📚🎉 First Day of School in WPS! We’re excited to kick off the 2024-25 school year! 🎒✨ We are so happy to get back into the classroom and wish all of our scholars, educators and school staff a great first day of school! At Nelson Place Elementary School on Monday morning, Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, Mayor Petty, members of the school committee, and student volunteers from the College of the Holy Cross greeted students and families with big smiles and warm wishes. Swipe through our photos to catch the first-day excitement!📸 We can’t wait to welcome our pre-k and kindergarten scholars this Thursday, August 29! 🎈👶
8 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
photo of Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez and Mayor Petty with students at Nelson Place Elementary on the first day of school
photo of Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez and students at Nelson Place Elementary on the first day of school.
photo of students and student volunteers of College of Holy Cross at Nelson Place Elementary on the first day of school
hoto of Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, Mayor Petty and Molly McCullough greet students and families at Nelson Place Elementary on the first day of school
🚌 Buses Are Ready to Roll! 🔔The Worcester Public Schools is now entering its third year of operating all its own school buses – and there are major improvements for the start of the school year! • We are fully staffed with bus drivers for all 222 routes. • Bus stop assignments were issued to families in WooEdu on August 1 – the earliest in recent memory, possibly ever. • We are assisting families with questions before the start of the school year, and not waiting until after school begins as was the case in years past. • Complaints about performance declined 76% in our first year of in-house service. • The move to in-house transportation saved taxpayers $5 million annually. • We will introduce 15 electric school buses in FY26. Read more about our transportation improvements in this Telegram & Gazette article: https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/2024/08/22/worcesters-in-house-busing-sports-savings-full-staff-of-drivers/74862665007/ Get your child’s school bus information on our website: https://www.worcesterschools.org/o/wps/page/transportation
8 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Workers standing in front of a school bus
🦺 🚨Principals and Administrators Conduct Safety Training WPS principals and administrators spent two full days reviewing safety and reunification protocols with the “I Love U Guys” school safety foundation. The district fully implemented the foundation’s “standard response protocols” and safety drills last year. Now, principals and administrators are also getting trained on how to reunify students with families following a high-level emergency. During the training, which took place at Worcester State University, administrators simulated various roles of staff who would reunite children with their parents in an organized manner. We hope to never use these reunification protocols, but we must always plan for the worst and hope for the best. I Love U Guys was launched by Ellen and John-Michael Keyes following the 2006 death of their daughter, Emily, in a school hostage situation and shooting in Colorado. One of the incident’s hostage negotiators, Stacy Avila, is now an instructor for I Love U Guys and directed the training for Worcester Public Schools. Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/o/wps/page/standard-response-protocol
8 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Three men at a table for parent check-in
A woman holding cards
Three women sitting at a table for parents to check in
Adults in safety vests having a discussion
📚✨ Leadership Institute Summit for WPS Administrators ✨📚 Today, district administration, principals, and school-based leadership teams gathered at Worcester Technical High School for the annual Leadership Institute Summit. The event welcomes back leadership staff for the new school year and offers a series of engaging events to leave everyone inspired. Those in attendance were able to promote past successes and reflect as we continue to work collaboratively to move our school district forward. This year's event featured developmental breakout sessions for staff, a special stand-up comedy performance from Worcester's own Jimmy Cash (a custodian at Worcester Arts Magnet), and an open forum featuring scholars who shared their experiences in WPS.
8 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A teacher smiles during a breakout session.
A teacher leads a breakout session.
Jimmy Cash does a standup set.
Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez with students.
A teacher walks through the hallways.
🎓 A Summer to Remember with Early College Worcester! 🌞 200 Worcester Public Schools students recently wrapped up an epic two-week adventure at Worcester State University! 🔬🎥 From mastering college life to exploring forensics, TV production, and social justice, our rising 9th and 10th graders did it all. They even found time for pickleball, yoga, and drum circles! 🏓🧘‍♂️🥁 As our early college scholars head into high school, they’ll have the chance to earn college credits with WSU and QCC. 🎉📖 A big shoutout to everyone who made this amazing experience possible! 🙌 Check out the photos capturing these unforgettable moments and learn more at earlycollegeworcester.org! 📷
8 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A vibrant group shot of the students and staff at Worcester State University, showcasing their excitement and unity.
Candid shot of students participating in yoga sessions.
Photo of student focused on a hands-on forensics activity.
Photo of students focused on a hands-on forensics activity.
🎉🥎 Jesse Burkett 12U All-Stars Win State Championship! 🏆🔥 Congrats to the Forest Grove and Sullivan Middle students who led the Jesse Burkett 12U team to victory! 🎉🏅 Next up: the New England regional in Bristol, Connecticut! 🎊👏 Join us for a send-off at Rockwood Field on Saturday, July 20, at 8:00 AM to cheer them on! 🚀💪 Team members: Jocelyn Baumann, Leah Becker, Jailyn Buccico, Sophia D’Andrea, Sophia Delvalle, Mya Domineck, Amaiya Febles, Annie Friend, Sofia Rogers, Khloe Siergie, Sophia Carrero, and Mady Smith.
9 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A photo of students from Forest Grove and Sullivan Middle Schools celebrating their win of the Massachusetts State Championship with the Jesse Burkett 12U All-Star softball team. The students are smiling, holding their championship trophy, and wearing their team uniforms.
🎉🍎 Summer Eats is here! 🍎🎉 This summer, Worcester Public Schools Mobile Nutrition vehicles will be stopping at various locations throughout the city, offering free meals to children and teens aged 18 and under, Monday through Friday! 📅 Important Dates: • Meal services will be available until August 23rd! • No meal service on July 4th! 📍Stay Updated: Due to potential changes in locations and serving times, please check our website daily for the latest updates: worcesterschools.org/summereats2024 Let's make this summer healthy and fun for all! 🌞🍎
9 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Summer Eats program graphic promoting free meals for children and teens aged 18 and under at various locations throughout the city, available Monday through Friday until August 23rd.
WPS Supplies Books for Families from Afghanistan 📚 🎒 With support from the Afghanistan Refugee Support Grant, the Worcester Public Schools is providing numerous books for parents and children from Afghanistan in a free giveaway. The effort is two-fold: It increases family engagement and boosts literary skills for our scholars. The texts ranged from picture dictionaries in Dari, Pashto, and English; to children’s books like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “The Library Bus.” Families also picked up school supplies, such as backpacks, pencil cases, notebooks, and lunch boxes. The effort was organized by the WPS Family and Community Engagement Department. Pictured here, from left to right, are Wraparound Coordinators A.J. Pettway of Chandler Elementary, Aleah Oriol of Belmont Street Elementary, Adrianna Buduski of North High, Isabel Muniz of Clark Street Elementary, and Rolando Cruz of Elm Park Elementary.
9 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Five adults standing behind a display of children's books
⚡️ Summer Spark Spotlight Academy Expo ⚡️ The Summer Spark Academy came to a fun finale recently as scholars showed off their work to families at an expo at North High. After the expo, scholars took to the fields for a spree day, including bounce houses, water games and plenty more!
9 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A student shows a self-made documentary.
A group of students play with robots while family watches.
A scholar poses for the camera while sitting on the edge of a bounce house.
A educator and scholar work together on a project.
A educator and scholar work together on a robot.
Two students give a presentation on their robot.
Two scholars pose with an educator.
A student splashes water from a cup on their friend.
A scholar goes down the bounce house slide.
A large group of scholars run through the field.
Quarter 4 honor roll listings for the 2023-24 school year are now post! 🏆 Congratulations to the many scholars who are being acknowledged for their academic achievements. Find your scholar here 👉 https://buff.ly/4bAOe76
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic that says "Fourth Quarter Honor Roll"
Today, we celebrate the spirit of freedom and unity that defines our great nation. Let's cherish the values of independence, diversity, and community that make our school district strong. Wishing all our students, families, and staff a safe and joyous Independence Day! 🎉🗽 Learn more at https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Fourth of July Graphic
Worcester UNITES hosted its summer concert at Sullivan Middle School earlier this week! 😎🎷 The summer concert featured performances from the string orchestra and concert band and brought together more than 100 WPS musicians from over 20 district-schools. Great job to our Worcester UNITES musicians and thank you to our instructors and families for supporting the program!
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A student plays an instrument.
A student plays an instrument.
A student plays an instrument.
Worcester UNITES performs on stage in front of families at Sullivan Middle School.
AbbVie, Heart of America Create STEAM Lab at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School 🔬🎨 Representatives from AbbVie and Heart of America, alongside over 100 AbbVie and Worcester Public Schools volunteers, put the finishing touches and cut the ribbon on a newly-renovated STEAM Lab at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School on Wednesday, June 26.
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Jacob Hiatt Principal Tammy Boyle, alongside Worcester Public Schools educators and officials from AbbVie and Heart of America, cut the ribbon on the school’s new STEAM Lab on Wednesday, June 26.
The STEAM lab at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School.
The STEAM lab at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School.
Hundreds of volunteers listen to speeches.
Old Doherty Memorial High School Demolition 👷🏫 Construction crews have been hard at work demolishing the old Doherty Memorial High School over the past few days. The location of the old building will be cleared to make room for the school's new athletic complex and parking lots. Demolition and construction will continue throughout the summer with the new Doherty Memorial High School set to open at the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A bulldozer picks up dirt and debris from a construction site.
The Doherty Memorial High School sign displayed in front of an on-going construction site.
A bulldozer transports a large metal fixture from a construction site.
A bulldozer picks up dirt and debris from a construction site.
🎉 Congratulations Laura Moineau on your retirement! Laura began her career as a paraeducator at St. Casimir Alternative School while pursuing her Bachelor's degree. In 1992, she transitioned to become a Special Education Teacher, dedicating herself to supporting students' needs. Check out Laura's reflections on her experience with Worcester Public Schools! Wishing you the best in your well-deserved retirement! 👏
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Photo of retiree Laura Moineau a special education teacher with 38 years of service
Worcester Public Schools, Worcester Public Library Team Up For Accessible Summer Reading 📚😎 This summer, all Worcester Public Schools (WPS) students who will enter grades 7, 8, 9, or 10 in the fall will have free access to digital versions of their summer reading books thanks to a new partnership with the Worcester Public Library (WPL). The students will receive free access to digital summer reading books through the Sora app on Clever. The digital books are now available for 90-day checkout at no cost to WPS students or their families.
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Students from Sullivan Middle School hold up summer reading books.
 🎉It's official! School's out for summer!  Congratulations to all our incredible students for their hard work and achievements this year! 🎓📚 A big thank you to our dedicated teachers, staff, and families for their support! 🙏 Wishing everyone a fantastic summer break filled with fun, relaxation, and new adventures!☀️ 😊 We can't wait to see you all refreshed and ready to learn again in the fall!
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
graphic for summer vacation
Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the end of slavery in the United States. This day reminds us of the importance of freedom, equality, and justice for all. Let's honor the resilience and contributions of the Black community and continue to educate ourselves and our students about the importance of this historic day. Wishing everyone a meaningful Juneteenth! ✊🏽🖤❤️💚 Learn more at https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A social media graphic for Juneteenth.
🚧 Doherty High Construction Update 🚧 The construction of the new Doherty Memorial High School remains on schedule to open for the 2024-25 year. Demolition of the current building will begin next week. We are salvaging numerous memorabilia items from the current building and plan to auction these items in a school fundraising effort this fall. In addition, we will hold a tour of the new building for the public this fall. When details are ready, we will share this information widely via social media, press release and the WPS ParentSquare newsletter: https://www.parentsquare.com/community_signups/a1187810-7be6-4b97-ae83-6ab08198b48d/new
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
Doherty logo
🎉 Congratulations Nancy Sullivan on your retirement! Nancy Sullivan began her career with WPS in 1992 as an Occupational Therapist. In 2004, she transitioned to Department Head for Occupational and Physical Therapy, where she led the Lifeskills, Vision, and Assistive Technology Departments during her last 8 years in the district. Check out Nancy's reflections on her experience with Worcester Public Schools! Wishing you the best in your well-deserved retirement! 👏
10 months ago, Worcester Public Schools
A graphic of Nancy Sullivan.