
🛑🚸 Today, we celebrate the incredible crossing guards in Worcester Public Schools who play a vital role in getting our students to and from school safely throughout the school year. 👏
Pictured are a few of the dedicated crossing guards in our schools:
🛑🚸 Brenda Davin – Crossing Guard at Flagg Street School
Principal Genese says, "We are so fortunate to have Ms. Brenda Davin as the crossing guard for the Flagg Street School community. She not only ensures students arrive safely but also brightens everyone's day with her kindness."
Parent Zack Kennedy adds, "Rain or shine, snow or sleet, Brenda greets everyone with a smile and kind words. She decorates the tree and post with holiday cheer, and her genuine affection for the kids is felt by all. We are lucky to have her as part of the Flagg community."
🛑🚸 Lilian Garcia – Crossing Guard at Union Hill School
Principal Tabales says, "At one of the busiest intersections in town, Ms. Lillian Garcia is more than just a crossing guard—she’s a community guardian. Rain or shine, she ensures the safety of children with a warm smile and a watchful eye, even carrying spare mittens for those who forget theirs."
🛑🚸 Kashanda Harris – Crossing Guard at Goddard School of Science & Technology Principal Dr. Allen says, "Kashanda Harris is one of our veteran crossing guards who crosses Goddard School students at the very busy intersection of Main Street at Freeland Street. We appreciate Kashanda's many years of service to the Goddard School community, ensuring that our students arrive at school and return home safely each and every day, regardless of the weather."
🛑🚸 Al Ruiz – Crossing Guard at Grafton Street School
Principal Hebert says, “Al Ruiz is the first face greeting students and families at Grafton Street School. He has built positive and trusting relationships with the Grafton Street Community. We are lucky to have him keeping our students safe.”
Sending a thank you to all of our WPS crossing guards for their dedication and hard work in keeping our students safe every day!





🏫🎾 Worcester Public Schools Receives USA Pickleball Grant to Expand Physical Education Curriculum
Worcester Public Schools has been awarded a grant from USA Pickleball’s inaugural “Grow the Game” program! This initiative will help expand access to pickleball in our schools and communities by providing essential equipment and resources.
As part of the grant, WPS will receive 72 paddles, 3 nets, and 200 pickleballs, plus educational materials to support the integration of pickleball into the physical education curriculum. PE teachers recently participated in professional development at Doherty Memorial High School, learning how to teach pickleball to students.
This program will help students get active and engaged in a fun, growing sport that promotes fitness and social interaction. 🎾💪
Read more: https://www.worcesterschools.org/article/2075969


School Social Worker / Adjustment Counselor Appreciation Week 🧑🏫💙
This week, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of our School Social Workers / Adjustment Counselors. 💙 They support students, families, and educators in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. 🌱📚 School Adjustment Counselors address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, helping students succeed. 🎯
Their work helps bridge gaps, provide resources, and support resilience in our school communities. 🤝💪
To all our School Adjustment Counselors—thank you for your work and support. 🙏 We appreciate everything you do! 🌟
Check out some of the photos of our dedicated team! 📸





🎓High School Graduation Dates for the Class of 2025!
The time is almost here! Check out the graduation dates for Worcester Public Schools’ Class of 2025:
Tuesday, May 27: Doherty Memorial High School
Wednesday, May 28: Worcester Technical High School
Thursday, May 29: University Park Campus School
Monday, June 2: Gerald Creamer Center
Tuesday, June 3: Worcester Alternative School
Tuesday, June 3: Burncoat High School
Wednesday, June 4: South High Community School
Friday, June 6: North High School
Monday, June 9: Claremont Academy
Celebrate the hard work and dedication of our graduates as they move on to their next chapter! 🎓🌟
For full details on graduation dates, visit: https://buff.ly/frXUZaR


🥣 National School Breakfast Week is here! 🥑🍎
A healthy, tasty breakfast sets students up for success—and the best part? It’s completely FREE for all students! 🎉 Come grab a breakfast and fuel up to kickstart a day of learning and achievement! 🍽️🌟
This week, we’re celebrating with delicious and healthy options, including a new recipe in the works!
Introducing waffle sticks with blueberry compote—made with real blueberries, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of honey. 🍯🫐 The perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this tasty new breakfast could be your next favorite!
Would you give it a try? Let us know! 👇




✨ Staff Development Day in Action! ✨
Today, Worcester Public Schools educators came together for a day of collaboration, growth, and skill-building—all with the goal of better supporting our students! 📚🎶🍎
Some highlights from the day:
🎼 Music Educators – Mapped scope & sequence, reviewed, and developed curriculum maps to enhance middle and high school music instruction.
🛡️ Risk Mitigation Training – School Adjustment Counselors and Behavior Specialists engaged in professional development on proactive strategies to identify and address student needs, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
🥗 Nutrition Team Trainings – Participated in Manager/Cook training and a chemicals presentation, reinforcing best practices in food safety and kitchen operations.
👏 A huge thank you to all WPS staff for your commitment to excellence and student success!









No School on Tuesday, March 4
Teachers and school staff will have a professional development day on Tuesday, March 4, so there will be no school for students.
District offices will remain open. 🏫


📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫
March has 20 school days — let’s make each one count! 🙌
Consistent attendance helps students stay on track, succeed academically, and build great habits. 📝💪
Let’s show up, learn, and thrive together! 🎓🌟


🍽️✨ Look What’s Coming Back on February's Menu!
Say hello to Chicken and Veggie Dumplings with Soy Sauce, paired with a tasty Edamame Salad and a sweet Fortune Cookie! 😋
This delicious combo will be back on the February menu – don’t miss it! 🌱🍜


🚗 Become an Automotive Instructor - Chapter 74🚗
Worcester Technical High School is seeking a skilled Automotive Instructor! Join our team and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.
Visit the link here to apply: https://buff.ly/4h9YTcD


Worcester Public Library Hosts Book Drive for WPS Educators 📚
Thank you to our friends at the Worcester Public Library for hosting an amazing book drive! Over 12,000 books were donated to WPS K-3 grade educators, helping them build and refresh their classroom libraries.
Thank you to Worcester Public Library for your continued support to literacy in our schools!





Standard Response Protocol and Reunification Training with The I Love U Guys Foundation 🦺
Worcester Public Schools administrators recently participated in intensive safety training led by The I Love U Guys Foundation. It was the second large-scale staff training since the summer.
The two-day session, held at Worcester State University, focused on ensuring our staff are fully prepared to reunite students with their families in the case of a school evacuation.
WPS takes a proactive approach to ensuring safety and positive school climates. The district operates from the I Love U Guys safety framework with clear protocols, procedures, and a common language to ensure a systematic and organized response to any situation.
Special thanks to Jim French of The I Love U Guys Foundation for leading this hands-on training with our staff!
🔗 Learn more about WPS’s safety protocols: https://www.worcesterschools.org/page/safety





🔥 Get Ready to Savor the Flavor! 🔥
Have you tried the new Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich yet? Served with crispy Sweet Potato Fries, it’s bold, fresh, and bursting with flavor! 🥪🍟
🌟 Exciting New Items Coming Next Week:
🥖 Chicken Philly Sandwich with crispy Baked Fries – a satisfying, savory delight!
🥗 Taco Salad Bowl – choose between Beef or Plant-Based Meat, packed with all the taco goodness you love in one tasty bowl!
Check out what’s on the menu and try something new today!
View the full menu at https://buff.ly/47lkI4R
Let us know which dish you’re most excited to try! 👇





📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫
January has 19 school days — let’s make every day count! 🙌
Consistent attendance keeps students on track, boosts academic success, and builds lifelong habits. 📝💪 Together, we can show up, learn, and thrive! 🎓🌟
For more tips on maintaining good attendance, visit: https://buff.ly/4h75OTc


🏫 School Enrollment Begins Soon!
🎒If you are enrolling your child in the Worcester Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, registration opens on January 2, 2025.
The Parent Information Center will begin scheduling appointments on January 6, 2025.
Visit the WPS Enrollment website for details: worcesterschools.org/enrollment


🏫 School Enrollment Begins Soon!
🎒If you are enrolling your child in the Worcester Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year, registration opens on January 2, 2025.
The Parent Information Center will begin scheduling appointments on January 6, 2025.
Visit the WPS Enrollment website for details: worcesterschools.org/enrollment


🎄✨ Festival of Lights Sparkled in Worcester! ✨🎄
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Festival of Lights on Worcester Common!
A special shoutout to our WPS scholars, including performers from Burncoat High Quadrivium Chorus, Midland Street Elementary, North High School, and South High School, for making the evening unforgettable.
Your talents lit up the night and made the evening unforgettable! 🌟
Stay tuned for more events celebrating the season. 🎶❄️










📢 Help Shape WPS Core Values!
The Worcester Public Schools are developing core values to guide our actions, culture, and decision-making. These values are the foundation of our community, and we need your input!
👉 Participate by January 15, 2025—your voice matters! Help define the values that will shape our Strategic Plan, to be announced in Spring 2025.
Join now: https://buff.ly/3D9RCu1


🪑 Bay State Savings Bank Furniture Donation to Worcester Public Schools 🪑
Sending a thank you to our friends at Bay State Savings Bank, including President & CEO (and WPS alum!) Seth Pitts, for a generous furniture donation to the Worcester Public Schools!
Bay State’s contribution, valued at nearly $50,000, has transformed Tatnuck Magnet School's calming and organizing space. Bay State also donated to 14 other schools in WPS, making a big impact across the district!
“For Worcester Public Schools, every resource contributes to the success of our scholars and educators," said Superintendent Rachel H. Monarrez. "We are grateful to Bay State Bank for their generous donation. This gift will directly enhance the learning environments in 15 of our schools, creating spaces where students can thrive and teachers can inspire. Partnerships like this reflect the strength of our community and its commitment to education. Thank you, Bay State Bank, for investing in the future of Worcester.”
Read more here: https://buff.ly/3ZOrH4a





🦃 ✨ Wishing our students, families, and staff a joyful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the diverse traditions, histories, and cultures that enrich our communities.🍁
We are thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another. May everyone have a restful and enjoyable break! 💛
