Hubbardston students show yearlong art projects to Quabbin school committee

Students from Hubbardston Center School presented a range of grade-level art projects to the Quabbin Regional School District School Committee at its Dec. 11 meeting, with Principal Erin Cook introducing the delegation and Elizabeth Garrett, the district's new art teacher, outlining the program's curriculum and goals.

Erin Cook, principal at Hubbardston Center School, told the committee Garrett teaches across multiple district schools and has quickly connected with "almost 300 of our students," helping them develop transferable academic and life skills. Garrett said of the role, "This is my dream job. I am loving working with all of these students at both Hubbardston and Oakham," and walked the committee through lessons tied to the Massachusetts curriculum framework.

Students from kindergarten through sixth grade described projects ranging from primary-color exercises to fifth-grade plaster masks. Fifth graders explained a four-part mask project that included making tinfoil armatures, applying multiple layers of plaster strips, sketching designs and researching cultural meanings before painting and finishing. One student described choosing a Colombian mask design and adding feather elements "because it has a connection with nature." Another explained that making masks required learning safe handling of plaster and careful layering to avoid structural failure.

Committee members praised the students' work and asked process-focused questions about challenges, time investment and cultural sourcing. Several members connected the presentation to extracurricular successes: they noted a strong NJROTC inspection, recent student awards, and other activities that committee members said showcase student leadership. The committee thanked the students, Garrett and Cook for the presentation and for bringing classroom learning into public view.

The presentation concluded with members encouraging continued community engagement; no formal action was required. The district's art program and student projects will remain part of committee oversight as staff continue curriculum alignment and community displays.