The people that know me, know that Scotland Accelerated Academy will always have a special place in my heart.

To the people that think that Scotland Accelerated Academy is just another school, I wish they had been there on Friday when our children boarded the bus for the last time. The children and the staff were crying and hugging each other.

It really is like losing a part of your family. Some of these children have been at Scotland Accelerated Academy since they were four years old. This is home away from home to them. I knew that it would be a hard on all of us the last day, but even I was not prepared for it to be this difficult. When I went home I realized that I could not in good conscious leave there without saying a final goodbye to the children and the staff.

To the children of Scotland Accelerated Academy, I want you to know that I am very proud of all of you for the hard work you have put in over the years. I have watched you grow and learn what you need to be successful. It has not always been easy, but you fought your way through. Do not ever let anyone make you feel that you are not good enough or have what it takes to make it in this world. You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. You control your destiny. As you move forward, do your best and remember that we are all behind you and cheering you on.

To the staff of Scotland Accelerated Academy, I can honestly say that I have never worked with a group of people that were so loving, caring, dedicated and fun. It is rare to go to work and see so many smiles on a daily basis. Even if someone was having a bad day, they would still find time to smile as you walk by. You don’t find that in many places. I have never met a group of people that cared so much for the children they teach. Not because it was their job, but because they truly cared about their future.

To all of my Scotland Accelerated Academy family, I wish you the best in whatever the future holds for you. All I know is that wherever you end up, they will be lucky to have you. You guys have made my six years at Scotland Accelerated Academy enjoyable, and I will miss you all.

I have said my personal goodbye’s to the people who have helped my son and I through the years at Scotland Accelerated Academy, but I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my really good friends who were not at Scotland Accelerated Academy when it closed. If it had not been for Scotland Accelerated Academy, I would have not had the opportunity to work with you and get to know you.

I cannot tell you how important you have become to my family over the years, thank you for always being there for me and making sure that Damian is looked after. To my friends Amy Clewis, Missy Stone, and Velma McNeill, I love you guys and you are the best, thanks for everything.

In closing let me just say with a sad heart one final goodbye.

Norton is a teacher assitant for an exceptional children class at Scotland Accelerated Academy.