Greetings! As Dean of Fine Arts for Windham High School, I am very pleased to be a part of the planning team and the exciting process of creating our new school of which our entire community will be proud. As dean of arts, my responsibilities are in the areas of music, theatre, art and family/consumer sciences.   Our team has been working very hard this summer to develop a program of studies, research the best practices found within schools and professional literature, and network with other professionals to ensure the development of a quality arts curriculum. I especially would like to thank the original arts committee for laying down some important groundwork in order for me to continue and appropriately assess what we can provide for our incoming students.  I have made construction recommendations for the arts wing to ensure that the physical space not only meets curricular needs, but also creates performance spaces that are both “spectacularly magical” and technically precise.

I come from several years of educational experience, first and foremost, as a classroom music teacher and choral conductor. Being involved in the performing arts has been a driving force in my life and work. Some of my brightest career moments have related directly to the impact I have had on many students as they have progressed through their four years of high school. I have enjoyed many years of performing in concert, traveling with groups of students to competitions and, as their teacher and mentor, enjoying their proudest moments at events such as the NH All State Festival. The bonds and life-long friendships that I have seen students develop through performing arts will become an important aspect of the Windham High School culture and the fabric of our school.

As department chair for arts in another top-performing high school, I have experienced the importance of, and benefit from, a collegial environment where the arts are regarded as a vital part of the curriculum. I am pleased to learn of a similar commitment and passion for the arts within the Windham community.

My vision for the high school arts program is to work toward a comprehensive program that benefits students at all levels of interest and ability. Through involvement in performing or visual arts classes, students will emerge with a desire to create, communicate, and express themselves as individuals well into their adult life.   Developing the band and choral programs is a priority, and we expect to perform locally, at the state level, regionally, and perhaps nationally. The theatre, art and family/consumer sciences program will provide additional creative, hands-on experiences for our students. There is no escaping the artist, as everything we have in our world is designed by someone who was inspired to create!

With this in mind, it is my pleasure to serve the Windham High School community.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback you may have. I look forward to meeting many of you as we get closer to the grand opening! Thank you.

Karen Sayward