WORCESTER – Worcester Public Schools has published a welcome back to school page on its website along with a video message from Superintendent Rachel Monárrez, Ph.D, and school committee members.
For grades one to 12, the first day of school is Monday, August 28. Preschool and kindergarten students begin on Thursday, August 31.
In an accompanying written message, Monárrez noted the following changes enabled by the new budget approved by the Worcester School Committee in June:
- Our elementary schools will begin the school year with a new English Language Arts curriculum and all the many books that come with the program.
- Our Facilities Department was able to upgrade some much needed building repairs at a number of schools— Burncoat High, Challenge and Reach Academy, Chandler Magnet
- Elementary, Elm Park Elementary, Worcester Arts Magnet Elementary and several other schools.
- All high schools will have a Dean of Students who will focus on the climate and culture of the school, ensuring we have schools that emulate safe and secure learning environments while supporting student wellness.
- Each high school and middle school will have Climate and Culture Specialists to support positive learning environments outside of the classroom setting.
- All Kindergarten classrooms were allocated full time paraprofessionals to support our youngest scholars.
- All schools will have a wrap-around coordinator to support family and community engagement.
- All schools received an increase of funds for their teacher supply budgets.
- Finally, you can expect safety drills and training this school year. We have reorganized our Safety Office to ensure school leaders, educators, students and caregivers are informed of emergency protocols and know what to expect in the event of any type of emergency. We must be prepared.
Watch the welcome back to school message from Monárrez and school committee members below.
