Ms. DiOrio’s Spanish III class recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun scavenger hunt throughout the World Languages Wing!
As they made their way through the activity, students discovered facts about Spanish-speaking countries, including national independence days, capital cities, flag colors and their meanings, and other interesting cultural traditions.
Students in Ms. DiOrio’s Spanish III class recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun scavenger hunt throughout the World Languages Wing!
As they made their way through the activity, students discovered facts about Spanish-speaking countries, including national independence days, capital cities, flag colors and their meanings, and other interesting cultural traditions.
The Worcester Early College High (WECH) program has kicked off its Fall 2026 semester! We are excited to welcome our students back to another year of college-level learning and transformative opportunities.
Through WECH, Worcester Public Schools (WPS) students take actual college courses while in high school, earning college credits, experiencing college-level expectations, and building early momentum toward their postsecondary goals.
Program Goals & Expectations:
Our primary goal is for all WECH students to graduate high school with 12 or more college credits (equivalent to 4 completed courses). Participating in WECH helps students build essential life skills, including time management, self-advocacy, organization, and independent learning, all while backed by high school and college support networks.
What Students Need to Do:
Attend all high school and college classes regularly and arrive prepared.
Monitor assignments, grades, deadlines, and course announcements closely.
Keep lines of communication open with college instructors, high school counselors, and families.
Take full advantage of available academic support and campus resources on both high school and college campuses.
Fall 2026 Important Dates & Deadlines
Classes Begin:
Sept 3: First day of class for WSU & QCC (Tuesday/Thursday schedule)
Sept 9: First day of class for QCC (Monday/Wednesday schedule)
Add/Drop Deadlines:
Sept 8: Last day to ADD a class (WSU)
Sept 15: Last day to DROP a class (WSU)
Sept 16: Add/Drop window ends (QCC)
Midterms & Holidays (No Class):
Oct 30: Midterm / Progress grades posted (QCC)
Nov 3: WPS Professional Development Day (No WSU classes on WSU campus)
Nov 25: Thanksgiving Break (No QCC classes on QCC campus
Withdrawal Deadlines:
Nov 2: Final date to WITHDRAW (WSU)
Nov 20: Final date to WITHDRAW (QCC)
Semester End:
Dec 17: Last day of classes (QCC)
Dec 18: Last day of classes (WSU)
Belmont Street Community School Partners with Good Sports & TJX for Sports Equipment Donation 🏀⚽
Belmont Street Community School celebrated a new partnership with national nonprofit Good Sports on September 18 with a Mini Field Day featuring a major donation of sports equipment and athletic apparel.
Through the two-year partnership, the school will be able to request equipment as needed to expand after-school programming and strengthen its physical education curriculum.
The donation includes equipment for pickleball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, badminton, gymnastics and flag football, along with more than 200 t-shirts, athletic socks, training and recovery gear, and equipment maintenance supplies.
Students and staff put the new equipment to use during the Mini Field Day, taking part in pickleball, soccer drills, flag football and team games alongside volunteers from TJX Companies.
The partnership will help create more opportunities for students to stay active, try new sports and enjoy outdoor play.
South High Community School Alumna and Worcester Educator Nancy Mayer Bates Honored with Court Dedication 🏀
The City of Worcester recently dedicated the basketball court at Greenwood Park to Nancy Mayer Bates '82, honoring the South High alumna whose legacy spans both athletics and education in Worcester.
Bates was a standout student-athlete at South High before going on to play women’s basketball at the University of Virginia, where she served as a two-time team captain. After her playing career, she returned to Worcester Public Schools and spent three decades as an educator at North High School.
The court dedication celebrates Bates’ accomplishments as a student-athlete and her lasting impact on generations of Worcester students and the WPS community.
The City of Worcester recently dedicated the basketball court at Greenwood Park to Nancy Mayer Bates '82, honoring the South High alumna whose legacy spans both athletics and education in Worcester.
Bates was a standout student-athlete at South High before going on to play women’s basketball at the University of Virginia, where she served as a two-time team captain. After her playing career, she returned to Worcester Public Schools and spent three decades as an educator at North High School.
The court dedication celebrates Bates’ accomplishments as a student-athlete and her lasting impact on generations of Worcester students and the WPS community.
🕊️ Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a time for reflection, prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and renewal for those who observe it. 🙏🕯️
Worcester Public Schools honors and recognizes the members of our community who celebrate Yom Kippur. 🕊️
Learn more about Yom Kippur from history.com: https://www.history.com/articles/yom-kippur-history
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a time for reflection, prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and renewal for those who observe it. 🙏🕯️
Worcester Public Schools honors and recognizes the members of our community who celebrate Yom Kippur. 🕊️
Learn more about Yom Kippur from history.com: https://www.history.com/articles/yom-kippur-history
✊🏽 Stand Against Racism with Main South ✊🏽
Fall student-athletes from the Main South co-op, made up of Claremont Academy and University Park Campus School, met earlier this week for their Stand Against Racism assembly.
Student-athletes came together to read the student pledge against racism, affirming a commitment to standing against racism in the Worcester community.
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen and members of the WPS administration have now brought this important conversation to student-athletes at each of our high schools.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes.
Fall student-athletes from the Main South co-op, made up of Claremont Academy and University Park Campus School, met earlier this week for their Stand Against Racism assembly.
Student-athletes came together to read the student pledge against racism, affirming a commitment to standing against racism in the Worcester community.
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen and members of the WPS administration have now brought this important conversation to student-athletes at each of our high schools.
WPS has partnered with the Worcester NAACP and YWCA of Central Massachusetts to stand against racism throughout the 2026–27 school year.
Together, we stand against racism. Together, we stand with our student-athletes.
