[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6241454,"mediaKeyId","3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed","parentId",3255924,"title","Quincy Public Schools proposes lowering unexcused-absence threshold, shifts consequence from grades to credits","audioSeconds",1708,"startMs",34130,"endMs",1742745,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed&start=34&end=1742","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed/thumbnail_34130.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6241454/Massachusetts/Quincy-Public-Schools-proposes-lowering-unexcused-absence-threshold-shifts-consequence-from-grades-to-credits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241454-91e29d5e2d1bd3ee5b588663fe1b616c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770856920&Signature=BSL~yaejscwc1kf7qrAAKierh6NJFLj6tjwtqsw~uov9e9iK8DihoNhNcmLM~7YlP-PqaBDEfgQoAWYPM~JHvl9sNC9nrZPAtaLixbHGuLBSeqZzndqEgLvEp8pPWaokFo40r~uiLYe~g1JxgzFnPZlupDg4e0POL3DRlR-~fwr4Q0dxHMBZcdTfBSOgYDeUwIQABpOQsUGQLm574HMU2bv7lH-uG2Tjod1865K4RD3eWs4LsTD24wC2VfqggZwxT6sd7yN40hSErBuuULyyF9d~RLf5~dpyGB~DQEXq9oV7EdecG6wjXYcztGWsBBUDGUl6mf5fV1wcTPa31UfvUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Quincy Public Schools, MA","date","2025-05-09T21:54:33Z","article","Quincy Public Schools officials presented proposed revisions to the district attendance and high-school grading policies at the May 7 policy subcommittee meeting, recommending a drop in the unexcused-absence threshold from seven to four per marking period and a move from grade reductions to credit reductions as the principal academic consequence.

The draft policy would define students as expected to be “in class 100% of the time” and say that students with “4 or more absences not school approved from class or school during a marking period shall receive a reduction of 1.25 credits for each class missed,” according to the materials presented by district staff. The presenters also recommended tracking yearly totals in addition to quarter totals, promoting credit-recovery options, and standardizing how course-level absences, tardies and dismissals are counted.

The changes matter because state chronic-absenteeism rules identify chronic absence at roughly 10% of the school year (about 18 days), and the committee’s presenters argued the current policy allows students to be chronically absent without academic consequences. Dr. Perkins, the team lead on the policy review, said the proposed language was drafted by a cross-functional team that included educators and union representatives and was intended to both reduce chronic absenteeism and “minimize the amount of failing grades for those students who earn higher scores.”

In their presentation, the committee heard that the current numeric grading system at the high school level is unique in the region — Quincy’s minimum passing mark is a 63 — and that changing to letter grades would align the district with most Massachusetts districts and colleges. The proposal would convert high-school numeric grades to letter grades (A+ through F) and move the failure threshold so an F corresponds to below 60.

Committee members pressed presenters on implementation details. Member Gail (QEA) and several Committee members sought clarity about how building-level staff would implement consistent procedures — for example, when nurses or counselors would follow up and whether principals would have discretion. Dr. Perkins and Mr. Marani said they would draft districtwide procedures to make school-level practices consistent, and noted principal discretion and an appeal process would remain for extenuating circumstances. The presenters also proposed phasing in credit deductions so seniors would not lose credits during the immediate transition year; the first year of credit deductions would begin with the class of 2027 (rising juniors).

Multiple committee members urged clear family outreach. “Parents need to understand the credit piece and how the credits really impact their students in graduation,” said a committee member, noting that students and families commonly monitor numeric grades rather than credits and that the district will need a coordinated communications plan, web pages and staff outreach.

Presenters described several operational elements: (1) reduction in threshold to 4 unexcused absences per marking period; (2) a 1.25-credit reduction per course for the triggered class; (3) annual cumulative review and an attendance plan when a student exceeds a district-specified total (draft language used 15 total credits as a trigger for required meetings); (4) credit-recovery options including summer school, evening high school and school-approved alternatives; and (5) counting repeated partial-day dismissals and repeated tardies as course-level absences. They emphasized that credit reductions would not require course repetition nor affect GPA, but students might need to pass additional courses to meet graduation-credit requirements.

Next steps the presenters requested included additional subcommittee feedback, revision of draft language and placement of the revised policies on the next meeting agenda for the required read-and-wait period before a final vote. No formal policy vote was taken at this meeting.

Committee members and staff said they will prepare: a) revised policy text reflecting input from tonight’s discussion; b) a separate procedures document for consistent school-level implementation; and c) family- and staff-facing communications and a web page to explain how excused/unexcused absences, medical notes, credit reductions and appeal procedures will operate.

The subcommittee scheduled further review and expects a formal vote after the draft policy completes the required public-meeting sequence.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Quincy School Committee: May 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Quincy Public Schools officials presented proposed revisions to the district attendance and high-school grading policies at the May 7 policy subcommittee meeting, recommending a drop in the unexcused-absence threshold from seven to four per marking period and a move from grade reductions to credit reductions as the principal academic consequence.","taxTitle","Quincy Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",14433,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6241434,"School committee OKs making new elementary school rooftop available for 25-year solar lease",97,9058745,9156560,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed&start=9058&end=9156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed/thumbnail_9058745.jpg","/articles/6241434/Massachusetts/School-committee-OKs-making-new-elementary-school-rooftop-available-for-25-year-solar-lease","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241434-963a83a412d3f642f8bcf1729438a4b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770856920&Signature=FYdeCYziG1596qRSeJ9aLyCVofe2KlCiyx-KEQt7Mk2oTN7ksreH57MoBcjF8kZcitFNy5CgXhEcVomhjmAVTAQktOwvIzhtdJKxl6HTXH3zzOm0Hc7Mxl34utAt7A4Z-62WjmP6zfsNFUC8YCBebcNn07pdeXijA3HR1F8mgQL-HL2OfklwHslAAsa5Czt77P~9PUwAtJskyPIhgh8OvNgqi16PT8yuTWFnCHNWg1bFQGRgXVx1mTO1YLlRJn8FOuGvTK91~3ft6NFFpPilvrCSV62Y2G72K40RM818gZ3wC7DRY9eTEthab18lPVwuATja-27B9CUTJnNgSSLDiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City’s Department of Public Works requested and the School Committee approved a motion on May 7 to declare the rooftop of the new Squamom Elementary School available for lease or license to develop and operate a renewable-energy facility. The authorization covers a term of 25 years from the start of energy generation and was moved under the procedures of Chapter 30B and other applicable statutes.

Committee members asked whether the authorization implied use of Quincy Public Schools facilities for energy cost savings and whether the district retained rights to use or access the rooftop; staff said the motion is the first step to allow the DPW and the city to seek proposals under procurement law and that additional agreements would clarify financial and operational terms and whether the district benefits directly from on-site generation or from a community host arrangement.

The motion passed on a roll-call vote.","The committee voted to deem the rooftop of the new Squamom Elementary School available for lease or license for a renewable-energy facility for 25 years under Chapter 30B and related statutes.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6241439,"School committee approves transfers to cover special-education tuition and transportation shortfalls",241,8805985,9047140,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed&start=8805&end=9047","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed/thumbnail_8805985.jpg","/articles/6241439/Massachusetts/School-committee-approves-transfers-to-cover-special-education-tuition-and-transportation-shortfalls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241439-684efc23e2b0df3b6d0011fd358d4dc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770856920&Signature=D3Z0aneOMMicaqXNJ8ySli~foBx55s-aJAa8UclMoFIogEB7h1brSxyAUkToUqIEzo6vH8zPybGZQrd4ooPlTwN-pN6M8a8bw0XJBiOSPc65tzl-~6QkvtggCwOD3C-yBDWTEtdDOdEkgGLLj0QGi3JhJG2~cbHiDQ0WI2i1FUsx1TMActXnVQQFm7VSoOcWoVuiEcT-wfZ-URwDUfe-2HAVPykRlT6y5QPA6DtqAOY-N8AtOzh7kMx9zFkowcy9raJaWkA8bwQDARexTyJh2HHrk9BSKNuiwasTefNm1LPzvEO7Ybk4U2c0Y8dtSIRa-D2du2qfBXOGKzRAvNLZww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School Committee approved a midyear FY2025 budget transfer on May 7 to cover shortfalls in special-education tuition and transportation costs.

Chief financial staff told the committee they were balancing a net budget situation — roughly $1.6 million in salary variances coupled with expense deficits — and asked the committee to transfer $1,000,000 into special-education tuitions and $1,000,000 into special-education transportation. The requested funding would come from a $1,600,000 salary variance plus $400,000 from natural-gas savings.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about the salary surplus and whether unused salary dollars might be used for additional educator hires instead of offsetting special-education costs; administrators said the variance resulted from midyear staffing changes, move-ins and higher-than-expected special-education operational needs, and they argued the transfer was necessary to avoid unpaid obligations for tuitions and transportation.

The motion passed on a roll-call vote.","The committee approved a fiscal-year-2025 budget transfer moving $1,000,000 to special-education tuitions and $1,000,000 to special-education transportation, funded by a $1.6M salary surplus and $400,000 from natural-gas savings.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6241444,"Quincy Public Schools updates bullying-prevention plan; principals briefed PTOs, staff study program impact",1797,6990155,8787370,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed&start=6990&end=8787","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed/thumbnail_6990155.jpg","/articles/6241444/Massachusetts/Quincy-Public-Schools-updates-bullying-prevention-plan-principals-briefed-PTOs-staff-study-program-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241444-57730924b1327934300a1ae8e51e6a15/orig.mp4?Expires=1770856920&Signature=D0oO1JMUVzhZ1XB6zNbvzqUPpUH1ZCMztLyBn6-Zv3i2Z37BqA-rwkLUBRFQHqFidP8oaQ6grPkBTK1K6IMo1rYk6sMw2S0qkvbilPqqCq~CST~fmGa45qpVSkST21qU2IxCRoxkd0U5~9-DxIZKSDkzi391AL9Bnipnfw3BvOeb2Rklj3FnYEVTy8ozTVv56GYgkvp-7qvSAII074pe5VjKWZ5508Czx~UwvyhCSBRB3CPZZVbD8MsjoBEVVV5Crhp2IU2GI1L9EfS2rJv6Mo8OJ9ygJ1VrgSycmV8DQ6TbojY1jWyEoLwL0AROLmZex-oqofKmuKyGPpbZH3PSww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Quincy Public Schools staff presented an update to the district’s biannual bullying-prevention plan at the May 7 meeting, summarizing recent site-level briefings with parent-teacher organizations, a public-comment window, survey results and preliminary program-evaluation work.

Miss Papill and district staff said principals gave PTO briefings describing the policy’s definitions (bullying, cyberbullying, retaliation), reporting and investigation procedures, and possible safety responses. The district ran a public-comment period and a questionnaire and received 61 survey responses; common themes included requests for clearer, more accessible communications about how schools respond to reports, and perceptions among some parents that disciplinary consequences were “too lenient.” Staff said the district will work to better explain response steps and safety plans to families without disclosing confidential student information.

Quincy staff highlighted two lines of program evaluation. The district administered the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to gather data about students’ sense of safety, name-calling and online harassment. Separately, Dr. Haley of the Open Parachute program is analyzing pre/post learning-survey data combined with discipline, attendance and achievement measures; staff said analysis results are pending and expected to provide evidence about program impact. The district has classroom- and school-level prevention work embedded in existing curricula (Open Parachute, Steps to Respect, social-skills curricula) and reported expanded Sandy Hook Promise programming and Promise clubs at secondary sites.

A staff member cited a recent anonymous online report that included sufficient detail for school administrators to investigate and take action; staff said anonymous reporting remains a valuable channel for students and caregivers who fear identification.

Committee members stressed the importance of communicating to families that schools take reports seriously even when they cannot disclose disciplinary details because student records are protected. “Parents want something to say to their child — not the details, but that we addressed it and are supporting both students as needed,” a committee member said; staff agreed to emphasize that line of communication while preserving student confidentiality.

The district said its updated plan will remain on the website, include linked resources for parents (DESE guidance, Netsmartz, reporting forms), and be accompanied by site-level materials. Site presentations to PTOs and the public-comment summary were cited as part of the plan’s stakeholder development.

No regulatory or policy vote was required at the meeting; staff confirmed the updated plan will remain available online and continue to be implemented and evaluated.","The district presented its biannual bullying prevention plan update, the results of a public-comment period and district surveys, and ongoing evaluation of Open Parachute and Sandy Hook Promise implementations; staff reported site-level PTO briefings and a student anonymous-report that prompted school intervention.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6241449,"Quincy Public Schools to restore full slate of summer programs, expand special-education and college-credit offerings",1290,5430540,6720755,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed&start=5430&end=6720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3255924-c057bab8b6e446692349906c1771c0ed/thumbnail_5430540.jpg","/articles/6241449/Massachusetts/Quincy-Public-Schools-to-restore-full-slate-of-summer-programs-expand-special-education-and-college-credit-offerings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241449-021510ed0436262a7331b5783b5b27fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770856920&Signature=F~8xjDScNTDNzh-hN24uZ0zlR9mf-2lyDeOobbAW75Bj7kEJl-lLcUM6V3i4p9nZCzugpI3Sd~fcVOjMP9VQXZ~hTow~R6CJpfk7M6MyjCJtdYRbGhACkAML27JaMc4Iqp-AU8XmtrnQSuPEnzumPwCiLtWJI3BwZKPr1Ok2xKUjUx6rw2n597FMFXhLlSayMjIxHwjuLDfh-FX8sq6FjEd4n9WVWjVZkoel09TUl3Q2IetdrNcT9oRImHNSR~3i3qO7OU043Ib1BkmRycD5FWnalp33XZBpANscAZ-VcyJsBJTG1OBON5bvIQ-YgUvdxtO0MGIXDmYJ8XktMAPsRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Quincy Public Schools administrators told the School Committee on May 7 that the district will run an extensive roster of free summer programs in 2025, restoring a wide range of academic, enrichment, special-education and work-based opportunities after budget uncertainty earlier in the year.

Superintendent and program staff said the district’s offerings include literacy and math “bridging” programs for elementary students, a four-week Quest for Learning STEM enrichment program, middle-school summer-boost academic support, a four-week expanded hands-on STEM program, a Summer Theater Arts Academy, high-school credit-recovery courses, ladders-to-success and Summer Youth Works jobs for older students, and an early-college pathway that allows students to earn up to eight college credits.

Special-education summer programming will be a particular focus. The CARES pre-kindergarten program will run five weeks at the Richter Cristoforo Learning Center (RDLC), and a learning-center program for students older than kindergarten will run half days at Southwest Middle School. Quincy will also host a six-week RDLC program for students who previously required out-of-district placements; that program mirrors longer out-of-district hours. The district highlighted a new iCanBike partnership (a five-day program, sessions of 75 minutes for ages 8 and up) to teach students with disabilities to ride a bicycle; organizers said capacity is limited and registration will open through the iCanBike website.

For high school students, administrators described credit recovery (ELA, science, math and history), walk-in registration dates at both high schools in early July, and the early-college high-school pathway summer academy with new courses added this year (writing for professionals, business ethics and introduction to social work). Mr. Marani, who presented details, said walk-in registration dates will be Tuesday, July 1 at Quincy High School and Wednesday, July 2 at North Quincy High School, both 8:30–11:30 a.m.; programming will start the week of July 7.

Program leaders emphasized that many offerings are free, field trips and guest presenters are included at no extra charge, and the district will continue its free summer lunch program (temporarily moved from Lincoln to Southwest Middle School while kitchen renovations occur). Several committee members asked for clearer grade/band labeling in outreach materials (for example, middle-school programs not being confused with fifth-grade elementary programs at Point Webster) and for explicit information about eligibility and age thresholds on published materials (for example, Summer Youth Works minimum age and credit values).

The superintendent and staff said registration is open on the district web page (they displayed a QR code and a short URL) and that invitations for select, “invite-only” programs have already gone to families. The district will keep registration open through May 31 and monitor capacity, administrators said.

Committee members applauded the district for maintaining robust summer offerings and requested clarifications: publish program times and locations on the central calendar and in school newsletters; confirm minimum ages for youth-work programs (typically 14); make sure middle-school grade ranges are explicit in printed materials; and specify that field-trips carry no additional cost.

Administrators also outlined substantial educator work over the summer: curriculum mapping, Desmos rollout planning, science-pilot pacing alignment and professional development for reading foundations. Staff noted that many teachers will work on curriculum and professional learning during the summer months in addition to running student programs.

Registration links and program brochures are available on the district website; the presenters asked families with questions to contact principals or program coordinators listed in the brochure.","Superintendent and staff outlined a broad summer program schedule that includes academic boost programs, STEM and theater academies, credit recovery, early-college courses, a 5-week special-education CARES program at the district learning center, and an iCanBike partnership for students with disabilities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Quincy Public Schools proposes lowering unexcused-absence threshold, shifts consequence from grades to credits

School committee OKs making new elementary school rooftop available for 25-year solar lease

School committee approves transfers to cover special-education tuition and transportation shortfalls

Quincy Public Schools updates bullying-prevention plan; principals briefed PTOs, staff study program impact

Quincy Public Schools to restore full slate of summer programs, expand special-education and college-credit offerings