Art teacher Jelena Robbins returned to school earlier this month after an eight-week absence due to surgery. 

“I missed my students so much,” Robbins said. “It’s so wonderful to be back and see their wonderful art.” 

Substitute Laura Rozingota replaced Robbins after a brief meeting in which the teachers discussed Robbins’ plans for her students during her recovery.

“She did a wonderful job while I was away and she said my students did a wonderful job while I was gone,” Robbins said. “I had everything planned out for her.” 

Some of the things Robbins prepared were a 2D self-portrait assignment and a 2D cubism Picasso assignment. Freshman Jasmine Dirsa said she felt Robbins’ absence.

“We missed Ms. Robbins because it’s usually a class where we get to relax and listen to music, but we didn’t get to do that much with the sub,” Dirsa said. “I got bored of self-portraits but we did get to add an element of ourselves, so I added a French and Guatemalan flag and a lacrosse field.” 

Dirsa said the class faced challenges having a substitute teacher. 

“I feel like we got more rough,” Dirsa said. “We were taught to create skin tones, but some of us forgot and she tried to help us. She was really nice.” 

By Keeley Sorgenfrei