We are thrilled to announce that Teacher on Special Assignment, PK-12 Visual and Performing Arts Jennifer Jervis is our new A.R.T.s ~ Art Resources for Teachers Managing Editor!
Started in 2015 by local parent artist volunteer Jason Engelund to support our teachers and arts education in the CVUSD the project based in Chabot Elementary successfully grew. By 2017 Engelund received a grant from Crayola for his three year project “Contemporary Voices in Arts Education” and gave a year of monthly professional development seminars to public school teachers. Working in collaboration with the teachers as a part of the seminars Engelund developed this website of arts education resources for teachers and it's also open to the public. We are excited to see the new chapter in Arts Education throughout CVUSD!
Self portrait by Jennifer Jervis
Jennifer Jervis
Teacher on Special Assignment (ToSA), PK-12 Visual and Performing Arts (VaPA)
A.R.T.s ~ Art Resources for Teachers Managing Editor, 2024 - Present
Contact: jjervis@cv.k12.ca.us
Jennifer Jervis has been an art teacher with CVUSD for 19 years, teaching a variety of art classes at CVHS before moving into a special assignment to support the expansion of visual and performing arts instruction in the Castro Valley's elementary and middle schools in 2023. Jennifer earned her BA in Studio Art, Art Teacher Credential, and MS in Education from Cal State Hayward, followed by her Master of Fine Art (MFA) degree in Studio Art from JFK University. Currently working on a doctorate in Education leadership, Jennifer actively seeks to provide equitable art opportunities to the diverse student body of Castro Valley.
Jason Engelund
Parent, Artist, Volunteer
Arts in Schools Project Created 2015
A.R.T.s ~ Art Resources for Teachers website, Creator and Managing Editor 2017 - 2023
Jason Engelund’s artworks are represented by Ideel Art Gallery Paris, London. Engelund’s artwork is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art and his artworks have been represented by galleries in Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Oakland and San Francisco. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has exhibited in the USA and Europe. Engelund's studio practice expanded through his residency in France in 2022.
Engelund was awarded the Individual Artist grant by the Sustainable Arts Foundation and was a recipient of a grant from Crayola to provide best practices in arts education to public school teachers. Engelund is a founding member of the California College of the Arts Center for Art and Public Life where he worked for eleven years creating and managing programs for artists and diverse communities to collaborate on resolving real world issues. The reach of these art projects creating social justice solutions expanded and successfully helped address pressing humanitarian needs around the world.
Engelund received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction from the California College of Arts and Crafts and received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Davis.
Visit the artist's website at JasonEngelund.com
Mr. Dustin Gacherieu
Director of Human Resources and former Principal Jensen Ranch Elementary
Arts in Schools Administrative Leader
"My life was forever changed by my experiences in the arts in Castro Valley Schools. As an arts educator, it is my desire to bring quality arts education experiences to every student in Castro Valley."
Dustin Gacherieu, principal of Jensen Ranch Elementary School is a product of the Castro Valley Unified School District. He attended Saint Mary’s College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a minor in Performing Arts, Master of Arts Degree, and Teaching Credential. Mr. Gacherieu began his teaching career at Chabot Elementary School in Castro Valley where he taught fifth grade, fourth grade, and kindergarten. Additionally, he served as lead teacher, student council advisor, intervention coordinator and track/volleyball coach. Perhaps Mr. Gacherieu is most widely known for the 14 musical productions he directed at Stanton and then Chabot Elementary School. Knowing that he wanted to be an educational leader, Mr. Gacherieu returned to Saint Mary’s College to earn his Administrative Services Credential.
Mrs. Parvin Ahmadi
Superintendent
Castro Valley Unified School District
Arts in Schools Co-Coordinator
"Art is weaved through every thread of our livelihood and always present in the world around us; it is what connects us all as human beings no matter what language we speak.
My wish is that the newly formed District's Arts Committee brings together people who are passionate about the arts to ensure integration of the arts in our curricula, especially in elementary schools and seek opportunities to honor, recognize and acknowledge our students' and staff's creativity."