Elm Park Community School

Accelerated Learning Academy Highlights Math-Focused Spring Programming 🏫🧮 Over spring break, Worcester Public Schools scholars dove into hands-on learning through the Accelerated Learning Academy, hosted at schools across the district—including Burncoat Preparatory School, Burncoat High School, Elm Park Community School, Forest Grove Middle School, North High School, and Worcester East Middle School. 🏫🌸 Throughout the week, scholars explored math in engaging and practical ways—tackling geometry through art projects 🎨📐, solving word problems 🤔📝, and building test-taking strategies for the MCAS 📊. At some sites, students applied measurement skills by following recipes and cooking simple meals 🍽️🥄—turning math into a multisensory experience! Fun activities also included physical exercise in the school gym 🏃‍♂️🏀, cooperative board games 🎲, and quality time spent with friends 😊—making for a well-rounded week of learning and connection. 💬🤝

🎉 Honoring Excellence in Public Service 🎉 Join us in congratulating Mohammed Siddiqui, Senior Software Developer in Worcester Public Schools' IT Department, on receiving the 2025 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau! 🏆 Mohammed has been pivotal in developing key systems like the Special Education Information System, the Translation Services Database, and digital guest sign-in tools. His innovative solutions and dedication have had a lasting impact across the district. 💻🔧 A nominator shared: “Mohammed’s problem-solving and strategic planning are unmatched. With decades of experience, he consistently delivers efficient, reliable solutions that enhance our tech infrastructure for students, staff, and faculty.” 🧠⚙️ 👏 We’re so proud of Mohammed and thankful for his continuous dedication to supporting our schools and students! 🔗 Learn more about this year’s recipients: https://buff.ly/H3LbvfO

📎🌟 Happy National Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟📎 Today, we celebrate the amazing administrative teams who are the backbone of our schools! From front office staff to registrars and administrative assistants, you keep things running smoothly with professionalism, care, and a whole lot of heart. 💚📚 Whether you're managing paperwork, coordinating communication, or supporting students and families every day—you are essential to our school communities. 🍎🙌 THANK YOU for everything you do! 🙌🍎 We’re so grateful for your dedication and proud to have you as part of the Worcester Public Schools family.

📢 Reminder: Worcester Public Schools' First Annual Job Fair is Coming Up! Your Next Career Move Begins Here! Join us for the First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair on Tuesday, April 29, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland Street, Worcester. This event presents an excellent opportunity to explore career options within public education and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community. Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your career, Worcester Public Schools offers a range of meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/J4fg8um

🚌💛 Happy National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Today we hit the brakes to give a huge shoutout to our incredible Worcester Public Schools bus drivers—the everyday heroes who keep our schools moving! 🚦☀️🌧️ Through early mornings, busy roads, and all kinds of weather, they show up with a smile, ready to safely guide our students to and from school. 👋👏 From the honks, waves, and high-fives—your impact goes far beyond the yellow bus. Thank you for your dedication, patience, and for being such an important part of the WPS family. 🙌

Happy Easter! 🐣🌸 Did you know that Easter’s roots trace back to ancient festivals celebrating Spring? Discover the fascinating history behind this holiday and how it evolved over time! Learn more about the history of Easter: https://buff.ly/2prGpwk

Worcester Public Schools will be closed in observance of Patriots' Day. Learn more about the history and meaning of this day by exploring Massachusetts’ Patriots’ Day resources: https://buff.ly/dr1Tref

📢 First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair Your Next Career Move Begins Here! Join us for the First Annual Worcester Public Schools Job Fair on Tuesday, April 29, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland Street, Worcester. This event presents an excellent opportunity to explore career options within public education and become part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community. Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your career, Worcester Public Schools offers a range of meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. 🔗 Register today: https://buff.ly/J4fg8um

April has 16 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! 🎓🌟

🎉 Juniper Outreach Foundation Opens Food Pantry at Doherty Memorial High School The Juniper Outreach Foundation has officially opened its eighth in-school food pantry at Doherty Memorial High School, providing students with access to food 🍎, snacks 🍪, clothing 👚, and other essential items. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Joseph Petty, Principal John Staley, Tim Murray, President/CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Julie McDonald, Executive Director of the Juniper Outreach Foundation. ✂️🎤 With generous support from the Fairlawn Foundation, this new pantry joins Juniper’s growing network of school-based pantries at Burncoat Preparatory School, Lincoln Street School, City View Discovery School, Elm Park Community School, Vernon Hill School, Gerald Creamer Center, and South High School—ensuring more students have the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. 📚🌟

🛑🚸 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! 🎓🌟

Accelerated Learning Academy at Elm Park Community School 📝 Scholars at Elm Park participated in the Accelerated Learning Academy over winter break, collaborating with educators to enhance their learning skills. Throughout the week, scholars engaged in learning sessions with educators, focusing on open response assignments, test-taking strategies, and creative projects. Fun activities included physical exercise in the school gym, cooperative board games, and quality time with friends. The Accelerated Learning Academy was hosted across various WPS sites, including Burncoat Preparatory School, Burncoat High School, Forest Grove Middle School, North High School, and Worcester East Middle School.

🍽️✨ 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! 🌱🍜