Sizer School has smooth remote start

School stakeholders are hailing the charter facility’s remote opening.

FITCHBURG » Like many schools throughout the state, Sizer School chose to begin the 2020-2021 school year fully remote.

And the success that Sizer School has seen since implementing its reopening plan is proving that mean

ingful remote education is not only possible, but productive.

Prior to their Sept. 14 start date, Sizer School educators were engaged in intense professional development, workshopping, brainstorming and adapting lesson plans to align with remote learning best practices. With a focus on making sure that students would be engaged and accountable, educators prepared themselves for remotely teaching.

“Teachers received intensive and focused training on Google Classroom. Specifically, teachers learned how to formulate common, schoolwide organizational structures and the use of instructional technology tools such as Loom, Edupuzzle and Google Meets,” said Sizer School Principal Frederick Randall.

The school provided all students with a

Chromebook and a back to school supply bag that included earbuds, markers, writing utensils and more.

Students with specific science classes or specials were also given the materials needed for things like hands-on science labs and art projects.

Now in its second week of remote learning, Sizer educators are already seeing strong results.

When Sizer asked families and staff to share their thoughts on the start of the new year, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“As the parent of a seventh grader, I am so impressed with how seamless the first week of remote learning has been. Sizer teachers are doing a remarkable job of making these newest students feel welcome and supported in this new learning environment,” said Jessica Guarino.

Teachers also reported that students appeared to feel welcomed.

“In more than one (virtual) class, students didn’t want to leave. They stayed af

ter the end of the day,” said Pam Sweeney, M.A.T. Division 3 Humanities/Social Studies Team Leader.

According to Sizer’s Director of Academics/Data Linda Tarantino, in the first week of school, Sizer educators held over a 1,000 Google Meets classroom sessions and that doesn’t include all the small group sessions held by the paraprofessionals.”

Sizer School educators are also working on ways of sharing tips and tricks with students and parents, in the hopes of empowering all families to feel comfortable with programs like Google Classroom.

“From the beginning of our planning through the start of school, our families and our students have been incredibly supportive and engaged,” said Sizer School Executive Director Michelle Paranto, Ed.D.

“They have asked great questions, challenged us to do our best, and expressed appreciation for all that we are doing to

make remote learning strong education”

Paranto added, “Parents are supporting their students learning from home, and students have been showing up to classes ready to learn. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2020-2021 school year!”

Currently Sizer School is accepting applications for the seventh, eighth and ninth grade. Apply now at sizer.schoolmint.net.

Sizer School is a free public charter school located in Fitchburg serving students in grades seven through twelve from 25 local towns and cities. At Sizer School students are known personally, challenged intellectually, and participate actively in their learning.

Guided by its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, the school seeks to send graduates into the world who THINK for themselves, CARE about others, and ACT creatively and responsibly. For more information, visit sizerschool.org.