This week, we're celebrating Adult Education & Family Literacy Week (AEFL Week) by sharing the stories of Worcester County adults who made a decision that can take tremendous courage: they decided to keep learning.
As we wrap up AEFL Week, today we share the stories of two learners. Two different journeys. One important reminder: You have to be willing to take the first step.
For Xavier Ramírez Anchundia (pictured), that step came in September 2025 when he enrolled in Adult Education to strengthen his English. He's improving his speaking, listening, reading and writing—and gaining the confidence to communicate more comfortably in his community.
His advice? "Don't be afraid to start. It is never too late to learn."
For Diane Nitza Escalona, the journey began in 2020 when she wanted to improve her English after spending 22 years living in Mexico. Today, she's working toward her GED and hopes to continue her education at Wor-Wic Community College.
Neither story is finished. And that's the point.
Adult Education meets people where they are—and helps them get where they want to go.
Read both Xavier and Diane's stories in full on our website, www.worcesterk12.org. #AEFLWeek #AdultEducation #LifelongLearning #WeAreWorcester
During National Arts in Education Week, Showell Elementary students incorporated the arts into their morning circle! WCPS administrators, Mrs. Tamara Mills and Mr. Odtis Collins joined circle time in Mrs. Wheeler's class. Later in the day, students connected their morning circle discussions to some creative arts time to create dinosaurs and dragons and put their imagination into visual products. (It was also National Play-doh day!) Thanks to Mrs. Wheeler's class for sharing your beautiful creations with us. #WeAreWorcester #ArtsAreAliveInWorcester
It's National Arts in Education Week!
Stephen Decatur High School art students took their creativity outdoors as they participated in the Worcester County Plein Air event in partnership with the Worcester County Arts Council.
Students worked directly from the landscape, capturing the beauty of Worcester County while experiencing the unique challenges of creating art outdoors. This hands-on experience allowed students to strengthen their observation skills, make artistic choices in real time, and connect classroom learning with the local arts community. They also visited the WCAC, who hosted them to lunch and The Art Collective at the Factory art gallery.
We are grateful to the WCAC for providing our students with this meaningful opportunity to create, explore, and experience art beyond the classroom. #WeAreWorcester #ArtsAreAliveInWorcester
Meet Ylianifer!
When Ylianfer Otazo Paez began Adult Education, her goal was to learn English and improve her vocabulary and fluency.
ESL led to the GED program. The GED program led to a diploma.
And along the way, Adult Education helped open another door: an opportunity to work with Worcester County Public Schools as an ESP at Cedar Chapel Special School. Today, Ylianfer is looking even further ahead—to pursuing a master's degree.
She's also reached a milestone that once seemed far away: confidently communicating in English, helping others translate, handling her own appointments and paperwork, and even completing her immigration documents independently.
Her advice? "Keep working on your dreams and never give up."
Ylianfer's story demonstrates why Adult Education is so important to Worcester County. We're not simply helping people learn—we're helping people build pathways to careers, continued education and fuller participation in our community.
Read her full story on our website, www.worcesterk12.org. #AEFLWeek #AdultEducation #WeAreWorcester
Meet Tita!
Tita Bermudez first entered Worcester County's Adult Education program in 2018, passing her Social Studies and Science GED tests.
Then life intervened.
After stepping away because of personal challenges, Tita could have decided that chapter was over.
Instead, she came back.
In 2025, she returned to Adult Education determined to finish what she started and reach her goal of becoming a high school graduate. And she did it while working at two local businesses and operating a cleaning business of her own.
Tita's path wasn't a straight line—and that's precisely why her story matters.
Adult Education gives people another opportunity when circumstances, responsibilities or life itself changes the path they originally planned.
It's never too late to come back. It's never too late to finish. And it's never too late to take the next step.
Read Tita's full story at www.worcesterk12.org. #AEFLWeek #AdultEducation #LifelongLearning #WeAreWorcester
Elementary students from all five elementary schools had artwork selected for the exhibition, showcasing the imagination, skill, and artistic growth that took place throughout Summer Academy, based on our summer theme "Power Up".
We are proud of our young artists and grateful to the Worcester County Arts Council for providing a beautiful space to recognize and celebrate their work. What a wonderful way to highlight student creativity and bring our schools, families, and community together through the arts!
#WeAreWorcester
#ArtsAreAliveInWorcester
#NationalArtsInEducationWeek
Meet Oksana!
When Oksana Kravchuk joined Worcester County's Adult Education ESL program in September 2024, she wanted to improve her English, find a better job and build connections in her community.
At first, walking into class was intimidating. Other students seemed more advanced. But Oksana kept showing up—and found teachers and classmates ready to support her.
Today, she's more comfortable communicating with English speakers, has built new relationships and is continuing to work toward greater professional opportunities.
Her advice to others says it best: "Don't be afraid or hesitate to attend. The teachers are kind, friendly, and always ready to help."
Adult Education doesn't just teach language. It helps people find their voice, their confidence and their place in a community.
Read Oksana's full story at www.worcesterk12.org. #AEFLWeek #AdultEducation #WeAreWorcester
Meet Maira!
She came to Adult Education to build a better future. Now she's helping build the futures of others.
Over five years, Maira Yanet Diepold took advantage of nearly every opportunity Adult Education offered her—ESL, GED and Citizenship classes.
And look where that journey has taken her.
Maira earned her U.S. Citizenship, completed her GED, and passed the ParaPro Assessment in 2025, opening the door to a career as an Educational Assistant. Now, she's dreaming even bigger: continuing her education and becoming a certified teacher.
Her message to someone wondering whether they can do the same?
"Sometimes it can be hard, but it's never impossible. If others can succeed, so can you."
Maira's story shows exactly what Adult Education can do: one opportunity can lead to another—and another—until an entirely new future comes into view.
That's why Adult Education matters.
Read Maira's full story on our website, www.worcesterk12.org. #AEFLWeek #AdultEducation #WeAreWorcester
Slow down in school zones, watch for children, and be ready to stop at crosswalks. #WeAreWorcester
We were proud to welcome State Board of Education Member Mr. Chet Chesterfield yesterday as he joined our Board members and WCPS leadership to visit schools to welcome students and staff back! #WeAreWorcester #WelcomeBackWorcester
