05/21/2026
For years, Citywide PTO has worked tirelessly with students, families, educators, and community advocates to push for recognition of Lunar New Year in the Quincy Public Schools calendar. From surveys and letters, to petitions with more than 1,200 signatures, to students bravely speaking at open forum meetings year after year, this effort has been driven by a community determined to ensure all students feel seen and valued.
Since 2021, families and supporters consistently showed up at School Committee meetings, wrote letters, organized advocacy campaigns, shared personal stories, and continued the conversation even when proposals were voted down. Students spoke about having to choose between school attendance and celebrating an important cultural holiday with their families. Parents, community leaders, and organizations repeatedly called for equitable recognition of Lunar New Year.
Over five school years, the issue sparked extensive public discussion around representation, equity, attendance policies, contracts, childcare concerns, and how cultural and religious holidays are reflected in the school calendar. Despite setbacks and multiple failed votes, the advocacy never stopped.
This progress would not have happened without the persistence of students and families who continued to organize, speak out, and return meeting after meeting to advocate for change.
Citywide PTO thanks the current School Committee for voting to recognize Lunar New Year as a school holiday and for taking this important step toward greater inclusion for Quincy students and families.
