Sizer School awarded over $13,000 in Early College Support Grant
2020 Graduate Noah Colbert of Fitchburg spoke to family and classmates during his high school graduation speech this past August. Noah was a participant of the Early College program at Fitchburg State as a student at Sizer School. After graduation, Colbert went on to study mathematics at Northeastern University.
Last week, Sizer School, a North Central Charter Essential School in Fitchburg, received an Early College Support Grant to help continue funding its early college program.
Currently, over 30 Sizer School students participate in the program.
"Our Early College High School partnership has been invaluable to our students," according to Early College High School Coordinator Lyndsie K. Currallo. "We are expanding the number of students who are able to participate in the program each year. In fact, every student who wanted to be in the early college program for our newest cohort was able to do so this year."
"We have 17 juniors and 15 seniors participating in the full two-year early college program at the Fitchburg State campus," added Currallo.
The purpose of this grant is to provide financial resources to school districts with Early College programs designated since 2018 in order to support and sustain their Early College programs.
Currallo explained that students in the Early College program, "are able to earn a semester of college credits while in high school (and sometimes more through summer course opportunities) at no cost to them (including lab fees and materials). Through this program, students learn how to navigate a college campus, access college supports and resources, and how to effectively access and communicate with their professors. Many students have established rich connections with some of their professors."
Currallo added that the program also offers educational opportunities for students that would otherwise not be possible.
"The program allows for opportunities for students to take classes that we are unable to offer at Sizer, giving students even more amazing opportunities to explore their interests and passions."
Sizer School, a North Central 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. To find out more, visit www.sizerschool.org.
Thinking of joining Sizer? Sizer School is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year now, for students in 7th, 8th and 9th grade. Sizer is also accepting applications for next year, 2021-2022 as of November 1. To apply for either school year, visit sizer.schoolmint.net and click on the year of your choosing!
Sizer School Senior Joseph Boire to attend Art All-State Massachusetts
Sizer School is pleased to announce that senior Joseph Boire of Fitchburg was selected to attend Art All-State Massachusetts... last year.
“I had gotten accepted all the way back in 11th grade, but because of the Covid-19 outbreak the entire program was put off,” said Boire. “I was lucky enough to be given a second chance at the program this year, and I eagerly await to start where I left off.”
According to Sizer School Visual Arts Teacher Catherine Judge, Art All-State is an intense program that brings together 144 high school juniors of exceptional artistic potential and commitment to work with practicing professional artists to create collaborative installations.
“Joseph completed a number of the requirements for selection including having his artwork and writing about his work reviewed by the selection committee,” said Judge. “Kristi Oliver, AAS director, indicated that competition was extremely strong this year, and the standard of applications very high.”
Joseph will participate in both virtual and small group activities with peers from across the Commonwealth. A culminating exhibition will be hosted by the Worcester Art Museum.
“Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Boire. “As a small child I would always find myself doodling on slips of paper, but it wasn't until the 7th Grade that I began to take my artistic abilities seriously. What used to be something I did out of boredom has evolved into something I am extremely passionate about.”
Art All-State 2020 is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Art Education Association, the Worcester Art Museum and Davis Publications.
“I'm excited for him and this opportunity to have his creativity celebrated widely in our community!” said Judge.
Aside from art, Boire is also a writer. “It is something that I also want to try and get better at through experience and practice.”
After high school, Boire plans to attend college for illustration and /or digital animation.
“One of the biggest goals I have set out for myself this year is to improve as an artist in any way I can,” added Boire. “Whenever I take on a new artistic endeavour, whether big or small scale, I always try to take something away from it that I did not recognize before. Art All-State is definitely going to be a new experience for me, and like any other experience, I hope to learn as much as I can to better myself as a creator.
Sizer School, a North Central 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. To find out more, visit www.sizerschool.org.