Students at Ocean City Elementary School are making the most of their first week of Summer Academy! Along with engaging learning opportunities, students have enjoyed time to connect with classmates and recharge during lunch. A successful summer program includes learning, friendship, and plenty of smiles along the way! ☀️ #WeAreWorcester
Support Staff Spotlight
Meet Victoria Purnell, Bookkeeper/Principal's Secretary at Snow Hill High
6.5 years with Worcester County Public Schools
“What I enjoy most about my job is being able to support others and create a positive environment. I take pride in being a team player and love making people feel valued and appreciated.”
A Proud Moment
As the principal’s secretary, I take a lot of pride in making sure everything for Teacher Appreciation Week runs smoothly. I love being behind the scenes to help make things happen. Seeing everything come together—from coordinating schedules to setting up events—and watching the staff feel appreciated and able to enjoy the moment without any stress reminds me how important my role is and makes me incredibly proud.
What People May Not Realize
One thing people might not realize is how much coordination and behind-the-scenes work goes into every event. From budgeting and ordering to timing, setup, and making sure every detail is just right.
What She Loves Most About Her School Community
What I love most about our school community is the strong sense of support and connection. There is a genuine culture of care where staff uplift one another, celebrate each other’s efforts, and come together during both busy and meaningful moments. It creates an environment where people feel valued and appreciated, making our school feel like more than just a workplace—it truly feels like a family.
Meet Victoria Purnell, Bookkeeper/Principal's Secretary at Snow Hill High
6.5 years with Worcester County Public Schools
“What I enjoy most about my job is being able to support others and create a positive environment. I take pride in being a team player and love making people feel valued and appreciated.”
A Proud Moment
As the principal’s secretary, I take a lot of pride in making sure everything for Teacher Appreciation Week runs smoothly. I love being behind the scenes to help make things happen. Seeing everything come together—from coordinating schedules to setting up events—and watching the staff feel appreciated and able to enjoy the moment without any stress reminds me how important my role is and makes me incredibly proud.
What People May Not Realize
One thing people might not realize is how much coordination and behind-the-scenes work goes into every event. From budgeting and ordering to timing, setup, and making sure every detail is just right.
What She Loves Most About Her School Community
What I love most about our school community is the strong sense of support and connection. There is a genuine culture of care where staff uplift one another, celebrate each other’s efforts, and come together during both busy and meaningful moments. It creates an environment where people feel valued and appreciated, making our school feel like more than just a workplace—it truly feels like a family.
Power Up: Summer Learning Lab is officially underway! Students are powering up their learning through engaging academic lessons, hands-on enrichment activities, and opportunities to build new friendships. Throughout the summer, our students will explore, create, discover, and grow while having fun in a supportive learning environment. We wish all of our students, staff, and families a fantastic and successful summer of learning! #WeAreWorcester #SummerAcademy #EveryStudentEveryDay
Summer Academy is off to a great start at Snow Hill Middle School and Cedar Chapel Special School! Students have been engaged in meaningful lessons, activities, and learning experiences designed to support growth and success. #WeAreWorcester
Summer Academy is officially underway! Students at Pocomoke Middle School kicked off their learning journey today, building skills, making connections, and preparing for success. #WeAreWorcester
Today we celebrate freedom and the significance of Juneteenth! WCPS will be closed in observance of the holiday. #WeAreWorcester
Support Staff Spotlight
Meet Lizbeth Trejo, Educational Assistant at Buckingham Elementary
3 years with Worcester County Public Schools
“I love seeing the progress students make throughout the school year.”
A Proud Moment
One of my students communicated through their device which we had been working on for a while
What People May Not Realize
Sometimes nonverbal students have a difficult time communicating their needs, and it can be difficult for their teachers to understand what they need.
What She Loves Most About Her School Community
I love how we are all like a family, and everyone is included in everything.
Meet Lizbeth Trejo, Educational Assistant at Buckingham Elementary
3 years with Worcester County Public Schools
“I love seeing the progress students make throughout the school year.”
A Proud Moment
One of my students communicated through their device which we had been working on for a while
What People May Not Realize
Sometimes nonverbal students have a difficult time communicating their needs, and it can be difficult for their teachers to understand what they need.
What She Loves Most About Her School Community
I love how we are all like a family, and everyone is included in everything.
The Board of Education was proud to award these wonderful graduates of the WCPS Adult Education program their high school diplomas during today's #WCPSBoardMeeting. #WeAreWorcester #WorcesterProud #ClassOf2026
Support Staff Spotlight
Meet Chuck Rhine, Custodian II at Stephen Decatur Middle
Nearly 5 years with Worcester County Public Schools
“Even though it's a cliché, you really do feel like family. I feel like I have support both professionally and personally. It's great to feel appreciated.”
What He Loves About His Work
I love the camaraderie with the administration and faculty.
A Proud Moment
My first summer getting the school ready for the next year. Having all the floors shining and all the rooms clean is quite the team accomplishment.
What People May Not Realize
You are always on duty no matter the hours or weather conditions. That's why they say we're the first ones at school and the last to leave.
Meet Chuck Rhine, Custodian II at Stephen Decatur Middle
Nearly 5 years with Worcester County Public Schools
“Even though it's a cliché, you really do feel like family. I feel like I have support both professionally and personally. It's great to feel appreciated.”
What He Loves About His Work
I love the camaraderie with the administration and faculty.
A Proud Moment
My first summer getting the school ready for the next year. Having all the floors shining and all the rooms clean is quite the team accomplishment.
What People May Not Realize
You are always on duty no matter the hours or weather conditions. That's why they say we're the first ones at school and the last to leave.
I have been overjoyed to present #BooksFromTheBackseat to students all across the school system. I recently presented students in Pocomoke books to help boost their summer reading lists. If you'd like to learn more about Books from the Backseat, or would like to help support this program, visit https://www.worcesterk12.org/page/books-from-the-backseat. #WeAreWorcester #LiteracyMatters #SummerReading
The last challenge coins of the school year were awarded at Pocomoke Middle School today! Congratulations to Brooklyn H., Mariah W., Amado J. (not pictured), Nevaeh J. (not pictured), and Giovany C. (not pictured)! #WeAreWorcester #WorcesterProud
The Challenge Coin celebraton heads to Pocomoke High! Congratulations to Ruthnie C., Griffin H., Brycen P., and
Kalynne G., who all received coins today! #WeAreWorcester #WorcesterProud
Kalynne G., who all received coins today! #WeAreWorcester #WorcesterProud
I was so proud to present Challenge Coins to three deserving students at Pocomoke Elementary today! Congratulations to Ta'Mayah T., Rhett S., and David D. who earned this amazing distinction! #WeAreWorcester #WorcesterProud
Pocomoke Middle School celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2030 during their 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony this morning. Congratulations to these students as they complete their middle school journey and prepare for the exciting opportunities ahead in high school! #WeAreWorcester
Support Staff Spotlight
Meet Colleen Woods, Educational Assistant at Snow Hill High
3 years with Worcester County Public Schools
“I enjoy working with the students to help them be successful in their studies.”
A Proud Moment
It makes me so proud when the students stop me in the hall and ask if I will be in their next semester class. The fact that they know they can count on me, to do my best to help them, makes me happy.
What People May Not Realize
I am not only there to help them in the classroom. I like to know who the students are outside of class: their interests, sports, and hobbies.
What She Loves Most About Her School Community
I enjoy working at SHHS because I work with a great group of educators who care a lot about the students.
Meet Colleen Woods, Educational Assistant at Snow Hill High
3 years with Worcester County Public Schools
“I enjoy working with the students to help them be successful in their studies.”
A Proud Moment
It makes me so proud when the students stop me in the hall and ask if I will be in their next semester class. The fact that they know they can count on me, to do my best to help them, makes me happy.
What People May Not Realize
I am not only there to help them in the classroom. I like to know who the students are outside of class: their interests, sports, and hobbies.
What She Loves Most About Her School Community
I enjoy working at SHHS because I work with a great group of educators who care a lot about the students.
We are proud to welcome local Special Education Directors and MSDE's Assistant Superintendent for the Division of Special Education to Worcester Technical HS today! #WeAreWorcester #LearnTogetherLeadTogether
Attention WCPS Families: Maryland SUN Bucks helps families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals buy groceries during the summer break when school meals are unavailable.
Families who qualify for the Maryland SUN Bucks program will receive $40 for June, July, and August (a total of $120) for each eligible student. To learn more or enroll, please visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/
Families who qualify for the Maryland SUN Bucks program will receive $40 for June, July, and August (a total of $120) for each eligible student. To learn more or enroll, please visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/
Support Staff Spotlight
Meet Donnell Becketts, Educational Assistant at Cedar Chapel Special School
9 Years with Worcester County Public Schools
“I LOVE my kids and the people I work with.”
A Proud Moment
Anytime a student learns something new! Lightbulb moments.
What People May Not Realize
How much the staff here cares and are dedicated to helping these kids.
What He Loves Most About His School Community
We are truly a family. I have never experienced this anywhere else in my career. I work with really good people.
Meet Donnell Becketts, Educational Assistant at Cedar Chapel Special School
9 Years with Worcester County Public Schools
“I LOVE my kids and the people I work with.”
A Proud Moment
Anytime a student learns something new! Lightbulb moments.
What People May Not Realize
How much the staff here cares and are dedicated to helping these kids.
What He Loves Most About His School Community
We are truly a family. I have never experienced this anywhere else in my career. I work with really good people.
Stephen Decatur Middle School’s 8th Grade Carnival was a huge success today! Students enjoyed a day packed with fun, including bounce houses, giant slides, a dunk tank, water balloon tosses, face painting, pizza, snow cones, and so much more. The event provided a great opportunity for students to celebrate the end of the school year, make memories with friends, and enjoy a well-deserved day of fun. #WeAreWorcester
School Safety Reminder: The well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority. Learn more about our safety protocols here: https://www.worcesterk12.org/page/school-safety-protocols
#WeAreWorcester #SafetyMatters
#WeAreWorcester #SafetyMatters
