BERLIN–Worcester Prep opened for its 44^th year with students and teachers ready to work together on new challenges in learning. The theme for 2013-2014  is "A.C.T. —Attitude, Character, Teamwork", builds upon the 2012-2013 theme: "Pride and Character." It is Worcester’s goal not only to prepare students for college but also to make sure that they are ready with personal qualities such as empathy and industry and skills such as critical and creative thinking that they’ll need for the future. “From their first day here, we expect our students to take pride in their accomplishments and to appreciate the accomplishments of others,”said Mike Grosso, Head of Middle School. Students in Grades 4, 5, 7, and 9 are part of Worcester’s iPad Initiative, which their teachers have been preparing for almost a year. Apps, Internet resources, and iBooks will be used in many courses as students and teachers dive into one-on-one technology use. In other grade levels, students may bring their own mobile devices to school for use in the academics. Students can also use one of the school’s three computer labs, and teachers can schedule use of mobile carts of iPads and laptops. Some of the exciting projects scheduled for this school year include a virtual safari, designing with Hummingbird Robotics, space studies in Kindergarten, Botball robotics, 3D design and printing, video production and radio broadcasting.

Worcester’s students will soon be able to enjoy a new dining hall, picnic area, and Middle & Upper School Art Studio. The construction project, which is scheduled for completion by the end of the September, includes indoor and outdoor eating areas for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and an art studio ready to accommodate the diverse art projects taken on by Middle & Upper School art instructor George Zaiser and his students.

“We’ve needed a new dining room for some time,” said Headmaster Dr. Barry Tull. “I think we’ll find the new areas inviting and functional. Inside students will have a view of our Children’s Garden, and the outside patio will be a perfect place to have lunch when the weather is pleasant. As for the Art Studio, this improvement offers space needed for the many different types of design projects taken on by our students.”