Welcome Students and Parents

to the Gateway Art Gallery!

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein

Dear Parents and Students,

First, I would like to introduce myself and tell you how delighted I am to be a part of the Everett Public Schools and the Gateway Middle School community. My name is Susan Hines-Elzinga, and I like to shorten this to Mrs. Hines just to make things simple for the students. During our art course my hope is that every child will be challenged to work and think while learning the language of art. Polishing design skills and developing an understanding of art in the world around us will open new pathways to self discovery. The arts develop self discipline through persistence and tenacity and these habits ultimately lead to a positive and productive life.

On a personal note, I am a mother of three children ranging in ages from 16 - 28 whose names are Savannah, Sterling and Shelby. My family enjoys exploring the Puget Sound area via sailboat in our spare time. In the summer we travel around the San Juan and Gulf Islands and the winter months we stick to the lower Puget Sound region as far south as Tacoma. Our darling miniature poodles (whose namesare Gibson and Satchmo) love to come along with us on our boating adventures.

My husband and I enjoy cooking and gardening, and after 13 years of living in this area we have created a beautiful botanical garden in our back yard.

I am a graduate of the University of Florida where I received my BA in Art Education. My Masters in Education work was done here in Seattle through Lesley University. I have enjoyed working with students in the public school setting for overtwenty years. During this time I have taught students at all levels including kindergarten through high school. I really enjoy being in a classroom where I hope to learn something new each day, just as my students do!

My goal for Gateway is to make the art program fun, interesting, exciting, and challenging for each and every student. Our focus will be using our imagination as we learn to be creative and productive artists.

The students at Gateway are a real pleasure and I look forward to making art a special place. If the need arises you may easily reach me on email at this address: shines-elzinga@everettsd.org or feel free to call on the classroom phone @ 425-385-6771. My planning period is 2nd period and I may be available during this time to chat. Email often is the best way to get a quick answer on a question and I make every effort to get backto you within 24 hours.

Let's plan on a great year here at Gateway, and I look forward to working with you and your student.