March is the time of the year when we begin the course selection process for the 2025-2026 school year. Teachers are making course recommendations for students from February 26, through March 5, and students and families will be able to view those recommendations on Aspen beginning on March 10.

Aspen will be open for students and families to view teacher recommendations and enter all additional course selections and alternate requests from Monday March 10, through Monday March 24.

Counselors will be available at all four lunches during the weeks of March 10, and March 17, to assist students with individual course selection needs and answer any questions they may have.

In preparation for the course selection process, students and families are strongly encouraged to review our 2025-2026 Quincy High School Course Selection Pathways Booklet for important information about course eligibility requirements, course sequencing, and contact information for all QHS department chairs. Hard copies of the Pathways booklet are available upon request in the Student Support Services Office.

For more detailed information on specific courses please view our High School Program of Studies and Course Descriptions 2025-2026.

For instructions on how to complete the online course selection process please click the following link: How to Complete Student Online Course Selection, and please join us on Tuesday, March 11, in Adams Hall at 6:00pm for our annual QHS Course Selection Night presentation.

Please join us at 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 11th, in the Adams Lecture Hall as we share course selection information for our grade 8, 9, 10 & 11 families to assist with the online course selection process for the 2025-2026 school year. Information for Early College High School and Dual Enrollment will also be shared. For questions, please contact Quincy High School Student Support Services at 617-376-3351.

Quarter 3 interim reports will be viewable on Aspen on March 7th.

Join Ms. Degraan and Ms. Dubois on this 6-week in-school group based on Yale University's most popular course learning how to be happier and feel less stressed.

See Ms. Degraan and Ms. Dubois in the Student Support Office for more information and how to sign up to participate

Start With Hello is a prevention program that teaches children and teens how to be more socially inclusive and connect with each other. Start With Hello asks students, educators, parents and other community leaders who interact with children to take steps in class, the lunchroom and/or other times in their day to be inclusive and connected.

Please check out these resources below to see how you can be a part of the promise.

Looking for a way to make a difference and be part of something meaningful? Join us after school in the cafeteria on the first Tuesday of every month for SAVE Promise Club activity events!

We’ll be hosting fun, interactive activities that promote kindness, inclusion, and a safer school community. Whether it’s making bracelets, writing positive messages, or working on community projects, there’s always something great to be part of! Come join us and help make QHS a stronger place for everyone!

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Our lives become busier with each passing day- whether it be obligations to family, work, or school we often see our stress levels rise. Constant stimulation and expectation can leave many of us feeling burnt out and distanced from the present moment. Color Me Calm is a psychoeducational group used to relieve stress.

See Ms. Lyons or Ms. D'Oyley in Student Support for more information if interested.

Please encourage your student to join the Student Support Google Classroom for their grade. Important and helpful information is regularly posted.

• Class of 2028 (Grade 9): g2chiz2
• Class of 2027 (Grade 10): i7gwdcg
• Class of 2026 (Grade 11): unucjbl
• Class of 2025 (Grade 12): d2iinjm

As a reminder, all scholarships are posted ON NAVIANCE and are available for you to download and/or link to. Directions on how to access the Scholarship List on Naviance can be found below. There is no limit to the number of scholarships a student may apply for, so please be sure to check the list on a regular basis.

How to Access Scholarships on Naviance:
1. Log-in to Naviance account
2. Click “Colleges” tab (upper middle)
3. Find “Scholarships and Money”
4. Click “Scholarship Search” (most of these scholarships will be specifically for QHS/QPS students)

Have you already received an acceptance to college, and acceptance to a Union or enlisted in the military?

Please make sure to update your Naviance account with all of your acceptances to college:

- Click on the "Colleges" Tab

- Click "Colleges I'm Applying To"

- Click "Edit" and choose "Accepted" from the drop-down menu

If you have enlisted in the military or received an acceptance to a Union, please let your counselor know!

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is still open and available.

• Create a StudentAid.gov account (if you don’t already have one).

• Learn about the documents you may need to fill out the FAFSA form.

• Determine your dependency status and whether your parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on your FAFSA form.

• If you’re a dependent student, use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your form.

In August 2023, Massachusetts passed a Tuition Equity Law that created a pathway allowing all students, namely undocumented students, to access state higher education benefits through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA).

These benefits include in-state tuition at Massachusetts public institutions, and eligibility for state financial aid programs at public and private higher education institutions in Massachusetts.

Click the button below for more information:

Seniors must complete 20 hours of community service to meet local graduation requirements. Please see the Community Service Approved Non-Profit Organizations google doc for upcoming opportunities.

The online registration form for dual enrollment credit with Quincy College is now available. Please see Mr. Liuzzo, Mr. Stewart, or the QHS Student Support Services Class of 2025 Google Classroom page for more information.

The Joint Apprentice and Training Committee requires an aptitude test for all applicants. Please see the link below for sample questions in all testing areas: https://bostonjatc.com/aptitude-test-info/

Please join us on Thursday evening, March 6th at 6:00pm in the Lloyd Hill Auditorium for our annual panel presentation about the college search and admissions process. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to learn about the admissions process from college and university admissions experts and ask questions. Juniors and their families are strongly encouraged to attend. Sophomore and freshmen students and families are welcome to attend as well. For questions, please contact Quincy High School Student Support Services at 617-376-3351.

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Counselors have begun individual post secondary planning meetings with their juniors. Please email your counselor if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

The PSAT (Practice SAT) was held at QHS on Saturday, October 26th. Students who took the exam can view their scores on the College Board website by logging into their College Board account or using the BigFuture School mobile app.

Juniors must complete 30 hours of community service to meet local graduation requirements. Please see the Community Service Approved Non-Profit Organizations google doc for upcoming opportunities.

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The online registration form for dual enrollment credit with Quincy College is now available. Please see Mr. Liuzzo, Mr. Stewart, or the QHS Student Support Services Class of 2026 Google Classroom page for more information.

Please join us on Thursday evening, March 6th at 6:00pm in the Lloyd Hill Auditorium for our annual panel presentation about the college search and admissions process. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to learn about the admissions process from college and university admissions experts and ask questions. Juniors and their families are strongly encouraged to attend. Sophomore and freshmen students and families are welcome to attend as well. For questions, please contact Quincy High School Student Support Services at 617-376-3351.

Sophomores must complete 30 hours of community service to meet local graduation requirements. Please see the Community Service Approved Non-Profit Organizations google doc for upcoming opportunities.

The online registration form for dual enrollment credit with Quincy College is now available. Please see Mr. Liuzzo, Mr. Stewart, or the QHS Student Support Services Class of 2027 Google Classroom page for more information.

The PSAT (Practice SAT) was held at QHS on Saturday, October 26th. Students who took the exam can view their scores on the College Board website by logging into their College Board account or using the BigFuture School mobile app.

Please join us on Thursday evening, March 6th at 6:00pm in the Lloyd Hill Auditorium for our annual panel presentation about the college search and admissions process. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to learn about the admissions process from college and university admissions experts and ask questions. Juniors and their families are strongly encouraged to attend. Sophomore and freshmen students and families are welcome to attend as well. For questions, please contact Quincy High School Student Support Services at 617-376-3351.

Get involved!
QHS has a variety of clubs and sports teams. Think about getting involved!

Interact Club (Community Service Club) is currently looking for new members!

Community Service

Freshmen must complete 30 hours of community service to meet local graduation requirements. Please see the Community Service Approved Non-Profit Organizations google doc for upcoming opportunities.

Quincy Family Resource Center

• QFRC provides community-based, multicultural, support groups, parenting programs, assessment services, information and referral resources and education for families whose children range in age from birth to 18. Check out some of their programs below.

• Calendar of Events/Groups for March: https://www.quincyfamilyrc.org/calendar/

New Programs Offered in March:

Parents in Recovery - A group for parents in recovery to connect with others who understand their journey. Facilitated by a Certified Recovery Coach, this group is a safe space to share experiences and help each other navigate challenges while building positive connections with peers. This group is all pathways friendly and will be on the first and third Wednesdays from 5-6pm at the Quincy Family Resource Center. Child supervision and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Kathryn Carbone, Outpatient Recovery Coaching at 617-471-8400 x152.

Problem Gambling Screening - Get support for you or a loved one. Problem Gambling Disorder is more prevalent than ever, and we want to bring awareness, understanding, and hope to those who have been affected. To learn more, drop by the Quincy Family Resource Center on Tuesday, March 11th from 10am-2pm for refreshments, resources, a three-question screening, and a gift card!

Nurturing Fathers - An evidence-based course designed to teach parenting and nurturing skills to men. Each class provides proven, effective skills for healthy family relationships and child development. This is a 12-week online course beginning on Tuesday March 11th, 2025. Registration is required. Please contact Steve at ssomers@baystatecs.org.

MHAP/HLA Transition Planning Workshop - Presented by Health Law Advocates attorney, Shelagh O’Donnell, this workshop will educate caregivers and providers on transition planning. Topics will include Transition planning and the IEP, goals and services, and Chapter 688. Join us on Thursday, March 27th from 10:30am - 12:00pm at the Quincy Family Resource Center. To register contact Juan at 617-481-7227 x141 or jli@baystatecs.org.

Active Parenting (ages 5-12) - This class is designed for parents of children ages 5 to 12. It will help you learn ways to raise responsible children who are able to resist negative peer pressure. You’ll learn non-violent discipline techniques plus effective communication and encouragement skills to build a solid foundation for the upcoming teen years. This online six-week course will begin on Monday, March 31st. Registration is required. Please contact Marisol at 617-481-7227 x149 or mvelazquez@baystatecs.org.

Life Out Loud — LOL — NEW TIME! Are you between the ages of 16 and 24? Drop in for resources, workshops, and information to support you as you transition into adulthood. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Held on the first and third Friday each month from 3:30-4:30pm. Contact Marisol at 617-481-7227 x149 or mvelazquez@baystatecs.org.

Sign up for individual support with The Federation for Children with Special Needs on Friday, March 28th from 11am-2pm. Susan Ou will be available for families with children with special needs at the QFRC on the fourth Friday of each month. Registration is required. Please contact Susan at susan@fcsn.org.

Active Parenting: First Five Years - Your child’s first few years are so important! Learn how to make the most of them with Active Parenting: First Five Years, a program for parents and other caregivers. This course will show you how to nurture your child with a “just right” combination of freedom and nonviolent discipline. This four-week course will begin on February 13, 2025, and will be held on Zoom. Registration is required. Please contact Jacqulyn at 617-481-7227 x166 or jwalorz@baystatecs.org.

QFRC Book Nook – Join us on 3/6 and 3/20 at the QRFC Book Nook! Parents and children ages 5-10 are invited to cozy up and listen while we read aloud a book in English and Spanish. This will be held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. A light snack will be provided. For more information and to register please contact Marisol at 61-481-7227 x149 or at mvelazquez@baystatecs.org.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren & Kinship Caregivers - This support group is for grandparents and kinship caregivers. GRG meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 11:00am to 12:00pm. For more information, contact Jacqulyn at 617-481-7227 x166 or email jwalorz@baystatecs.org.

LEADS - Learning Everyday ApplieD Skills for Success engages students (ages 11-18) in learning about positive decision- making, leadership, taking responsibility, and healthy relationships. Meets weekly on Wednesdays, offering two options for times: Option 1: 3:00-4:00 PM and Option 2: 4:30-5:30 PM. This group will be conducted via Zoom video online conferencing. Registration is required. Please contact Melissa at 617-481-7227 x165 or mharrison@baystatecs.org.

Free. Period. Products and Supplies - We are grateful to be partnering with St. John the Evangelist (Hingham, MA) on their “Free.” initiative which provides free menstruation supplies to those in need on the South Shore. The products to support this biological function are an added expense placed on many who are already experiencing financial insecurity. Compounding this issue is that these products are not covered by benefits. This gap in need and coverage imposes yet another barrier to equity in education and employment as many are forced to miss school or work. If you need these products, please reach out to the QFRC by contacting Jackie Walorz at jwalorz@baystatecs.org or 617-481-7227 ext. 166.

Laundry Love - Complimentary laundry services for families are being offered on a modified basis. Laundry supplies and preloaded laundry cards for clients are being left during the designated times asking everyone to use the honor system.

Quincy: last Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm. Wash-N-Dry 236 Washington St, Quincy, MA. Contact Karen DeCristofaro at karendecristofaro@gmail.com.

Hull: 4th Monday of each month from 3:30-6pm. Super Wash 259 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA. Contact Chrissy Roberts at sjlaundrylove@gmail.com.

LGBTQ+ Youth Social Group - A group where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) youth can come to socialize with peers and allies. Ages 11-14. The group will be conducted in person at 1120 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA. on the first and third Thursday of each month, from 6:00-7:00pm. Registration is required. Please contact Jackie at 617.481.7227 x166 or Jwalorz@baystatecs.org.

Have You Considered Becoming A Foster Parent? - Join us on Wednesday, 3/12 at 5:30pm for a virtual information session about becoming a foster parent and make a difference in a child’s life. For more information, please contact Fatima by phone at 508-894- 3841 or by e-mail at Fatima.sequeira@mass.gov or Christine Barry at 781-864-5103.

How To Reach Us!

The Quincy Family Resource Center is available to support you, offering individual support for families, referrals for services, assessments, and groups in person or on Zoom. If you need any assistance, please contact Jacqulyn Walorz at 617-481-7227 x166 or email jwalorz@baystatecs.org. Any schedule changes will be posted on our website and social media pages.

Aspire Health Alliance

• The Community Behavioral Health Center is open at 460 Quincy Avenue, Quincy, MA