Brenda Levinski (aka Ms. Brenda)
St. Joseph
Life (and work) is about the experience along the way and the people with whom we share a path or a connection.
I started working at Avon Elementary in June of 1999. Marcy Heinen was retiring at the time and leaving a rich history of service and dedication to live up to!
After my recent retirement, I want to say it has been a privilege and a pleasure making some very special connections and memories working in a school for more than 20 years.
Some of my favorites that come instantly to mind: the elementary student who insisted his mother circle the Sam’s Club parking lot, so he could roll down his window and say hello as I was putting things in the trunk of my car. The therapist who was working with my mom in the hospital and asked, “Aren’t you Ms. Brenda from Avon Elementary?” It turns out she was one of the first students I came to know; as she worked with my mom, it was a pleasure to reconnect and then get a hug as she left. Another student I crossed paths with at a grocery store was a sophomore, but I hadn’t seen him since sixth grade. Luckily I recognized the smile in his eyes immediately — which was a blessing since he was now a tall young man with a beard.
I also remember all the families, teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, cooks and other administrative assistants that have cared, befriended and helped me be a better worker, person and friend.
I think I’ll let the dust settle for a bit and then do some volunteer work, go fishing with my grandson, driving with my granddaughter and continue making Sunday suppers for my family and then afterward challenging them to our favorite games. I think I’d like to find a part-time position doing proofreading or transcribing, so I can continue to donate to help others and enjoy the opportunities that make life great.
So thank you very much to the students, families and staff who shared my path at Avon Elementary and Albany Area Schools with such bright connections of love, laughter, hugs and many happy tears.
I’ll miss you! Please say hello when you see me, even if you might have to remind me of your name – remember I’m getting old!
Take care, be kind.
