WORCESTER, Mass. - Thousands of Worcester Public School students returned to class Monday morning.
For many, the first day of school means a big shift from their summer schedules. But, as buses filed in, parents dropping off fifth graders at the Clark Street Community School said they’re happy to be back.
What You Need To Know
- Worcester Public Schools began the new year on Monday
- Superintendent Rachel Monarrez and members of the school committee joined the welcome team at Clark Street Community School
- Clark Street Community School principal Fjodor Dukaj was named 2023 WPS Administrator of the Year
“You know, they've been home for a while, so it kind of went with my schedule," said one parent as she dropped off her son. "I work, so when they have to come back, I was like, ‘Ugh!’, you know, but it is what it is. We are excited. We hope for good things to happen this year.”
"It's just like it's a Happy New Year, right?" said Superintendent Rachel Monarrez.
Monarrez greeted students and families at Clark Street School with principal Fjodor Dukaj, who was named 2023 WPS Administrator of the Year. Dukaj is leading a school improvement effort with a focus on academic excellence and school culture.
“This is actually a team effort, and it's awesome that we're getting the coverage because good work, it turns out, takes a long time," Dukaj said. "And we've been at it for multiple years. Here at Clark Street School, we have teachers and educators who love kids across the board, who are excited about working with kids across the board who take pleasure and enjoyment out of seeing kids grow and develop into the best versions of themselves.”
Monarrez said across the district, efforts have been made to reorganize how the more than 40 schools will be supported this year.
“We've got our district office staff, instead of sitting in the district office, our coaches, they're going to be out at schools, 80% of their workweek at a minimum," Monarrez said. "So really funneling supports into the schools where the children and families are, and the educators are.”
Monarrez said the district is always working to improve their facilities and safety measures. She also highlighted a new reading curriculum being implemented in the elementary schools, as well as the Spark initiative, which aims to promote the creativity of Worcester students in the classroom.
