WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS -

Today was exciting for our 2026 WCPS Teacher of the Year, Kiersten Conway! Thanks to the incredible generosity of Hertrich Family of Automotive Dealerships, Kiersten received a brand-new ride to enjoy throughout her year as Teacher of the Year! We’re so grateful to Hertrich for their continued partnership and for always going the extra mile to support our educators. #WeAreWorcester

A second day of content professional learning for our teachers! Yesterday, art and music teachers learned from some of the best! Salisbury University's Veronica Tomanek worked with music teachers on music programming with a purpose; choosing repertoire, finding theme, engaging students and the community. In the afternoon, MSDE's Mateen Milan worked with them on equity in music programs and culturally relevant music repertoire and practices.

Art teachers infused various cultures into their practice. Retired art teacher and artist Monica Forrester worked on integrating cultural elements, art elements and principles and various media into one personal work. Local artist Jiyeong Yun taught art teachers all about Korean painting. Both are skills they can easily adapt for their students to help them grow as artists!
#WeAreWorcester #EveryStoryMatters

Yesterday was all about learning and growing our practice for our PE/Health teachers! We're blessed to have partners to help us do that. Thanks to Sarah and Johns Hopkins shock trauma for training staff on Stop The Bleed training. Teachers learned how to stop life-threatening bleeding when everyday emergencies, and man-made and natural disasters occur. High school health teachers will incorporate this into curriculum.

Thanks to Chris for his informative and helpful cannabis prevention and education presentation. He reviewed MD laws and youth data. And a huge thank you to Coach Tom from the Baltimore Ravens for bringing NFL Flag in our Schools. Teachers learned how to integrate flag football into their curriculum through skills and drills to help students meet PE/health standards, including throwing with accuracy and with varied force, catching from various trajectories, demonstrating multiple pathways and levels, and offensive/defensive fleeing and chasing strategies! #WeAreWorcester #EveryStoryMatters

ATTENTION FAMILIES: As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to make sure you are aware of the meal programs and pricing changes that are effective beginning when students return on August 31. Please visit https://www.worcesterk12.org/article/3079100 to view the meal options and pricing for your child's school.

As a reminder, families can use MySchoolBucks (https://www.myschoolbucks.com/) to check their child's meal account and/or add funds to their account in advance of the school year. If your family's financial circumstances have changed, you may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Information about meal benefits and the application process is available by contacting your child's school or visiting https://www.worcesterk12.org/page/food-service.

Something BIG is coming…

The cameras rolled. The music played. Our schools brought the energy. And now, one of our favorite WCPS Back-to-School traditions is almost here!

The 2026 WCPS Back to School Video premieres soon, and this year’s song might just have you singing along before the first chorus is over.

But we’re not giving it away just yet… tune into the premiere live on YouTube at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24, just visit https://youtu.be/suzh9TVPcyQ.

👇 What song(s) do YOU think we chose this year? Drop your best guess in the comments!

#WeAreWorcester #WelcomeBackWorcester

Our New Teacher Panelists shared great advice, helpful resources, real-world tips, and encouragement to help our newest educators start the year feeling supported and confident, at the second week of New Teacher Orientation.

Thank you to our Panel Educators for sharing their experiences and welcoming all of our new teachers! #WeAreWorcester #HiringClassOf2026 #ANewChapterBegins