Ask The Superintendent

Ask the Superintendent - Vision of a Learner with Belmont Street School

Dr. Rachel Monárrez speaks with staff from Belmont Street Community School about how they are implementing the Vision of a Learner framework in their school.00:00 Intro01:45 Initiatives come and go, but why have you found Vision of a Learner so successful and so important?05:12 Tell us why there has been so much enthusiasm around the Spark Plan at your school?09:29 What advice would you give to a principal who is just starting out in this work?12:35 How are we ensuring that every student regardless of background has the opportunity to develop these dispositions?15:43 As we deepen our work with the Vision of a Learner, what indicators or outcomes is the district prioritizing to measure its success in the long term?18:57 If you could design a class or project around any of the VOL dispositions, what would it be and why?21:19 Closing

Ask the Superintendent - Cultural Responsiveness

Dr. Rachel Monárrez speaks with Caleb Encarnacion-Rivera, the Director of Equity and Isha Adan, a student at South High Community School about how Worcester Public Schools is adopting culturally responsive practices in teaching and learning.00:00 Intro02:15 Dr Monárrez asks: What is cultural responsiveness in curriculum and instruction, and how does it positively impact student learning and engagement?08:30 Dr Monárrez asks: What work has been ongoing and what are some goals for next couple years in regards to cultural responsiveness in school instruction?16:14 Dr Monárrez asks: What is the training that is being done with both students and staff?20:30 Mr. Encarnacion-Rivera asks: What inspired you to prioritize culturally responsive pedagogy in our district, and how do you see it shaping the future of teaching and learning in Worcester?22:48 Mr. Encarnacion-Rivera asks: What role do you think school and district leaders play in modeling culturally responsive practices27:35 Isha asks: How do you see student voices helping to shape decisions at the district level, especially when it comes to instruction and curriculum?30:37 Closing

Ask the Superintendent - Burncoat Edition 2025

In this episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council at Burncoat High School came up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez. 00:00 Intro00:29 1. In a district that has so many different schools and a variety of communities within each one, how do you make sure that all of them are represented and supported by the district and its policies? In what ways do you ensure equitable distribution of resources?04:10 2. As we showcase at Burncoat, the arts are a great way to demonstrate feelings, ideas, and learn from other people. If there was a play, book, movie, or any piece of art that you want everyone in the district to see/read, what would it be?07:01 3. How do you assess the effectiveness of the current curriculum for students, and what changes are you considering, if any? How often does this re- assessment of curriculum happen?10:27 Credits

Ask the Superintendent WTHS edition

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.00:00 Intro00:21 What areas of the school budget do you believe need more funding?05:18 How can the district support more after-school and youth programs, both in and outside of schools? How do you ensure that students participate and engage in these programs?07:32 If you could change one thing about the school system for the future, what would it be and why?

Ask the Superintendent - Brian Allen and FY26 Budget

In this episode of "Ask the Superintendent" Rachel invites Deputy Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, Brian Allen to talk a little about himself, the budget process and looking towards the FY26 Budget. In this expanded "Ask the Superintendent" Rachel will ask her guest 3 questions, and then they will have three questions of their own for the superintendent.

Ask the Superintendent South High Edition

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.
00:31 What are your thoughts on standardized tests, and do you believe this data used to improve educational outcomes rather hinders creativity in classrooms?
5:13 Here at South High, we emphasize the aspect of 'community'. What are your goals or ideas regarding bringing Worcester Public Schools together as a community?
7:48 If you could implement one unconventional subject into the school curriculum, what would it be and why?

Ask the Superintendent - Claremont Edition 2025

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.00:00 Intro00:28 Now that MCAS is no longer a requirement for graduation, why do students still have to spend so much time testing. For example, we spend 6 days Star Testing, 3 days Access Testing, and up to 8 days MCAS testing. What is the purpose of these tests?07:06 The new immigration policies are causing severe anxiety in some students, how does WPS plan on addressing and possibly helping students with that anxiety?11:16 Some schools struggle to retain experienced teachers and staff. How do you plan to address teacher shortages and ensure that every school has access to quality educators?17:03 Closing

Ask the Superintendent - Doherty Edition 2025

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.00:00 Intro00:27 How do you ensure that students' voices and perspectives are included in decision-making within the district?02:53 What is your impression of the new Doherty?04:51 If you could go back in time and have a conversation with your high school self, what would you say?08:00 How do you make the decision to have a snow day or 2 hour delay?

Ask the Superintendent - North High Edition 2024

Each episode students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council come up with their own questions to better get to know Superintendent Dr. Monárrez.00:00 Intro00:291. As students, there is not always transparency around what goes on at the administrative level. Do you feel the changes to the budget made the intended impact? And what benefits do you see from the changes? 03:12 2. Safety seems to be a recent concern for students and staff. Moving forward, is there a plan for more proactive prevention versus a reactive response?05:573. We’ve noticed that a lot of the new staff coming in feel more culturally competent, do you think this has anything to do with student input last year on the hiring process?

Ask the Superintendent Burncoat High School Edition 2024

Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monárrez.In this episode students from Burncoat High School ask:1. Can you tell us about your leadership style as a superintendent? How have you motivated and inspired others to achieve your goals? (00:30)2. Burncoat High School has an expectation (Safe, Positive and Respectful) and what does that mean to you? (02:32)3. What do you believe is the most exciting thing happening in education today? (04:16)