Sizer School

500 Rindge Road

Fitchburg, MA

01420

Courtney Harter

Executive Director

David Perrigo

Principal

Friday Flash

Please send questions

and suggestions to

Calcaterra

@sizerschool.org

Published by the Sizer

School Media

Technology Classes

December 15, 2017December 15, 2017December 15, 2017December 15, 2017

Friday Flash

Dear Sizer Community,

Last Friday, a number of students at Sizer took the risk of getting up in front of their peers to give a

speech and run for Student Council. The speeches were well planned and embodied our core values of

Think, Care, Act. We are all proud of them for their hard work and commitment to ensuring that the

voices of all students are heard throughout our school.

Following the speeches, students voted on who they would like to represent them in Student Council.

Below you will see who gave speeches as well as those who won the student council election. (Italicized

names were election winners.)

7th Grade:

Ava

Elizabeth

Sierra

8th Grade:

Grace

Jaeda

Gabriella

Rayna

Josh

9th Grade:

Austyn

Ma’ayan

Noah

10th Grade:

Noah

Devin

Angie

Jo-Anne

Angel

11th Grade:

Max

Sam

Jill

12th Grade:

Howie

Amanda

Dean

Please note that upcoming Student Council

agendas will be posted in the Friday Flash

so that students who are interested in a par-

ticular topic may come and have their voice

heard directly. If you have any questions,

please reach out to Mr. Michalak at micha-

lakt@sizerschool.org or stop by D204.

Student Council Election Results

Friday Flash Page 2

School News

Ms. Craigen is looking for high school students to participate

in an Information Session on Tuesday, December 19th. This is a

chance to tell potential new families about your experiences

here at Sizer. For more information on how to participate, see

Ms. Craigen in Room C103 or email her

at craigenk@sizerschool.org."

Div. II and III Student

Needed For

Sizer Information Session In an effort to maintain our beautiful facilities

here at Sizer, we would like to remind students

and families that there is no food or drinks

(with the exception of water)

allowed in our Gymnasium.

There has been a trash can placed directly

outside of the gym doors for your convenience.

Thank you for helping us keep our gym

clean and intact.

We Love Our Gym

Friday Flash Page 3

School News

This Wednesday, the juniors shared their progress in their Junior Explorations with the Sizer community. Each student pre-

sented why they were passionate about their topic, what they have learned about it thus far, and how it has allowed them to

grow as a learner. They engaged in conversations and took questions and feedback from their classmates, teachers, administra-

tors, and off-grade peers. As they continue their research and project development, they will incorporate this feedback and work

to grow meaningful products. Big thanks to everyone who came to listen to, learn from, and help grow the 11th grade!

Junior Exploration Showcase

Friday Flash Page 4

School News

Haunted

You’re so afraid of all your mistakes

You always run when they try to give chase.

What happened to that blush in your smile?

Nobody’s seen it in such a long while.

You can’t bury light and you can’t hide your ghosts.

Like you who became when you needed him most.

Your fragile heart is crumbling, inside your chest.

You tell everybody, it was all for the best.

But inside you’re the same girl, feeling unwanted.

First one you ever loved, and he left you haunted.

Students in Ms. Cook's English class are reading "A Raisin in the Sun," a play about what happens when a dream needs to be

deferred or put on hold. Students first read Langston Hughes’ Poem "Harlem" and then were asked to write a poem about a

time their dream was deferred. Their work ranges from light-hearted to deeply serious. All students did a fantastic job with this

assignment, and their work is impressive. Please enjoy this small snapshot of a few dreams deferred. We’ll be publishing a few

each week for a few weeks.

A Dream Deferred

Neglect

By Keith G.

Have you ever had an amazing thought

Only for it to be put on the shelf?

Forced to neglect it

You begin to doubt yourself.

When you lock away your creativity

Your heart is placed into captivity.

Your mind must be allowed to soar

for your ideas will live on forevermore

To yourself you must not lie.

Do not let your dreams die.

Sleep Deprivation

By Anonymous

What happens when someone is sleep deprived?

With so little sleep, how have they thrived?

What techniques have they discovered?

Will they share their secret?

Have they stayed up for a noble cause, like a knight in battle?

Or did they stay up simply for fun, and then regretted it, like those

who fiddle faddle?

But why does sleep affect our face?

Why does it gives us bags like they do at Hannafords?

It makes us cranky and spit, like a camel from a camel herd.

How can I thrive like they do?

But everyone I talk to hasn’t a clue.

Friday Flash Page 5

School News

A musician sought

An audition denied,

My months of toil

An abundance of reeds spoiled

All for naught.

Oh how I tried.

And my confidence shattered

My pride battered and

Toppled, like the walls of Illium, whose resilience had

Withstood 10 years of siege,

But not a moment longer.

If a picture is worth a thousand words

Picture my angst as an epic.

Sentences of sorrow,

Stanzas of setbacks

Many a night spent

Playing the blues,

And feeling them too.

But when a dream is deferred

Or a scheme goes awry

Our mettle is tested

As the forge tempers the blade

And the blaze strengthens the sequoia

Misfortune weighs us in the balance

And takes our measure

As well as that of our dreams.

And a true dream

Will always win out.

Like dust, it will rise.

-Noah C.

Friday Flash Page 6

School News

Still enrolling for grades 7, 8, and 9 for THIS YEAR!

Visit https://www.sizerschool.org/content/enroll or contact

Ms. Craigen for more details!

craigenk@sizerschool.org; (978) 345-2701 ext. 411

Sizer School Is Enrolling For This Year

ATTENTION- Sizer community

Do you have questions about Autism Spectrum Disorder? (from what it is, to social situations, hav-

ing friends, life skills etc.)?

One of our students is hosting a question and answer column in the Flash for senior project. She will

be working with our students services team to answer students’ questions about autism spectrum

disorder.

If you have questions, please email them to Ms. B in care of Ms. Niemi at niemil@sizerschool.org

Questions About Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Sizer School would like to say a special thank you to Ms.

Maria Vazquez and the Sizer dance company for choosing

to support the food pantry with their recent performance!

It was a ton of high-energy fun for a great cause.

Pantry Performance Produces Plethora Of Provisions

Friday Flash Page 7

School News

Friday Flash Page 8

School News

Reminder For Sizer Elves

Brrrrr! It's getting cold out there! Luckily, Ms. Lavery has an overflowing amount of cold-

weather gear (sweatshirts, hats, gloves, even some coats). There are items of all sizes and

styles, and many things are brand new! No member of the Sizer community should be cold this

winter...please see Ms. Lavery in SST (or email laveryquigleyj@sizerschool.org) to check out

what's available. Your information will be kept confidential!

Winter Closet

Please return the gift for your recipient by Tuesday, December 21st to Ms. Currallo or Ms. Lav-

ery in SST. Any questions can be confidentially directed to Ms. Currallo or Ms. Lavery as well.

Thank you so much for your generosity during this wonderful time of year!

Shopping With Amazon? Remember To SMILE!

If you’re doing holiday shopping (or any shopping at all) with Amazon this month, remember to start at

Smile.amazon.com

Then sign in, and make sure the

Sizer School Foundation is selected (under the

search bar). Sizer School will benefit from every

purchase made.

Friday Flash Page 9

Winter Club News

Name of Club & Description Club Advisors, Students, and Con-

tact Info

Day/s of the

Week

Time & Lo-

cation

Start Date

Art Club: Provides students with the opportunity

to gather with other art enthusiasts to create art-

work in a variety of media including: drawing,

painting, sculpture, clay (hand building and

wheel) and jewelry design. Additionally, students

participate in collaborative community art pro-

jects.

Mrs. Judge

judgec@sizerschool.org

Tuesdays

2:45-4p

Art Room

Already

begun. Join

now!

Dance

Ms. Vazquez

maria.m.vazquez7@gmail.com

Thursdays

3-5p

Cafetorium

Already

begun!

Join before

the end of

2017.

Dungeons and Dragons Club: For new and ex-

perienced players alike, the Adventurer’s League

is here for you! If you are new to Dungeons and

Dragons we’ll give you a pre-generated character

and teach you how to play! If you are already

experienced, simply follow the character creation

rules in the Adventurer’s League Player’s Guide

found online. Come join us, roll the dice, and

have fun!

Matthew Marr, Senior

Ms. Niemi’s Advisory

Mrs. Sweeney

sweeneyp@sizerschool.org

Room D102

Tuesdays

3-5p

D102

(Mrs.

Sweeney’s

classroom)

Already

begun! Join

now!

Equals Club: A safe and fun place for everyone

and anyone. Members talk about human rights

and work to act upon them. Equals Club also

plans field trips and fun fundraisers.

Ms. Drapeau

drapeaud@sizerschool.org

Jayce St. Germain (Grade 10)

stgermainh@sizerschool.org

Thursdays

and/or Fridays

Th:

2:45-4p

Fri:

2:45-3:30p

D207 (Ms.

Drapeau’s

classroom)

Already

begun! Join

now!

Film Club: Members will be gathering ideas for

short films and follow the process to making the

idea become a video to share around and outside

of the Sizer community.

Mr. Minton

(mintona@sizerschool.org)

Caleb Hoefsmit

(hoefsmitc@sizerschool.org)

Thursdays

3-3:30p

Mr. Minton’s

Room D307

TBA

Sizer Sidekicks: An opportunity for individuals

with special needs from Seven Hills (right across

the rotary from Sizer School), to come hang out

with us and play board games, do arts & crafts,

listen and play music, etc. Our goal is to build

social skills for everyone involved and create

lasting friendships!

Ms. Craigen

craigenk@sizerschool.org

Seven Hills, Family Support Center

Tuesdays

4-5p

Room 110

(Ms. Roy’s

classroom)

TBA

Student Ambassadors: Students meet once a

week to build leadership and teamwork skills. In

an effort to educate the community about Sizer

School, students will be invited to participate in

school sponsored activities such as Information

Sessions as well as community events.

Ms. Craigen

craigenk@sizerschool.org

Tuesdays

2:45-4p

Room 110

(Ms. Roy’s

classroom)

12/19/17

Friday Flash Page 10

School News

Sizer School COMMUNITY MEETING

NEEDS YOU!!!!

The ANNUAL Sizer Teacher UGLY SWEATER CONTEST

is back at it again. We are looking for advisory members to decorate an original ugly holiday

sweater for their Advisor to wear on DECEMBER 22nd. Each team will select one member of

their team to represent them at Community Meeting for final judging. Let your imaginations run

wild and have fun with it!

A NEW GAME!!!!

This year we are trying a new game called Wrap it UP!!!! To participate in this game, each advisory

will need to choose three players to participate; two to be the wrappers and one to be the wrappee!!!

Each trio will be brought up to the front and given two minutes to wrap their gift. After 2 minutes,

the most complete package will win!!! (materials will be provided)

Finally, we are bringing back the Lip Sync Battles!!!

Any community member student or adult who would like to participate

should email Mrs Cordio what song they would like to battle with. For

this time we would like to stay with the theme of Winter Spirit, so please

choose an appropriate song for the theme. (If this goes well, we will add it

as a regular part of Community Meeting) Back up dancers/ and choreog-

raphy are encouraged.

Please, if you have any questions feel free to ask any Community Meeting Player, or email Mrs. Cordio.

Let’s make this the best Community Meeting yet!

Friday Flash Page 11

School News

We had a beautiful, festive evening

of song Tuesday night as the Sizer

Singers under the direction Mrs.

Cordio presented their winter con-

cert.

Thank you for all for your hard

work , and thank you to the audi-

ence for braving the questionable

elements.

Friday Flash Page 12

School News

Signs of Suicide Prevention Program (SOS):

Get Into the ACT

Dear Parent or Guardian:

The adolescent years are marked by a roller-coaster ride of emotions—difficult for students and their parents. It is easy to misread

depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression (among the most common of mental illnesses) appears to be occurring at

a much earlier age. Depression—which is treatable—is a leading risk factor for suicide. In addition, self-injury has become a growing

problem among youth.

To proactively address these issues, Sizer School is offering depression awareness and suicide prevention training as part of the SOS

Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program. The program encourages students to seek help if they are concerned about themselves or a

friend. The SOS Program is the only youth suicide prevention program that has demonstrated an improvement in students’ knowledge

and adaptive attitudes about suicide risk and depression, as well as a reduction in actual suicide attempts. Listed on Substance Abuse

and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, the SOS Program has

shown a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40-64% in randomized control studies (Aseltine et al., 2007; Schilling et al.,

2016).

Our goals in participating in this program are straightforward:

• To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness

• To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that often occurs as a result of untreated depression

• To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

• To impress upon youth that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a trusted adult about

their concerns

• To teach students who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it

Students will view a video, participate in a discussion, and complete an anonymous, self-screening assessment that students can keep.

Upon completion of the lesson, a follow-up form will be distributed. This form will guide us in determining whether further care is

necessary and how best to proceed. The SOS program will be taught across grade levels beginning in January. There is one required

lesson for each grade level and there is a plan in place for those students who need follow up. A parent/guardian training took place on

Back to School night. If you were not able to attend and would like further information, resources, and/or training, please contact your

student’s school counselor or school nurse.

If you do not wish your child to participate in the SOS Prevention Program, please complete the enclosed form and return with your

student or mail directly to the school. If we do not hear from you by January 1, 2018 we will plan on your student participating in this

essential, proactive program.

Sincerely,

Tricia May Lyndsie Currallo Jenna Lavery

School Counselor, 7-9 School Counselor, 10-12 Adjustment Counselor

(978) 345-2701 ext: 412 ext: 421 ext: 425

mayt@sizerschool.org currallol@ sizerschool.org laveryquigleyj@sizerschool.org

Opt Out Form for SOS: Get Into the ACT Program

I, ________________________________________ (Parent/Guardian), do not give permission for ____________________________ (Student)

to participate in SOS: Get Into the Act Program beginning in January 2016.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________ Date:____________________

Friday Flash Page 13

School News

Friday Flash Page 14

School News

Friday Flash Page 15

School News

Friday Flash Page 16

School News

Friday Flash Page 17

School News

Eat School Lunch

The Healthy Choice LUNCH $3.00

REDUCED LUNCH $.40

FREE TO THOSE WHO QUALIFY

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR STUDENTS BALANCE ONLINE AT

sizerschool.org

Friday Flash Page 18

School News

Attention Current 11th and 12th Graders: Dual Enrollment Information

Dual Enrollment is a program that allows high school students in grades 11 & 12 who qualify to enroll in college courses and re-

ceive both high school and college credits for a low tuition cost. Students interested in dual enrollment for Spring 2017 must sub-

mit their applications directly to Fitchburg State University or Mount Wachusett Community College no later than December

15th including students who are currently dual enrolled. Students can download an application online or pick one

up in Ms. Currallo’s office. Students must meet the criteria below and must also complete an internal (Sizer) dual enrollment

application form in order to be considered for the program.

Dual Enrollment Minimum Eligibility Requirements at FSU and MWCC are listed below:

Fitchburg State University (deadline 12/15)

• Students must be a junior or senior in high school to participate.

• Students must be enrolled in a Massachusetts private or public high school;

• New applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 (recalculated by the Admissions Office per Massachusetts De-

partment of Higher Education standards*)

• Students must have the full consent of their guidance counselor/school administrator and parent/guardian in order to partici-

pate;

• To remain eligible for continued participation in the Dual Enrollment program for the following semester, current partici-

pants must receive an overall minimum GPA of a 3.0 as well as a minimum 3.0 in each course taken at Fitchburg State University

• The cost is at the student and family’s expense for a significantly discounted rate (if finances are a major concern and are hin-

dering your participation in dual enrollment courses, please see Ms. Currallo)

More information, including the cost of courses, can be found at http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/admissions/undergraduate/

requirements/dual-enrollment/

Mount Wachusett Community College (deadline 12/15)

• Applications will be reviewed on an individual basis

• All high school students who have a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) for full-time enrollment, 2.5 GPA for

part-time enrollment

• Must meet the placement testing requirements

• The cost is at the student and family’s expense

• Recommended by their high school guidance counselor

• ·Attend mandatory information session

More information, including the cost of courses, can be found at

https://mwcc.edu/academics/k-12/programs/dualenrollment/

MWCC is also offering approximately five $30 classes for dual enrollment with a little more flexibility for application criteria.

Please see below for these courses!

For further questions about dual enrollment, please feel free to check in or email Ms. Currallo at currallol@SizerSchool.org or 978-

345-2701, ext. 421.

Friday Flash Page 19

Sports News

*If student-athletes have the later practice, they are expected to either

A) Go home and come back for the later practice

B) Meet with teachers for after school help (except for Wednesdays)

C) Go to ACT for Study Hall. This space is a highly structured, academic space, not a space to simply "hang out in". Mr. Miele

will support meaningful, orderly, safe experiences for our basketball players from 2:45-7:00 every day of the week.

Girls JV and Varsity Basketball

Friday, December 15th, 2017 - Away Game 3:30 Varsity - Sizer at Immaculate Heart of Mary

-Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 282 Still River Rd, Still River, MA 01467

--Bus leaves at 2:00 and will return at 5:45

Sunday, December 17th, 2017 - Practice 2:00-4:00 (Optional Skills 1:00-2:00)

Monday, December 18th, 2017 - Practice 4:00-6:00 (Optional Skills 3:00-4:00)

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 - Practice 6:00-8:00 (Optional Skills 8:00-9:00)

Wednesday, December 20th, 2017 - Away Games 5:00 JV / 6:30 Varsity - Sizer at St Mary's Schools

-St Mary's Schools, 50 Richland St, Worcester, MA 01610

--Bus leaves at 3:00 and will return at 8:45

Thursday, December 21st, 2017 - Practice 6:00-8:00 (Optional Skills 8:00-9:00)

Friday, December 22nd, 2017 - Home Game 2:00 Varsity - Bethany Christian Academy @ Sizer

Boys JV Basketball

Friday December 15th, 2017 - Practice 3:00-4:30

Monday, December 18th, 2017 - Practice 6:00-7:30

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 - Practice 3:00-4:30

Wednesday, December 20th, 2017 - Home Game 5:00 JV - St Mary's @ Sizer

Thursday, December 21st, 2017 - Practice 3:00-4:30

Boys Varsity Basketball

Friday, December 15th, 2017 - Practice 4:00-6:00

Saturday, December 16th, 2017 - Practice 10:00-12:00

Monday, December 18th, 2017 - Practice 7:00-9:00

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 - Practice 4:00-6:00

Wednesday, December 20th, 2017 - Home Games 6:30 Varsity - St Mary's @ Sizer

Thursday, December 21st, 2017 - Practice 4:00-6:00

Friday, December 22nd, 2017 - Home Game 3:30 Varsity - Bethany Christian Academy @ Sizer

Friday Flash Page 20

Community News

Maria Vazquez is offering a Fitness class that will be running on Sundays from De-

cember-June.

*Summer Bodies are made in the winter

*Sundays from 5-6p at Sizer School 500 Rindge Rd. Fitchburg, Ma 01420

*Fun fitness with a side of empowerment & nutrition tips

*$10 per person (debit, credit, cash or check accepted on site) per class

*Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to sign a waiver and make payment. Drop in or

commit.

*Discounts: Mailing list ladies $3 off & Sizer School staff $5 per person

*All levels welcome.

*No class on Sun. Dec 24, 2017 or Sun. Dec 31, 2017 & Sun. March 25, 2018, or Sun.

May 20, 2018.

*Must get doctor permission/orders if you have any injuries or pre-existing conditions

that can limit of hinder you.

*Must attend with proper footwear, supportive wear, water, and small towel. Yoga

mat optional. *Certified ACE personal trainer and dance instructor

The Sizer Six

The core values we expect all community

members—students, teachers, parents,

families– to live by everyday.

Community

Purpose

Responsibility

Integrity

Voice

Safety

500 Rindge Road

Fitchburg, Ma 01420

Phone: 978-345-2701

Fax: 978-345-9127

We’re on the web too

www.sizerschool.org

PLEASE

PLACE

STAMP

HERE

Sizer School 500 Rindge Road Fitchburg MA 01420

F R I D A Y F L A S H !