Sizer School Celebrates 20 Years of Providing Innovative, Project-Based Education

Sizer School in Fitchburg is getting ready to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2022.

"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," according to Recruitment & Communication Coordinator Lindsay Sauvageau. "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 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.

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 (between 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 US 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," according to Peter J. Nelson, High School ELA and Literacy Specialist.

Now in his 16th year at Sizer, Nelson says he is inspired by "every teacher's willingness to support students in a 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."

He continued, "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 non-profit leaders are invited yearly to Sizer's Senior Project Showcase.

With an active after-school 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 twentieth 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, Ed.D. "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."

7th grade student Davis Hawkins of Gardner works on a virtual tour of the school with AV Club led by FATV
Photo courtesy of Sizer School

L-R, 10th gr. students Caleb DeVoe of Gardner, Keenan Jones of Fitchburg and Cam Beauvais of Athol working on a Physics Lab
Photo courtesy of Sizer School

Sizer Senior Piper Daley of Fitchburg and Sizer 11th grader Elizabeth Waite of Lunenburg dressed up for Spirit Week
Photo courtesy of Sizer School

Senior Megan DeRienze of Leominster on Twin Day during Spirit week in October
Photo courtesy of Sizer School

Mount Wachusett Community College Welcomes New Leadership Team Members

Sandra Quaye
Photo courtesy of MWCC

GARDNER, MA - November 8, 2021 - Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is welcoming new members to its Leadership Team and to other leadership positions throughout the college.

MWCC welcomes Sandra Quaye to the college as Vice President of Finance and Administration. Quaye replaces retiring Robert LaBonte who held the position since 1994. Quaye comes to MWCC from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH after a twenty-two year career in roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently Quaye has held the role of Vice President of Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 2014.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sandra to the college," stated MWCC President James Vander Hooven. "She is a valuable addition to our Leadership Team."

"I am excited to be joining the MWCC community," noted Quaye. "The opportunities MWCC provides to students, faculty, and staff as well as the local community are endless. I am energized by the work ahead and look forward to contributing to the success of MWCC."

MWCC has also made a number of leadership promotions within the Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development department following the departures of Vice Presidents Paul Hernandez and Rachel Frick-Cardelle.

John Eisler, who joined MWCC from Springfield College in 2020, will be serving as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Adam Duggan will be stepping into the role of Vice President of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning after six years as Dean of Adult Basic Education.

In addition, Senior Dean of Students, Jason Zelesky, will assume the role of Interim Vice President of Student Affairs.

In addition, Melissa Sargent, a 28-year veteran of the college, has been promoted to Dean of Academic Affairs; Director of Nursing, Kimberly Shea, has been named Dean of Nursing, and Veronica Guay has been named Dean of Math, Science, Engineering, Business and Technology.

"I am grateful to each of our team members for their openness to take on new and evolving challenges and opportunities. I look forward to supporting them in their new roles." Vander Hooven added. "I am so thankful for the years of service Bob, Paul and Rachel provided to the college. Their leadership and professionalism will be missed."