I just moved to Quincy from out of state or out of the country with my school-age child. How do I get my child registered for school? Are all children guaranteed admission to school once registration is complete? Yes, all children are guaranteed admission to their local public school. To get your student registered, you need to submit a Pre-Registration Form and someone from Quincy Public Schools will contact you. Please use the New Student Registration link on the QPS Registration Page to download the form.
What documents are required for registering a child to school? Are the documents the same for out-of-state or out-of-country families? The registration forms for both new Kindergarten students and new students entering Grades 1-12 can be found on the QPS Student Registration Page.
In order to complete the registration process, the following documents must be provided for each student, regardless of where you lived prior to Quincy:
Birth certificate (with raised seal)
Photo I.D. of the person registering the student
Copy of a recent physical examination by a physician (within one year)
Record of immunizations
Two forms of proof that the student and family reside in the school district: utility bill, tax bill, mortgage statement, W-4 or 1099 form
If you have questions, please contact Quincy Public Schools at 617.984.8701.
What if I do not have the documents required for QPS Registration? If you do not have the required documents or have any other questions regarding the forms for registration, please contact the Superintendent's Office at 617.984.8701.
Where do I find my student’s assigned school? Please use the Street Directory link on the QPS Student Registration Page to find the assigned school for your student.
Can I choose a school that's not designated for my street? If you would like to attend a school outside of your neighborhood school, please use the Open Enrollment link on the QPS Registration Page. Open enrollment requests are accepted starting in September for the next academic year. (For example, submit a request in September of 5th grade if you want your student to attend a school outside of your neighborhood in 6th grade.)
Can students who have moved within Quincy request to continue to attend the school they are currently attending? Students who have moved within Quincy may request to continue to attend school where they are currently attending. Permission will be granted based on space available at the school and families will receive an email confirming their request has been granted. The student will revert to the neighborhood school once they have finished highest grade of their current school. They need to fill open enrollment form if they want another school than their designated neighborhood school. To submit a Remain at School request please fill out this Form.
Please note that School Bus Transportation is not available for elementary school students attending a school outside their neighborhood district.
My student has finished the highest grade in their current school. Do I have to enroll my student in middle school/high school or are they automatically admitted to middle school/high school? Can I choose the middle school/high school for my student? You are automatically enrolled in your neighborhood middle school/high school if your student is already attending school in Quincy. There is nothing special you need to do to ensure your student’s place in middle school/high school. If you would like to attend a middle school/high school outside of your neighborhood district, you can submit an Open Enrollment request through the QPS website. Open enrollment requests are accepted starting in September for the next academic year. For example, submit a request in September of 5th grade if you want your student to attend a school outside of your neighborhood in 6th grade.
If I applied for Open Enrollment, is my student guaranteed a spot? When will I learn if my student was accepted into their school of choice? The Quincy School Committee has a policy of granting Open Enrollment on a space-available basis. When making the decision to admit open enrollment students, the Superintendent must consider the capacity of the school building to accommodate Open Enrollment students both for the present school year and future years. To be eligible for Open Enrollment, students must be Quincy Residents.
Open Enrollment Procedure:
Student names are placed on school lists in the order in which they are received.
Siblings of students already enrolled in a school under the Open Enrollment Policy will be given preference for that school, as long as the older student will still be enrolled there when the younger student starts school.
Open Enrollment decisions are made at the end of the school, when enrollment projections for the upcoming year are available.
Notification letters are mailed to families no later than mid-July.
Please note, Kindergarten Parents may request Open Enrollment, but must also register students at their home school.
What pre-kindergarten programs are available? How do I register my child for these programs? Are all children guaranteed a spot in pre-kindergarten? If not, what children have priority for the program? The Quincy Public Schools Integrated Pre-Kindergarten Programs serve 3- and 4-year-old children with special needs and their typically developing peers. Pre-Kindergarten classes are held at Snug Harbor and the Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center. There are two different Pre-Kindergarten programs offered: four half-day sessions or two half-day sessions. There are a limited number of Pre-Kindergarten seats available and priority is given to 4-year-olds, followed by children who are 3 1/2 or older. Transportation is not provided.
To be considered for a Pre-Kindergarten Program, please complete the Pre-Kindergarten Student Information Form.
How do I register for kindergarten? Children who will be 5 years of age on or before August 31 of the current year are eligible to attend kindergarten beginning in September of the current year.
Kindergarten registration is a two-step process:
Step 1: Families fill out the online Pre-Registration Form
Step 2: Families will be contacted to complete the registration process; this appointment may be at the school site (elementary school offices reopen the week before Labor Day) or at the Central Registration office. Translation services are available at Central Registration, which reopens the first week of August.
If your child presently attends a pre-kindergarten program at the Rick DeCristofaro Learning Center or Snug Harbor, it is not necessary to register for kindergarten.
If you have questions about kindergarten registration, please email lauraowens@quincypublicschools.com or call 617-984-8702.
What is open registration/enrollment? Open Enrollment is a request for students who wish to attend a school outside their neighborhood district. Open enrollment requests are accepted a year in advance on the day when school reopens for grades 1-9. Refer to Open Enrollment for 2025-26 School Year - Quincy Public Schools on the Quincy Public School's website for more information.
When is the first day of kindergarten? Usually the 1st Monday after Labor Day (this is later than 1st-12th grade). Please confirm the start date with QPS Calendar.
What time does school start and end? All elementary students, including kindergartners, attend school 5 days a week with Wednesdays being an early release day (this means the students end school earlier every Wednesday). Find your student’s school in the list below for start and end times.
7:45 am - 2:00 pm
Early Release 7:45 am - 11:25 am
Atherton Hough
Bernazzani
Lincoln Hancock
Merrymount
Wollaston
8:15 am - 2:30 pm
Early Release 8:15 am - 11:55 am
Beechwood Knoll
Clifford Marshall
Montclair
Parker
Snug Harbor
Squantum
What to expect at the Kindergarten orientation? Kindergarten orientation is always scheduled for the Friday before the 1st day of Kindergarten. It is usually in the morning hours. You can expect to receive information from the principal and to meet your student’s teacher during the orientation.
What are the important telephone numbers? Most families typically need to access only the following offices:
Main Office (absences and all general inquiries)
Nurse’s Office
Guidance Office
Please contact your child’s school to obtain these numbers. The Main Office can also provide you with the necessary contact information.
What should I expect on day 1? How do I prepare my kindergartner for the first day of school? Prepare your child for their first day of school by taking the child to the orientation. While at orientation, have your child become familiar with the classroom, the teacher, and maybe even their seat (if that has been assigned). Make going to school an exciting thing for your child to look forward to. Start to prepare your child for the bus or school drop-off (based on whether your child will walk or be dropped off, or will take a bus). Make sure your child knows who will be picking them up—either from school or the bus stop. When the child comes home, ask about the child’s day, but be prepared that your child may not say much about what happened during the day. This is normal.
How do I report my child’s absence from school? Call the school office to report the absence to the school secretary. Additional documentation (example: a doctor’s note) may be required when your child returns to school.
What are the school pick up and drop off rules? Please call/email your designated school to find out the pick-up/drop-off rules. Rules vary per school.
Can I pick up my child early from school? Can I drop my child off late? Yes, you may pick up your child early from school or drop-off your child late to school. Please call/email your designated school main office and let them know. Rules can vary per school.
What is the best mode of communication with the teachers? E-mail is often the best mode of communication with your teachers, however, some teachers prefer paper notes. Please check with your students’ teacher for their preference.
Staff email addresses can be found by clicking on your respective school on the QPS Elementary Schools page and then clicking on the staff directory. Please note that these pages are not updated frequently. If you cannot find a staff member’s email address, ask your school’s office.
How can I change information in my child’s school records such as phone number, address, or emergency contact? Please call/email your respective school office and update the changes with the school secretary.
Are there any dress code/guidelines regarding clothing and footwear? There is no dress code but it's preferred if kids wear clothes and footwear in which they are comfortable and can easily handle themselves when using the bathroom and going outside (e.g. jackets they can zip themselves). The clothes should not interfere in doing regular day-to-day activities at school. Closed-toe shoes have been found to be safer for children.
Do the kids get a special place to store their belongings? Kids get some storage space for their belongings but it may vary per school and classroom. Hooks, cubbies, and chair back organizers are some examples of storage options that may be available.
What are the birthday and holiday celebration policies? For health safety reasons, no food/treats are allowed to celebrate a birthday. Families can donate a book to the class or send small, non-food gifts for your child's classmates. Please check with your child's teacher in advance.
What is the kindergarten restroom policy? Many Kindergarten classrooms have bathrooms in their classrooms. For those that do not have a bathroom, children are accompanied to and from the bathroom by the classroom paraprofessional or the classroom teacher.
What is PBIS? How is the child selected for PBIS? PBIS Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach that schools use to improve school safety and promote positive behavior. The focus of PBIS is to encourage good behavior. Students get raffle tickets from educators for acts of kindness, obedience, being helpful, etc. The metrics, implementation, and rewards for PBIS may vary per school.
What is a CORI form? Why is it necessary? How can I get myself CORI certified? Volunteers, contractors, and other individuals who have direct unmonitored contact with children are asked to submit a Criminal Offence Records Investigation (CORI) form. The form permits QPS to run a criminal background check to ensure the safety of all individuals in our schools.
Please see the Squantum PTO's CORI Check and Fingerprinting page for more detailed information.
What are the fire protocols and drills? What is the active shooter protocol and drills? Protocols vary by school and classroom, but your child will practice what they need to do during both scheduled and surprise drills. Different schools might also have different names for these drills that they use with the children (eg. “Coyote Drills”). Contact the principal of your school with questions about such protocols.
What is Aspen? How can I access Aspen? You will receive information on how to login to Aspen from your student’s teacher or principal early on in the school year. Aspen is where you can check on your student’s attendance record and where report cards can be downloaded from.
How does my child purchase breakfast and/or lunch? Per Massachusetts law, there is no charge for school breakfast or lunch.
When will my child eat during the school days? The timing of school breakfast, and/or lunch can be confirmed with your individual school office. Snack timing can be confirmed with your child's teacher.
Will there be anyone to help my child at lunch and snack time? Lunch aides or para professionals can help your child with lunch/snack time. Lunch time is in the cafeteria and snack time is in the classroom.
Kids can bring lunch from home or order it from the cafeteria. No refrigeration or reheating is available for lunches brought from home.
What will happen if my child forgets their lunch/snack? Your student will be offered a hot lunch for that day.
Students with food allergies/dietary restrictions will require parents/guardians to notify their student’s teacher in advance as to which options should be used if they forgets lunch.
What should I do if I cannot afford breakfast and/or lunch? Per Massachusetts law, there is no charge for school breakfast or lunch. Families needing monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries are encouraged to apply for state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. For additional information, refer to the Meal Applications page of the QPS School Nutrition website.
What is the policy if my child has food allergies? Allergies must be listed on the student’s health form which is part of the kindergarten registration packet. Forms are submitted to the school nurse who will request any additional information or medications needed.
School nurses can also answer questions on the protocols for dealing with allergies at your student’s school.
What does a typical kindergarten day look like? Schedules, procedures, and activities vary by school and classroom.
Typically kindergartners line-up by class when they arrive and are taken to their classroom at the first bell. They often start their day with Morning Meeting and then might work in small groups, individually, or at centers.
Kindergartners participate in specials such as physical education, art, music, and media which are usually weekly.
Kindergartners are given one snack break in addition to their lunch time. Depending on when they have lunch, snack could be in the morning or afternoon. A short recess is usually directly after lunch. Some teachers may also choose to take their students outside for an additional recess time, but this is at their discretion.
At the end of the day, kindergartners receive help collecting their belongings and are dismissed in groups based on whether they are in aftercare, taking a bus, or being picked up.
What should kids bring to school in their bag/backpack? A school supply list is usually sent home over the summer or provided during orientation. Teachers will let you know what should stay in school, what should stay in the child’s bag/backpack, and what should stay at home.
What technologies are used in a kindergarten classroom? The apps used in the classrooms can be found on Quincy Public School's Apps: Student & Family Logins page.
What is the policy on outdoor playtime for kindergartners? Kindergarten students will participate in recess, as well as opportunities on nice days to play outside. Teachers will bring students outside for playtime when the weather is nice. Even in the colder months, students will have the opportunity to get fresh air and play.
What enrichment programs are available for kindergartners? Every school has their own enrichment programs depending on the availability of teachers. Please check with your individual school.
How do we register for enrichment programs? The schools generally send a form or email to register for programs when they are available. The form usually indicates if admission is first come first serve or by lottery.
Are there any wellness and mindfulness activities/programs used by the school for kindergartners? Calm Classroom is used across the district at multiple grade levels including Kindergarten. This is an opportunity for students to pause and refocus prior to starting a new activity. In addition, the nurse and guidance counselor or both will do classroom lessons throughout the year with the Kindergarten students on these topics.
Does the school have a counselor for kindergartners? How can my child access the counselor’s services? Guidance counselors are available at school for students to access when necessary. The counselors are a valuable source of support for students regarding social and emotional issues related to school.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the counselors, when necessary, but especially if there are events occurring in their student’s life which may affect the student at school.
What assessments are used in kindergarten? In addition to teacher observation, kindergartners are assessed with Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. DIBELS are short (one minute) fluency measures that are used to monitor the development of early literacy and early reading skills.
When are report cards issued to the students? Report cards are issued 3 times in a year. November (followed by parent teacher conference), March (followed by parent teacher conference), and end of the year in June.
How do I read the report cards? In kindergarten the focus is on the social-emotional and motor skills of the students. Don’t be shy about asking your student’s teacher or guidance counselor about understanding the report card and your student’s strengths and areas for development.
What trips and activities specific to kindergartners are planned for the year? Trips and activities are specific to each school. Please contact the school to know the details. Sometimes the school PTO plans some activities for students.
What is the reading buddy program for the kindergartners? Reading buddy program is followed by some schools where upper grade students and kindergarten students are paired to help the reading skills of kindergarten students.
What do I need to do if my child requires medication during school hours? A QPS Medication Order Form must be completed by the prescribing physician. The parent/guardian must also sign this form giving the nurse permission to dispense the medication. The medication must be delivered to the nurse by an adult in the original container with the prescription label intact.
What policies are in place to protect children with food allergies? What do I need to do if my child has allergies? Please contact the school nurse if your child has a food allergy. At the beginning of the school year a general letter about food allergies is sent out to all families. If there is a student in a classroom with a known nut allergy, a more detailed letter is sent to the families in that particular classroom. In this letter, QPS requests that families do not send in any nut products for snack or lunch. The school nurse works with the parent or guardian to get the necessary paperwork and medication, so they know their child is safe, comfortable, and healthy at school.
What is the school policy regarding non-emergency health issues? Each elementary school has a registered school nurse. If a student feels sick/has a fall/minor injury, they are sent to the nurse’s office. The nurse will evaluate the student, and if the student needs to be sent home, the nurse will call the parents/guardians to pick up their student.
What is the school policy in the case of health emergencies? In case of a health emergency, the nurse will determine the severity of the situation and accordingly call 911. Parents/caregivers, and in case of their unavailability the emergency contact, will be informed.
When must my child stay home from school?
A student who feels ill will be too uncomfortable to learn. You should keep your student home when they are experiencing the following:
Fever, 100 degrees or higher, within 24 hours of school. Do not give your student medication in the morning for an elevated temperature and then send them to school.
Vomiting or loose stools within 24 hours of school.
Cough that keeps your student awake, is painful or uncontrolled.
Sore throat for 24 hours, especially with swollen glands or fever. If your student has been diagnosed with strep throat, they must remain home for at least 24 hours after they start antibiotic treatment.
Suspicious rash or eye drainage should be evaluated by your student’s doctor before coming to school.
Lice needs to be successfully treated before returning to school.
If you have questions, it is best to call the school nurse to discuss whether your student is well enough to attend school. Also, please alert the nurse if your student has been diagnosed with any contagious illness, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or strep throat.
How do I notify the school that my child is sick or injured? Please call the school’s main office before school starts for the day if possible. If you get a recording just leave a message with your student’s full name, teacher, the illness/injury, and how many days they are expected to be absent. The secretary/someone from school will update the attendance. If you do not call, the school will call you to confirm the absence.
What is the attendance policy for kindergartners? While most children learn best when they do not miss many days of school, there is no limit on the number of days kindergartners can be absent. Please inform the school of any absences so that the school has a record. In case a child has been sick for more than 2 days, it's preferred to send a doctor's note when the student returns to school. If you are going for a vacation, please send an email to the homeroom teacher and a copy to the secretary.
Elementary school children at Quincy Public Schools have multiple modes of transportation. Read below to determine which option is best for your family.
How do I know if my child is eligible for the bus and how do I register my child for the bus? QPS bus transportation is available to students in grades K-5 who live more than a mile from school. If you live over two miles from your school, the bus is free. If you live between one and two miles, you have to pay a fee for bus service. Either way, you must fill out an application if your student plans to take the bus. You can find the application for bus transportation and a list of bus stops on the QPS website. Once you have filled the online application for the bus please call your school to see if your students name is on their bus list.
How do I change the bus pick up or drop off location if we move within the district? Please inform the school of your new address and work with them to coordinate any changes needed. Sometimes your bus number will also change.
Who do I call if I want my child not to take the bus that day back from school? Please call the school office if you don’t want your child to take the bus on any particular day. Also, write an email or send a note to the homeroom teacher.
Who helps the kindergartners who take the bus at the arrival/dismissal of school? Designated teachers, bus monitors, and/or 5th grade students help the kindergartners who take the bus.
What number do I call if the bus is late or there is any emergency on the bus? In case the bus is late or there is an emergency on the bus, please call the QPS Transportation Department. Alternatively, you may call the school office or Coddington Main Office 617-984-8700.
What is the protocol if the student takes the wrong bus? If a student accidentally manages to take the wrong bus, they will be driven back to school, and the parent/caregiver/emergency contact will be called from the school to come and pick up the student.
What happens if no one is at the designated stop to pick up the student? If the designated person is not there to pick up the student from the bus stop, they will be driven back to school and the parent/caregiver can pick the student from the school. If you know ahead of time that you won't be able to pick up your student, you can give a letter to the bus driver authorizing someone else to pick the student up for that particular day.
What is the procedure if you want to change the person who usually picks up your child from the bus stop? You can give a letter to the bus driver authorizing someone to pick up your child. In the letter you should list the name of the person with their drivers license number. If possible, it can also be helpful to introduce the person to the driver.
What is the pick-up/drop off policy for walkers/bikers/car drop-off? The rules vary per school and will be explained during orientation. Please contact your school’s office with additional questions.
How can I change the contact for pickup and drop off? Please send a note/email to the school and homeroom teacher with the details.
What are the parking rules outside school? Parking and drop-off rules will be explained during orientation. Please adhere to the guidelines of every school. Please be careful to not block any residents' driveways or the bus routes.
What after-school options are available? Quincy after school programs are not managed by QPS. The current after school services are being offered by Q-CARE, Stars and YMCA Germantown. Some are hosted within the school building and some transport the children to another location.
How do I register my child for after school? What does an after school day look like? What time is pick-up? How are kids transported to after school programs out of the school? Please contact the after care provider directly for details and to register. Links to the program websites are listed in the answer above.
Is there a spot for every child? No. Spots are limited and do fill quickly.
How many elementary schools are there in Quincy? There are 11 elementary schools in Quincy.
Where do I find my student’s assigned elementary school? Please use the street directory link available on the QPS student registration page to find the assigned school for your student.
What are the school hours? All elementary students, including kindergartners, attend school 5 days a week with Wednesdays being an early release day (this means the students end school earlier every Wednesday). Find your student’s school in the list below for start and end times.
7:45 am - 2:00 pm
Early Release 7:45 am - 11:25 am
Atherton Hough
Bernazzani
Lincoln Hancock
Merrymount
Wollaston
8:15 am - 2:30 pm
Early Release 8:15 am - 11:55 am
Beechwood Knoll
Clifford Marshall
Montclair
Parker
Snug Harbor
Squantum
Can I choose the elementary school for my student if I don’t want them to go to their neighborhood elementary school? If you would like to attend an elementary school outside of your neighborhood district, you can submit an Open Enrollment request through the QPS website. Open enrollment requests are accepted starting in September for the next academic year (for example, submit a request in September of 2nd grade if you want the student to attend a school outside of your neighborhood in 3rd grade).
Will I get an email from school before the first day of school? You will hear from your student’s teacher and/or principal before the first day of school.
Where can I find a school calendar? The current school calendar is located on the QPS website.
Please note that the date of the last day of school may change depending on emergency closures throughout the school year.
What are the attendance rules? The attendance policy is the same for all grades and schools. Consistent attendance in school is important and encouraged. Schools ask that you notify the office in the morning if your student will not attend school that day. If you call before the office is open, you can leave a detailed message on the school’s voicemail. For students who exhibit a pattern of excessive absenteeism (defined as four days of unexcused absence per trimester or seven absences per term), the parent/guardian may be required to meet with the principal.
Can I pick up my student early or drop them off late to school? Yes, you can pick up your student early or drop them off late, but please communicate with the school when this happens. If you are picking them up early, send in an email/ note for the teacher with your student or call the school office ahead of time. If you are dropping them off late, please call the school to let them know.
What communication do we get from school/teachers/principals? Or how do I know what is happening in school?
Most schools send a weekly newsletter.
Teacher conferences with parents/guardians are twice a year.
In case of inclement weather or another emergency necessitating a delayed opening or cancellation of school, information and notices will be delivered via a text message and/or phone call using School Messenger.
Most schools have monthly PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) meetings where you will also learn about upcoming events, school fundraisers, and more. Refer to the PACs and PTOs page to find contact information about your school's PTO.
What is School Messenger? How do I know if I’m signed up for it? In the event of an emergency, school officials will use the School Messenger System to deliver a single, clear message to parents or guardians by telephone, cell phone, email or text message in any combination. School Messenger can also be used to notify you of a school closing due to inclement weather and to communicate daily information, such as sport schedules, newsletters, attendance notifications and other announcements.
The system is set up to automatically pull your contact information from Aspen and carry it over into School Messenger. You shouldn’t have to do anything to sign up. If you think you are not receiving the School Messenger messages, please check your information listed in Aspen and/or contact your school’s secretary to make sure the school has the correct information.
What is Aspen? What information will it give me? Aspen is an online student information system that parents/guardians and students can use to find out information regarding your student’s classes, grades, and teachers.
Aspen is very important for parents/guardians to understand if they want to stay informed about how their student is performing in school. QPS put together this Aspen How-to Presentation to help you navigate using Aspen. If you are not comfortable with Aspen, please contact your student’s principal and ask for assistance.
When do I find out my student’s teacher for the upcoming year? Before the school year starts, you will receive notification about your student’s teacher. Once assigned, teacher assignments will also be listed in your student’s Aspen account.
What is the average class size? The average elementary school class size is about 20 students per class.
What is the electronic device policy of elementary school? Students are not supposed to bring their cell phones to school. QPS is not responsible for electronic devices that students bring to school, and students are not allowed to use their phones during school hours. Students are also not expected to bring computers/Chromebooks to school, as any computer use will be done in the computer labs.
The QPS technology acceptable use policy can be found on the website.
What is the role of school counselor in the life of an elementary student? Guidance counselors are available at school for students to access when necessary. The counselors are a valuable source of support for students regarding social and emotional issues related to school. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the counselors when necessary, but especially if there are events occurring in their student’s life which may affect the student at school. In some elementary schools, the counselor will visit classrooms periodically to talk with students about social and emotional health.
What is PBIS? Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports or PBIS is a proactive approach that Quincy elementary schools use to improve school safety and promote positive behavior. The focus of PBIS is to encourage good behavior. Students get tickets from educators for acts of kindness, being helpful, etc. The metrics for PBIS may vary per school. You will learn more about your student’s PBIS program from your school.
How can I volunteer at my student’s school? What are ways I can get involved as a parent/guardian? The best way to get involved in your student’s school is to attend PTO meetings. At these meetings, you will learn of opportunities to be involved in school events. Periodically throughout the year you may also receive information from your student’s teacher about volunteer opportunities, such as chaperoning trips or coming into the classroom to read. In order to do any volunteering within the school or with students, you will need to submit a CORI application (even if you’ve been CORI checked by another institution).
What is a CORI form? Why is it necessary? According to Massachusetts law, volunteers who have direct unmonitored contact with children are asked to submit a CORI (criminal offence records investigation) form. The form permits QPS to run a criminal background check to ensure the safety of all individuals in our schools. To get CORI checked you would fill out the form and bring it to your student’s school office. They will run the check and then keep it on file so that you can volunteer. You can print the CORI form from the QPS website or ask for one at the school office. Please see the Squantum PTO's CORI Check and Fingerprinting page for more detailed information.
What are the fire protocols and drills? What is the active shooter protocol and drills? The school complies with all fire safety laws and will conduct fire drills in accordance with State law. Specific instructions on how to proceed will be provided to students by their teachers who will be responsible for safe, prompt, and orderly evacuation of the building. The alarm signal for fire drills consists of a loud buzzer.
When should I keep my student home from school? A student who feels ill will be too uncomfortable to learn. You should keep your student home when they are experiencing the following:
Fever, 100 degrees or higher, within 24 hours of school. Do not give your student medication in the morning for an elevated temperature and then send them to school.
Vomiting or loose stools within 24 hours of school
Cough that keeps your student awake, is painful or uncontrolled.
Sore throat for 24 hours, especially with swollen glands or fever. If your student has been diagnosed with strep throat, they must remain home for at least 24 hours after they start antibiotic treatment.
Suspicious rash or eye drainage should be evaluated by your student’s doctor before coming to school.
Lice needs to be successfully treated before returning to school.
If you have questions, it is best to call the school nurse to discuss whether your student is well enough to attend school. Also, please alert the nurse if your student has been diagnosed with any contagious viruses, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or strep throat.
What happens if my student becomes sick during the school day? Each elementary school has a registered school nurse. If a student feels sick/has a fall/minor abrasion, they are sent to the nurse’s office. The nurse will evaluate the student, and if the student needs to be sent home, the nurse will call the parents/guardians to pick up their student.
What is the school policy in the case of health emergencies? In case of a health emergency, the nurse will determine the severity of the situation and accordingly call 911. Parents/caregivers and in case of their unavailability the emergency contact will be informed.
What do I need to do if my student requires medication during school hours? When a student is required to take medication prescribed by a physician during school hours, two prerequisites are needed:
A QPS Medication Order Form must be completed by the prescribing physician. The parent/guardian must also sign this form giving the nurse permission to dispense the medication.
The medication must be delivered to the nurse by an adult in the original container with the prescription label intact.
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.
What do I do if my student requires an EpiPen? Please contact your student’s school nurse concerning EpiPens.
How do I notify the school that my student is sick or injured? Please call the school/school secretary and leave a message. If the school has not started then please leave a message on voicemail. The secretary/ someone from school will update the attendance. If you fail to inform the school you will get a call from the school.
[Please note: Answers will be different for ELL (English Language Learners) students and may be different for students with IEPs]
What subjects are studied in elementary school? How often are subjects taught? Grades K-5 learn Reading, Math, and Science daily. Grades 3-5 also learn Social Studies daily. In some schools, students switch classes from grade 3 onward. All students have Art, Music, Physical Education, and Library Media classes about once per week, depending on the school.
How long do students have for lunch and recess? Students have 15 minutes for lunch and 15 minutes for recess.
What school supplies are needed? School supplies lists will be sent over the summer or posted on school websites. These lists should be generally out 2-3 weeks before the start of school. It may vary per school.
How many different teachers do students have? In grades K-2, most classes only have one teacher. Some classes may have a paraprofessional in the class as well. In grades 3-5, students may have different teachers for ELA and Math, depending on the school.
How many times are report cards issued to the students? Report cards are issued 3 times in a year. November (followed by teacher conferences with parents/guardians) March (followed by teacher conferences with parents/guardians) and end of the year in June.
How are teacher conferences with parents/guardians conducted? Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year - after the first trimester (end of November/beginning of December) and after the second trimester (March). Please also remember, that you do not need to wait for conferences to reach out to teachers if you have questions or concerns.
How much and what kind of homework will my student receive in elementary school? The current QPS Homework Policy outlines what will be expected of your student, and the amount of homework, if any, teachers are allowed to give.
What is the REACH program? How does my student qualify? REACH is an educational program for elementary school students who demonstrate advanced learning potential. This program is for grade 4 & 5, students who are identified as being in the top percentage of their school/district. Travelling specialists will visit elementary schools to work with these grade 4 &5 advanced students. If you have questions regarding the Reach program, please contact Bridget Vaughan at bridgetvaughan@quincypublicschools.com.
What is APC and how does a student qualify? In the spring of 5th grade, students will take the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP ) in March to qualify for Advanced Placement Center (APC). APC gives identified students an advanced program designed to broaden and deepen their academic experience. Students in APC attend Central Middle School instead of their neighborhood middle school.
What are MCAS and MAP tests? When do elementary students take MAP and MCAS tests? Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a state standardized test used to measure how well a school is performing and helps the state identify schools and districts that need additional support. In grades 3-5, students take the Math and English Language Arts MCAS tests. In grade 5, students also take the Science and Technology/Engineering test.
Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) tests are used by the teachers to measure student growth (learning) during the year. MAP test scores are shared with parents/guardians during the teacher conferences.
Students take MAP tests in Reading and Math in grades 2-5. MAP tests in General Science are taken in grades 4-5. Students take the tests at the beginning of the year, halfway through the year, and at the end of the year in order to measure growth.
How do students travel to school? Is there a bus? QPS bus transportation is available to students in grades K-5 who live more than a mile from school. If you live over two miles from your school, the bus is free. If you live between one and two miles, there’s a bus but you have to pay a fee. Either way, you must fill out an application if your student plans to take the bus. You can find the application for bus transportation and a list of bus stops on the QPS website. Once you have registered for the bus, please call your homeschool and check if your student is on their bus list too. Bus registration happens at the transportation department and bus list with your student's name is sent to their homeschools.
If you live close enough to school, many parents/guardians walk their students to school in the morning. If you’re walking, please plan your walking route to cross at locations with an assigned Quincy Police Traffic Supervisor or Officer whenever possible.
Some parents/guardians drive their students to school. Be sure to follow all traffic guidelines given by the school to ensure everyone’s safety.
What are the rules for pick-up and drop-off for students who walk or are driven to school? Each school has their own procedures for pick-up and drop-off. The principal will let parents/guardians know about these rules before the first day of school.
Who is allowed to pick up my student from school? Parents/guardians will be given a form to list the names of people who are authorized to pick up their student from school. If you need to have someone who is not on the list pick up your student, please contact the school ahead of time.
Who do I call if my student registered for bus won’t be riding the bus home from school on a particular day? If your student won’t be riding the bus on a particular day, please call the school office and write an email/send a note to your student’s teacher.
What number do I call if the bus is late or if there is an emergency on the bus? If the bus is late or there’s an emergency on the bus, please contact the QPS Transportation office. Alternatively, you may call the school office or Coddington Main Office at 617-984-8700.
How do I authorize someone else to pick up my student from the bus stop? You can give a letter to the bus driver authorizing someone to pick up your student. In the letter you can mention the name of the person along with their drivers license number. If possible, introduce the person to the driver.
What happens if no one is at the designated stop to pick up a student? If the designated person is not there to pick up the student from the bus stop, the student will be driven back to school and the parent/caregiver can pick up the student from the school.
What after-school academic programs are available in elementary school? After-school academic program offerings vary by elementary school. Your principal will let you know how to sign up for these programs. Generally, a variety of before and after school activities are offered at different times during the school year for students at various grade levels. Since space is usually limited for many of the activities and participation is voluntary, enrollment in activities is on a first-come, first serve basis.
Is there transportation available for after-school academic programs No, transportation is not available. You will need to coordinate your own transportation.
Is there after-school childcare available at the school? How do I register my student for after-school childcare? Quincy after-school is not managed by QPS. Quincy After School Child Care (QCARE) provides enriching, licensed care each weekday from the time that the final bell rings until 5:30pm. Participants can enroll for the program for each afternoon or as little as two afternoons per week. The program is not operated by QPS. Therefore, you must call the QCARE main office at 617-773-3299 to speak with a Program Director to register or visit their website for more information including tuition fees and registration information at www.quincyafterschool.org.
There is also off-site childcare available through Stars and the YMCA. Please call the respective providers for details and to learn how to register.
Does my student’s school offer breakfast? Breakfast is available at each school every morning. Breakfast consists of a selection of cereals, muffins, bagels, peanut butter, cream cheese, fresh fruit, fruit juice and milk.
Can my student bring their lunch? What kinds of food can they bring? Yes, your student can bring their lunch. Please do not send food that requires reheating or refrigeration. Plan accordingly.
Is there a snack time in elementary school? Yes, in grades K-5 students have a designated time for a snack break.
How does my student purchase breakfast and/or lunch? How much does it cost? Per Massachusetts law, there is no charge for school breakfast or lunch.
When during the school day will my student eat? The timing of school breakfast, and/or lunch can be confirmed with your individual school office. Snack timing can be confirmed with your child's teacher.
Will there be anyone to help my student at lunch and snack time? Lunch aides or para professionals can help your student with lunch/snack time.
What will happen if my student forgets their lunch/snack? Your student will be offered a hot lunch for that day.
Students with food allergies/dietary restrictions will require parents/guardians to notify their student’s teacher in advance as to which options should be used if they forgets lunch.
What should I do if I cannot afford breakfast and/or lunch? Per Massachusetts law, there is no charge for school breakfast or lunch. Families needing monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries are encouraged to apply for state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. For additional information, refer to the Meal Applications page of the QPS School Nutrition website.
What is the policy if my student has food allergies? Parents/guardians are requested to fill the health form (part of the admissions packet/ can request it from the school) and submit it with the school nurse.
How many middle schools are there in Quincy? There are five middle schools in Quincy: Atlantic, Broad Meadows, Central, Point Webster, and South West.
Where do I find my student’s assigned middle school? Please use the street directory link available on the QPS student registration page to find the assigned school for your student.
Do I have to enroll my student in middle school or are they automatically admitted to middle school? Can I choose the middle school for my student? Your student is automatically enrolled in your neighborhood middle school if they attended elementary school in Quincy. There is nothing special you need to do to ensure your student’s place in middle school. If your student is completely new to Quincy Public Schools, you will need to register them through the QPS website.
If you would like to attend a middle school outside of your neighborhood district, you can submit an Open Enrollment request through the QPS website. Open enrollment requests are accepted starting in September for the next academic year. For example, submit a request in September of 5th grade if you want the student to attend a school outside of your neighborhood in 6th grade.
Before the first day of school, will I get an email or letter from the school or teacher? Each middle school schedules a “fly up” day in late spring that gives 5th grade students the chance to visit their neighborhood middle school, meet the principal, and learn a little about their new school. The 5th grade students take a bus to visit the middle school. Principals will be in contact with parents/guardians at the end of the year in 5th grade and over the summer to answer any questions you may have. You will hear from the student’s school before the first day of school.
What are the middle school hours? All middle school hours are 8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Are there school buses for middle school students who live too far to walk to school? QPS bus transportation is only available to middle school students who require special transportation. The MBTA bus routes, bus stops and pick-up times are posted on the MBTA website. Student Charlie Cards (passes used to travel on public buses and trains) can be obtained in the school office and money can be added to the Charlie Card on the bus or at an MBTA station.
Which students are eligible for special transportation? How do we sign up for special transportation? Students are eligible for special transportation if it is needed as an accommodation as part of their Individual Educational Plan (IEP). If you feel that your student needs special transportation due to a specific disability, please contact your current principal and/or guidance counselor.
What are the rules for pick-up and drop-off? Unlike elementary school, parents/guardians are not expected to walk their students to the school door or pick them up right outside of school. Plan to pick up and/or drop off your student near the school and be sure to follow all traffic guidelines given by the school to ensure everyone’s safety. Check with your specific middle school to see how early (before 8:15) or late (after 2:30) your student can be in the school building. Many teachers in middle school are available both before and after school for extra academic help.
What are the attendance rules? How many sick days are allowed? How many total absences are allowed? Consistent attendance in school is important and encouraged. Schools ask that you notify the office in the morning if your student will not attend school that day. If your student is marked absent by the teacher, the school will call the parent/guardian to report your student’s absence.
Following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to see their teachers concerning make-up work when they return to school. If your student misses a significant amount of school, it is good to discuss this in advance with the principal/guidance counselor.
Refer to the QPS Attendance matters page for more information.
What information does my student’s elementary school share with their new middle school? In late spring, elementary and middle school teaching teams will meet to discuss the academic performance of the students. At this time, they will recommend whether students should be in Advanced level classes in English, Math and/or Science.
What communication do we get from school/teachers/principals? How do I know what is happening in school? Most schools send a weekly newsletter and have monthly PTO meetings. Parents/guardians meet with teachers at teacher conferences once a year in December. The best source of information about your student’s performance in school is Aspen, which is the online school portal. Families can log on to Aspen to view their student’s academic progress, daily attendance records, homework, schedules, interim reports, and end of term grades. It also gives you the ability to contact teachers.
Do students use lockers? How are lockers assigned? Yes, students use lockers, and they are assigned by the school. Depending on the school, students may need to purchase their own combination lock. If students need their own lock, it will be included in the school supply list sent out over the summer. Lockers are used for students to store their lunches, jackets, and other personal items. They also store their books/notebooks for their classes and are able to visit their lockers between periods to retrieve the school supplies they need.
How often do students from different grades interact? It depends. In most schools, the grades have their own areas of the school where all of their classes are located. However, students will interact before school, in the hallways, and during/after school activities.
When do I find out my student’s homeroom assignment? Generally, homeroom information is posted on the front door of the school a week or so before the first day of school in late summer.
What is the average class size? 22-24 students
What is Student Support Block (SSB)? Student Support Block (SSB) is an in-school “study hall” where students can work on their homework and get extra help (if needed) from their teachers. Not all middle schools or all grades within a middle school offer SSB. In these cases, the middle school principals have determined that there are alternate ways for students who may need help to get the help they need, for example before and after school.
What is the electronic device policy of middle school? QPS has an acceptable use policy for technology. Students are not supposed to bring their cell phones to school—yet many do. QPS is not responsible for electronic devices that students bring to school, and students are not allowed to use their phones during school hours. Students in grade 6-12 are going to get chrome books to do their school assignments.
[Please note: Answers will be different for ELL (English Language Learners) students and may be different for students with IEPs]
What is the daily schedule? How many and how long are the classes? The exact schedules are different for each middle school. Generally, students have 6-8 periods a day, including lunch. Academic subjects are between 50-70 minutes and “specials” are between 50-55 minutes.
What subjects are studied in middle school? Academic subjects are taught each day and include English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, Social Studies/Civics, Reading (grades 6 and 7), and Foreign Language (Grade 8).
“Specials” are taught about once per week, depending on the school, and include Music, Art, Engineering/Tech Education, Gym, and Health Education.
Are there different levels of subjects? Yes. All middle schools have an option for students to be enrolled in Advanced classes for Math, ELA, and Science. Students can be enrolled in Advanced for one, two, or all three of those subjects. Eligibility will be determined by grades in those subjects in elementary school, MCAS and MAP scores, and 5th grade teacher recommendations. Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss this possibility with their student’s 5th grade teacher during teacher conferences.
What school supplies are needed? The school supplies are similar to what is needed in elementary school. The difference is a Texas Instruments calculator is frequently used in 8th grade math. School supplies lists will be sent over the summer or posted on school websites.
How many different teachers will my student have per grade? Often, there will be a different teacher for each academic subject and special, but this isn’t always the case and will vary depending on the school.
How are students graded? For students in grades 6-8, academic subjects are graded on a 0-100 scale, which is then converted into a letter grade. Grades below a D are considered failing.
97-100 = A+
93-96 = A
90-92 = A-
87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-
77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C-
67-69 = D+
63-66 = D
60-62 = D-
59 and under = F
Specials are graded using E=Excellent, S=Satisfactory, U=Unsatisfactory.
The school year is divided into three terms (trimesters), and students receive a letter grade in each subject at the end of each trimester. Report cards can be viewed through Aspen.
What is the credit system? How does it work? Students receive credit for an academic subject if they have a final passing grade (D or higher) and have not been absent for more than thirty days. If your student fails the course or is absent more than thirty days, they will not receive credit for the course. If a student does not receive credit in more than two academic subjects, they will not have enough credits to advance to the next grade level. In this case, the student will need to successfully complete an agreed upon summer program (as approved by the principal) in order to make up the credits. If your student has an extenuating circumstance that needs to be taken into account regarding credits, please contact your student's principal.
What is Aspen? How do you use Aspen? Aspen is an online student information system that parents/guardians and students can use to find out information regarding your student’s classes, grades, and teachers.
Aspen is very important for parents/guardians to understand if they want to stay informed about how their student is performing in school. QPS put together this Aspen How-to Presentation to help you navigate using Aspen. If you are not comfortable with Aspen, please contact your student’s principal and ask for assistance.
How can I keep track of how my student is doing in school? All homework assignments and test grades are posted in Aspen. You should also feel comfortable reaching out to your students’ teachers or school guidance counselor if you have any concerns about how your student is doing in school.
What are the homework rules? For grades 6-8, students are given up to 20 minutes per subject per night, Monday through Friday. Please see the QPS Homework Policy for more information.
How do you get in touch with the teachers? When should you get in touch with the teachers? Teacher contact information is listed on Aspen and also listed on the Middle School’s website. During Open House in September, teachers will share additional ways to get in contact with them. Get in contact with teachers as often as you feel you need to. Teachers want to hear from parents/guardians especially if they have concerns about their student. You are not bothering the teachers (or the principals) if you contact them.
What specialist classes are offered? Music, Art, Engineering/Tech Education, Gym, and Health Education.
How does a student enroll for the specialist classes? All students are enrolled in specialist classes, and all students take specialist classes. They do not need to sign up for them.
Is a foreign language offered in Middle School? In what grade? Spanish is offered in 8th grade for all students, except for Central MS where students can choose Spanish or French in 8th grade.
Are foreign language classes open to all students? Yes, all students take a foreign language in 8th grade.
What is APC and how does a student qualify? Advanced Placement Center (APC) gives identified students an advanced program designed to broaden and deepen their academic experience. Students in APC attend Central Middle School instead of their neighborhood middle school. In the spring of 5th grade, students will take the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) in order to qualify for APC.
How does APC compare to the Advanced courses provided at the other QPS middle schools? In APC, students are in advanced classes for every subject, and those classes have a deeper and more rigorous curriculum than the Advanced courses at the other middle schools.
Can a student drop out of APC? Will the student have to move back to neighborhood school? If in 5th grade, the student qualifies for APC but opts out they would attend their neighborhood middle school for 6th grade.
If the student chooses to leave APC in 6th grade or later, they will stay (if they choose to) at Central Middle School.
Can a student join APC after 5th grade? If yes, what is the process? Yes, students can join the APC program after 5th grade.
Students from other schools may request an evaluation if they have documented evidence of scores at or above the 95th percentile on standardized assessments such as the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 10), or the Terra Nova.
Students requesting a re-evaluation must meet the following criteria: Two Exceeding Expectations scores on their most recent English Language Arts and Mathematics MCAS.
Contact Michael Marani, Curriculum Director at 617-984-8760 to request an evaluation or a re-evaluation.
How are teacher conferences conducted? Do we just meet the homeroom teacher or all subject teachers? Teacher conferences are scheduled once a year—after the first trimester (November/December). Parents/guardians are able to schedule individual meetings with each academic teacher during the conferences.
Please remember that you do not need to wait for conferences to reach out to teachers if you have questions or concerns.
Do students take MAP and MCAS tests in middle school? Like all students in Massachusetts, Quincy students take the Math and English Language Arts MCAS in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and the Science MCAS in 8th grade.
Students take MAP tests in Reading, Math, and Science in 6th and 7th grade. They take the test 3 times: At the beginning of the year, halfway through the year, and at the end of the year. The MAP test is used by the teachers to measure student growth (learning) during the year. MAP test scores are shared with parents/guardians during the teacher conferences.
What after school programs are available in middle school? After school program offerings vary by middle school. There are athletic programs, music programs, community service programs, etc. After school programs offer students the opportunity to pursue their interests, socialize with other students, and interact with their teachers outside of the classroom.
How do you enroll for after school programs? Programs are usually announced in the fall and in the spring (through the school newsletter and Aspen) so that students may sign up for the activities on a first come, first serve basis. Some activities may have participation fees. If the fee is prohibitive for your family, please reach out to the principal.
Is there transportation available for after school programs? There is no special transportation for after school programs; although, for some schools, there may be modifications to the MBTA bus routes or pickup locations. The school principal or school office can provide information if this is the case.
Is there a recess in middle school? How long is the recess? Lunch is 30 minutes in middle school. Students have the option to go outside for recess after they have finished their lunch. All students eat lunch in the cafeteria.
Do students have snack breaks? No, students do not have a snack break.
What are the cafeteria rules? The principal will share the cafeteria rules with the students. Some schools assign seating during lunch, others require students to sit with students from their homeroom class, and others allow students to choose where they sit.
Is breakfast offered in school? Yes, breakfast is offered in school at no charge, generally between 7:45 and 8:15 am.
Where can I see the menu for the day? The menu is posted on the QPS school nutrition website.
How can I pay for breakfast and lunch? Per Massachusetts law, there is no charge for school breakfast or lunch. Some schools may offer snacks for an additional fee.
For more details on School Meals please check the QPS Website.
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