Worcester Public Schools to Host Countdown to Kindergarten at Polar Park Aug. 24
By Jerry Filmore
WORCESTER, MA — For hundreds of Worcester children preparing to enter a classroom for the first time, the transition to kindergarten will begin with a chance to climb aboard a school bus, meet school staff and explore what the coming school year may look like.
Worcester Public Schools will host its district-wide Countdown to Kindergarten event on Monday, Aug. 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Polar Park, 100 Madison St. The event is intended for families with children entering kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.
The district said the event is designed to give children an introduction to school in a setting where they can explore activities, become familiar with transportation and meet some of the adults and departments they may encounter during the school year.
Activities announced by WPS include opportunities for children to climb aboard a school bus, meet a crossing guard, make music, build with blocks and participate in a “Lunch Tray Relay.” Families will also be able to receive free books and other learning materials and speak directly with early childhood staff.
District representatives expected to participate include kindergarten teachers, curriculum specialists, transportation staff and bus drivers, nutrition staff, special education staff, Head Start staff, nurses, family engagement staff, human resources representatives and adult learning staff, according to a WPS media advisory provided to What’s Up Worcester.
The Worcester Public Library, Worcester Family Partnership and other community partners are also expected to participate, according to the district.
For families preparing for a child’s first year in Worcester Public Schools, the event comes shortly before the start of kindergarten classes. WPS has announced that Pre-K and kindergarten students are scheduled to begin the 2026-27 school year on Thursday, Sept. 3, while students in grades 1 through 12 begin on Aug. 31.
Worcester Public Schools offers full-day kindergarten at all of its elementary schools. To qualify for kindergarten during the 2026-27 school year, a child must live in Worcester and turn 5 years old by Dec. 31, 2026, according to the district’s kindergarten registration information.
The district began kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year in January. Families who still need enrollment information can use the district’s enrollment and registration resources for guidance on registering a student and required documentation.
WPS said additional Countdown to Kindergarten information and event tickets will be mailed to families and caregivers of students who are registered for kindergarten for the upcoming school year.
Complimentary parking will be available at the LAZ Madison Street Parking Lot at 25 Madison St., according to the district.
The event is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Polar Park, 100 Madison St. Families can find additional event information through the Worcester Public Schools Countdown to Kindergarten announcement.
🔎 W.U.W. Verification Box
• Project / Topic: Worcester Public Schools Countdown to Kindergarten at Polar Park.
• Current Status: The district-wide event is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.
• Key Dates or Decisions: Countdown to Kindergarten will take place Aug. 24 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Pre-K and kindergarten students are scheduled to begin school Sept. 3.
• Estimated Cost: The event is free for participating WPS families. Worcester Public Schools has not provided the total cost of organizing or operating the event.
• Timeline: The event runs for two and a half hours on Aug. 24, approximately 10 days before the first day of kindergarten on Sept. 3.
• Immediate Next Steps: Registered kindergarten families should watch for additional event details and tickets from Worcester Public Schools. Families who still need enrollment assistance can review the district’s registration resources.
• Primary Sources: Worcester Public Schools Countdown to Kindergarten announcement, WPS media advisory, WPS kindergarten registration information and Worcester Public Schools back-to-school information.
• What We Do Not Yet Know: Worcester Public Schools has not provided a final attendance figure because the event has not yet taken place, and the materials reviewed do not provide the district’s total cost for hosting the event.
This coverage is supported by our sponsor, Worcester EV’s, Embedded Counsel, Body Vybes by Reanna, and W.S.R & Wellness Coaching
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