Back-to-school time always brings in a season of new things. New shoes, clothes, and supplies. Lewis Cass started the 2024-25 school year with several new faces. With multiple staff members leaving at the end of the school year last spring, the high school has welcomed several new staff members this year. This includes a new vice principal, math teachers, physics, custodial staff, and more. The new hires were asked some questions about their new positions.
One of the biggest changes in staff this year was welcoming the new vice principal, Mrs. Bielanski. She is a fresh new face here at Cass and we are excited to welcome her. Bielanski was asked what drew her to Cass; she reminded us of the encouraged “Kingly Behavior” that Lewis Cass is all about. She stated, “Lewis Cass has always been a school I have admired for their excellence in every facet of the school. The top-notch academics, sports, band, and all extracurricular activities are something I love being a part of. My family and I are moving back to the area, and Lewis Cass is a place I am honored to work for.” And what an honor it is to have her working for us. Bielanski was asked if she had any prior experience before taking this new position and she answered, ¨My previous experience in education includes some administrative work. I was the English Department Chair at Noblesville High School, which allowed me to work more with teachers and teacher evaluations. I have also been an instructional coach at North Central High School as part of the leadership team.¨ With this, we know this is a very new position for Bielanski. When asked about some of the biggest differences between teaching English and now advising it is. She said ¨Teaching English was awesome. I love working with young people and getting them to see life from a different perspective. I think the biggest difference is that as a teacher, I got to know my students and was able to make strong connections with them. As an administrator, I know many students will see me in a different way, but that’s just the nature of the job.¨ This further proves Bielenski’s qualification in taking on this vice principal role.
Lewis Cass not only introduced a new face but a familiar one, in a new position. Mr. Greg Crozier took the role of junior high dean. Crozier was asked if he had any prior administrative experience before taking this position and he answered, “I do not, this is my first job in an administrative role. I am really enjoying it so far, and all of the staff have been unbelievably welcoming and supportive. “ Although this may be his first time in the administrative scene, it is not his first time in the school environment. Crozier has been teaching elementary since 1996 and was asked what the biggest difference was between his previous career and middle school. He answered, “The height of the students! Kidding…obviously the students here are older, so redirection conversations take on a little more serious, mature tone than with 9-10-year-olds. The expectations are still the same, Kindness, Integrity, Non judgemental, Grit, and Self Control.” What a kingly response. Crozier also says he is looking forward to “The growth of taking a new path in my career in education.” and “gaining experience, establishing rapport with the staff and students, and hopefully bringing some good energy to people around me. “ the most this upcoming school year.
Setting goals at the start of a new school year is a common tradition. Whether you hope to make the honor roll this new year or become the varsity quarterback, we all set high expectations for ourselves. Crozier and Bielanski were both asked their goals and plans for the year and their answers are as follows. Bielanski says her goals are to “-learn about Lewis Cass, to get to know the staff and students, and to see where my strengths are needed.” She plans to “-expand on the great things that are already happening here,” but before she turns this environment into something even better she said she, “Needs to learn what Lewis Cass is about first.” Crozier also has big plans for this new role. When asked what they were he said “ I would like to begin a positive behavior incentive program for the Jr. High students. Something that would “catch” the students doing the right thing, then have a reward for them which the students could redeem for a prize after collecting a certain amount.” His plans are sure to promote more “kingly” behaviors. As far as goals go he says, “I am striving to make connections with the students. Having taught elementary here, I feel like I am making progress in this area. Another obvious goal is that I want the teachers to know they are supported and appreciated for all they do to impact the lives of our students.” Not only do both the new administrators plan to grow in their personal careers but the relationships they form while doing it.
With this new staff,we can conclude that Lewis Cass is in good hands. Whether it’s Bielanski’s encouraging smile or Crozier’s incentive, the environment of Lewis Cass is sure to be a good one. Lewis Cass is very excited to welcome the new staff and can not wait for what the future holds. The hopes are high and the anticipation is even higher for the coming school year.
