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Dear Students and Families,

I am thrilled to begin my eighth year of teaching within the Hiawatha community. I bring a wealth of experience and qualifications in art education. I recently completed my Master’s in Education at the Art of Education University, where my coursework focused on Social-Emotional Learning in the Visual Arts. I am genuinely honored to be a part of the EWSD community and to embark on this creative journey with all of you.

I believe in social-emotional learning and facilitating differentiated instruction, academic choice, and arts integration. I adapt Responsive Classroom strategies and approaches to set clear routines and expectations in the art room. I look forward to planning meaningful art events and activities inside and outside the classroom. I am committed to celebrating, motivating, and advocating for all students as they grow through the arts and become confident, self-seeking learners.

During the upcoming months, I will prioritize building relationships within the classroom. I am eager to connect and collaborate with families and community members. If you have any queries or wish to discuss specific needs for your child, please email me. I am also available at Hiawatha on Tuesdays and Fridays and a half-day on Wednesdays for a phone call if that is more convenient for you.

I am filled with anticipation for another year of creativity, fun, and growth. Let’s embark on a journey together to explore, create, and celebrate the wonderful world of art!

Best,

Cassandra Gengras
She/Her
Art Educator 🎨
cgengras@ewsd.org

*Please visit my YouTube channel for art lessons and resources!

All Hiawatha artists have been busy creating their masterpieces for our annual Square1Art fundraiser. For those who are new to Hiawatha, Square1Art is a fundraiser where students produce 2D artwork, and families can order products that feature this artwork. Every student will receive five free stickers. If you have any questions about the art, please contact me at cgengras@ewsd.org. For inquiries about the ordering process, please reach out to Gillian Bergeron at Gillian_Bergeron@ca2.uscourts.gov. Stay tuned for more information when catalogs are sent home in April!

While students can choose any subject for their drawings, they follow specific guidelines to ensure high-quality work. We cover steps such as sketching and practicing, starting their drawings in pencil, adding a border, outlining in Sharpie, and filling their papers with color before each class. It’s wonderful to see students engaging with subjects that are important to them.

Students will complete their Square1Art projects next week and will then begin glazing their bisque ware. Once I fire the bisque ware in the kiln, it will become glaze ware. While I will select some pottery pieces for display at Fine Arts Night, most students will take their projects home next month.

Fine Arts Night is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. If your child's artwork is selected for the show, they will receive a postcard after April 1. I hope to see you there!

Dear Artists and Families,

I am thrilled to share that several Hiawatha artists will have artwork displayed in the Youth Art Month Show: Brushstrokes for Wellness at the Vermont Statehouse!

Exhibit Dates: March 5–28
Special Reception: Friday, March 28, 5–6:30 p.m. (Statehouse Cafeteria)

This art show is an excellent opportunity to celebrate creativity alongside young artists across Vermont. I would love for you to join me at the special reception, where we will honor the artists and their incredible work.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I hope to see you there! 

Sincerely,

Cassandra Gengras, M.Ed.

ROY G. BIV

I wanted to share this link to the ROY G. BIV youtube song/video by They Might Be Giants. Students seemed to really enjoy it when I played it in art class last week! Since we aren't supposed to sing along in school, I thought it might be nice to access the video from home. Enjoy! : )