So How Was School Today?

As the parent or guardian of a middle schooler, you may notice that it becomes harder each year to get information directly from your student about what is happening at QMS.

A few articles and resources for middle school parents and guardians:

Helpful Parenting Resources

As the parent or guardian of a middle schooler, you may find these resources helpful.

Healthy Decision Making: Understanding the Risk of Substance Use and How to Talk to Your Teen
How to Report Bullying – Link to Mansfield Public Schools website with information on bullying
Teen Dating Support
Suicide Prevention Resources – Suicide is the leading cause of death among school age youth. If you or someone you know is suicidal, get help immediately via 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or the Crisis Text Line (text "HOME" to 741741).
Vaping Resources – Nearly 15% of middle school students have tried electronic vapor products (2019 MA Youth Health Survey). Learn how to talk with your kids and what you can do.

Ways to Keep Informed

For information about QMS current events and day-to-day happenings:

QMS Morning Announcements – A “must” to check each day. A copy of the morning announcements is posted on the QMS website each day and will be available throughout the week.
PAC Newsletter – The PAC Newsletter includes important information and announcements and is usually emailed to parents on the PAC email list at the beginning of each month. These messages from PAC are school-related and pertaining to PAC, QMS, and Mansfield Public Schools only. You must sign up with PAC to receive our newsletter as we do not have access to school records.
QMS News, an e-newsletter, is sent out periodically by the QMS Principal to parents and guardians.
Hornets Backpack – Sign up for e-notifications or check the Hornets Backpack link for QMS and the district each week. Most notices and forms from QMS will be posted online for parents to access instead of being sent home with students.
QMS and Mansfield Schools websites – Get into the habit of checking the QMS website and district website for updates.
QMS General Information for parents can be found here and QMS FAQ’s can be found here.
The QMS Student Handbook contains district and building-specific policies for the middle school, on everything from the student dress code to the honor roll criteria. Read it to understand the expectations of your child and the philosophy of the school and district.
Aspen – The district’s student information management system can be accessed through the student portal. Here families can view demographic data, attendance, schedules, assignments and grades for each class in the current school year. Aspen login and password information is generally available from the school in late September or early October.
PAC Social Media – The PAC website provides general information about PAC and more detailed information about recent PAC announcements. Facebook and Twitter are used for quick updates during the week on PAC, QMS and Mansfield Public School activities. You can like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @qmspac. You also can follow Mansfield Public Schools on Twitter @MansfieldSchool, Superintendent Teresa Murphy @TmmMPS, and Mansfield High School @MHShornets.
Parent Page – The Parent Page at Mansfield Public Schools. Here you'll find helpful links within the Mansfield Public School Community.

Communicating with QMS

Remember that the end goal of your child’s years at QMS is for them to be prepared for high school. As students progress through QMS toward high school, they will be expected to take more responsibility for their educational experience. Part of your job as a parent is to help your child develop an organizational system and study habits to meet these new expectations. To keep an open line of communication with your child and with QMS:

Encourage your child to express any concerns or questions directly to his/her teachers. If you have still have questions about your child’s classroom experience, contact the classroom teacher directly.
If you need further clarification, you should contact your child’s team liaison (or guidance counselor, if appropriate).
If questions still exist, contact the assistant principal for your child’s team.
If your concerns still have not been resolved, contact the principal.

For information about and input into larger issues affecting QMS and the school district:

As a parent of a QMS student, you are a member of the PAC. PAC meetings are your chance to meet with the QMS principal to discuss new initiatives and developments at QMS, provide feedback, and ask questions. PAC meetings are typically held monthly during the school year. For more information review the Meeting Schedule.
QMS School Council: The School Council is composed of school administrators, teachers, parent representatives, and members of the community, as required under state education reform laws. The School Council is responsible for, among other things, formulating a school improvement plan each year. The QMS School Council generally meets 4-5 times each year, with meeting times on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Mansfield School Comm ittee: The School Committee generally meets at least once a month. It establishes the policies by which the schools are run, approves the district’s budget, and hires and evaluates the superintendent. The Mansfield School Committee meeting schedule can be found here.
We organize a Q&A with the Superintendent and the “QMS State of the School” Parent Forum each spring, led by the QMS principal and assistant principals.

If you have a question or issue you would like to raise for either a PAC general meeting or for the parent representatives on the QMS School Council, please contact the PAC Board at qms.pac@gmail.com.