Sizer School ready to celebrate 20 years
FITCHBURG » Sizer School in Fitchburg is getting ready to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2022, according to an announcement from the school.
“For two decades, our school has been educating students in Central Mass, inspiring graduates who think, care and act to change and better the world around them,” Recruitment & Communication Coordinator Lindsay Sauvageau said. “We meet students where they are and give them the tools they need to conquer their futures.”
Sizer School, a North Central Mass Charter Essential School, is a free public charter school located in Fitchburg serving students in grades seven through 12 from 25 local towns and cities, according to the school.
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.
Pairing Essential School philosophies like less is more, depth over coverage, personalization and keeping a tone of decency and trust with project-based learning, Sizer educators guide students to use their minds well and become their best selves.
“The thing I like most about Sizer is the freedom and responsibility. There’s a lot of freedom in class choices, projects and responsibilities for each student. There’s a lot of chances to do something that you’re interested in and not just the same thing as everyone else. I’m able to choose different things that I’m interested in learning and doing,” said 11th grade student Elizabeth Waite of Lunenburg.
Essential questions drive and organize curriculum at Sizer. These questions have no single right answer; indeed they are rich with possibilities. They require higher order thinking — analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating evidence — in order to find answers, come to understanding and create something of value.
Students are expected to master key concepts, knowledge, and tools in each of the academic disciplines within the interdisciplinary framework receiving intensive, sometimes individualized, instruction in mathematics and literacy. Small class sizes (10-15 students) and an 11-1 student-teacher ratio allow all students to feel recognized and supported while engaging in lessons that take student knowledge from concept, through application, to understanding.
High school students at Sizer take AP courses in literature, human geography, biology, environmental science and U.S. history. They also participate in dual enrollment programs with Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College and
Sizer’s Early College High School program in which students who are eligible may apply to take up to a semester’s worth of college courses at Fitchburg State University in their 11th and 12th grade years.
“One of the common principles of an Essential School is ‘commitment to the entire school’ and it’s one of the reasons I have stayed at Sizer for so many years,” and Peter Nelson, the High School ELA and Literacy Specialist.
Now in his 16th year at Sizer, Nelson said he is inspired by “every teacher’s willingness to support students in myriad of ways. I coordinate the Senior Project here at Sizer (a graduation requirement) and often, seniors go to former teachers to ask for help with or advice on their Senior Project. Teachers always say yes to these senior’s requests for help.”
“There is a strong sense that all the students at Sizer are our students, not just the ones who are in our specific classes. If I need help from my colleagues, I know that I can count on them to be there for me.”
And with a commitment to community both inside and outside its classrooms, Sizer is always involving guest professionals, educators, and mentors to help engage and guide students. Visiting local artists share their experiences and creativity with visual arts students throughout the year; Fitchburg Access Television works with Sizer’s AV Club and Theater Arts Club; and local politicians, business owners and nonprofit leaders are invited yearly to Sizer’s Senior Project Showcase.
With an active afterschool programming schedule that includes clubs like those mentioned above as well as Dungeons & Dragons, Art Club and Sizer’s environmental club Reclaiming Sunshine to name a few, Sizer athletes learn skill, dedication and teamwork by joining one of the White Tiger teams or co-op teams.
“In our 20th year, we are looking forward to strengthening our academic program, growing our college and career access programs, and serving as a school in North Central Massachusetts that is known for academic excellence and student success,” said Executive Director Michelle Paranto. “Our families and communities are a big part of what makes Sizer, Sizer, and we welcome all students who want to join a school that prides itself on educating students who know how to think for themselves, care about others, and act creatively and responsibly in the world.”
To find out more about Sizer School, visit www.sizerschool.org. To apply for a seat in the seventh, eighth or ninth grade for fall 2022, visit https://tinyurl.com/sizerschool.