Quincy Public Schools

Multi-tiered System of Support

We understand there are many reasons a student may struggle with regular attendance. We are committed to helping families overcome these challenges through a structured and supportive approach. As a result, Quincy Public Schools employs a multi-tiered system of support that promotes positive attendance awareness for all students, early interventions for students who are beginning to show signs of chronic absenteeism, and specific interventions for students having the most trouble getting to school each day.

	For students missing 20 or more school days: Offer intensive support often involving school staff (guidance, deans, attendance officers) along with agencies and/or referrals to health, housing, and social services. Download the Tier III - Attendance Support Framework
	For students missing 12 or more school days: Provide personalized outreach and communication with parents/guardians regarding attendance status. Offer a meeting with the student and parents/guardians. Develop and implement individualized attendance contract (improvement based incentives, regular check-in/check-out support, and/or attendance mentor.)  Download the Tier II - Attendance Support Framework
	For all students: Recognize and celebrate strong or improved attendance throughout the school community. Promote attendance awareness and school-wide incentives. Track attendance data regularly to monitor progress, inform parents and guardians of emerging attendance concerns.  Facilitate school-wide initiatives to help promote and maintain a positive, engaging school climate. Download the Tier I - Attendance Support Framework

Support Areas 

In addition to the tiered support system outlined above we recognize each student has their own unique attendance needs, as a result we focus on offering individualized support across the following areas. 

Health-Related Concerns

• Access to school nurses for health monitoring
• Recovery plans for students returning from illness or medical leave
• Flexible accommodations as needed

Family-Related Challenges

• Referrals to community services for housing, food security, transportation, and family support
• Counseling support and partnerships with outside agencies
• Family Assistance Conferences for coordinated problem-solving
• Support for families facing transportation problems that affect getting to school

School Avoidance or Anxiety

• In-school mental health resources
• Individualized support plans developed by staff and families
• Collaborative problem-solving between home and school
  
  

Extreme Cases

Though the supports mentioned above aim to help students get their attendance back on track, in some persistent and extreme cases the following actions may be taken.

• A referral to the Department of Children and Families may be made.
• A CRA (Child Requiring Assistance) petition may be filed with the court by the supervisor of attendance.
• A “Failure to Send” petition may be filed with the court by the supervisor of attendance.