QHS Student Support Services
Monthly Newsletter - December 2025
ALL GRADES
QUARTER 2 INTERIM REPORTS
Quarter 2 interim reports will be viewable on Aspen on December 12th
Student Support Google Classroom
- Class of 2029 (Grade 9): wthtocyk
- Class of 2028 (Grade 10): g2chiz2
- Class of 2027 (Grade 11): i7gwdcg
- Class of 2026 (Grade 12): unucjbl
MTSS MINUTE
The Student Support Services Department is proud to be part of Quincy High School's Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for all of our students. Check out our new tier 1 activities focusing on self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, and social awareness. These social-emotional competencies allow students to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Join the SAVE Promise Club!
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!
2026 TRADES DAY: JANUARY 31, 10am - 1pm @ WENTWORTH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Discover the impact of the trades and construction technology in architecture, engineering, and construction. Interested students can register using the QR code in the attached picture.
SENIORS
CONGRATULATIONS ADAMS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Quincy High School is proud to announce that 63 seniors in the class of 2026 have been named recipients of the distinguished John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. This esteemed award, granted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests.
This competitive merit-based scholarship is awarded to students who performed in the top 25% of their district on all three sections of the tenth-grade MCAS exam: English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science and Technology/Engineering (STE), while also achieving Advanced performance levels on at least one of those sections.
Scholarship Season Has Begun!
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 (it will be very long in the coming months). Emails will be sent out on a weekly basis (as new scholarships come in) and Student Support's Senior Google Classroom will be updated to alert you of new postings as well. Best of luck!
Scholarships Currently Posted:
- Big Y
- MASS. AFL-CIO Scholarship
- Burger King
- Mark Bavis Foundation Scholarship
- Peter Bertrand Memorial Scholarship
- Kevin J. Hannon Memorial Scholarship
- Henry David Thoreau Scholar Scholarship
- 2026 South Shore Bay Band Music Achievement
- Grand Lodge of MA- Sons & Daughters of Italy in America
- Bernazzani School Book Award
- Houghs Neck Garden Club
- Tricia Lydon Memorial Scholarship
- The Maura Papile Future of Caring Scholarship
- Equitable Excellence Scholarship
- QHS Pride Scholarship (Athletics)
How to Access Scholarships on Naviance
- Log-in to Naviance account
- Click “Colleges” tab (upper middle)
- Find “Scholarships and Money”
- Click “Scholarship Search” (most of these scholarships will be specifically for QHS/QPS students)
As you click on each scholarship, you will find the Eligibility Requirements and the materials that you will need to submit along with your application. A PDF version of the application is available for you to print or a link to the application is available (if required to complete online).
*If you need a transcript and/or recommendation for a specific scholarship, there is a request form in front of Ms. O'Brien's desk (Guidance Secretary) that needs to be filled out and returned to her. This form must be completed at least 2 days before deadline of the scholarship you are requesting it for.
Keep track of your deadlines! Each scholarship has a specific deadline and late applications will not be accepted. Please also note that you will be responsible for mailing certain scholarships directly to the sponsor and post-mark dates apply.
Post-Secondary Planning Meetings
Counselors are continuing to meet with seniors individually to review 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. Transcript Release Requests (done through Naviance) are due to your counselor at least one week before your deadline.
Students who are applying Regular Decision with January deadlines should schedule an appointment with their counselor before Winter Break.
Parents, please ask your senior if they have met with their counselor!
College/Employment/Military Acceptances - Congratulations!
Have you already received an acceptance to a college(s), 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
The 2026-2027 FAFSA Form is now available. The FAFSA needs to be completed for ALL post-secondary institutions in order for students to be eligible for any federal student aid. Visit StudentAid.gov or click the button below to create an account and get started.
Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)
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 and to fill out the required forms'
CSS Profile - College Scholarship Service
Some private schools require this additional application to apply for non-federal financial aid. The CSS Profile application became available on October 1, 2025. Check individual schools to see if it is required and their deadline to apply.
Apply at cssprofile.collegeboard.org with your College Board Account (fee may be required)
SAVE THE DATE!
Little Known Secrets of Paying for College webinar will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6pm. More details and webinar link to follow.
Upcoming Standardized Testing Dates
SAT's
December 6, 2024 - Registration Deadline = 11/21; Late Fee 11/25
ACT's
December 13, 2024 - Registration Deadline = 11/7; Late Fee 11/24
Interested in Applying to Local 103?
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. This year, the application will open January 5th, 2026. Start studying now! https://bostonjatc.com/aptitude-test-info/
Apprenticeship & Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Accepting Applications
Please click the button below to see the most recent list of Massachusetts union apprenticeships that are currently recruiting applicants.
ON-THE-SPOT ADMISSIONS
Any senior interested in applying to Bunker Hill CC, Quincy College, and/or Massasoit CC can do so via our On-The-Spot Admissions process. Seniors who apply via OTS meet face to face with an admissions counselor from these schools and receive an admissions decision that day, "On The Spot." Students are encouraged to utilize this process if they are interested in applying to any one of these schools and can register to do so by completing the form(s) below:
Community Service - Class of 2026
Dual Enrollment
Through Quincy College, dual enrollment students will receive college credits while still in high school. The courses take place at Quincy High School, at the honors-level only, and participating students will be introduced to the academic expectations and rigor of a college course while receiving the support of high school instructors and counselors. Quincy College works with its high school partners to ensure that dual enrollment courses align with college curriculum, learning outcomes, and cover the same content as the Quincy College course. Additionally, Quincy College faculty and staff support the dual enrollment high school instructors by offering feedback and resources to provide dual enrollment students with the best possible academic experience.
Quincy College is excited to provide high school students with an opportunity to enrich their educational journey by earning college credits and preparing for increased academic challenges.Below are attachments about the classes that are offered, a list of colleges that have accepted credits earned from Quincy College, and a link to register.
- Dual Enrollment is offered only for students who are in the honors-level course of the classes offered (no CCP, Advanced or AP classes)
- Dual Enrollment transcripts cannot be provided unless full payment is received by May 30, 2026. Quincy College will not respond to requests from those appealing this policy until August 1, 2026.
- To receive credits, you will need to get a “C” or better in the class.
- Students will take the classes only at Quincy High School - there will be no class time outside of the high school or on the weekends
If you have any questions regarding Dual Enrollment, please reach out to Mr. Liuzzo at timothyliuzzo@quincypublicschools.com
JUNIORS
PSAT Exam (Practice SAT)
The PSAT (Practice SAT) was held at QHS on Saturday, October 18th. Students who took the exam can access their scores on the BigFuture School mobile app or their College Board account. If you provided your mobile number on test day, you should have received a text message with instructions to download the BigFuture School mobile app and sign in.
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-nmsqt-understanding-scores.pdf
PSAT scores can be viewed on Naviance as well
- Log in to your Naviance account using Clever
- Click the "About Me" top tap
- Click "Test Scores"
Community Service - Class of 2027
Juniors must complete 30 hours of community service to meet local graduation requirements! Please click the button below and check out the Community Service Approved Non-Profit Organizations google doc for upcoming opportunities.
Dual Enrollment
Through Quincy College, dual enrollment students will receive college credits while still in high school. The courses take place at Quincy High School, at the honors-level only, and participating students will be introduced to the academic expectations and rigor of a college course while receiving the support of high school instructors and counselors. Quincy College works with its high school partners to ensure that dual enrollment courses align with college curriculum, learning outcomes, and cover the same content as the Quincy College course. Additionally, Quincy College faculty and staff support the dual enrollment high school instructors by offering feedback and resources to provide dual enrollment students with the best possible academic experience.
Quincy College is excited to provide high school students with an opportunity to enrich their educational journey by earning college credits and preparing for increased academic challenges.Below are attachments about the classes that are offered, a list of colleges that have accepted credits earned from Quincy College, and a link to register.
- Dual Enrollment is offered only for students who are in the honors-level course of the classes offered (no CCP, Advanced or AP classes)
- Dual Enrollment transcripts cannot be provided unless full payment is received by May 30, 2026. Quincy College will not respond to requests from those appealing this policy until August 1, 2026.
- To receive credits, you will need to get a “C” or better in the class.
- Students will take the classes only at Quincy High School - there will be no class time outside of the high school or on the weekends
If you have any questions regarding Dual Enrollment, please reach out to Mr. Liuzzo at timothyliuzzo@quincypublicschools.com
SOPHOMORES
Mental Health Awareness Comeback Stories from the NAN Project
During the dates of December 8, December 9, and December 11, the Student Support Services Department will be hosting presentations from the NAN project to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. These presentations are being offered to sophomores during their History classes on one of the dates listed above.
The presentations begin with a peer mentor comeback story where young adults (18-23 years old) present their comeback stories to students with the goal of opening up the conversation around mental health issues and reducing the stigma. These scripted stories detail their struggles with mental illness and discuss the support they were able to access and coping strategies they have employed to find a path to recovery. This approach creates a safe space for students to discuss mental health and related topics, and educates them on the resources available and the steps they should take if they are concerned about themselves or a peer. We are hoping to help destigmatize mental health through these presentations, and give students information about warning signs someone may be displaying when they are struggling.
Please reach out to your student's counselor if you have any questions.
PSAT Exam (Practice SAT)
The PSAT (Practice SAT) was held at QHS on Saturday, October 18th. Students who took the exam can access their scores on the BigFuture School mobile app or their College Board account. If you provided your mobile number on test day, you should have received a text message with instructions to download the BigFuture School mobile app and sign in.
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-nmsqt-understanding-scores.pdf
PSAT scores can be viewed on Naviance as well
- Log in to your Naviance account using Clever
- Click the "About Me" top tap
- Click "Test Scores"
Community Service
Sophomores must complete 30 hours of community service to meet local graduation requirements! Please click the button below and check out the Community Service Approved Non-Profit Organizations google doc for upcoming opportunities.
Dual Enrollment
Through Quincy College, dual enrollment students will receive college credits while still in high school. The courses take place at Quincy High School, at the honors-level only, and participating students will be introduced to the academic expectations and rigor of a college course while receiving the support of high school instructors and counselors. Quincy College works with its high school partners to ensure that dual enrollment courses align with college curriculum, learning outcomes, and cover the same content as the Quincy College course. Additionally, Quincy College faculty and staff support the dual enrollment high school instructors by offering feedback and resources to provide dual enrollment students with the best possible academic experience.
Quincy College is excited to provide high school students with an opportunity to enrich their educational journey by earning college credits and preparing for increased academic challenges.Below are attachments about the classes that are offered, a list of colleges that have accepted credits earned from Quincy College, and a link to register.
- Dual Enrollment is offered only for students who are in the honors-level course of the classes offered (no CCP, Advanced or AP classes)
- Dual Enrollment transcripts cannot be provided unless full payment is received by May 30, 2026. Quincy College will not respond to requests from those appealing this policy until August 1, 2026.
- To receive credits, you will need to get a “C” or better in the class.
- Students will take the classes only at Quincy High School - there will be no class time outside of the high school or on the weekends
If you have any questions regarding Dual Enrollment, please reach out to Mr. Liuzzo at timothyliuzzo@quincypublicschools.com
FRESHMEN
QHS has a ton of clubs, sports and activities. Think about getting involved!
QHS CLUBS & ACTIVITIES INFORMATION 25-26
Interact Club (Community Service Club) is currently looking for new members: First Friday of every month at 2:30 in Adams Hall. See Mrs. Eldridge in the Student Support Services office for more information.
Save Promise Club: First Tuesday of every month after school in the cafeteria - See Mr. Johnson in room D306 for more information.
Community Service
RESOURCES
SNAP Benefit Resources
A new SNAP Response Hub webpage is now live, featuring a municipal-level map showing the impact of SNAP across Massachusetts, information on where residents can access food assistance, and ways community members and businesses can contribute.
Residents in need of food assistance can contact Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at (800) 645-8333, visit their regional food bank to find local pantries, or check the DTA website for the latest and most accurate information on available 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.
- Calendar of Events/Groups for December: https://www.quincyfamilyrc.org/calendar/
NURTURING FATHERS – Taking registrations now! 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 in-person group held at the QFRC. Registration is required. Please contact Wallace at wbrown@baystatecs.org or 617-481-7227 ext.177.
Book Nook Jr. – with QCAP’s Miss Kristi, CFCE Coordinator! Please join us for songs, fingerplays and stories! The second Thursday of the month will be for parents and children aged 12 months to 2 years. The fourth Thursday of the month will be for parents and children aged 3-4 years. To register, email Miss Krist at kcoyne@qcap.org.
QFRC Book Nook –Parents and children ages 5-10 are invited to cozy up and listen while we read aloud. Book Nook will be held on the first and third Thursday of the month. A light snack will be provided. For more information and to register please contact Melissa at 617-481-7227 x165 or at mharrison@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 Marquise at 617-481-7227 x206 or email mvolcy@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.
Life Out Loud- LOL. 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 Tuesday each month from 3:30-4:30pm. 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. If you need these products, please reach out to the QFRC by contacting QuincyFRC@baystatecs.org or 617-481-7227.
Laundry Love - Complimentary laundry services for families are 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.
Quincy Asian Resouces, Inc. (QARI)
275 Hancock Street, Suite 205
Quincy, MA 02171
617-472-2200
Aspire Health Alliance
The Community Behavioral Health Center has moved to 54 Miller Street, Quincy, MA
QPS Receives Grant from the Public School Districts' Opioid Recovery Trust
The Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust (PSDORT), has awarded Quincy Public Schools a grant to fund programs addressing the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on students and their families. Quincy Public Schools is one of 39 school districts to receive a total of 51 grant awards. Created following national opioid litigation resolutions between school districts, PSDORT directs resources where they are most urgently needed. The new funding will help districts provide mental health supports needed to keep at risk students in school.
By investing in schools, the Trust ensures these grant awards not only respond to the crisis but also protect students’ futures. Quincy Public Schools will utilize the funding for two counselors who will support students across the school district.
"The volume, quality, and creativity of the school district applications we received to help alleviate this crisis reflect a powerful commitment to these students,” said Special Trustee Dr. Andres Alonso. “The 51 projects we have selected represent a diverse portfolio of promising initiatives. We are confident these investments will generate valuable insights and tangible benefits for students and for other similarly affected school systems throughout the nation, who are in incredible need for solutions and resources.” If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ryan Lange at 617-376-3342 or ryanlange@quincypublicschools.com.
