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

Report cards are now on ParentSquare! Starting this quarter, we are transitioning to a more efficient and environmentally friendly method of distributing report cards! Report cards can now be accessed electronically through ParentSquare, our two-way communication platform for WPS families and staff! By delivering report cards electronically, we can streamline communication and ensure that you receive timely access to your child's academic progress. What you need to know: - Report cards will be sent directly to your ParentSquare account. - You will receive a notification once the report cards are available for viewing. - If you haven't already, please ensure that your ParentSquare account is up-to-date to avoid any delays in receiving your child's report card. We understand that this change may be different from what you're accustomed to, but we believe it will ultimately enhance the efficiency and convenience of accessing student academic records.

Happy Passover! Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt, and their transition from slavery to freedom. Learn more about the history of Passover: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/passover

🤖 Artificial Intelligence in Teaching: Denmark Comes to Worcester Public Schools Worcester Public Schools recently hosted a delegation of 30 principals and assistant principals from Denmark! They wanted to understand the district’s strategy of artificial intelligence in classroom learning. The event was held at Worcester Technical High School. “One of the significant shifts facing educators today is the increasing presence of AI technologies in classrooms,” the Centre wrote. “As these tools become more prevalent, it’s essential for educators to comprehend both the challenges and opportunities they bring.” This year, WPS launched an initiative called the “Spark Team,” a group of educators who are early adopters of “future-ready” teaching and learning practices, and who share these practices with colleagues. During the panel discussion, 15 educators shared examples of how they used artificial intelligence in classroom settings. Examples included: -A 4th grade lesson focused on the fundamentals of machine learning and AI. -A Burncoat Middle School lesson about racial bias in AI, sharing how it can misidentify people of color and use job hiring algorithms that favor males. -A graphics design class at Worcester Technical High School, where students used AI to develop more robust business plans and presentations. - A Doherty High School English class that used AI picture-generation to allow students to visualize what they were writing about. AI was also used to expand sentence structure, and encouraged students to develop deeper vocabulary. The Spark Team training ties into the district’s new “Vision of a Learner” framework, which outlines the “future-ready” skills and dispositions all WPS students aim to have when they graduate from high school. Read more: https://worcesterschools.org/denmark-educators-visit-wps-to-learn-about-artificial-intelligence-in-teaching/

⭐ WooStar Dr. Amy DeFeudis, Adjustment Counselor at Worcester Tech ⭐ “Amy goes above and beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the students and staff,” said one co-worker. “She is always leaving cards of encouragement on my desk or to others showing us all how much she cares and actually listens not only to us, but the students as well.” Amy is described as someone who comes in early and stays late, spreading her kindness to everyone she meets. Co-workers describe working with Amy as “an honor” due to her ability to make anyone near her feel special. “She deserves to be recognized for not only devotion to her job and herself, but for her care towards the wellbeing of everyone around her. She is magnetic, and you always seem to find yourself stopping by her office just to say hello.”

⭐ WooStar Isla Brazile, third-grade scholar at Flagg Street School ⭐ "Isla is a hard worker who loves to learn, never gives up and stands up for herself,” said teacher Susan Ryan-Smith. “I am so proud of her every day.”’

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! Read this article for more information https://buff.ly/2prGpwk

⭐ WooStar Jacky Pickett, paraeducator at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School ⭐ “Jacky is a positive light in our classroom,” said fellow staff member Emily Siudela. “He is calm in the face of chaos and truly tries to form strong relationships with students. He always wants to improve his practice, whether it’s academics, data collection, substitute teaching, helping students with coping skills or just competing with me in the morning for who gets to school first (he usually wins). Jacky is an excellent role model for all.”

Quarter 2 honor roll listings for the 2023-24 year are now posted! 🏆 Congratulations to the many scholars who are being acknowledged for their academic achievements. Find your scholar here 👉 https://buff.ly/3IYnTnn #WorcesterPublicSchools

Queue The Duck Boats for North High! 🏆 Join us on Saturday, March 30, at 2:00 PM at Worcester Common, at the back of City Hall! The Division 1 Basketball Championship North High Polar Bears will be celebrated for their historic win. There will be a rolling rally on Shrewsbury Street from 1:45-2:00 PM as the Polar Bears travel on a duck boat as part of the celebration. Come out and cheer for the champions!

⭐ WooStars 365z Kindness Club, fifth and sixth-grade kindness experts from Tatnuck Magnet School ⭐ “Our 365z Kindness Club has played a very unique and important role in giving back to the Tatnuck community,” said staff member Rhea Harrigan. “The members of our Kindness Club fulfill their Commitment to Kindness everyday by being leaders of our school and by spreading kindness wherever they go.”

Nelson Place School recently hosted a special St. Patrick's Day themed event, inviting dancers from the McInerney School of Irish Dance to perform to students at the school. Dancers featured three of our own from WPS, Maeve Ramirez, Fergus Blake and Roisin Burke.

North High Champions!! 🏅🏀🐻‍❄️ Check out these photos from Sunday night's historic win! The North High Polar Bears won the Division 1 championship for the second year in a row, capping off an undefeated season! (Game and locker room photos taken by Kyle Prue)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 🍀 May you have the luck of the Irish today and every day! 💚 Did you know? The Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day for more than 1,000 years as part of the Christian season of Lent. Learn more: https://buff.ly/2pbDYgz

Livestream Links for Championship Games! 🏀 If you can't make it to Lowell to watch the South High Girls and North High Boys championship games today (Sunday, March 17), you can watch the games online! Here are the livestream links: 4 PM Sunday: Girls: South vs. Medfield: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/miaa/gam812ffbe4eb 6 PM Sunday: Boys: North vs. Franklin https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/miaa/gamb95fe1f544

State Finals Send-Off! 🏀🏆 There will be a send-off for our two state final teams on Sunday, March 17 at 1:30 PM at Worcester Technical High School! Let’s give North Boys Basketball and South Girls Basketball the send-off they deserve before competing for a state title at the Tsongas Center in Lowell. Sunday Game Schedule: 4:00 PM: Girls - #1 Medfield vs. #6 South, Division 2 6:00 PM: Boys - #3 Franklin vs. #1 North, Division 1

⭐ WooStar Grace King, eighth-grade scholar at Burncoat Middle School ⭐ “Grace is the epitome of an excellent all-around student who goes above and beyond in everything she does,” said Burncoat educator Craig Doyle. “It is extremely helpful to me when I have a student fully engaged in not only learning and mastering material, but helping students around her understand the content and material better. Grace makes learning contagious to all around her with her upbeat attitude and work ethic.” Grace is a stalwart outside of the classroom as well where she is commended for her ability to lift fellow classmates through compassion and kindness. She also participates in school theater, sings in the Burncoat Middle Chorus and more in a long list of extracurricular accomplishments.

Ramadan Kareem! 🌙 Today begins the period of Ramadan on the Islamic lunar calendar. “It is a month filled with spiritual growth, community love, and delicious iftars,” explained Kowsar, a senior from Worcester Technical High School and intern in the WPS Communications Office. Many Muslims participate in fasting over the course of the month. The end of Ramadan marks the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast, which includes religious services and gifts. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3P4tjkm

No School on Tuesday, March 5! Teachers have a professional development day on Tuesday, March 5th 🗓️ so there will be no school for students! 🏫 Make sure to mark your calendar!

⭐ WooStar Arieyana Robinson, 12th-grade scholar at South High School ⭐ "Arieyana is respectful, responsible, ready to learn, and resilient every single day,” said South High teachers Christine Mooshian and Greg Jones. “Beyond these, Arie is often found helping her friends with schoolwork or cheering up a student who is having a tough day. … We continue to be amazed at her desire to pursue her dreams and be an exemplary leader at South High.” Arieyana is interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and has been accepted into the 4 + 1 accelerated degree program at Fitchburg State University, putting her on the path to do just that. She is also a member of the South High School track and field team.

⭐ WooStar John Rodriguez, guidance counselor at Worcester East Middle School⭐ "In my time as a member of the school community, I have witnessed unparalleled dedication and unwavering commitment from John that extends far beyond the call of duty. Even in the face of personal challenges, Mr. Rodriguez demonstrated an unparalleled level of commitment to our students. During a difficult period, Mr. Rodriguez continued to prioritize the well-being and support of our students. His ability to balance personal challenges with professional responsibilities is a testament to his resilience and passion for his role. Not only did he fulfill his duties as a guidance counselor, but he also went above and beyond by actively participating in various school events. His culinary skills added a special touch to our school gatherings, as he took it upon himself to cook for our events, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Additionally, Mr. Rodriguez showcased his versatility by contributing as a DJ, bringing a unique and vibrant energy to our school functions. The depth of Mr. Rodriguez’s involvement in our school community extends beyond his official responsibilities. He has consistently been a strong and positive presence, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among students and staff alike. His genuine care for the well-being of others has left an indelible mark on our school culture. In conclusion, Mr. Rodriguez is not just a guidance counselor; he is a beacon of strength, compassion, and resilience within our school community."