QPS Parents

Quincy Public Schools | 70 Coddington Street | Quincy | Massachusetts | 02169 | 617-984-8700

District News

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We continue to add new information and links and work with our schools to populate our new web-based calendars. Check it out! As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or find any broken links, please email the webmaster.

Photographs this month - Principal induction ceremony and principal recognition for over 800 years of combined service to QPS.

Teacher Appreciation Week - May 4-10

Summer Scene - Download and print catalog or registration form.

School Community Partnership Upcoming Events - Evening at the Pops, Thursday May 8 at 7:00 Historical Walk, Annual Golf Tournament

MCAS - May 2008 MCAS Testing Schedule

 

QPAC Meeting May 28 - Click here for details.

 

A new section of our website is now posted and contains more detail and updates about the  New Quincy High

 

School Contact Information - Click here for a listing of school phone numbers and contact information. 

 

2007-2008 School Calendar - Click here to view/print a copy of the 2007-2008 school Calendar

 

2008-2009 School Calendar Approved 4/9/08 - Click here to view/print a copy of the 2008-2009 calendar. Approved Calendar 0809 Part 2

 

New Students - Welcome and enrollment information for new parents and students.

 

Street Directory - Click here to locate the schools in your district.

 

 

 

 

 

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How Do I...?

Here are the questions that parents ask most. Click on a topic below and get the answers you need.

Enrollment, School Records, General Attendance

Illness, Health, Medications

Academics

General Questions

Registering my Child for School

If you would like to enroll your child in the Quincy Public Schools you will need to print out and complete the following forms. Please complete them prior to visiting the school in order to make the registration process more efficient. The school secretary will assist you with any questions you may have.

Please bring all forms to your child's intended school.

Where do I go to enroll?

English speaking students and families:

If English is not the primary language of the student and family:

  • Go to Central Registration at the Administrative Office located at the rear of Quincy High School, 52 Coddington Street
  • Monday & Thursday
  • 1:00 pm -2:30 P.M.
  • Call 617-984-6620 for an appointment.

What do I need to bring?

The following records are required at the time of enrollment

  • Previous school transcript (grades, attendance)
  • Health record
  • Discipline report
  • Proof of residency (lease, utility bill, etc.)
  • MCAS scores and/or other standardized test scores
  • Special Education “Individual Education Program” if appropriate
  • Birth certificate/Passport

What other information must I provide to the school?

  • Parent Information
  • Parent home phone, work and cell phones and pager numbers must be made available at registration
  • Emergency contact numbers of other family members, friends, or neighbors. Please notify the contact persons of their responsibility to respond to requests during the school day

Information Regarding Limitations on Parental Rights

Any restraining orders/limits on access to student records must be presented to the principal at the time of registration

Do you serve lunch and breakfast?

We serve breakfast at all schools except NQHS and lunch at all schools every day. Elementary lunches cost $1.50 and secondary lunches cost $1.75. Breakfast costs $.60. Reduced price lunches cost $.40 and reduced breakfasts cost $.25. You can view the current school menus on line and get information about free and reduced meal income guidelines. Milk is served with all lunches. Milk choices include 2%, 1%, and 1% chocolate. Some lunches also include fruit juices in addition to the milk.

Is my child eligible for free or reduced meals?

Application forms are available at each school. Students from households that earn less than 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals and those with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of poverty level qualify for reduced price meals. What does all this mean? Read more....

When is kindergarten registration?

Registration is generally in March each year. Children must be five years old on or before August 31 of the given school year. When you enroll your kindergarten child in school, you will register at the school your child will be attending. Students attend schools based on neighborhood boundaries. Don't know which school your child will attend? Click here for a street directory. Please bring documentation showing your child's legal date of birth, immunization records, social security number and name and address of previous school attended. Students are required to have certain immunizations. More information about the kindergarten registration process will be made available through school notices, bulletins posted on Channel 22 and on this website.

Are immunizations required to register my child at QPS?

All students K through 12 must be fully immunized against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) and such other communicable diseases as may be specified from time to time by the department of public health. Students entering grade 7 MUST have had a second MMR before entrance in the fall. For your convenience, clinics will be held the preceding spring. All new entrants must present evidence of having had a second Mantoux TB Skin Test within the preceding year. Any student who fails to comply with these laws will be excluded from school. Public school students entering school for the first time, whether at kindergarten or through transfer from another school system, will be required to present a physician's certificate attesting to immunization against diphtheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, tetanus, measles, The only exception to these requirements will be made on receipt of a written statement from a doctor that immunization would not be in the best interests of the child; or, the student's parent of guardian stating that vaccination or immunization is contrary to the religious beliefs of the student or parent.

What is the attendance policy? What do I do if my child is absent?

It has been said that half of being successful in life is just showing up! Regular daily attendance is one of the keys to success in school. Students should attend all scheduled classes unless officially excused. If your child is absent for any reason, they must bring a note explaining the absence, signed by a parent or guardian. Multiple absences can result in course failures for a term or retention in a grade. Please consult the school handbook for specifics.

What happens when my child is sick?

When you keep your child at home at the first sign of an illness, you protect your child from other health problems and you protect other children from exposure to the illness. If your child should become ill at school, the building principal or school nurse will try to reach you during the day. Please keep the school informed of all emergency contact numbers.

My child must take medications. How is this handled at school?

No medication, including aspirin, is provided in school. When a student is required to take medication prescribed by a physician during school hours, two prerequisites are needed: 1) written permission for the nurse to dispense the medicine must be signed by a parent and the doctor before any such medicine will be dispensed; and 2) the medicine, which is limited to five-day supply, must have the prescriptive label. The medicine will be kept in a locked cabinet and dispensed by the nurse. If necessary, the form must be updated at the request of the school nurse.

Does QPS have a dress code?

Students should come to school dressed appropriately. Appropriate dress and grooming are primarily the concern of individual students and parents. However, students are not considered appropriately dressed or groomed if their appearance is disruptive to themselves or others, or if it interferes with health and safety.

Is there a homework policy for QPS students?

Homework refers to assignments which will achieve their purpose when prepared during an independent study or at home. The purpose of homework is to improve the learning process, to aid in the mastery of skills, and to stimulate interest on the part of the student. The amount of homework considered reasonable varies with the age and grade of the student. It is the position of the Quincy Public Schools that homework is assigned consistent with the purpose, criteria, and guidelines outlined in our homework guide. Click here to print a copy of our publication -A Guide to Homework in the Quincy Public Schools

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I need a copy of my child's student records. How do I get them?

Student records are confidential to protect the rights and privacy of both students and parents. Parents have the right to review any and all student records with the principal. Please schedule an appointment with your principal if you wish to review your child's records. A more extensive explanation concerning student records is available in our Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

Does QPS have a policy on technology and internet usage?

Yes. Technology resources are available for students in both classroom and lab settings. Schools are fully networked, allowing all students in every school to access computers and other technology as tools for learning. Instructional staff receive training to integrate the use of technology into instruction so that students can use these resources to access data, conduct research, compile data. Instructional staff are expected to supervise student use of computers and the Internet. In order for a child to access the Internet, parents must sign and Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

Can my child ride the bus to school?

School bus transportation is available at designated stops to students living outside specified walking distances. Massachusetts General Laws list the following transportation guidelines (a) students living at least one and one-half miles from school (b) students who live more than one mile from the nearest bus stop (c) students with special needs for whom transportation must be provided. Questions concerning student transportation should be directed to our Transportation Office at (617)984-8964.

When are the school vacations? Where can I find get a copy of the school calendar?

We have an online copy of the calendar available. You can view events for any school or for the entire district. Click here to view our calendar.

I am concerned about how my child is doing in school. Whom should I call?

If you have any concerns about how your child is faring either academically or socially in school, we urge you to contact your child's teacher, principal or guidance counselor. Parents are important partners and we would expect parental concerns or complaints to be resolved quickly and carefully. Most complaints are resolved by addressing the persons closest to the situation. Complaints concerning school-related issues, for example, instruction, discipline, or transportation should be first directed to the appropriate person such as a teacher or transportation office. If you are unable to solve an issue at its point of origin, you should attempt to resolve it at the next higher level. Go to the School Page to get the contact information for your child's school or Contact Us for a school-wide listing of administrators and departments.

I want to get involved at my child's school, but I am not sure how. What can I do?

Parent involvement is encouraged and parents and guardians have many opportunities to participate. Parents have the opportunity to serve on advisory boards at individual schools. School councils have parent representatives who help make decisions which affect their school as part of the School Improvement Plan process. Some parents work with staff in classrooms and offices and as tutors or chaperones. Parent groups provide financial support to programs and assist with activities. Concerts, assemblies. school plays, sports activities, science fairs, open houses and many other activities provide opportunities for students to share their talents with parents, families and friends. Please visit the pages for your child's school and contact the Parent/Teacher organization or your child's principal.

Does every school have a school council?

Yes! School Councils operate at every school, and staff and parents are involved in an ever-increasing number of decisions. Shared decision-making helps to enhance educational opportunities for students and allows for improved assessment of school programs. School Council members include parents, teachers, administrators and support staff. Members are elected by their peers and work together to develop the School Improvement Plan. Please visit the pages for your child's school and contact the Parent/Teacher organization or your child's principal. We also have an active, city-wide parent's council. Click here to visit the Citywide Parents' web site. 

We also have an active, city-wide parent's council. Click here to visit the Quincy Parent Advisory Council on Special Education.

Does QPS offer any special programs or services for students?

Yes. We recognize that students learn in many different ways. Some programs are offered year-round and other programs are offered as needed. Please visit our programs page and read about all the programs offered. You can also visit your child's school page and read about programs each school offers.

How will I know if school is cancelled due to weather or other emergencies?

Severe weather or other emergencies may cause changes to the school day. When this happens, schools may need to close, start later, or dismiss earlier. Parents should plan in advance for such emergencies. When there are changes to the school, schedules, they are communicated immediately, generally by 6 a.m. The most current information will be broadcast on the local radio and television stations as part of their "no school", or "delayed opening announcements".

What are the school hours?

Preschool

Amelio Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center

A.M. Session 7:35 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. P.M. Session 11:10 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.

Tuesday is an early release day (a.m. only) 7:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Snug Harbor Preschool

A.M. Session 8:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. P.M. Session 11:35 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Tuesdays is an early release day(a.m. only) 8:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.

Elementary Schools K-5

Amelio Della Chiesa Early Childhood Center

Kindergarten Half A.M. Session 7:35a.m.-10:20a.m. P.M. Session 11:05-1:50p.m.

Kindergarten Full 7:35 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.

Grades 1-2 7:35 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.

Tuesday is an early release day(a.m. only) 7:35 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Elementary Schools K-5 - First Tier

Atherton Hough, Bernazzani, Lincoln Hancock, Merrymount, Wollaston

Kindergarten Half A.M. Session 7:45a.m.-10:30a.m. P.M. Session 11:15a.m.-2:00p.m.

Kindergarten Full and Grades 1-5 7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday is an early release day Grades (K-5)(AM session only) 7:45 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Elementary Schools K-5 - Second Tier

Beechwood Knoll, Marshall, Montclair, Parker, Snug Harbor, Squantum

Kindergarten Half A.M. Session 8:15a.m.-11:00a.m. P.M. Session 11:45a.m.-2:30p.m.

Kindergarten Full and Grades 1-5 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday is a release day Grades (K-5)(AM session only) 8:15 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.

Middle Schools

Atlantic, Broad Meadows, Central, Point Webster, Sterling

Grades 6-8 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays are Release Days(AM session only) 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

High Schools

North Quincy, Quincy High, Center for Technical Education

Grades 9-12 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

2nd Tuesday October through May are Release Days(AM session only)7:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.