Worcester Schools Propose New Attendance Zone Changes
Worcester Public Schools has released proposals to redraw student assignment zones, a change that could determine which schools many city children attend, Worcester Patch reports. The announcement lands the same week federal and city leaders broke ground on an $8 million roadway at GreenTech Park and City Manager Eric Batista defended the city's account of a closed Justice Department police probe.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Worcester Schools Release Proposals For Adjusted School Assignments, Zones": the district has floated new boundary lines that could change which schools many Worcester children attend next, though no final decision has been announced, per Worcester Patch.
"ICYMI: Markey, McGovern Join Local Leaders in Worcester to Celebrate $8 Million in Federal Funding for Public Roadway at GreenTech Park": US Sen. Ed Markey and US Rep. Jim McGovern joined city officials to break ground on a public roadway at GreenTech Park backed by nearly $8 million in federal money, aimed at spurring jobs, housing and business growth, according to Worcester Patch, citing a US Senate release.
"Batista pushes back on criticism over city's portrayal of DOJ police investigation closure": City Manager Eric Batista is defending how Worcester described the Justice Department's decision to close its investigation into the police department, while Councilor Khrystian King is pushing for stronger independent oversight, reports theworcesterguardian.org, via Worcester Patch. Both Patch's Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16 roundups touched on the story.
"West Nile found in Worcester; mosquito spraying Aug. 13": health officials confirmed West Nile virus activity in the city, prompting mosquito spraying on Aug. 13 (read it at https://www.newsbreak.com/worcester-ma-daily-brief-373342513/4828023339481-west-nile-found-in-worcester-mosquito-spraying-aug-13).
"Over 1,000 Backpacks For Local Kids After Worcester Fundraiser": a community fundraiser collected more than 1,000 backpacks to help Worcester students head into the school year better prepared, per Worcester Patch.
"Nearly 100 Girls Inc. participants get a hands-on taste of STEM—and college life—at Clark": Girls Inc. of Worcester partnered with Clark University for a four-day, lab-based STEM and college-immersion program for nearly 100 local girls, working with Clark faculty and student mentors, reports theworcesterguardian.org, via Worcester Patch.
"New 'undercover' bullying prevention coming to Northampton Schools": Northampton schools are adopting an anti-bullying strategy already used in Worcester Public Schools, with Northampton's new superintendent citing strong results here, per gazettenet.com, via Worcester Patch.
COMING UP
The Somos Boricuas Festival is set for Worcester Common on Sunday, Aug. 16, at noon.
Worcester Public Library's Main Library hosts Stories and Songs in the Children's Program Room on Monday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m.
The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts presents the ninth annual Jazz+ Live featuring The Love Dogs on Friday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m.
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.