
🫂Dr. Monárrez Bids Farewell
👋🏽Superintendent Rachel Monárrez says good bye to the Worcester Public Schools in this heartfelt video message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3PFpU7m_34
❤️In her video, she says, “My time here in Worcester has been one of the most rewarding of my professional life.
“In fact, if I were to name my two favorite jobs in the education field I’ve ever held, they would be being a classroom teacher and being a superintendent. Why? Because in both roles, you have the most direct impact on the lives of our scholars. …
“Worcester holds a very special place in my heart, and I will miss the community dearly. Yet, I know the district is on a clear trajectory toward excellence. …
“I have every confidence that this positive momentum will continue under the leadership of Brian Allen, whose dedication and vision will serve our scholars and staff incredibly well.
“Thank you, Worcester. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your unwavering commitment to our scholars.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you.”


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 https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth


“Gratitude, Joy and Love.”
As she was being honored by the Worcester School Committee for her three years of service on Wednesday night, Dr. Rachel Monárrez used those three words to describe how she feels about the Worcester Public Schools.
The superintendent was formally recognized with a ceremonial chair for her visionary work leading the district. Her husband, Jesus, joined her for photos with current and former members of the School Committee, the WPS leadership team, community leaders.
One person gifted Dr. Monárrez a t-shirt that read, “I’m that legendary Superintendent that everyone is talking about!”
In her remarks, Dr. Monárrez said that “we can hold traditions and progress in the same space.”
“As I leave with a heart full of gratitude, joy, and live, I ask each one of you to allow for traditions and progress to coexist. We can have curriculum that is relevant to diverse youth and also teach the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. We can have safe and orderly schools and practice restorative justice. We can provide an administrative support system and be fiscally responsible. We do not have to live in the space of ‘or.’ Practice the ‘and.’ You will feet gratitude, joy and love for what we can do, why we exist, and allow our children to thrive.”






📸 Smiles, Success & Summer Vibes! ☀️
As we close the chapter on this school year, we reflect with gratitude on the growth, resilience, and joy that filled every corner of Worcester Public Schools. 💚📚
This summer, we say thank you and farewell to Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD 👋🎓—whose leadership guided us with care and purpose.
At the same time, we look ahead with excitement as we welcome Brian Allen 🎉📝 as the next Superintendent of WPS—bringing fresh energy and vision for the road ahead.
Here are just a few moments that capture the spirit of 2024–2025—from classrooms buzzing with curiosity 🔍✏️ to championship wins 🏆, student celebrations 🎭🎨, and the friendships that made it all worthwhile. 🤝💫
To our students, staff, and families: thank you for your dedication, support, and heart throughout this journey. 🙏❤️
Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and restorative summer ☀️—we look forward to welcoming you back in late August for new adventures together! 🚌🎒📅










🍎 Summer Eats Starts Monday, June 23! ☀️
Worcester Public Schools is excited to kick off free summer meals for all kids and teens 18 and under—no registration or ID needed!
🍽️ Meals will be served Monday through Friday at schools, parks, pools, libraries, and neighborhoods across Worcester — plus Saturdays at local markets!
📅 Program runs June 23 – August 15 (No service on July 4)
🔗 For daily site updates, visit: https://buff.ly/Dn8M15x
Let’s keep our kids fueled, healthy, and ready for summer fun! 💚
Times and meals are subject to change.










🎉 Worcester Public Schools Wins FIVE National Awards for Communications Excellence!
The Worcester Public Schools Communications Department has been honored with five national awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for outstanding work in writing, marketing, photography, social media, and video.
This recognition builds on the department’s continued success after earning three national awards in 2024—including the prestigious Golden Achievement Award for its school enrollment campaign.
🏆 2025 NSPRA Award Highlights:
✍️ Excellence in Writing – Kyle Prudhomme, Communications Specialist, for an article and photos on North High School’s On the Spot Acceptance Day
📊 Excellence in Marketing – Anca Tughin, Communications Specialist, for the Attendance Matters campaign poster
📸 Merit in Photography – Kyle Prudhomme, Communications Specialist, for student dancers at Burncoat High
📱 Merit in Social Media – Dan O’Brien, Chief Communications Officer, and Kyle Prudhomme and Anca Tughin, Communications Specialists, for the year-long Friendly Faces series
🎥 Merit in Video Production – Christine Wilson, Eric McKeon, and Stephanie Castano Flores of Worcester Educational Access Television (WEATV) for program outreach videos
🗣️ “In just over two years, our communications team has built a robust and highly effective operation from the ground up,” said Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD. “These awards are a testament to their hard work, commitment to excellence, and innovation.”
🗣️ “This outstanding achievement truly highlights the district’s commitment to excellence in keeping our families, staff, and community members informed,” added Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen, who will become Superintendent on July 1. “Effective communication is the cornerstone of a strong school community.”
🚀 We’re excited to keep raising the bar for school communications in Worcester and beyond!
📖 Read the full article: https://buff.ly/W1GEdei


📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫
June has just 13 school days — let’s make every day count as we head toward the end of the school year! 🎉
Consistent attendance keeps students on track, boosts academic success, and builds lifelong habits. 📝💪
Together, we can show up, learn, and thrive! 🎓🌟
For tips on maintaining strong attendance: https://buff.ly/4h75OTc


😀Friendly Faces of Sullivan Middle School
📚The Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School serves 940 scholars in grades 6-8, including 150 in the Goddard Scholars Academy.
🎒Sullivan’s core values are: respectful, responsible and ready to learn!
Located next door to South High Community School, Sullivan Middle scholars can envision themselves moving onto high school or higher education through strong academic standards, fun, and enrichment.
On a recent school day, students were learning how to play bongo drums as part of a performing arts lesson, while others were actively participating in gym class as different languages and cultures were embraced by one another.
Administrators greeted and posed for photos with students as part of their daily practice of building a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.









Memorial Day ❤️🤍💙
This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women from Worcester and across the nation who served in the military and gave their lives for our freedom. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began in 1868 following the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. 🕊️🌹
Let us take a moment to reflect on their courage and express our gratitude.


💼 Worcester Public Schools Hosts First Annual Job Fair 🎉
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) proudly hosted its First Annual Job Fair, bringing together job seekers and district staff for a day of opportunity, connection, and career exploration.
Attendees had the chance to meet with hiring teams 🤝, learn about a variety of open roles 🏫, and discover how they can make a meaningful impact in our schools and community 🌟.
👏 A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible—from the team that organized it to all the staff, schools, and partners who participated and supported the effort.
We’re excited about the future of our growing WPS team and grateful for the shared commitment to student success! 🙌
👉 Interested in joining us? Check out our current openings here: https://buff.ly/0K9DAsb











🎓 Superintendent’s Advisory Council Senior Farewell
✨ Worcester Public Schools recently held its annual Superintendent’s Advisory Council Senior Farewell Ceremony, honoring the Class of 2025 scholar leaders who served on the council throughout the year.
🌟 These remarkable scholars were celebrated for their leadership, advocacy, and dedication to advancing equity and amplifying student voice across WPS. Each was presented with a 🎓 commemorative stole to wear at graduation—recognizing their lasting contributions.
💬 Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez expressed gratitude for their efforts to make our district more inclusive and responsive to scholar needs. The ceremony also included the introduction of Brian Allen 📣, incoming Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools.
👏 Congratulations to these exceptional WPS scholars and leaders!









🔥🚒 Worcester Public Schools is proud to support the Worcester Fire Department’s community engagement session with their student officers! 👩🚒👨🚒
We’re thankful for the contributions of Jeff Creamer, Principal at South High Community School, Edward Walker, Dean of Students at Worcester Technical High School, and Luis A. Ojeda, Assistant Principal at University Park Campus School, for sharing valuable insights on how firefighters can better engage with and support Worcester’s diverse communities. 💬
Their voices are paving the way for deeper understanding and trust between first responders and our community. 🤝
This collaborative session is a great example of how we come together to foster understanding, empathy, and trust—building a stronger, more united Worcester. 🌟💙





💙🩺 Happy National Nurses Day!
Today we celebrate the everyday heroes in our school buildings—our incredible Worcester Public School nurses! 🩹
From a gentle word to a quick check-up or urgent care, you bring comfort, courage, and compassion to every student you meet. 💫
📸 Pictured are a few of the dedicated nurses in our schools:
💉 Joyce Boadi (Academic Center for Transition)
💉 Gina Goggins and Denise Gosselin (Norrback Avenue School)
💉 Allison Jerome (Heard Street Discovery Academy)
💉 Jessica Hanlon and Susan Serrato (South High Community School)
💉 Carol Zapulla (Columbus Park Preparatory Academy)
💉 Cyrille Vincent, Angelica Vega, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Kathleen Keefe, Katie Curtin, Ewa Bzura (North High School)
💉Jennifer Hasselstrom (Greendale Head Start Program)
💉 Vivian Boateng & Francez Montanez ( Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School)
Thank you for being the steady hands and kind hearts that keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. 📚🙌









📚✨ Attendance Matters! 🏫
May has 21 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


🍎🦸♀️ Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🦸♂️🥪
Today, we give a big THANK YOU to the amazing Worcester Public Schools Nutrition Staff—our very own School Lunch Heroes! 💚
From early mornings to busy lunchrooms, they serve up more than just meals. They serve kindness, care, and a whole lot of heart—fueling our students for success every single day.
Whether it’s preparing nutritious food, accommodating special diets, or greeting every student with a smile, you make a difference. 💪🍽️
Let’s show them some love and say THANK YOU to the heroes behind the lunch line! 💚










🎉🏫 Happy National School Principal Day! 🎉🍎
Today, we celebrate and honor the incredible leaders who guide our schools with dedication, compassion, and vision – our school principals!💙🏫
Thank you for your tireless commitment to shaping young minds, fostering a positive learning environment, and supporting the growth and development of both students and staff. 🌟👏
Your leadership inspires us all to reach for excellence and strive for success. Here's to you, our amazing school principals!











📢 Reminder: Worcester Public Schools' First Annual Job Fair is Today!
Your Next Career Move Begins Here!
Join us today, Tuesday, April 29, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Doherty Memorial High School, located at 299 Highland Street, Worcester!
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 here: https://buff.ly/J4fg8um


🎉 Honoring Excellence in Public Service 🎉
Join us in congratulating Adrian Machado, World Language Spanish Teacher at Worcester East Middle School, on receiving the 2025 Thomas S. Green Public Service Award from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau! 🏆
Adrian is a dynamic educator whose dedication to the children and youth of Worcester is unmatched. As a Spanish teacher, mentor, coach, and advocate, he continually goes above and beyond to support his students and community. 🇪🇸🏀
A nominator shared:
“Adrian is a key part of our community and has made a huge difference in the lives of our students and families. He is well-known and respected for his hard work, kindness, and dedication to helping others.” 🤝💙
👏 We’re so proud of Adrian and grateful for the incredible impact he makes every day across Worcester Public Schools and beyond!
🔗 Learn more about this year’s recipients: https://buff.ly/H3LbvfO


🎉 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.




