Worcester Public Schools - From Here, Anywhere... Together

⭐ WooStar Samille Fialho, an 8th-grade artist at Forest Grove Middle School⭐ Samille loves art because there are many ways to get creative. 🎨 "Every time I draw I feel like my imagination grows more," Samille said. "I see art as a way to be creative and there is no right or wrong in art." Samille created this ugly monster using felt and embroidery floss to sew it together.

🎙️ Special Episode Alert: Unity in the Community with @worcesterschools Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez.Join us tomorrow on 'Unity in the Community' as we welcome a very special guest, Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez of Worcester Public Schools. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of education in our community!🔹 WPS Strategic Plan: Hear about the recently approved strategic plan focusing on equitable resources, family engagement, school culture, talent diversity, health & wellness, and modernized facilities.🔹 WPS Vision of a Learner: Discover how this visionary guide, considered the North Star of WPS, is shaping decisions and resources to equip our scholars for success after graduation.🔹 Enhanced Communication: Learn about the new initiatives to improve communication with families, including the launch of a new enrollment website and an upcoming overhaul of the WPS website.🔹 WPS Gathering for Excellence: Get the inside scoop on the first-ever event hosted by Dr. Monárrez at Worcester Technical High School, set for January 30.Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the exciting developments and strategic directions shaping the future of Worcester Public Schools.📆 Date: Thursday, January 11⏰ Time: 5:00 PM📻 Listen: Unity Radio WUTY 97.9FM💻 Stream: Live on our Facebook pageJoin the conversation and be part of the community shaping our children’s future!#UnityInTheCommunity #WorcesterPublicSchools #EducationForward #SchoolExcellence #WorcesterMA #CommunityRadio

Check out this wonderful Telegram & Gazette article on 10-year-old singer Angelo Gray, a student at Nelson Place School! 🎤 🎵 Angelo is getting noticed for singing the Star Spangled Banner and National Anthem at the recent City of Worcester Inauguration, and before games of the WooSox, Bravehearts, and Railers! His musical journey began to take shape after his aunt died in October 2021. After her funeral, Angelo sang a cover of Michael Jackson's song "Who's Loving You." That's when Angelo's cousin, a singer based in California, suggested his mother, Jamie, enroll him in voice lessons. Angelo's favorite artists to sing include the Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. He performed Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" at his mother’s wedding during her father-daughter dance.

⭐ WooStar Crystal Buckley, art teacher at Challenge/Reach Academy⭐ "Mrs. Buckley challenges and pushes students to explore their talent in a safe and supportive way. She brings out the best in our students with her creativity and willingness to adapt. Mrs. Buckley goes above and beyond to provide our students with powerful learning experiences." - Chris LaBreck

⭐ WooStar Tyson Vu, Pre-K scholar at Francis J. McGrath Elementary School⭐ Tyson is a Curious Learner 🔍! Tyson always tries his hardest to accomplish his goals and he is always willing to learn. Tyson has also worked hard to try new things. Tyson has come so far and we are so proud of him!

⭐WooStar Arlenne Zelayandia, paraeducator at Burncoat Street Preparatory School⭐ "Arlenne is a hardworking team player who is always willing to help anyone in need. She steps into difficult situations selflessly and is consistently giving helping hands to students and staff in need. She is compassionate, empathetic, and an amazing educator and colleague to have at Burncoat Prep. " - colleague

⭐ WooStar Elias Ross, 8th-grade scholar at Burncoat Middle School⭐ Elias is a Curious Learner 🔍, Empowered Individual⚡️, and Effective Communicator 💬! Elias came to Burncoat Middle School at the start of 7th grade. He immediately showed us what a strong student he was and began advocating for more difficult work to challenge himself. In addition to being a hard worker, Elias is mature and a strong communicator, which for middle schoolers, can prove to be challenging at times. He often advocates for space when frustrated instead of acting out and will talk to trusted adults to help him navigate problems when they arise. Most recently, Elias advocated to attend more challenging classes, not only to give himself a stronger education but to interact with like-minded peers. Everyday, he continues to impress his teachers and go above and beyond to be the best version of himself.

⭐ WooStars Nicole Girouard, Grade 3 Teacher ELA and Social Studies and Katie Friend, MLL Teacher, at Midland Street School⭐ "After finishing the "Classic Tales" unit, students dressed as characters from either "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" or the "Wind in the Willows" and celebrated with a tea party, including decorations and special treats. The children also completed theme activities and played games. These teachers went above and beyond to have a culminating experience students will never forget!" - Mary Malley, colleague

⭐ WooStar Renny Swan, Evaluation Team Chair at Woodland Academy⭐ "Renny Swan is such an important member of Woodland Academy's school community, and deserves a shoutout for his professionalism, advocacy, and above all, his meaningful relationships with teachers and parents. Upon initially joining our community several years ago, it was evident Renny was set apart from his peers in how he prioritized caregivers' roles in IEP team meetings. You can find Renny around a conference table explaining the process using culturally appropriate communication (and Spanish!), or you may find him inside the home of one of our students, sitting at a kitchen table carefully reviewing the IEP with an uneasy or even illiterate parent. Renny consistently takes time out of his day to check in on our days and reassure us of our importance in the lives of my students. Above all, he is an advocate alongside teachers to ensure the best opportunity for student success at all costs. Thank you for all you do!" - Lora Barish, colleague Renny wanted our audience to know, "My job is to lead meetings between family members, school staff, and sometimes even our students themselves. I can only do my job well if my colleagues have done their jobs well, too. My efforts are an extension of their efforts and so this recognition is as much theirs as it could be mine. We are a team." ❤

⭐ WooStar Neve Tran, a 12th-grade artist at North High School ⭐ Let’s give a round of applause to amazing North High artist, Neve Tran! 👏👏👏 "I love creating art because of the versatility and the pleasure of creating art not only for myself but for others as well," Neve said. "Art is my life. I see art as a building block in connecting the world together. [...] Art is my escape from the world yet it is also my gateway to the world." Neve credited her art teacher Callie Mulcahy with supporting her passion. She said she feels supported when she sees her art displayed throughout North High School. Never also enjoys designing merchandise for Dance Club and feels supported when students and staff support the club.

⭐ WooStar Eric Carmona, a 5th-grader at West Tatnuck School ⭐ Let’s give a round of applause to the first honoree in our new series featuring Worcester staff and students who go above and beyond, Eric Carmona! 👏👏👏 “Eric inspires and amazes his peers with his confidence in everything he does, especially when playing basketball, chess, or excelling academically,” said his principal, Joyce Elia-Renaud. 🏀♟️ Eric, who was born with multiple neurological conditions and has undergone nine different procedures, recently participated in a wheelchair basketball clinic in Hartford. 🧑‍🦽🏀 "I mainly just love basketball and I want to have a fun time, Eric said in an interview with Fox5 New York. "I want to have a fun time with all my wheelchair friends." His parents said accessible sports programs can be difficult to find. Eric and his family hope to educate the public on the importance of these types of programs. Eric is inquisitive and always looks to discover and explore new goals. He enjoys communicating with peers and adults, posing questions to deepen his learning, and effectively exchanging his ideas and perspectives to enrich the learning community. “Eric consistently puts forth his best effort and encourages his classmates with positivity,” Principal Elia-Renaud said.