Good-Bye Brinker

Yesterday was my last day at Brinker Elementary. It was a day full of emotions. I was excited about my new career in Frisco but sad to leave my "family" of three years at Brinker. I came to Brinker in December of 2005 and was offered a job after I graduated in August. Saying good-bye to the kids was the hardest part. I have established special bonds with each of them and they have touched my heart in all different, but special ways. To my friends at Brinker....thank you for all of your support during this time. I cherish your friendship everyday and am so grateful that you are all a part of my life. I love you guys!

After the kids left yesterday, we had our staff party that afternoon. Barbara (our principal) got up and spoke about each teacher that was leaving Brinker. A book is dedicated in our name that goes into the Brinker library. Since I'm from Louisiana, it was only fitting that my book be "Zach's Alligator." The support and compliments that I received from the staff was amazing and it truly touched my heart.

I took some pictures with my kids when I said good-bye. This was one of the hardest things I had to do. I have written little blurbs about them and how I will always remember them. It's amazing how children can touch your heart forever. I will never forget them and the joy they have brought to me.

Gavin (2nd grade): You are the apple of my eyes. You amaze me everyday with what your knowledge. You have come such a long way since that very first day of kindergarten. I will miss seeing you in the hallways and you saying "Mterrel." It's amazing how you learned everyone's username in the school to their computer. I loved the fact that everytime you came into my room you went straight for the fireman that was on my shelf. You loved to play with him. I loved your hugs and your smile the most. You melted my heart. I will miss you so much and I am so proud of everything that you have accomplished!

Ana (kindergarten): Where do I begin? You have made such huge strides since your first day of kindergarten. I love that you are such a girly girl. I loved waiting to see you walk into the front doors every morning and you saying to me "Hey Terrell!" You brightened my day everyday. I never knew what you were going to say next which always kept me wondering. You could always bring a smile to my face even when I was having a not so good day. You loved asking Mrs. Brownlee everyday "Do I have speech today?" I will never forget the first time you came up to me and gave me a hug and said "I love you." That meant the world to me and I will never forget you and I will miss working with you next year.

Mikal (1st grade): You give the best hugs every morning. I love your smile and your willingness to never give up. I have loved watching you grow into an amazing student. You have so much to give and I know only the best is yet to come.

Matt (1st grade): You have made such huge progress this year. I remember how proud I was the first time you came in from carpool and stopped by room and told me Good morning and asked how I was doing. I was jumping for joy inside because you were generalizing your skills outside of speech. You amazed me everyday. I'll never forget the last day of school when you gave me my gift and said to me "I couldn't have done it without you. We are a team." I cried as you walked away because it was huge that you were able to express your feelings to me.

Annie (1st grade): You are so adorable and soft spoken. I remember when you came to Brinker you barely spoke a sentence and now you are talking up a storm. I am so proud of you. You are such a smart girl and you continue to strive everyday.

Penn (1st grade): You make me smile! I love your love for airplanes. You know everything there is to know about them. I love that you would come into speech and play air guitar and sing a song to me. It was always something different. The one that touched my heart the most was when you sang to me "I'm Yours." You are amazing and I will miss you so much!

Ian(5th grade-at the top): You are one of my favorites and I am so proud I was able to see you walk across the stage at our assembly as a graduate of 5th grade. You have made huge gains through the years. I love how you would get so excited to talk about dinosaurs and how you could name the different dinosaurs and tell me about them. Good luck at Renner next year! Your teachers will love you and you will do an amazing job! I will miss you!

Daniel (5th grade-at the top): WOW!!! I don't know where to begin! I remember the first day you walked in as a third grader and you weren't able to say anything but "Mama." In 3 years, you are now able to put complete sentences together. I am so proud of you! You never gave up and you always just pushed on so you would have a voice to be heard. I remember us sitting down together one day and you put your arm around my shoulders and said to me "You are my pumpkin." My heart completed melted. I told you that my dad called me his pumpkin and you giggled. You thought it was the neatest thing. In 4th grade, we started you on a communication device to help you form more clearer speech. The very first time you made a sentence and heard it said out loud back to you, you grinned from ear to ear. You knew that you would be able to communicate more with your peers. Mrs. Hughes and I started to cry because of how happy you were. You have come such a long way in these few short years and I am so proud that I have had the chance to know you and work with you! I will miss you next year! Good Luck at Renner! I know the teachers will love you as much as we love you at Brinker!

Now I begin my new journey in this path we call life...

Love to you all!
Mary