View Photos from 2024 Evening of Innovation Ceremony

The inaugural Evening of Innovation is an awards ceremony for Worcester Public Schools staff and community partners who are recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty, and for embodying traits of the Vision of a Learner: Problem Solver, Curious Learner, Empowered Individual, Effective Communicator, and Engaged Community Member.

Awards are provided to one staff member or community partner from each school along with a number of operational departments.

Congratulations to all the award recipients!

• Burncoat High School: Dawn Ashford

• Burncoat Middle School: Sarah Sanders

• Burncoat Preparatory School: Shanley O'Neil

• Challenge and Reach Academy: Kostika Stefo

• Clark Street School: Isabel Muniz

• Francis McGrath School: Tithya Puch

• Lincoln Street School: Julie McDonald

• Norrback Avenue School: Cynthia Malnicof

• Thorndyke Road School: Deborah Lucente

• Wawecus Road School: Michelle Setterlund

• Worcester Arts Magnet School: Caitlin Straubel

• Worcester Technical High School: Michael Metivier

• Academic Center for Transition: Lynn Hakkarainen

• Chandler Elementary School: Justice Lane

• Doherty Memorial High School: Julie Falcucci

• Elm Park Community School: Jenna Katinas

• Flagg Street School: Julie Belisle

• Forest Grove Middle School: Jason Harthan

• Head Start: Mary Ann Rollings

• Jacob Hiatt Magnet School: Renata French

• May Street School: Lauren Farrar

• Midland Street School: Nicole Girouard

• Nelson Place School: Cheryl Watson

• Tatnuck Magnet School: Marilyn Makarian

• West Tatnuck School: Andrea Kneeland

• Worcester Dual Language Magnet School: Blanca Figueredo

• Belmont Community School: Megan Shea

• City View Discovery School: Roberta Ray

• Gerald Creamer Center: Vanessa Berrios

• Grafton Street School: Eileen Bertram

• Lake View School: Ellen Power

• North High School: Jeremy Zglobicki

• Rice Square School: Crystal Garcia

• Roosevelt School: Sandra Mena

• Union Hill School: Karen Sullivan

• Worcester East Middle School: Amanda Burke

• Canterbury Street School: Christine LaBonte

• Claremont Academy: Kimberly Surrette

• Columbus Park Academy: Robert Rios

• Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School: Emma Baker

• Gates Lane School: Meg Hewes

• Goddard School of Science and Technology: Jenna Gusha

• Heard Street Discovery Academy: Barbara Tyldesley

• New Citizens Center Secondary: Esperanza Donovan-Pendzic

• Quinsigamond Elementary School: Gretchen Savaria

• South High Community School: Gregory Jones

• Transition Program: Kimberly Samia

• University Park Campus School: Jody BIrd

• Vernon Hill School: Mackenzie Woll

• Woodland Academy: Lora Barish

• Worcester Alternative School: Ina Perez

• Jason Crue, Transportation Department

• Elizabeth Madera, Office of Educational Technology

• Mohammed Siddiqui, Information Technology Department

• Kate Ota, Office of Deputy Superintendent

• Emily Lehman-Miller, Office of College and Career Readiness

Dawn’s classroom is designed to build effective student-teacher relationships, foster collaboration and build communication skills.  Dawn goes above and beyond to support members of her department and as a result our students are achieving at high levels.

Sarah is a passionate SPARK teacher and celebrated author who brings dedication and creativity to every lesson. Through her innovative and forward-thinking approach to education, Sarah not only helps her students realize their potential but also prepares them to excel in an increasingly globalized world. Her impact on education is truly remarkable.

Shanley provides consistent routines, high expectations and a welcoming engaging space for her students to learn.  She is prepared to try new strategies and ideas to ensure her students meet their learning objectives.

Kostika has been able to connect with the students and has had success in getting them to engage in investigating complex topics, reflect on their work, turn in high quality work, explain their ideas clearly and utilizing digital content.

Isabel’s dedication to the Clark Street Community is truly outstanding.  Isabelle is always ready to help and is a resourceful collaborator who strengthens our community.

Tithya recognizes and validates our unique learners and their diverse skills in a way that promotes success for each and every learner.  His classes showcase the students’ artistic abilities and also encourage critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration.

Julie’s initiative fosters a sense of community and provides vital resources that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.  Juile truly embodies the spirit of innovation and care.

Cynthia’s well planned, innovative lessons allow for students to work together using strategies to problem solve and use their strengths to accelerate their learning.  Cindy’s lessons include a variety of ways for students to access new knowledge and build on prior knowledge.

Deborah shows compassion to students and staff, she creates wonderful connections.  She supports students in many ways including conducting small intervention groups for many grades.

Michelle consistently integrates new ideas and practices into her lessons, creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences.  Throughout the year, her students are involved in hands-on projects like podcasts and canva presentations, fostering creativity and collaboration.

Caitlin’s creative, out-of-the-box thinking has transformed our community, making caregivers and staff feel welcome, heard, and validated.  With a strong emphasis on silliness and unique ideas, like ice cream events, birthday books, spree day, weekly library visits and a fun filled playground.

Mike has spearheaded a project with our students to collaborate with Green Hill Park, and numerous Vietnam Veterans and many of our shops created a kiosk addition to the Vietnam Memorial Park.  This will have information and links that will bring visitors to video interviews with the Veterans so their experience is memorialized in the park.

Lynn is a member of our Collaborative Problem Solving implementation team and is a training facilitator of ACT staff.  She is a highly dedicated faculty member with great assessment and therapeutic skills.

Justice embodies core qualities of the WPS Vision of a Learner.  He is an effective communicator, an empowered individual and an engaged community member.  Through his actions he models these attributes for both his students and colleagues.

Julie has steadily worked with students and staff to bring about a positive culture change throughout the community.  Julie works tirelessly to empower the students to proffer suggestions, work with school staff, plan and implement exciting opportunities that have brought joy to the Doherty Memorial High School Community.

Jenna empowers students to believe that they can succeed through hard work and perseverance.  She asks her students to be curious problem solvers and helps them understand how they can be in control of their learning and success within and outside the classroom.

Julie is an insightful, intelligent educator who consistently provides guidance and support to the entire Flagg Street School Community.  We are extremely grateful and thank Mrs. Belisle for her devotion and hard work.

Jason creates learning opportunities for students that engage in hands-on and collaborative problem solving. The solutions focus on real world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways in an effort to connect their learning to life.

In her role as Health Coordinator, one would have assumed she would have stepped out of the day-to-day direct service role, but not Mary Ann.  She is a complete hands-on supervisor, one who can be found daily in our classrooms supporting our children.

Renata embodies the spirit of innovation and joy that we strive to cultivate in our school community.  Renata passionately champions problem solving to address the diverse needs of our students, families and staff making her an invaluable asset to our community.

Lauren encourages her students to be problem solvers through the lessons and activities that she plans.  Students are empowered to engage in learning through a variety of means utilizing whole group, small group and independent hands on activities.

Nicole has a deep commitment to the WPS Vision of a Learner, she empowers students to engage in diverse ways, ensuring each child’s voice is heard and valued.  She skillfully employs varied strategies that support academic growth for all students.

Cheryl sparks curiosity and engagement through hands-on projects, weekly experiments, and labs that inspire her students to explore the world around them.  Cheryl’s influence goes beyond academics-she empowers her students to advocate for themselves and introduces them to diverse cultures, broadening their perspectives.

Marilyn builds connections with the students and fosters a sense of community and safety.  She ensures that each child feels welcomed and cared for as they arrive and leave school.  Marilyn is an innovative educator in her ability to connect teaching skills in her role as a crossing guard.

Andrea is a teacher leader who embraces creativity and innovation to engage her scholars.  Her classroom features a flexible learning space that promotes collaboration, critical thinking, movement, and a sense of belonging.

Blanca brings exploration, love of learning, and projects alive in her Spanish Dual Language classroom.  All students adore Ms. Blanca and we are lucky to have such a passionate teacher on our school team.

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Meg exemplifies the district’s Vision of a Learner by consistently creating innovative engaging and modern projects for students across all grade levels. Her unique approach to aligning art standards with creativity inspires curiosity and problem-solving, empowering students to explore their artistic potential.

Roberta is a team player, who is always willing to support, problem-solve, or celebrate a win with a colleague or a student.  Roberta is reflective, thoughtful and welcoming to colleagues, students and families.

Vanessa is the advisor for several groups and has created a sense of belonging through innovative thinking, curiosity to go farther and desire to empower our students beyond where they may see themselves today.

Eileen has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the students of Grafton Street School.  She supports the whole student through strategic lesson planning including meeting the social emotional needs of all her students.

Ellen works to understand the areas in which our students need support and designs lessons and activities to engage our young learners.  She is an asset to our building and our students look forward to working with our “in house nana”.

As a music teacher, Jeremy’s passion for music is infectious. He creates an enjoyable learning experience that inspires creativity and self-expression.  His classes are filled with engaging activities that not only teach musical skills but also encourage collaboration and teamwork.  Jeremy cultivates a sense of community, making music a shared joy rather than a subject to be learned.

Crystal’s enthusiastic performance of tasks and her attention to detail goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Crystal is caring, kind, compassionate and committed to supporting all students.

Sandra is flexible, resourceful and excellent at problem solving with her students.  She puts her heart and soul into her work, is reflective and always looking to improve her practice.

Karen is a dedicated multilingual education teacher at who creates an inclusive, supportive classroom that fosters both academic and personal growth in students. She uses creative, tailored strategies to help students excel in language acquisition, build confidence, and develop a love for learning, while also forming strong relationships with them.

From organizing attendance challenges to implementing personalized check-in and incentives, Amanda’s innovative strategies truly make a difference.  By fostering a sense of accountability and community she inspires students to prioritize their education and embrace the importance of being present.

Christine is a thoughtful, engaging educator who promotes a love of learning among all students.  She is a dedicated member of our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team and she brings joy to our community with her displays of school spirit and creativity.

Kimberly not only incorporates the dispositions from Vision of a Learner she lives them and insists that her students live them as well.  She challenges students to think critically and work collaboratively while connecting the content to our students’ lives to create meaningful learning experiences.

Robert is the President and CEO of Phoenix Marketing and Advertising, he is a dedicated and compassionate community partner who consistently goes above and beyond to enrich our school community.  Robert’s contributions bring joy to our students and staff, helping to ensure the success of our yearly activities. 

Emma is a champion for all students and she focuses on culturally responsive pedagogy and creating opportunities for her students’ voices to be heard.  Her constant commitment to high standards, her ability to engage students in rigorous learning experiences and her drive for professional excellence is commendable.

Meg exemplifies the spirit of an innovative educator by empowering students and encouraging creative problem-solving across all school settings.  Student growth and opportunities are always at the forefront of Meg’s work.

Jenna has repeatedly placed her colleagues first and has come through not only as a team player but as a friend.  She keeps us motivated through her positive, “can-do” mannerism and our days are better due to her consistent commitment to our school.

Barbara is an innovative and dedicated teacher who consistently goes above and beyond to support her English Language Learners.  Her commitment to both students and colleagues demonstrates her passion for education and her desire to make a positive impact on everyone she works with.  Barbara’s efforts truly enrich the learning environment.

Esperanza does everything possible, going above and beyond on a daily basis, to ensure each student and family are warmly welcomed when they arrive and are thoroughly supported throughout their time at New Citizens Center Secondary.

Gretchen is a collaborative team player, she advocates for the entire school community and works closely with her colleagues.  Her problem solving skills highlight her dedication to continuous improvement and enhances her practice to benefit all of us.

Gregory finds a way to tie learning with fun to get students engaged and motivated in class.  He is always looking to collaborate with other teachers and students to share learning experiences.  Gregory is widely known as “The South High Problem Solver," always eager to jump in with a solution.

Kim crates and organizes the job coaching schedule and student internship placement.  She works diligently to build strong partnerships with our sites and community organizations.

Jody never stops thinking of new ways to positively impact the teaching and learning that takes place at University Park Campus School.  Jody is a bright light, her kind, thoughtful and compassionate approach to educating others makes her the perfect recipient of this award.

Mackenzie understands that building relationships and maintaining high expectations are the best classroom management strategies.  She understands that social justice in education is ensuring your students find their voices and have choice and opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Lora is an active member of various leadership and school based teams.  She continually contributes beyond her role as a special education teacher.  Her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment and her willingness to take on additional responsibilities truly set her apart.

Ina goes above and beyond ensuring that students have access to educational opportunities, emotional support and vital services.  Ina fosters a safe and nurturing environment, allowing her students to thrive academically and socially despite their challenges.

Jason played a critical role in ensuring our team was fully staffed for the start of the school year.  Jason’s dedication is demonstrated by his commitment in attending preschool and kindergarten events with Buster the Bus.  His efforts have truly elevated the Worcester Public Schools Department of Transportation Training Team.

Lizzie consistently embodies the qualities of a curious and passionate learner.  In her role, she has acquired new skills like video editing, graphic design, and data visualization, which she applies with creativity and precision.

Mohammed works tirelessly to develop software applications that allows the district staff to keep its focus on the Vision of a Learner.  Mohammed’s work makes the lives of our staff, families and students much easier.  He cares about the work and is dedicated to the Worcester Public Schools.

If you have ever had an issue and had no idea how to solve it, chances are someone told you to “just ask Kate”.  Kate epitomizes what it means to be a problem solver.  She quietly yet diligently works to support our district in so many ways.

Emily is a forward thinker who has taken the Innovation Pathways Program to the next level.  She also has worked closely with area businesses and the chamber to provide countless opportunities for our students to see what college and careers are available to them.