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

Queue The Duck Boats for North High! 🏆 Join us on Saturday, March 30, at 2:00 PM at Worcester Common, at the back of City Hall! The Division 1 Basketball Championship North High Polar Bears will be celebrated for their historic win. There will be a rolling rally on Shrewsbury Street from 1:45-2:00 PM as the Polar Bears travel on a duck boat as part of the celebration. Come out and cheer for the champions!

⭐ WooStars 365z Kindness Club, fifth and sixth-grade kindness experts from Tatnuck Magnet School ⭐ “Our 365z Kindness Club has played a very unique and important role in giving back to the Tatnuck community,” said staff member Rhea Harrigan. “The members of our Kindness Club fulfill their Commitment to Kindness everyday by being leaders of our school and by spreading kindness wherever they go.”

Nelson Place School recently hosted a special St. Patrick's Day themed event, inviting dancers from the McInerney School of Irish Dance to perform to students at the school. Dancers featured three of our own from WPS, Maeve Ramirez, Fergus Blake and Roisin Burke.

North High Champions!! 🏅🏀🐻‍❄️ Check out these photos from Sunday night's historic win! The North High Polar Bears won the Division 1 championship for the second year in a row, capping off an undefeated season! (Game and locker room photos taken by Kyle Prue)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀 May you have the luck of the Irish today and every day! 💚 Did you know? The Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day for more than 1,000 years as part of the Christian season of Lent. Learn more: https://buff.ly/2pbDYgz

Livestream Links for Championship Games! 🏀 If you can't make it to Lowell to watch the South High Girls and North High Boys championship games today (Sunday, March 17), you can watch the games online! Here are the livestream links: 4 PM Sunday: Girls: South vs. Medfield: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/miaa/gam812ffbe4eb 6 PM Sunday: Boys: North vs. Franklin https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/miaa/gamb95fe1f544

State Finals Send-Off! 🏀🏆 There will be a send-off for our two state final teams on Sunday, March 17 at 1:30 PM at Worcester Technical High School! Let’s give North Boys Basketball and South Girls Basketball the send-off they deserve before competing for a state title at the Tsongas Center in Lowell. Sunday Game Schedule: 4:00 PM: Girls - #1 Medfield vs. #6 South, Division 2 6:00 PM: Boys - #3 Franklin vs. #1 North, Division 1

⭐ WooStar Grace King, eighth-grade scholar at Burncoat Middle School ⭐ “Grace is the epitome of an excellent all-around student who goes above and beyond in everything she does,” said Burncoat educator Craig Doyle. “It is extremely helpful to me when I have a student fully engaged in not only learning and mastering material, but helping students around her understand the content and material better. Grace makes learning contagious to all around her with her upbeat attitude and work ethic.” Grace is a stalwart outside of the classroom as well where she is commended for her ability to lift fellow classmates through compassion and kindness. She also participates in school theater, sings in the Burncoat Middle Chorus and more in a long list of extracurricular accomplishments.

Ramadan Kareem! 🌙 Today begins the period of Ramadan on the Islamic lunar calendar. “It is a month filled with spiritual growth, community love, and delicious iftars,” explained Kowsar, a senior from Worcester Technical High School and intern in the WPS Communications Office. Many Muslims participate in fasting over the course of the month. The end of Ramadan marks the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast, which includes religious services and gifts. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3P4tjkm

No School on Tuesday, March 5! Teachers have a professional development day on Tuesday, March 5th 🗓️ so there will be no school for students! 🏫 Make sure to mark your calendar!

⭐ WooStar Arieyana Robinson, 12th-grade scholar at South High School ⭐ "Arieyana is respectful, responsible, ready to learn, and resilient every single day,” said South High teachers Christine Mooshian and Greg Jones. “Beyond these, Arie is often found helping her friends with schoolwork or cheering up a student who is having a tough day. … We continue to be amazed at her desire to pursue her dreams and be an exemplary leader at South High.” Arieyana is interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and has been accepted into the 4 + 1 accelerated degree program at Fitchburg State University, putting her on the path to do just that. She is also a member of the South High School track and field team.

⭐ WooStar John Rodriguez, guidance counselor at Worcester East Middle School⭐ "In my time as a member of the school community, I have witnessed unparalleled dedication and unwavering commitment from John that extends far beyond the call of duty. Even in the face of personal challenges, Mr. Rodriguez demonstrated an unparalleled level of commitment to our students. During a difficult period, Mr. Rodriguez continued to prioritize the well-being and support of our students. His ability to balance personal challenges with professional responsibilities is a testament to his resilience and passion for his role. Not only did he fulfill his duties as a guidance counselor, but he also went above and beyond by actively participating in various school events. His culinary skills added a special touch to our school gatherings, as he took it upon himself to cook for our events, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Additionally, Mr. Rodriguez showcased his versatility by contributing as a DJ, bringing a unique and vibrant energy to our school functions. The depth of Mr. Rodriguez’s involvement in our school community extends beyond his official responsibilities. He has consistently been a strong and positive presence, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among students and staff alike. His genuine care for the well-being of others has left an indelible mark on our school culture. In conclusion, Mr. Rodriguez is not just a guidance counselor; he is a beacon of strength, compassion, and resilience within our school community."

⭐ WooStar Samille Fialho, an 8th-grade artist at Forest Grove Middle School⭐ Samille loves art because there are many ways to get creative. 🎨 "Every time I draw I feel like my imagination grows more," Samille said. "I see art as a way to be creative and there is no right or wrong in art." Samille created this ugly monster using felt and embroidery floss to sew it together.

🎙️ Special Episode Alert: Unity in the Community with @worcesterschools Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez.Join us tomorrow on 'Unity in the Community' as we welcome a very special guest, Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez of Worcester Public Schools. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of education in our community!🔹 WPS Strategic Plan: Hear about the recently approved strategic plan focusing on equitable resources, family engagement, school culture, talent diversity, health & wellness, and modernized facilities.🔹 WPS Vision of a Learner: Discover how this visionary guide, considered the North Star of WPS, is shaping decisions and resources to equip our scholars for success after graduation.🔹 Enhanced Communication: Learn about the new initiatives to improve communication with families, including the launch of a new enrollment website and an upcoming overhaul of the WPS website.🔹 WPS Gathering for Excellence: Get the inside scoop on the first-ever event hosted by Dr. Monárrez at Worcester Technical High School, set for January 30.Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the exciting developments and strategic directions shaping the future of Worcester Public Schools.📆 Date: Thursday, January 11⏰ Time: 5:00 PM📻 Listen: Unity Radio WUTY 97.9FM💻 Stream: Live on our Facebook pageJoin the conversation and be part of the community shaping our children’s future!#UnityInTheCommunity #WorcesterPublicSchools #EducationForward #SchoolExcellence #WorcesterMA #CommunityRadio

Check out this wonderful Telegram & Gazette article on 10-year-old singer Angelo Gray, a student at Nelson Place School! 🎤 🎵 Angelo is getting noticed for singing the Star Spangled Banner and National Anthem at the recent City of Worcester Inauguration, and before games of the WooSox, Bravehearts, and Railers! His musical journey began to take shape after his aunt died in October 2021. After her funeral, Angelo sang a cover of Michael Jackson's song "Who's Loving You." That's when Angelo's cousin, a singer based in California, suggested his mother, Jamie, enroll him in voice lessons. Angelo's favorite artists to sing include the Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. He performed Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" at his mother’s wedding during her father-daughter dance.

⭐ WooStar Crystal Buckley, art teacher at Challenge/Reach Academy⭐ "Mrs. Buckley challenges and pushes students to explore their talent in a safe and supportive way. She brings out the best in our students with her creativity and willingness to adapt. Mrs. Buckley goes above and beyond to provide our students with powerful learning experiences." - Chris LaBreck

⭐ WooStar Tyson Vu, Pre-K scholar at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School⭐ Tyson is a Curious Learner 🔍! Tyson always tries his hardest to accomplish his goals and he is always willing to learn. Tyson has also worked hard to try new things. Tyson has come so far and we are so proud of him!

⭐WooStar Arlenne Zelayandia, paraeducator at Burncoat Street Preparatory School⭐ "Arlenne is a hardworking team player who is always willing to help anyone in need. She steps into difficult situations selflessly and is consistently giving helping hands to students and staff in need. She is compassionate, empathetic, and an amazing educator and colleague to have at Burncoat Prep. " - colleague

⭐ WooStar Elias Ross, 8th-grade scholar at Burncoat Middle School⭐ Elias is a Curious Learner 🔍, Empowered Individual⚡️, and Effective Communicator 💬! Elias came to Burncoat Middle School at the start of 7th grade. He immediately showed us what a strong student he was and began advocating for more difficult work to challenge himself. In addition to being a hard worker, Elias is mature and a strong communicator, which for middle schoolers, can prove to be challenging at times. He often advocates for space when frustrated instead of acting out and will talk to trusted adults to help him navigate problems when they arise. Most recently, Elias advocated to attend more challenging classes, not only to give himself a stronger education but to interact with like-minded peers. Everyday, he continues to impress his teachers and go above and beyond to be the best version of himself.

⭐ WooStars Nicole Girouard, Grade 3 Teacher ELA and Social Studies and Katie Friend, MLL Teacher, at Midland Street School⭐ "After finishing the "Classic Tales" unit, students dressed as characters from either "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" or the "Wind in the Willows" and celebrated with a tea party, including decorations and special treats. The children also completed theme activities and played games. These teachers went above and beyond to have a culminating experience students will never forget!" - Mary Malley, colleague