A true giver in our community, Mrs. Carolyn Bielski knows what it means to be involved in LFHS and how to balance teaching and parenting all while being a bright light in our school.
How long have you been teaching at LFHS?
“I think this is my 26th year, and you know when you lose track of time that you are having a really nice time. After all this time I still come home at night and still get so excited to share my day with my husband, and I still get so excited about the projects!”
What art classes have you taught throughout your career here?
“Lots! I started out by teaching Graphic Design and also Crafts and Design, which was so fun because I like to get my hands dirty. I’ve also taught Art Foundations, I’ve taught Drawing, and I’ve taught Painting at all levels. I’ve taught everything except for 3D. I also teach AP for both the 2D design and 2D drawing portfolio, as well as 5 levels of Graphic Design, so it keeps it interesting!”
Has it been hard for you to manage teaching different kinds of classes?
“No, and one of the things that I love most about teaching art is that it keeps it fresh. For example, last semester I taught art foundations for the first time in 10 years and it was so fun to return to teach the foundational drawing skills that I haven’t taught in 10 years. Also, it was fun because right now my load was heavily juniors and seniors and it was so awesome to teach freshmen!”
What has been your favorite thing about teaching art classes at LFHS?
“I love it because the kids chose this, this is an elective and they want to be here. I would also say because a lot of the projects are based on personal photos, experiences, or stories that students are telling. I learn so much about my students and feel lucky because some students I will have for up to six semesters! I am so grateful to see their growth during the time that I get to teach them.”
Has your perspective changed by being a teacher and parent at LFHS?
“100% because I think that by being a parent and being a teacher, I know so much more about the college process from my vantage point. I have also had my own kids as students, and love asking them for their input for projects that will resonate more with my classes. I also feel like I have a greater pulse on what’s going on socially and emotionally with my students, because my own kids can be sort of like a small window into that.”
What do you do for LFHS student council?
“Student council has played such a major role in both of my kids lives, so I really wanted to take a stab at it when Mrs. Rogna, who was leading the freshmen student council, was retiring. It was also a great opportunity to connect with freshmen, who I don’t get a chance to see! I looked at it as a way to help on board this group of 14 and 15 year olds, and hopefully become an adult that they can turn to in their lives.”
Is it challenging to balance the many different ways you are involved in our school community?
“No, it’s kind of seamless because I live in the community and I just love it. I look forward to taking advantage of things because I live four minutes away, and it’s so easy to pop over and see all kinds of activities that my students are involved in. Now that my kids are a bit older and don’t need me as much, I am kind of leaning into my other kids!”
