Ask The Superintendent

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 Intro 01:45 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 t...

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 Intro 02:15 Dr Monárrez asks: What is cultural responsiveness in curriculum and instruction, and how does it positively impact student learning and enga...

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 Intro 00:29 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...

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 Intro 00:21 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 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.

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...

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 Intro 00:28 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 p...

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 Intro 00:27 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 y...

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 Intro 00:29 1. 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...

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 d...

Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monárrez. In this episode students from Worcester Technical High School ask: 1. You have had some big changes in the past few years, what has been the biggest challenge during this transition? Do you have any guidance or tips for students who are going through transitions or challenges? 2. Thinking back to when you were in high sc...

Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monárrez. In this episode students from South High Community School ask: 1. How do you promote a positive and inclusive school culture that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all students? 2. What’s your passion behind becoming a superintendent? 3. What is your New Year’s resolution for 2024?

Students from the Superintendent's Advisory Council get to know Dr. Monarrez.

Students from Doherty Memorial High School have a discussion with Dr. Monarrez, Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools.