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Sizer

Sizer School prepares staff with active shooter drill

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FITCHBURG — In an effort to provide a safe educational environment, all staff members at Sizer School participated in the Recognize. Respond. Survive. Active Shooter Response Training program on Aug. 23.

The training was conducted by the ProActive Response Group (PRG), an organization that provides on-site active shooter training and emergency medical response training to offices, schools, and other organizations. PRG’s leadership team is made up of veteran SWAT team leaders with first-hand experience in hostage rescues and high-risk dignitary protection.

The skills offered in each course have been specifically developed to provide individuals and groups with effective courses of action for actual critical situations, according to their website.

The purpose of Sizer’s training in August was to ensure that staff members are prepared to recognize early signs of violence, effectively respond if an act of violence were to take place on our campus, treat common survivable life-threatening injuries, and ultimately increase the chances of survival during a violent encounter.

Following the training, Sizer met and discussed the training and to give feedback.

“My biggest takeaway is that I can take action, even when I feel out of control in a situation. I have been given new tools for my toolbox that can help keep me and my students safe, as well as transfer to other situations,” said 10th Grade ELA Teacher Laurel Kelly. “I feel more prepared and less afraid.”

She added, “When I hear about different tragedies that occur in schools in the US, I immediately connect them to my experience as a teacher and imagine what it would be like to go through these traumatic events. With this training, I feel like I now have more options as to how to face potential threats.”

Div. III Math Teacher Kelly Monaghan said she felt empowered by the training.

“I greatly appreciated and feel empowered by the first response training we received on how to control bleeding and help students/staff in immediate need of help,” Monaghan said. “The way all three presenters discussed an intense topic such as active shooters with reality and even a little humor, made this the best and most helpful training I have attended in my ten years of teaching.”

“The presenters carried a conversational tone, integrated participant feedback, and infused comic relief [during the training]. Their approach fostered multiple entry points for our team to tackle this difficult subject,” said Kristin Capezio, Assistant Principal for Student Accountability.

“My biggest takeaway is that if a situation should arise, I have more ability than I thought to protect my students and myself, and I can feel empowered to take as much control of the situation as possible with the knowledge we were given,” said Learning Access Interventionist Mary Egan.

Reading Specialist Kendra Sheldon said she felt the training gave her skills that would be useful in any emergency medical situation.

“This [training] can be used anywhere at any time there is an active shooter situation. You can save countless lives when done as you have been trained,” she said.

ACT Teacher Michele Egerton noted, “What’s the old adage? Forewarned is forearmed? That is especially true about our ProActive Training.”

(Courtesy Sizer School)

Sizer School senior follows calling to help others

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FITCHBURG — According to Yoimar M. Escobar Pujols, “Since I was little, the medical field has called to me but the first thing to catch my attention was the anatomy and the reactions of the human body.”

This Sizer School senior and Fitchburg resident recently made her college decision after lots of research and a little soul searching.

“While I was waiting for my decision [from Fitchburg State University], Ms. Burris reached out to the representative of admissions so I could do an interview with them. This opportunity to talk with the representative made me feel comfortable and helped me to clear any doubts about the nursing program. After I received my acceptance letter, I investigated the financial aid opportunities,” said Escobar Pujols.

Last week, Jessica Burris, Sizer’s College & Career Access Counselor helped Yoimar announce her final decision.

“After being offered two great financial aid packages to Westfield State and Fitchburg State, Yoimar has decided to enroll in Fitchburg State University’s Nursing Program! Yoimar is a student that cares deeply for others, and she wants to turn that into her career. She is going to do great things in Fitchburg State’s Nursing Program, and we are all very proud!” said Burris.

Yoimar’s first acceptance happened in December when she was accepted into the Accelerated Bachelor’s Nursing Program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences! Not only was she accepted, Yoimar also received a $39,000 scholarship for that program!

However, it was the ability to be near family, to continue mentoring students at Sizer as an alumni next year and the ability to go to college (almost free) after the grant and scholarship monies Yoimar was offered, that made FSU the choice for her.

“I plan to pursue a B.S. in Nursing and later, a Master’s in Forensics,” she said. “What interests me the most about forensic science is the problem-solving. You look at the evidence to see what it’s telling you.”

She added, “And forensic scientists work with crime-related tasks that could be potentially more exciting than other scientific studies. More importantly, I want to help people beyond this life, I also want to help them after life.”

She says she looks forward to what the future holds and being able to use the life skills she has learned at Sizer to help others.

“I look forward to pursuing nursing to change society and make the world better for future generations,” she said. “I will definitely use Think Care Act in my future so that I learn from, and empathize with, everyone around me. And I am able to think before I act in any situation.”

Yoimar is currently a Certified Lifeguard at Great Wolf Lodge and enjoys reading, learning new things, her religion, writing stories, dancing and watching anime .

“I also love to help everyone around me the best I can,” she said.

She is also extremely proud of her heritage.

“I’m proud to say I’m Puerto Rican. I’ve been here for five years and being in the U.S. has been tough for me because of the language. I overcame it working hard and with the support of family, friends and Sizer,” she said. “I would like to encourage the people whose first language is not English to never give up on their own dreams and passions. We are strong and we can overcome our fear and make the society better for future generations.”

Her advice to other seniors?

“You must take care of yourself first before others. It’s not about being selfish, it’s to be able to be the best version of you so you can help everyone around you. You will be able to bring happiness to their lives,” she said.

Sizer School will reopen its application window to seventh grade students only on Monday, May 1. To apply, visit tinyurl.com/SizerSchool.

Fitchburg Sizer School senior set to serve our country

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FITCHBURG — Every high school student has a future goal and for Sizer School Senior Enid “Kip” Calderon, the future starts with the U.S. Army.

“A year before turning 17, I began doing research on different branches of the military, to make sure that it was something I actually wanted to do,” said Calderon. “This was not a rushed decision, it took me almost 2 years to finalize anything … In the end, the Army just seemed like the best fit for me.”

A Sizer School education is future-focused, providing students with experiences and opportunities that bring them closer to achieving their individual goals.

“There are so many benefits [to joining the Army],” said Calderon. “For example, tuition assistance, the GI bill, the chance to be able travel, and access to health care.”

Calderon added, “It was a tough decision to make all in all, thinking about family members and friends that I would be leaving behind for a while. But through constant support from my recruiters and family, it became easier to make my decision to enlist.”

Calderon is not the only person in her family to join the military.

“I have a brother and an aunt who are in the Air Force and a few cousins who are in the Marines,” she said.

Calderon, a Fitchburg resident, has been a Sizer School student since 8th grade. Currently, Calderon is in Advanced Placement courses at Sizer.

“Sizer has helped prepare me by applying real life situations to our lessons,” said Calderon. “We have projects/assignments linked to Essential Questions that ask you what would you do? or how would you go about this? and those help prepare you for similar experiences in life.”

Being able to meet with recruiters as well as college representatives and business owners is part of a Sizer student’s high school experience. At Sizer, students are known personally, challenged intellectually, and participate actively in their learning.

“I’m glad that Sizer gave me the opportunity to be aware of how life beyond graduation might look like,” Calderon added.

Using your voice to inspire others in your community is also a Sizer student’s mission.

“Once you start high school it’s time to start thinking about what you want to do in life. Advice I’d give to an upcoming Senior is to respect yourself and set boundaries. It’s important to know where you’re headed, but there’s no need to feel like you need to make a decision the moment you become a Senior either. Take your time and remember that at the end of the day, it is you living the life you chose, not anyone else. So, choose something that’ll make you happy and something that makes it all worthwhile.”

Apply now to join Sizer School next year in the seventh, eighth or ninth grade at tinyurl.com/SizerSchool.

Sizer Senior Olly Durrett sees a future in film

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FITCHBURG — For Sizer School Senior Olly Durrett of Fitchburg, the decision about what to do after graduation came down to practicality and passion.

“I made my college decision by taking into consideration the cost of the school, the convenience, and hearing about how great the Film/Video program is at Fitchburg State University,” said Durrett. “As an Early College High School student, I’ve received many opportunities. I’ve been accepted to Fitchburg State University, and I am enrolled for the Fall 2023 semester. My major is already declared at Fitchburg State University, and it is Communications & Media Studies, with a focus in Film/Video.”

Durrett is one of many Sizer Seniors graduating this May who will be starting out their next chapters with college credits and experience already under their belts.

“The ECHS program allows juniors and seniors to take free college courses and gain on-campus college experience,” explained College & Career Access Counselor and ECHS/Dual Enrollment Advisor Jessica Burris. “Sizer School and Fitchburg State have one of the most unique EC partnerships — after taking Writing 1 & 2 their junior year as a cohort, program participants can choose anything from the University’s catalog during their senior year! They are not limited by specific choices, only by prerequisites – and there are many courses that have little to no prerequisite requirements.”

Burris added, “In Olly’s case, students can also take summer college courses that are fully funded through the ECHS program.”

ECHS helps students navigate the college world before even applying to college. As Burris explained, “Students experience that ‘high school to college’ transition period before even graduating high school, allowing them to explore higher education institution opportunities without committing to college expenses.”

Durrett says the opportunity has been hugely impactful.

“I am eternally grateful that I have the opportunity to take college classes for free. Once I leave high school I will have 5 classes already completed, and I’ll have to pay significantly less money,” said Durrett.

“A lot of high schools set a very specific path for all high school students to follow, but I feel like Sizer has allowed me to discover myself a lot more than a traditional high school would,” he added. “[Sizer] allowed me room to grow and feel supported by my peers and teachers.”

Durrett’s passion for filmmaking goes beyond the classroom. Durrett also participates in The Fresh Films Weekly Filmmaking Program. Fresh Films gives teens 13-19 the opportunity to learn filmmaking skills and work alongside professionals from Sony Pictures, Paramount and the Roku Channel. Durrett hopes his involvement with Fresh Films will open doors to future internships.

“In the future, I am hoping to do something involving the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking, such as editing, camera operating, lighting, or something else. I am hoping Fitchburg State can help me narrow down what I would like to do once I am finished with college,” said Durrett.

Sizer School’s hands-on, experiential classroom lessons and personalized education help send graduates into the world who think for themselves, care about themselves and others and act creatively and responsibly.

Olly adds, “To anyone who will be a senior soon, I wish you all the best of luck in achieving your goals in the years leading up to it. Know that everything does not need to be decided just yet!”

For more about Sizer School, visit sizerschool.org or apply today in grades seven, eight and nine to join us in 2023-2024, tinyurl.com/SizerSchool.

Sizer student leaders are looking for Prom Closet donations

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FITCHBURG — The Prom Closet has been a tradition for over 10 years at Sizer School, a North Central Charter Essential School. Created for and organized by students, the Prom Closet was established to make sure every Sizer student has the opportunity to find that certain something special for Prom without worrying about cost.

“The prom closet is super important because formal wear can be expensive. Some people honestly can’t afford to buy things and need some assistance and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that,” said Sizer School Senior Elizabeth Waite of Lunenburg.

She continued, “The prom closet is a subtle way that people can get formal wear when they might not be able to otherwise. We really just want everyone to be able to attend [Prom]!”

Every year, Sizer’s Prom Committee of student leaders dedicates themselves to making sure each Spring Prom is accessible and affordable to every Sizer School student.

Last year’s Prom Closet was led by Lily Noon of Townsend, Class of 2022. More than a dozen students were able to utilize the Prom Closet to find or complete their Prom outfits.

“I was talking to a friend and they said they would probably not be going to the prom. I said there is a way we could cover ticket prices for people and they said they still wouldn’t be able to go. They said they wouldn’t be able to afford a dress,” said Noon.

This year, the Prom Committee — Zach Wallace of Fitchburg, Adam Camerer of Leominster, Aisha Elouafa of Fitchburg, Sabrina Jaiman of Gardner, Yoimar Escobar of Fitchburg, Jaiden Killion of Templeton, Sierra Leary of Fitchburg and Elizabeth Waite— are overseeing the Prom Closet and event organization.

“I am the lead on the closet this year because I worked with Lily Noon last year and have some experience,” said Waite.

The Prom Committee will be accepting donations when students return from winter break. Donations will be accepted until Sizer School’s May prom.

“From seeing last year’s donations, I think we could definitely use more suits or more traditionally ‘masculine’ clothes. We definitely got more dresses last year,” said Waite.

To connect with Waite to make a donation email waitee@sizerschool.org or email info@sizerschool.org to learn more about this initiative and over student-led initiatives in the community. To learn more about Sizer School, visit sizerschool.org.

Sizer senior stories to celebrate the Class of 2023

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FITCHBURG — On Tuesday, Sizer School began celebrating the Class of 2023 in the form of Sizer Senior Stories. A series of articles shared throughout the community, Sizer Senior Stories will feature the final intentions of Sizer seniors.

“Every student is different – and that in and of itself is worth celebrating. What Sizer Senior Stories will showcase is that each of our paths are different too — and can be within reach,” said Sizer’s Director of Communications and Recruitment Lindsay Alweiss.

“Ted Sizer once said, ‘You cannot teach a child you do not know well,’ which is why Sizer is a small school,” continued Alweiss. “So it’s like the whole community gets to watch you grow, mature, learn — become a really awesome human. And we are all so proud and excited to be there when a senior reaches the finish line.”

The first student featured was senior Daevion Ramos of Fitchburg.

On Dec. 8, during Sizer’s On the Spot College Decision Day, Daevion met with Brooke Bidga, the admissions representative for UMass Dartmouth — he submitted his application before his interview, and Brooke was able to accept him into their university.

He was also accepted into Full Sail University in Florida.

“I’m a really creative person and I’m very hands-on about how different things seem to work, like show production, so I started looking at colleges that have that creative kind of feeling to it and that’s when I came across Full Sail University,” he said.

Daevion has set his intention and will be attending Full Sail University in the fall of 2023 studying Show Production.

Not only did Daevion receive these acceptances, he also was awarded the Creative Minds Scholarship to Full Sail University.

“My mind was honestly blown that I got into not only my dream school, but somewhere out of state, which means farther away from some family but also closer to some of my family that lives in Florida,” Daevion said. “I applied after I saw what my college had to offer. They had (a) bachelor’s degree program in show production, and I immediately knew that was my dream college.”

The Creative Minds Scholarship is designed to identify high school seniors who are exceptionally talented in their written and visual communication, academically successful, and passionate about careers in entertainment media and technology. Through the Creative Minds Scholarship program, eligible campus-based Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts program participants may receive up to $25,000 toward the tuition of Full Sail University’s campus-based degree programs.

Going forward, Sizer Senior Stories will continue to celebrate the dreams and ambitions of the Class of 2023, from colleges to careers to serving our country.

For 20 years, Sizer School has been sending graduates into the world who THINK for themselves, CARE about others, and ACT creatively and responsibly. Find out more information about the project-based, innovative education Sizer School offers, visit sizerschool.org or for a chance to join next year visit tinyurl.com/SizerSchool.