QHS Student Support Services
February 2025
Monthly Newsletter
ALL GRADES
QUARTER 2 REPORT CARDS
Quarter 2 Report Cards are available on Aspen as of January 31.
Science of Being Happy
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 - The Sandy Hook Promise
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.
Student Support Google Classrooms
- Class of 2028 (Grade 9): g2chiz2
- Class of 2027 (Grade 10): i7gwdcg
- Class of 2026 (Grade 11): unucjbl
- Class of 2025 (Grade 12): d2iinjm
SENIORS
đź’˛SCHOLARSHIP SEASON IS IN FULL SWING!đź’˛
New scholarships posted this week!
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)
QHS Local Scholarship Form
**QHS Local Scholarship Form is OPEN. Deadline: Friday, February 14th by 11:59pm
Submitting this application makes a student eligible for up to 2 local scholarships that are chosen by the QHS Scholarship Committee. Please note, this form is separate from the list of scholarships that are listed (and continuously being added to) on Naviance. Students should be completing this form AND applying to individual scholarships listed on Naviance.
The QHS Local Scholarship Application can be accessed here only by senior students using their school Google account (and should take less than 10 minutes):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1v6Kib8fiMfJqw-L_qGV5g9vY2oH928MB2tfHkJ3b54Y/edit
Senior Meetings
Counselors are continuing to meet with seniors in regard to their post-secondary plans. Students who are applying to any college/university must meet with their counselor prior to applying to ensure all materials are sent by the appropriate deadlines.
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College/Employment/Military Acceptances - Congratulations!
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!
Financial Aid Information
2025-2026 FAFSA
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.
Massachusetts State Aid Now Available for Qualifying Students and Families
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:
Community Service Graduation Requirement!
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.
Dual Enrollment with Quincy College
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.
ON-THE-SPOT ADMISSIONS
Any senior interested in applying to Massasoit can do so via our On-The-Spot Admissions process. Seniors who apply via OTS get to meet face to face with an admissions counselor from Massasoit and receive an admissions decision that day "On The Spot." Students are encouraged to utilize this process if they are interested in applying to Massasoit and can register to do so via the form below:
Interested in Applying to a Local Union?
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/
JUNIORS
SAT School Day Exam
Quincy High School is pleased to announce that we will be administering the SAT School Day exam at Quincy High school on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 8am to 12pm.
The exam is optional for all juniors and will be conducted through a standardized 2 hour and 14 minute multiple choice digital exam. The cost is $60 per student; $20 for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Please note that we have a limited number of seats available so registration will be on a first come, first served basis. To register, students must do the following:
Part 1: Complete this QHS 24-25 SAT School Day Registration Form (must be completed by student)
Part 2: Submit Payment - Payment must be made in CASH and submitted to Mr. Reardon or Ms. D'Oyley in the Student Support Services office by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7.
Students will not be considered as registered until payment is made in full, and the last day to submit payment is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7.
Please be advised that all students taking the exam must bring their QPS issued Chromebook to the test. A specific software necessary for College Board exams has been installed on all QPS Chromebooks so if you do not have a school issued device it must be noted in your registration.
Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions.
Post Secondary Planning Workshops
Counselors will be visiting grade 11 History classes during the weeks of February 10 through February 28 to present on post-secondary planning.
Counselors will begin one-on-one meetings with students shortly thereafter to review their individualized plans and options.
Save the Date!
College Information Night for Juniors and Families will be held on Thursday, March 6th from 6:00pm to 7:30 pm. A Panel of college admissions representatives will be here to discuss the college search and application process.
PSAT Exam (Practice SAT)
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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Dual Enrollment with Quincy College
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.
SOPHOMORES
Community Service
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.
Dual Enrollment with Quincy College
PSAT EXAM (Practice SAT)
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.
FRESHMEN
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
RESOURCES
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 February: https://www.quincyfamilyrc.org/calendar/
Valentine’s Activities - Please join us for a Valentine’s themed party where we will be enjoying snacks, music, and decorating Valentine’s Day cards for friends and classmates! Saturday, February 8th from 11am to 12pm at the QFRC. 1120 Hancock St. Please RSVP to Jacqulyn at jwalorz@baystatecs.org or 617-481-7227 x166 so we can plan accordingly.
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, from 4-5pm, and will be held on Zoom. Registration is required. Please contact Jacqulyn at 617-481-7227 x166 or jwalorz@baystatecs.org.
Active Parenting 4th Edition - 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 February 25, 2025, time TBD. Registration is required. Please contact Marisol at 617-481-7227 x149 or mvelazquez@baystatecs.org.
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 February 25, 2025. Registration is required. Please contact Steve at ssomers@baystatecs.org.
MassHire South Shore is offering the Elevate: Exploring Your Options workshop on Tuesday, February 25th from 1:30 to 2:30pm at the Quincy Family Resource Center. This workshop is designed to help young adults explore various postsecondary pathways and plan for their future. Youth and young adults ages 14-24 are invited. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Registration required. Please contact Jacqulyn at jwalorz@baystatecs.org or 617-481-7227 x 166.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs- Sign up for individual support with the FCSN on Friday, February 28 from 11am-2pm. Susan Ou will be available for families with children with special needs on the fourth Friday of each month at the QFRC. Registration is required. Please contact Susan at susan@fcsn.org.
QFRC Book Nook – Join us on 2/6, 2/20, and 2/22 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 and 4th Saturday of each 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 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.
Living Life Out Loud - Are you between the ages of 16 - 24 and in need of basic resources and information regarding things like employment, health insurance, housing, education and transition planning, finances, etc.? The QFRC invites you to come on in and chill!! Let’s talk about how we can help you live L.O.L.!!! FREE pizza, drinks, and snacks!! Drop-in time is every Wednesday from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Any questions contact Jacqulyn at jwalorz@baystatecs.org or 617-481-7227 x166.
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, 2/12 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.
- The Community Behavioral Health Center is open at 460 Quincy Avenue, Quincy, MA
